Please note that this episode refers to fires in California...

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Christy Warren, a retired fire captain from the Berkeley Fire Department in California who talks about her experiences as a firefighter and paramedic and the challenges and stressors associated with the profession.

Christy had twenty-five years of service as a professional paramedic and eighteen years as a professional firefighter/paramedic but retired after being diagnosed with PTSD in 2014. In this podcast she shares her feelings of shame and personal struggles with PTSD and highlights the importance of accessing proper treatment and support.

Since she retired from the fire service Christy has become a triathlete, completed the Escape from Alcatraz swim five times, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Washington State University. She is also a volunteer Peer at the West Coast Post-trauma Retreat and is focused on raising awareness about the struggles faced by first responders and their families, the importance of mental health support and haring her story so others don’t feel so alone.

Main topics

• The challenges and stresses of being a firefighter
• How dark humour acts as a coping mechanism for dealing with stress
• The balance between safety and expedient decision-making in firefighting
• The PTSD symptoms Christy suffered when her nervous system was overwhelmed
• The importance of having a support system when dealing with PTSD
• Raising awareness about the struggles faced by first responders and their families
• The importance of mental health support for first responders.

You can find out more about them at christyewarren.com and at resilienceunravelled.com/episode/christy-warren

Her book is "Flashpoint" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flash-Point-Firefighters-Journey-Through/dp/1647424488 and she also runs her own podcast "The Firefighter Deconstructed" which provides support and information for first responders.

You can find out more about our podcasts and send us messages at https://resilienceunravelled.com/

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Justin Frandson, a renowned Athleticism Performance Coach shares his experiences as a performance coach and naturopathic doctor. Justin has worked with athletes for nearly 30 years, specialising in nerve work and the connection between athletic performance and the environment.

It's especially important to note that Justin has views different to our own - but that it's interesting to hear the views of people with whom we disagree.

Justin became interested in the impact of environmental factors on athletic performance after noticing that many of his athletes were breaking down due to the effects of wearable technology. In this podcast he highlights his concern about the negative effects of wearable technology, the importance of grounding and aligning with natural rhythms, the potential health issues caused by electromagnetic radiation, the effects of environmental pollution and the importance of understanding how our environment affects us.

Main topics

• The concept of grounding which involves reconnecting with nature to recharge one's body
• The importance of spending time outdoors, getting negative ions from the earth's resonance and consuming nutrients from natural sources like sunlight, air, food and water
• The significance of circadian rhythms and the need to align with natural rhythms, particularly in terms of light exposure during the day and night
• The importance of not using artificial screens or bright lights at night to maintain a natural sleep cycle.
• The potential issues with LED lights and transformers causing dirty electricity
• The effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) on human health, particularly on cognitive functions and DNA damage
• The potential dangers of 5G technology
• The effects of electromagnetic waves on human health
• The correlation between major illnesses and shifts in the electromagnetic blanket of the atmosphere
• The impact of environmental pollution on human health
• The importance of understanding how our environment affects us and the potential for transformation through life force or nature's resonance.

You can find out more about Justin at https://athleticism.com/

His book is "Grounded by Nature" https://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Nature-Everything-Should-Electromagnetic-ebook/dp/B0BZGT9FJ5 and you can find out more information on EMF protection products at https://emfrocks.com/

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can send us messages or questions at info@qedod.com

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Henry Shukman, a widely published poet, author, meditation teacher and Zen master of the Sanbo Zen lineage, shares his personal story. Henry grew up in Oxford, UK, where his parents were professors and his early love of poetry led to an interest in Chinese Zen poetry, and ultimately to him becoming a writer and poet.

Henry suffered from severe eczema from infancy into his 20’s, along with associated psychological problems, and meditation was a key element in a long journey of healing. He travelled extensively, eventually settling in New Mexico where he became fascinated by the indigenous culture's deep connection to the earth and where he was introduced to meditation and Zen, which in turn influenced his writing.

Main topics

• The meditative quality of poetry and how it can bring one back to the present moment
• Using poetry in meditation to create a serene atmosphere.
• The differences between various forms of meditation
• The concept of awakening
• The connection between meditation and mindfulness
• The transformative power of poetry and its potential to enrich one's life
• The concept of original sin and its influence on Western culture
• The idea of karma and its physical consequences
• The concepts of mindfulness, support, and absorption
• The concept of flow states and how they can be achieved through complete absorption in a task, leading to enhanced performance and increased happiness.
• How flow is not limited to specific professions or activities and can be accessed through simple practices like meditation
• The relationship between meditation and religion and the practical and philosophical significance of meditation

Action items

Henry's book is called "Original Love: The 4 Ends on the Path of Awakening," and it has an accompanying meditation app, "The Way."

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Jenn Johnson RN. She shares her experiences as an ER nurse in Canada and the complexities of nursing practices in different countries, the evolution of medical collaboration and the challenges faced by nursing students and professionals. Jenn also shared her concept of "nursing intuition", her experiences with workplace bullying and the challenges faced by nursing students and professionals, particularly in relation to burnout, resilience, work-life balance, and dealing with death and grief.

Main topics

• The evolution of medical collaboration and professionalism over the past 16 years
• The shift from a hierarchical to a more collaborative environment in the emergency and recovery room
• The challenges of working with residents and students and the concept of burnout in the caring professions
• The notion of nursing as a calling, and the possibility of it leading to an expectation of self-sacrifice and a lack of boundaries
• The guilt that often accompanies saying no to extra work or shifts
• Jenn’s concept of "nursing intuition," which involves trusting her instincts to identify potential health issues in patients.
• The importance of expanding blood tests when intuition suggests something is off, even if the patient's vital signs appear normal.
• The challenges of working in a short-staffed environment, where intuition can be crucial in making decisions

You can find out more about Jenn at https://www.rxforgrowth.com/

or thorough https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-johnson-bscn-rn/ or

https://www.instagram.com/ernurse.jenn/

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can send us messages or questions at info@qedod.com

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Debbie R. Weiss. She discusses her experiences as a family caregiver for her father, son and husband, and her journey of self-discovery, including her struggles with burnout and weight loss. Debbie shares how she was burnt out for 25-30 years, feeling angry and resentful, until she turned 50 and took a weekend trip to Bermuda, where she realised she had lost herself. She then made a conscious effort to change her life and focus on her own desires and aspirations. She also explores topics such as mortality, motivation, the importance of self-care and finding new purpose in life.

Main topics

• The impact of the loss of her father had on her life.
• The challenge of her husband's mental illness and why she stayed with him.
• Why Debbie attributes her sense of duty and advocacy to her upbringing, which made her feel insecure and judged.
• How she found purpose in taking care of her father and husband, which allowed her to find her voice and advocate for them.
• The concept of mortality and motivation
• Why turning 50 prompted Debbie to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
• The pressure of losing a significant amount of weight within a short time frame and why it can lead to feelings of failure.
• Why you need to shift mindset and realise that weight loss is a lifestyle change rather than a temporary fix.
• The importance of self-care, including setting boundaries and saying no, to become more present and tolerant.

Find out more at:

• Website: DebbieRWeiss.com for more information, books, and resources.
• Memoir "On Second Thought, Maybe I Can" - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Thought-Maybe-Can/dp/1950476693
• Podcast: Maybe I Can - https://www.debbierweiss.com/blog

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can sen us messages or questions at info@qedod.com

#resilience

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Dr Patricia Schneider, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing. She talks about the connection between mental health, gut health, and the impact of food on brain and body health.

She also talks about the concept of functional medicine, which focuses on a proactive approach to health and wellness, rather than treating symptoms after they have occurred. Patricia’s aim to offer her patients more integrated and holistic treatment options by correcting any potential issues through optimal ranges of various health markers.

Main Topics

• The importance of identifying underlying infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, which can impact various bodily functions
• The connection between mental health and gut health
• Why issues with the gut could inhibit the production of serotonin, leading to low mood
• The link between brain and body health, with a focus on the impact of food.
• The negative effects of ultra-processed foods and the vested interests of big food manufacturers
• The potential of nutrition as medicine and the importance of good nutrition for long-term health
• The challenges of maintaining a healthy diet in a busy world, and the need for education in cooking and food combination
• The concept of leaky gut and its connection to the microbiome and inflammation
• The importance of a healthy diet in reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut

Patricia hosts monthly live workshops and offers a free guide on her website, "Unlocking Wellness," which reveals markers and symptoms associated with certain conditions.

You can find out more about Patricia and access a free guide ‘Unlocking Wellness’ which reveals markers and symptoms associated with certain conditions at wholehealthalternatives.com

Patricia also hosts monthly live workshops and details of these can also be found at her website.

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can sen us messages or questions at info@qedod.com

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray meets Dr. Laura Copley, a licensed professional counsellor specialising in complex trauma and relationships to discuss the impact of trauma and abuse on relationships.

Dr Laura emphasises the importance of understanding the root causes of problematic behaviours in relationships particularly in the context of past experiences of trauma and abuse.

She also discusses how trauma can lead to a heightened sense of control in relationships as a way of coping with feelings of abandonment or injustice and the impact of trauma on adult relationships with a focus on the concept of attachment theory. Additionally she talks about the importance of resilience in children, particularly in the context of parenting and the potential disruption of a child's resilience when faced with chronic stressors.

Main topics

• The need for a holistic approach to healing and the importance of growth in relationships and post-traumatic growth
• The root causes of mental health and trauma issues, focusing on intergenerational patterns and parenting
• Why despite increased access to therapy and counselling, these issues have continued to worsen, suggesting a problem with traditional approaches
• The importance of addressing the broader family system and the need for all family members to take responsibility for their roles in perpetuating negative patterns
• The significance of understanding the family system as a whole, including the role of animals in reflecting and perpetuating abuse
• Why parents should not be afraid to admit when they are wrong and seek help for their children when needed

You can find out more about Laura at https://lauracopley.com/ or Instagram and TikTok at @doccopley

Laura’s book is called ‘Loving You is Hurting Me’ https://www.amazon.com/Loving-You-Hurting-Authentic-Connection/dp/1538741393

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can sen us messages or questions at info@qedod.com

#resilience

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Tom Shaw, a British-born resident of Kansas City, shares his life story, including his paralysis at 16 due to a car accident and his subsequent resilience and determination to overcome challenges. He also discusses his battle with addiction and trauma and his future plans to spread a message of hope and positivity through podcasts and public speaking.

• Main topics
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• The challenges he faced during his rehabilitation, including the initial shock and fear of being paralysed
• His resilience and determination to overcome his trauma, drawing on his experience as an athlete
• How he regained the use of his left leg about five years later and now has partial use of his right leg
• His gratitude for his three grown children, whom he was told he would never have due to his injury
• The importance of maintaining a positive mindset and resilience in the face of challenges
• Why small victories should be celebrated, especially during times of trauma.
• The usefulness of humour in coping with difficult situations
• The importance of seeking medical help during detox and the challenges of addiction
• The alarming in suicide rates and other concerning trends in society, emphasising the need for a more positive outlook.

In 1985 when Tom Shaw was 16 years old, a car accident left him paralysed from the waist down. Since then, he has gained 100% use of his left leg and 50% of his right. He feels his mindset and attitude is one the strongest reasons for his success in overcoming the results of his accident. In 2018, he also detoxed from a 33 year opioid addiction and in 2018 write his book "The Ride to Victory: Surviving Trauma and Addiction".

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can sen us messages or questions at info@qedod.com