Summary

In this episode, Barb Thompson interviews Mike and Kari Pruitt, founders of Redeemed Global Ministries. They share their personal journeys, the influences that shaped their lives, and their passion for missions and service. The conversation delves into their transformative experiences in missions, the challenges they face, and the importance of stepping out of comfort zones. They also provide advice for those seeking purpose and highlight opportunities for involvement in their ministry.

Takeaways:

*Transformative experiences in missions can change both the server and the served.

*Seeing the need in communities can be challenging and heart-wrenching.

*Playing it safe can lead to missing out on life's opportunities.

*Saying 'yes' to new experiences can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

*Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on others.

*Faith is essential in overcoming challenges and serving others.

*EVERYONE has unique gifts that can be utilized in service.

Summary

In this conversation, Steven Nisbet (co-founder of Shields & Stripes) & Dr. Barb Thompson discuss their experiences with Hurricane Helene relief efforts and the mission of Shields & Stripes, an organization focused on helping veterans and first responders with PTSD and associated symptoms. They explore the challenges of responding to disasters, the importance of building trust within communities, and the healing power of service and work in times of crisis. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility, sensitivity, and understanding in providing support to those affected by disasters. In this conversation, Steven and Barb discuss their experiences in crisis response, emphasizing the importance of action, building rapport, and listening to those affected by trauma. They explore the challenges of ego in crisis situations, the significance of community trust, and the need for innovative solutions to support mental health and resilience. The discussion highlights the necessity of making informed decisions in high-stakes environments while ensuring that community needs are prioritized over personal agendas.

Takeaways

*Shields and Stripes focuses on veterans and first responders with PTSD.

*Small cohorts create lasting bonds and support networks.

*Initial response to disasters requires careful consideration.

*Building trust is essential in crisis situations.

*Community self-organization plays a crucial role in recovery.

*Faith leaders can guide communities through healing.

*Identifying community needs is vital for effective support.

*Service should be about the community, not personal fulfillment.

*Work can be healing for those affected by trauma.

*Isolation can hinder recovery; connection is key. Action is crucial in crisis situations.

*Building rapport can start with small acts.

*Listening and being present can help others feel grounded.

*Ego can complicate crisis response efforts.

*Local knowledge enhances crisis response effectiveness.

*Innovative solutions such as the Alpha Stim can provide relief for stress.

*Decision-making in crises requires gut instinct and experience.

*Flexibility and openness are key in helping others.

*Support from within the community can foster resilience and healing.

For more information on Shields & Stripes, please visit Shields & Stripes | Healing Our Veterans and First Responders (shieldsandstripes.org)

Kevin Housley, a firefighter in Fort Collins, Colorado, shares his journey and experiences in the fire service industry. He talks about growing up in a family with a military background and the values instilled in him by his parents. Kevin discusses how he transitioned from a career in business to becoming a firefighter and the fulfillment he found in serving the community.

He also highlights the day-to-day life of a firefighter, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of mindset and resilience. Kevin reflects on the meaningfulness of serving the community he grew up in and the impact he has been able to make.

Kevin shares his journey of going back to school and starting a podcast to address the lack of mental skill training in the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of mental performance and resilience in emergency services and the need for formal education in this area. Kevin discusses the positive response he has received from the industry and the changes he has seen in the conversation around mental health and performance. He also highlights the need for embedded psychologists in organizations and the importance of taking care of leaders as well. Kevin encourages listeners to start taking action and chasing what excites them.

Takeaways

The values instilled in Kevin by his parents and his upbringing played a significant role in shaping him into the person he is today.

Kevin's transition from a career in business to becoming a firefighter was driven by a desire for a more fulfilling and meaningful profession.

The day-to-day life of a firefighter involves a combination of training, emergency response, and community engagement.

Having the right mindset and resilience is crucial for firefighters to navigate the challenges and demands of their profession.

Kevin finds great fulfillment in serving the community he grew up in and making a positive impact on people's lives. The fire service lacks formal education and training in mental performance and resilience.

There is a growing conversation around mental health and performance in the industry.

Embedded psychologists can help build high-performing cultures and support individuals throughout their careers.

Taking care of leaders and providing resources for personal and professional development is crucial.

Starting small and being persistent is key to creating positive change.

Chasing what excites you and learning and growing along the way is essential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:15 Upbringing and Influences

08:06 Career Transition: From Business to Firefighting

14:26 Debunking Misconceptions: The Day-to-Day Life of a Firefighter

19:20 Mindset and Resilience in the Fire Service

25:33 Serving the Community: The Fulfillment of a Firefighter

30:00 Addressing the Gap in Mental Skill Training

43:01 The Growing Conversation around Mental Health

46:06 Integrating Human Performance Psychology

50:35 Starting Small and Chasing What Excites You

Connect with Kevin here: https://firefightercraftsmanship.ck.page/emaillist