Kevin Polky - The Journey

A Firefighter Fighting for His Brothers and Sisters Jeff fell in love with being a firefighter when he was in his early 30’s. He quickly climbed the career ladder. When his peers returned from working the Katrina Hurricane, he witnessed something in fellow firefighters that he knew he had to address. They were struggling with what they were exposed to. The secondary trauma and PTSD was haunting. He has since been leading the charge into the darkness of the mental health of firefighters. He has created a national program, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FFBHA). This is a great conversation on Jeff’s experience, knowledge and passion to be a Light in the darkness.

The Painful Road of the Overachiever Evan Wallace may only be 20 years old but has great insight to his journey of mental illness. In this conversation, he shares about his struggle with perfectionism, the silence and struggle that lead to a suicide attempt. Through surrendering and facing his fears, Evan now wants to help others and break the stigma around mental illness. And he authored a book called “A War Between the Eyes”.

Interview with Delinda and Pastor Dan We did something a little different with this episode as we are showing an interview by Pastor Dan Hinz from Betheseda Covenant Church talking with Delinda Grindle and myself. We discuss a variety of topics impacting us during this pandemic. We share what we are doing personally to cope with the chaos.

The Man Who Makes Sound Matter Pt. 1 I have known Tom the majority of my life, close to 40 years. We played football together since middle school, lived together in college, were in each other’s wedding and now have had the opportunity to work together. He has an amazing story. This episode gives a glimpse into the earlier years of the good, bad and the ugly of the rocker lifestyle.

Humble Yourself It was August, 2007 and we were hit with one of those torrential downpours. We had two vehicles totaled, water in the lower level of two our buildings and now a leak in the roof. What else can happen? Mind racing. Sleepless nights. Fear and worry consumed my every thought. I thought because of my brokenness that I was humble. Oh, was I wrong.

The Loving Healer Dr. Rob loves life and people. He and his wife, Renae are chiropractors and owners of First Health Wellness. He believes in the holistic healing of the body, mind and spirit. Listen to this wonderful conversation about how he is helping his clients but more importantly how he lives his life.

Growing up remember the distinct thinking men don’t cry. I think I took that another level of don’t feel. Or at least don’t feel out of control. But, what I learned is the pain of being numb or suppressing my feelings was worse. I learned to feel the feelings verses running away from them.

Jim courageously shares his story of transformation through his setbacks. the first significant setback was when the family business was threatened by the industry changing. The second was when he and his son were in a significant accident resulting in an addiction to opioids and the doctors finding his son had cancer. Living through the ending of the family business, his son dying from cancer ad changing careers has allowed Jim to develop resiliency to face these chaotic times and guide his clients through their dark times.

What We Have Learned from Studying Trauma Phil has a wealth of wisdom and experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation about his journey as a social worker and how the field has changed and evolved regarding treating and understanding trauma. At the end of this episode, Phil gives examples of what to do during this time period when you are overly stressed.

What is Our Best Defense Against the Invisible Enemy The federal and state government are giving us guidelines, doctors are giving us suggestions and scientists are giving us their findings. During this episode, I talk what we can do to strengthen our immune system: exercise, good food, sleep, spiritual and emotional well-being and being in nature.

More Losses from COVID-19 As students find out they are not returning to the buildings this year, there is a sense of loss. Athletes and artists are not able to compete or perform. It easy to make the mistake and try to compare this to the loss of life or business. Grief is not to be compared but to be experienced. We are not asked to judge another’s loss but to show empathy to their pain.

Stockdale Paradox Admiral Stockdale was POW during the Vietnam War. He shares with Jim Collins his profound experience during this time. I share what Stockdale believes was the two key ingredients that allowed him to survive his imprisonment. These two key ingredients may help us through this time period as well.

Relapsing Back to Old Behaviors Pat has been addiction specialist during the majority of his career. I asked him about his observation of what is happening with individuals who early on in recovery from substances during this pandemic. Also, shares about what are some specifics you can do to prevent returning old negative behaviors.

We all have worked to do. And, we all love good story. Listen to the classic tale about a princess in a tower and knight who faced his inner demons to free her and liberate himself. She is the beauty and he has what it takes because they do their work.

Grief through a Time Like no Other Dr. Christina Warden fell in love with helping others many years ago. One of her most profound experiences was when she worked with Heartland Hospice assisting with end of life care. Christina shares her thoughts on the additional difficulties that COVID-19 is having on terminal individuals and their families. This is a must listen to as Christina shares her thoughts.

Maybe in the midst of the harshest winter, I need to focus on what I can control. Choose to dress appropriately. Take the time to make good decisions for the elements. Maybe, this time period with COVID-19 impacting every aspect of our life it is like that harsh winter. Decipher what I can control and accept what I can’t. And, know Spring will come!

Have you ever woke up and not sure what day it is? Each day is starting to look like the last. For some, their number one drug has been taken away, “being busy”. When the busyness is gone, we grow restless and frustrated. It may come out in anger or may come out in our dreams. What is our unconscious trying to tell us? We need to move into the feelings and see what it is trying to tell us.

A Marine turned Trainer Klyde went into the US Marine Corp immediately upon completing high school. What he learned from his 6 years in the Marines was for a life time. Listen to this great conversation when Klyde shares about his experiences in the Marines and how he was initiated from boyhood to manhood. Now he is using those same tools to help others transform their bodies and their lives.

Collective Sadness As I was driving, I sensed a feeling of heaviness. It was not coming from my own personal loss but it was coming from a greater awareness of sadness and grief in our community at large. We are all in this together and together we will be able to get through.

Find Your Pace When I first was receiving the information about the closing of schools, businesses and “normal” life for 2 weeks, my thoughts were how was I going to get through this. Later, the closings were extended for additional 5 weeks. My mind shifted from a mile race to a half marathon. I need to find my own pace.