Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters

065. The Trauma Doesn’t Retire: FDNY’s Rob Cefoli on Healing After the Job [Part 1]

Retired FDNY Captain Rob Cefoli spent 20 years on the job—and now he’s reshaping how firefighters recover, rebuild, and stay resilient. In this episode, Rob dives into:His journey with PTSD and finding TRE (Trauma Release Exercises)Running the FDNY Health & Fitness UnitWhy TRE is now part of academy trainingCreating Fyr Tribe for firefighter mental healthHelping retirees heal from years of serviceThis one’s raw, real, and packed with actionable tools for every firefighter, from rookies to retirees.Support the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!

064. The Job's Not Meant For Everyone [Part 2]

In this second installment of our conversation with Joff Fierro, we cover insights on resilience in the hiring process, debunk toxic firehouse culture, and provide actionable steps for aspiring and current firefighters. You will learn:the real meaning of 'the standard'the importance of inclusivity and fitnessand building a positive culture for rookies. Additionally, Joff discusses the evolving definitions of hard work and adaptability in modern firefighting, along with tips on bridging generational gaps within the department.02:06 Actionable Steps for Aspiring Firefighters04:17 The Importance of Standards in the Fire Service07:43 Adapting to the New Generation22:46 Balancing Tough Love and Toxicity24:14 Addressing Misconceptions and Tough Love24:45 Navigating Toxicity in the Fire Service25:12 Probationary Year Experiences27:02 Balancing Toughness and Support28:41 Respecting Diverse Backgrounds32:14 Building Camaraderie and Tradition40:36 The Importance of Probation47:41 Final Reflections and AdviceSupport the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!

063. Don't Let Your Ego Get In The Way [Part 1]

In this episode of the Keep The Promise Podcast, Joff Fierro returns to share his grueling journey to becoming a firefighter. From facing rejection in the hiring process to battling the toxic culture in firehouses, Joff opens up about the trials and tribulations he overcame. You will learn:insights into the importance of resilience.the harsh realities of the fire service interview process.actionable steps to improve your own chances of success. Joff also discusses the evolving definition of hard work and the need to adapt to the changing times to attract new generations to the fire service.02:09 Fire Service Culture02:58 The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter04:58 Challenges and Setbacks06:22 The Role of Mentorship09:49 The Final Push and Success18:30 Motivation and Personal Drive24:22 Facing Rejection and Self-Realization25:57 Understanding Hard Work26:36 Advice for Overcoming Rejection28:00 The Importance of Humility29:27 Memorable Interview Experiences32:32 Learning from Mistakes36:30 The Hiring Process42:09 Preparing for the Job46:31 Adapting to Changing Definitions of Hard WorkSupport the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!

062. Addressing Duty Bound Grief: Building Mental Resilience for First Responders [Part 2]

In this episode of the Keep the Promise podcast, part two of our series with Rachael Belcher, we cover the critical topic of mental health among first responders. With nearly three decades of experience in the fire service and 21 years as a paramedic, Rachael shares her personal journey of overcoming the emotional and physical toll of the profession. The discussion centers around her article, 'Grief on the Front Line: Managing Our Hidden Wounds,' which introduces the concept of 'duty bound grief,' a unique type of grief experienced by first responders. Rachael discusses the importance of building resilience, seeking help, and breaking the stigma around mental health. Key points include recognizing early warning signs of mental health issues, the inefficacy of forced interventions like CISM, and the need for supportive leadership. You will learn:strategies for self-carethe significance of peer supportand the steps both individuals and leadership can take to create a healthier work environment for first responders.00:37 Rachael's Journey to Mental Health Advocacy00:57 Understanding Duty Bound Grief01:50 Therapy and Healing Process05:29 Recognizing and Addressing Warning Signs12:05 Duty Bound Grief Article Discussion23:37 Leadership and Mental Health Support32:27 Advice for Young Firefighters36:51 Conclusion and Article InformationSupport the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!

061. Duty Bound Grief: Unpacking Hidden Wounds in the Fire Service [Part 1]

In this episode, Rachael Belcher shares her 27-year journey in the fire service, detailing her experiences from volunteering as an EMT to working as a paramedic with the Baltimore County Fire Department. Rachael's story takes us into her time on the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, the emotional toll of dealing with traumatic events, and her courageous decision to seek mental health treatment. She also discusses her mission to dismantle the stigma around seeking help and educate first responders about duty-bound grief. You will learn:the importance of mental healthtechniques for building resilienceand practical ways to thrive in a challenging profession00:11 Meet Rachael Belcher01:53 Rachael's Early Career in Fire Service02:40 From Volunteer to Paramedic09:45 Experiences During Hurricane Katrina14:27 Lessons from the Gulf Coast16:35 The Shift Before COVID22:46 Seeking Help and Healing29:07 Life After Treatment32:08 Conclusion and ReflectionsJEMS Article - Grief On the Front Line: Managing Our Hidden WoundsSupport the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!