Check out Newman's previous episode here!

Brian Newman returns to the show to talk about testosterone replacement, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), and the ever-so-popular weight loss drugs.

He gives a fair perspective regarding all modalities that can be summarized as not all bodies work the same, and buyer beware. Another fact to remember is "test, don't guess!"

So what, now what?!?

If you are an obese firefighter or simply not 'feeling yourself' any longer, some of these therapies might be helpful. But the first and potentially best course of action is to get your house in order. Focus on recovery and sleep, nutrition, aerobic and resistance training, and hydration to start moving the needle in the right direction. And if you choose to partake of assistance, do it under the care of a physician monitoring your bloodwork 3-4x yearly!

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I needed to record a solo episode for this week unexpectedly, and when I went to bed last night, I wasn't sure what I wanted to speak about. But I woke up today and chose violence.

From my news feed: "Twelve Tufts University lacrosse athletes were hospitalized after a recent graduate from Navy Seal training took them through a workout."

Excuse me, please?

As I acknowledge in the recording, we don't know all the facts, so there may be more to this story, but at first glance, this is lunacy. What was a collegiate sports team doing in the care of a Navy Seal? And a better question: What were his qualifications for training (and I use that term loosely) these athletes?

But we in the fire service aren't doing much better. I've heard countless stories of candidates and academy attendees being harmed by those who are supposed to be taking care of them.

Physical fitness shouldn't be punishment, and randomly adding high-intensity exercise work as a penalty for poor performance on job tasks is just lazy instructing and has the possibility of causing real harm.

Making a candidate run a set of wind sprints every day because they aren't "in good enough shape" isn't going to significantly impact their physical fitness. But it sure could injure them, especially if they're already fatigued from PT and fireground task training.

So what, now what?!?

We, as a fire service, need to do better. It's time to stop tasking firefighters with the physical fitness training of other firefighters.

Call to action: We need to start conversations in the hallways of fire departments, research institutions, the IAFF, and even high schools. Academy students and FD candidates shouldn't walk in the door in dire physical condition. We must also figure out physical fitness standards that accurately correlate to job task performance to protect our level of service and the lives of the very employees who staff the stations.

Do you have thoughts to add to the conversation? Please send me an IG DM or email me at info@firerescuewellness.org

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The Beltane Guild is a 501c3 non-profit focused on reproductive health and policy implementation for firefighters. I spoke with founder Maia Brown and board members Melissa Lawlor and Dr. Brittany Hollerbach during this week's episode.

Time and time again, a firefighter gets pregnant, and it’s only then that a department realizes its pregnancy policy is dangerously outdated, possibly even unlawful. The Beltane Guild can help your department adopt a comprehensive policy that will not only keep your firefighters safe but will also guide how to navigate the following reproductive health topics:

· infertility

· pregnancy

· miscarriage

· lactation

· adoption

· reproductive health education

Check out the bios for Maia Brown, Melissa Lawlor, and Brittany Hollerbach

So what, now what?!?

Firefighters experience fertility challenges at a rate higher than the civilian population. They also have an increased risk of miscarriage, early birth, and infant health issues. Further, if your department doesn't have policies in place now, now is the time to get those written. The Beltane Guild can help!

The Beltane Guild provides financial assistance to firefighters needing fertility treatment. Contact them to apply.

Consider partnering with the Beltane Guild

Check out the Beltane Guild Website

Follow their IG account!

Check out the Science Allliance!

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I recently realized that although I've told my story, or parts thereof, on over two dozen podcast guest appearances, I've never shared it with my own listeners.

So, on my second-anniversary episode, I'm spilling my guts.

So what, now what?

Tell your story. You never know who is listening and needs to hear it.

Happy Podcast-versary to my guy Jeremiah, who edits all of my nonsense and Lex who keeps my website looking amAZing.

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This week, you get to meet my girl, Tyler Barrett. Tyler and I have much in common, including firefighting, strength and conditioning, and a love of dogs.

Tyler and I discussed her sports background, her stint as a Strength Coach, overlapping her Master's Degree and getting hired at Savannah, and so much more!

Click here for Tyler's bio!

So what, now what?!?

Where there is a will, there's a way. Mental toughness is the key to success, whether you're trying to get hired or promoted or manage another aspect of your life.

Connect with TNB on LinkedIn

Email Tyler: tyler.barrett@savannhaga.gov

Get involved with HonorMark

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Lt. Kenny Schroeder is a friend I first met on LinkedIn and became acquainted with IRL in April during a trip to Kentucky. Kenny showed me great hospitality at the Fort Mitchell Fire Department and I enjoyed meeting FMFD and surrounding area crews.

Kenny Schroeder currently serves as Lieutenant with the Fort Mitchell Fire Department in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. He also actively volunteers in the greater Cincinnati, OH, area. He serves as a Team Coordinator for the Kentucky First Responder Peer Support Team and the Pet Partners First Responder Pet Therapy Support Team. Additionally, he is a Board Member of the Tri-State Peer Support Team and the Tri-State FACE (Firefighters Attacking the Cancer Epidemic) Team. Kenny also serves as an assistant Trauma Responsive Care Instructor, CPR Instructor and a Facilitator with The Ohio State Mindfulness in Motion Program, using his experiences to foster resilience and well-being among his peers.

Kenny believes that mental health is crucial at any age, especially for first responders who regularly face high-stress situations. He is passionate about reducing the stigma of seeking help, emphasizing that true courage lies in maintaining mental health and self-awareness. These elements are the keys to genuine freedom and authenticity, enabling first responders to be at their best when others need them the most.

So what, now what?!?

Your story is powerful; you never know who you will impact when you tell it.

Connect with Kenny on LinkedIn

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You can hear Fernando's previous episode here.

Today, I welcomed back my friend Fernando Montes, who recently retired as LA County Fire's exercise physiologist.

Fernando is a wealth of knowledge; and as usual, we have a wonderful conversation to share with you.

So what, now what?!?

Selecting outstanding candidates and keeping recruits in the academy is critical for the success of public safety.

Connect with Fernando via email: fmontes0422@yahoo.com

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Check out Mike's previous episode!

7-Minute Science is 8.26.24

Mike Conner is a good dude and has been an excellent resource for many great conversations. When Frontline Mobile Health started its recent social media series on blood biomarkers, I was intrigued and knew my listeners would love to learn more and benefit from the expertise!

So what, now what?!?

Having a primary care physician and getting regular physicals and bloodwork to monitor your health is an investment in your future! If you don't do it for yourself, do it for the ones who love you!

Email Mike: mike@frontlinemobilehealth.com

Frontline's Website

*****
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