Surviving Your Shift Podcast

05/01/2026

There's still confusion out there about what peer support is. I hear it from the people coming into the work as much as from the administrators signing off on the programs.

Peer support is coworkers who've been trained to listen and check in on each other after a call or a shift where something is off. It sits apart from EAP or clinical therapy. The goal is to help.

When peer support is done right, nothing said to a peer supporter travels anywhere except to a licensed clinician if the person asks for that referral.

If your agency has a program and you've never used it, the first step is low-stakes. Reach out to someone on the team and ask how it works day-to-day. You'll learn more in one conversation than from any policy document.

04/29/2026

Most first responders don't notice burnout until something breaks. It usually shows up as a blow-up at home or a short fuse with a trainee.

The earlier signs look different. Something you used to enjoy, like pickup basketball or working on the car, starts feeling like one more thing on the list. You catch yourself yelling at a three-year-old over spilled milk and realize it isn't about the milk.

When those patterns start stacking up, it's time to talk to a peer supporter or a clinician who understands first responder culture.
You don't have to wait for the breaking point.

A quick note: this post is for general awareness. If you're struggling and want somewhere to start, a licensed clinician who knows your culture can help you find your footing faster than trying to figure it out alone.

04/27/2026

It's the end of your shift. You drive home and sit in the driver's seat in the garage for a few minutes, because you're not ready to walk inside yet. The call from hour 6 is still running in your head.

This is common in the work. When you spend a 12-hour shift moving from one high-stakes moment to the next, your nervous system doesn't reset the minute you punch out. It stays activated until you give it a reason to settle down.

Here's one thing to try. Build a short wind-down window between the end of your shift and the door of your home. Drive part of the way home in silence, or take a short walk before you go inside. Fifteen minutes is enough.

Most of the first responders I've worked with underestimate how much this changes the rest of their evening.

10/09/2025

Want to keep your peer support team from burning out or fading into the background?

Here are two tips from the latest episode of Surviving Your Shift:

Don’t skip ongoing training. A one-time class won’t prepare your team for the real-life complexity of supporting peers week after week.
Keep the team visible—without being pushy. Subtle, consistent reminders go a long way in building trust over time.

There’s more where that came from, including what to do when momentum dies or leadership support slips.

Listen to Episode 41 now:
“Keeping Your Peer Support Program Alive Long-Term”
https://www.survivingyourshift.com/41

Most peer support programs start strong… then fade out. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to sustain your team, keep engagement high, and ensure your peer suppo…

08/14/2025

Is it time for a peer support team in your department? Let’s find out.

Are there warning signs in your department you’re missing? In this episode, learn five red flags that signal it’s time to build—or rebuild—a peer support team that …

07/30/2025

The podcast is switching focus a little. Hear about it in the new episode tomorrow morning, July 31, at 5 AM Central Time. You can also check out the new website at

Peer-support podcast for first responders & frontline pros. Real stories, crisis tips, and resilience tools to beat stress & thrive on and off duty.

06/21/2025

New Episode! "When the Job Follows You Home: The Hidden Signs of Traumatic Stress"

Feeling “off” but can’t explain why? This episode unpacks the hidden signs of long-term traumatic stress in first responders and frontline workers—and what you can do about it. Are you more irritable, distant, or emotionally ...

Explore effective first responder stress management skills on 'The Stress Proof Professional' podcast. Empowering you to thrive, not just survive.

10/04/2024

5 Star Review: Review Just wanted to say thanks and keep up the great work.

"Just finished listening to the podcast. It was really helpful. I can not wait for the next podcast 👍 Thank you for sharing…

Review Just wanted to say thanks and keep up the great work.. Published September 8, 2024 by Hawk-134 on Apple Podcasts.

10/01/2024

New Episode! "Go From Overwhelmed to Empowered"

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of your high-stress job? Many professionals in high-pressure careers neglect their own wellbeing, leading to burnout and health issues. But what if you could take control ...

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of your high-stress job? Many professionals in high-pressure careers neglect their own wellbeing, leading to b…

09/25/2024

New Episode! "Your Story is Not Unique"

Are you struggling with burnout, stress, or feeling overwhelmed as a first responder? Retired firefighter paramedic Matthew Matty Fiorenza joins us to share his journey through PTSD and anxiety and how he’s now helping first ...

Are you struggling with burnout, stress, or feeling overwhelmed as a first responder? Retired firefighter paramedic Matthew Matty Fiorenza joins us to share his jou…