In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we're joined by Roman Harris — former London Fire Brigade firefighter and newly crowned 2025 Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year — for a vital conversation about the unseen mental toll of frontline work.

Roman speaks openly about his time with the London Fire Brigade, where repeated exposure to emergencies and human suffering led to vicarious trauma. This kind builds quietly and often goes unrecognised until much later.

He reflects on:

-The psychological impact of working on the frontline

-How vicarious trauma accumulates over time

-Fire service culture, banter, and emotional suppression

-Adjusting to new work environments after leaving the job

-The devastating loss of colleagues to suicide

Alongside the heavy realities, Roman also shares how stand-up comedy became a way to process experience, reconnect with himself, and speak honestly about subjects that are often avoided.

That journey recently saw him awarded the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2025, marking him as one of the most exciting new voices in UK comedy.

This episode explores:

-Men's mental health in high-risk professions

-The long-term effects of trauma exposure

-Why workplace culture matters

-Life after uniformed service

-Turning lived experience into purpose

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, trauma, and mental health struggles.

🎧 Listen now on The Hurt Locker Podcast If this episode resonates — particularly if you've worked in emergency services or high-pressure environments — you're not alone.

Mental Health Support

If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123.

Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

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• Roman Harris wins Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian 2025

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