Episodes

  • S3E4: Beneath the Surface - Exploring Tattoo Bias in Emergency Services

    S3E4: Beneath the Surface - Exploring Tattoo Bias in Emergency Services
    Jun 22 2025

    Summary:

    In this episode of the Inner Response Podcast, Marissa Rose and Daniel Sundahl delve into the perceptions and biases surrounding tattoos in emergency services.


    They discuss the results of a survey conducted among emergency responders regarding their experiences with tattoos, public trust, and professionalism. The conversation explores the demographics of respondents, their views on visible tattoos, and the impact of tattoos on career advancement.


    They also share personal stories and insights about the meaning behind their tattoos, the evolving attitudes towards body art, and the need for updated policies in the workplace.

    The episode highlights the importance of open-mindedness and understanding in a profession that often grapples with traditional views on appearance.


    Main Points:

    • Tattoos are increasingly accepted in emergency services.
    • Public perception of tattoos is generally positive among responders.
    • There is a significant bias against visible tattoos in some workplaces.
    • Many respondents feel that tattoos do not affect professionalism.
    • The majority of respondents believe they can trust emergency responders with tattoos.
    • Policies regarding visible tattoos need to be updated to reflect modern views.
    • Personal experiences with tattoos can vary widely among individuals.
    • Judgment based on tattoos often reflects personal biases rather than professional capabilities.
    • Tattoos can serve as a form of personal expression and storytelling.
    • The conversation around tattoos in the workplace is evolving, but challenges remain.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • S3 E3: From Mentee to Mentor. The Evolution of Leadership in Paramedicine.

    S3 E3: From Mentee to Mentor. The Evolution of Leadership in Paramedicine.
    Mar 15 2025

    In this episode of the Inner Response Podcast, host Marissa Rose, an Advanced Care Paramedic and Neuroscientist, sits down with Vanessa, a paramedic who has transitioned from student to graduate to mentor. Their conversation explores the evolving expectations between mentors and mentees in paramedicine, offering a raw and insightful look into the challenges and growth that come with each stage of the journey.


    Vanessa’s path into paramedicine is both inspiring and unique—beginning as a bystander in a medical emergency involving her father-in-law, she later pursued her Bachelor of Paramedic Science while balancing the demands of motherhood and family life. Under Marissa’s guidance during her graduate year, Vanessa navigated the steep learning curve of the profession, ultimately becoming a qualified paramedic and mentor herself.


    Together, they discuss the shifting perspectives on mentorship, leadership, and what makes an effective mentor in a high-pressure field like paramedicine. Vanessa reflects on the qualities she valued as a student, how her expectations changed through experience, and what she now priorities as she guides new graduates entering the field.


    This episode is a must-listen for paramedics at all stages of their careers—whether you’re a student preparing for placement, a graduate finding your footing, or a qualified paramedic stepping into the role of mentor.


    🔹 Key Themes Covered:

    • The evolving expectations of students, graduates, and mentors
    • The challenges of transitioning from mentee to mentor
    • What makes a great paramedic mentor and leader
    • Lessons learned from the graduate experience
    • How mentorship shapes professional growth


    Tune in for an insightful and honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and the journey from learning to leading in paramedicine. 🚑✨
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • S3 E2 - Heart of a Responder: Navigating Grief and Finding Strength with Troy Heise

    S3 E2 - Heart of a Responder: Navigating Grief and Finding Strength with Troy Heise
    Jul 29 2024

    Welcome to Episode 2 of the Inner Response Podcast.


    During this episode, we welcome back Troy Heise from Season 1 Episode 3 who shares his deeply personal and powerful story where he faced an unimaginable loss, emerging with new insights around grief, resilience and the importance of self-care.


    Troy's story is a testament to the power of sharing personal experiences and the critical role of support and connection in times of loss.

    We'll discuss Troy's return to work as a paramedic, the challenges and strengths he discovered along the way, and the strategies he employs to manage compassion fatigue. This episode is filled with practical advice, heartfelt moments, and a reminder that taking time for mental well-being is not just important but essential.

    Join us as we navigate the unpredictable world of paramedic work, balancing compassion and self-preservation, and hear Troy's inspiring story of healing and hope. Whether you're a paramedic, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking resilience in their own life, this episode is for you.

    Podcast Overview:

    • Introduction and Rebranding of the Podcast
    • Troy’s Personal Tragedy and Journey of Grief
    • Returning to Work as a Paramedic
    • Challenges and Strengths in the Workplace
    • Managing Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care
    • The Power of Sharing Personal Experiences
    • Support and Connection in Times of Loss
    • Coping Strategies and Returning to Work
    • Navigating the Unpredictability of Paramedic Work
    • Balancing Compassion and Self-Preservation
    • The Importance of Emotional Resilience and Self-Care
    • Addressing Personal Connections and Seeking Support
    • Actions Speak Louder Than Words
    • Dealing with Loss and Grief
    • Understanding Triggers and Self-Care
    • Taking Time Off for Mental Well-being
    • The Emotional and Psychological Demands of the Job
    • The Need for Clear Support Options
    • Advice for Young Paramedics
    • Being Prepared for the Unexpected
    • Final Thoughts: Love Hard and Prioritise Self-Care


    With Love,


    MR.

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • S3 E1 - Marissa's Story - The Why Behind Inner Response

    S3 E1 - Marissa's Story - The Why Behind Inner Response
    Jul 15 2024

    Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of the newly launched Inner Response Podcast (previously The Paramedic Podcast).


    During this episode, we flip the switch and interview the host behind the podcast, Marissa Rose. We talk about her journey and the "why" behind The Paramedic Podcast and the recent rebrand to The Inner Response.


    Podcast Overview:

    • Introduction
    • The Impact of Traumatic Incidents
    • Cumulative Effect and Breaking Point
    • Finding Solace Through Equine Therapy
    • Taking Time Off and Seeking Support
    • Learning and Self Reflection
    • Understanding Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
    • The Purpose of Helping Others in Emergency Services
    • Thriving as a Paramedic
    • Overcoming Challenges and Finding Resilience
    • Pursuing Research in Neuroscience and Equine Therapy
    • The Importance of Brain Imaging in Mental Health
    • Empowering Paramedic Students on Self Care and Wellbeing
    • Creating Redundancy in Sources of Happiness and Fulfilment
    • Managing the Cost of Being a Paramedic
    • A song - Inner Response, written for me by someone dear to my heart.


    Enjoy!


    MR.


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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The Paramedic Podcast: Season 2, Episode 3.

    The Paramedic Podcast: Season 2, Episode 3.
    Mar 11 2023
    Today, I have another incredibly resilient and knowledgeable man on the show. This guest has been a pioneer in his field for over 20 years and has been researching his area of expertise when it certainly was not of popular opinion. Challenging, and rightly so, years of controversial and less efficacious ways to treat and manage major mental ill health conditions, particularly those relating to trauma and frontline workers such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicidality. Today I welcome onto the show no other than Professor Jim Lagopoulos, the director of Thompson Insitute, located at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia which is a world-class hub for research, teaching and clinical services for Australia's most pressing mental health issues. This institute last year has been allocated $12.2 million from the Federal budget, $8.3 million of which is going towards establishing the National PTSD Centre which will be the hub of clinical and technical expertise in treatment for trauma-related mental health conditions. Join me as Jim and I discuss changes in brain chemistry, neuroscience, neuroimaging, ketamine in the treatment of PTSD and what it looks like tackling mental ill health from and chemical and biological perspective.
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • The Paramedic Podcast: Season 2, Episode 2.

    The Paramedic Podcast: Season 2, Episode 2.
    Feb 25 2023
    Today I welcome onto the show Jeff Sych, Jeff is a registered psychologist who has dedicated his private practice to the wellbeing and recovery of safety personnel. Jeff is trained in the assessment and evidence-based treatment of mental health conditions that arise from public safety personnel service but prefers to present on building resistance and resilience to encourage our peers to stay psychologically healthy. Jeff is a co-author of a 2022 published peer reviewed research study showing positive effects of high fidelity CISM programs on the mental health of first responders in Canada. Jeff facilitates courses titled "Assisting individuals in crisis", "group crisis intervention", "psychological body armour for emergency services and healthcare" and "resilient leadership for emergency services and healthcare". Join us as we explore this interesting new series looking at the mental health of frontline workers, red flags, definitions of mental ill health as it relates to frontline workers, cognitive load, burnout, resilience and finally post traumatic growth.
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • The Paramedic Podcast: Season 2, Episode 1

    The Paramedic Podcast: Season 2, Episode 1
    Feb 11 2023
    Welcome back to The Paramedic Podcast where I am joined by Dr Olivia Johnson where we discuss the difficult topic of suicide and all the factors surrounding it. Dr Olivia holds a masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri, St Louis and a doctorate in Organisational Leadership Management from the University of Phoenix. Dr Johnson is also the founder of the Blue Wall Institute where she trains first responders, families and administrators on wellness issues, suicide awareness and prevention and leadership issues. Today Olivia and I unpack all of her years of research into these issues and discuss the taboo of suicide in frontline workers, the “fatal 10”, how we can work together to prevent suicide and the importance of a safe and supportive workplace. Join me on this exciting episode and as always, reach out to me, your peers or loved ones if you require some support.
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • The Paramedic Podcast: Season 1, Episode 12

    The Paramedic Podcast: Season 1, Episode 12
    Feb 11 2023
    The Paramedic Podcast welcomes you back for the first episode of 2023. On a Sunday in January this year, I began contemplating my transition out of ambulance and all of the conflicting emotions I felt. After going through this mostly alone, I felt very isolated, depressed, confused and lost. I had such identity fusion with being a paramedic that when I decided to take the uniform off, I had no idea who I was. After connecting with fellow paramedic/firefighter, artist, keynote speaker and mental health advocate Daniel Sundahl I began to realise I wasn’t alone. This led to the creation of an exploratory survey where I asked my peers about their experiences exiting their respective service and, during part 1 of this 4 part series, Daniel and I unpack the survey and have some really compelling discussions about this hidden subject. Join us as we explore this topic and share our findings and personal experiences.
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    1 hr and 22 mins