In this episode of Walking Through the Fire, Jason interviews Nick Peppered, a seasoned firefighter and instructor. They discuss the importance of engine work, the value of teaching and learning in the fire service, and the personal journey of balancing faith and firefighting. Nick shares his experiences in different fire departments, the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and the significance of community and support in overcoming struggles. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal growth, understanding limitations, and the impact of faith in navigating life's challenges.

Takeaways-

Engine work is a crucial aspect of firefighting.

Teaching is about facilitating a learning environment.

Firefighters need to understand their limitations.

Faith plays a significant role in personal growth.

Finding balance between work and family is essential.

Community support is vital for overcoming struggles.

It's important to keep your eyes on Christ.

Quality time with loved ones can be impactful.

Don't hesitate to reach out for help.

Everyone has struggles, and you're not alone.

Keywords-

firefighting, engine work, teaching, faith, balance, personal growth, community, mental health, fire service, struggles

In this episode of the Walking Through the Fire podcast, host Jason Sautel interviews Sebastien Lavoie, a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They discuss Seb's journey from a bullied child to a dedicated police officer, his experiences in tactical operations, and the emotional toll that policing can take on individuals. Seb shares insights into the history of the RCMP, his motivations for joining law enforcement, and the challenges he faced during and after his service.

The conversation highlights the importance of mental health and the need for support for first responders. In this conversation, Jason and Seb delve into the complexities of hypervigilance, communication challenges, and the transition from a structured career in service to civilian life. They explore the impact of technology on interpersonal communication, the importance of maintaining a multifaceted identity beyond one's profession, and the journey of overcoming personal adversity, including Seb's elective amputation. The discussion emphasizes the significance of leadership, personal growth, and resilience in navigating life's challenges.

Bio:

Retired Sgt Major Sebastien Lavoie is a distinguished performance coach and mindset expert whose comprehensive experience in peak performance and crisis management has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in his field. His unique approach integrates over two decades of invaluable service in high-stakes roles within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Armed Forces. As the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Raven Strategic Inc., Sebastien has established a strong reputation for transforming individuals and organizations to realize their latent potential and exceed their objectives. He is globally recognized as a leadership training and performance coaching powerhouse known for its transformative impact.

Throughout his extensive law enforcement and military career, Sebastien excelled in diverse and crucial roles such as General Duty, "Air Marshall" for the Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program, Emergency Response Team (SWAT) Operator, Team Leader, and Chief Warrant Officer. This wide-ranging experience has fortified his proficiency in crisis management, emergency response, risk assessment and wellness strategies. His real-world experience has been instrumental in equipping hundreds of individuals and organizations with a winning mindset and peak performance strategies through his coaching.

Away from his primary career, Sebastien channels his energy into martial arts and fitness as a Brazilian Jiujitsu Black Belt and founder of Sheepdog and Dogs den CrossFit. As co-owner and instructor at Ascension Martial Arts, he shares his comprehensive knowledge and passion. His compelling voice has also made him a coveted guest and motivational speaker on over 1200 podcasts.

Driven by a lifelong pursuit of learning, Sebastien is refining his understanding of international security through a master’s degree in international security (Global Counterterrorism). This follows a distinguished service of 20 years in the RCMP, culminating in his retirement as BC Divisional Sergeant Major in 2021. His legacy is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication, which he brings to his transformative work as a preeminent mindset and performance coach.

Contact:

Email: r8venstrategic@gmail.com

Instagram page: @slavccmdr

Keywords:

Seb Lavoie, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, tactical operations, policing, personal journey, emotional toll, military service, overcoming adversity, law enforcement, mental health, hypervigilance, communication, post-career, PTSD, leadership, amputation, recovery, personal growth, mental health, life lessons

The episode following this one will start season two of the podcast, but I wanted to make this a stand alone episode because it hit me so hard and in such a good way that I wanted to give it a "stand alone season!"

I'm not a fan of the term "trigger warning" but I want to be honest here- This episode takes what can only be described as " A HOLY SPIRIT CHANGE OF DIRECTION!" It started off as a cool conversation with an FDNY Fireman about the "war years", his best-selling cookbook, and being a celebrity chef- To his experience on September 11th, 2001, the traumas of the job, the suicide of his brother who was also an FDNY Fireman, and some other tough, but needed to be talked about topics.

The only time I edit something out is when I ramble more than normal, haha, or when I think we've spent too much time in an area and want to move on, or when we/I get a little too wrapped up in the conversation with another firefighter and our language gets a little salty, but I will never alter or take away from the topic at hand. But...

After prayerful consideration, this episode didn't get a single edit because I wanted you guys to see the turn this conversation took and why I am so passionate about my brothers and sisters sharing the unedited version of their stories of struggles and testimony! Please take a listen!

Joseph's Website- www.americanfirehousecuisine.com

Keywords:

FDNY, firefighting, Joseph Bonanno, 9/11, firehouse culture, firefighter stories, legacy, 9/11, first responders, grief, suicide prevention, firefighter stories, mental health, community support, legacy, personal loss, September 11, Twin Towers, Ten House, PTSD, Firefighter PTSD,