Summary In this episode of the Party Traffic Podcast, I discuss my journey with flow rope practice, highlighting its benefits for mindfulness, movement, and stress management. I share my personal experiences and insights on how Flow Rope has improved my mental health, focus, and body awareness. I encourage listeners to explore flow rope as a tool for enhancing their well-being and offer resources for getting started. Check out the Blog and Resources @ Hpwellnesssolutions.com Takeaways Flow rope ...
Jul 08, 2025•16 min
In this episode, Chris Warden discusses the challenges firefighters face when transitioning from work to home life, with a particular focus on the concepts of the 'tactical dip' and 'operator lag.' He shares personal experiences and insights on how these phenomena affect emotional well-being and relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recovery strategies, peer support, and normalizing discussions about mental health within the firefighting community. Takeaways Life can be ov...
Jun 29, 2025•24 min
In this episode of the Party Traffic Podcast, host Chris Warden and guest Nate Langley explore the transformative experiences available through emotional healing and personal growth. They discuss the role of a soul guide, the significance of retreats in Sedona, and the power of breathwork as a tool for healing. The conversation delves into the emotional overload paradox, the importance of facing fears, and the stigma surrounding emotional healing, particularly in traditionally masculine roles. T...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode of the Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris Warden interviews Sheila Thelen, a renowned figure skating coach and innovator in spin training. They discuss the evolution of spin training, its applications beyond figure skating, and the importance of the vestibular system in balance and cognitive function. Sheila shares insights on how spinning can enhance performance for athletes, firefighters, and individuals with cognitive challenges. The conversation also covers the testing and ...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode, Christopher Warden interviews Ryan Provencher, an experienced operations battalion chief and fitness advisor, about the vital role of fitness and wellness in the fire service. Ryan shares insights from his extensive career and emphasizes the importance of functional fitness tailored to the demands of firefighters' duties. He advocates for a mindset shift, encouraging firefighters to view themselves as tactical athletes to enhance their performance and resilience. The conversatio...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Welcome to the Leadership Exchange Series, a segment of the Priority Traffic Podcast, hosted by me, Chris. This innovative approach to podcasting allows me to diversify and explore fresh ways of sharing content. In this series, I'll share my insights and invite leaders from various backgrounds to connect with me and offer their perspectives, experiences, and strategies with you. By mixing different styles and topics, I aim to engage a broad audience and keep things captivating. My plan is to cre...
Feb 05, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode of the Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris interviews Eric Haskins, a senior firefighter and strength and conditioning coach. Eric shares his unique journey from professional snowboarding to firefighting, emphasizing the importance of training and preparation in both fields. He discusses his training philosophy, the significance of lifelong learning in the fire service, and introduces his program, Firehouse Strength and Conditioning, designed specifically for firefighters. Eric ...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode of the Priority Traffic Podcast podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicholas Higgins, a fellow firefighter, author, and podcast host. Our conversation revolved around Nick's journey into the fire service, the challenges of balancing firefighting with a professional career, and the importance of leadership, firematics, situational awareness, fitness for duty, and adaptability in the fire service. Nick shared his experience as an author and the inspiration behind his book, ...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In this podcast episode, I interview Annie Okerlin, a yogi who shares how yoga has impacted her life and how it can benefit first responders and military veterans. We discuss the importance of yoga in managing stress and transitioning from work to home. Annie explains the concept of mindfulness and how it can be practiced during yoga. We also explore different breathwork techniques, such as Ujjayi and alternate nostril breathing, and their effects on the body and mind. Yoga and yoga nidra can be...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this episode, host Chris interviews Battalion Chief Andy Starnes, a renowned firefighter and educator, about the intersection of faith and firefighting. Andy shares his journey in the fire service and how his spirituality has guided him through the challenges of the profession. They discuss the importance of faith in maintaining resilience, seeking help, and building strong relationships. The conversation also touches on the struggles of financial management and the need for firefighters to b...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 40
Deborah Green, an ex-military police officer and law enforcement dispatcher, recounts her law enforcement career, traumatic experiences during the 1992 LA riots, and her battles, including a health scare and the demands of serving in a male-dominated field. Emphasizing the need for improved mental health support for first responders, she reflects on the emotional impact of critical incidents, including an officer's death and an "officer-invailable" shooting. Advocating for the 911 SAVES Act, Deb...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Warning: This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics that may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Chris Littrell, a retired police officer and first responder, shares his journey and experiences in the field. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive training for first responders, including stress management and resilience-building techniques. He also discusses the importance of mission statements and values in organizations and personal li...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 3Ep. 8
The conversation between Chris Warden and Stephen Scrobe revolves around investing in people over equipment in law enforcement and firefighting. They discuss the challenges officers and firefighters face, the need for mental and physical resilience, and the role of nutrition in their day-to-day lives. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing self-care, having a performance mindset, and making mindful food choices. The conversation also touches on the need for proactive support and resources...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Dr. Barry Krakow discusses the relationship between sleep, PTSD, and sleep disorders, emphasizing the importance of sleep quality and the impact of sleep fragmentation on overall health. He also highlights the significance of early conservative treatments for sleep disorders and the need for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Dr. Barry Krakow discusses the prevalence of sleep disorders, the impact of sleep on overall health, and the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep-related issues. He...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Lee Throckmorton, a retired firefighter and strength and conditioning coach, discusses the importance of fitness in the fire service and the unique approach of Kaizen Groundworks. He shares his extensive prior service history, including lifeguarding, firefighting, law enforcement, and SWAT training. Throckmorton emphasizes each profession's different demands and mindsets and the need for a balanced approach to strength and conditioning. He explains the programs and training offered by Kaizen Gro...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris interviews Levi Bousquet about his journey in the fire service, his commitment to firefighter health, and the fight against cancer. Levi shares his background from a blue-collar family to becoming a full-time firefighter, highlighting the importance of health and wellness in the fire service. He discusses a near-drowning experience early in his career that strengthened his dedication to the profession. Levi also reflects on the Back Bay Fir...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Season 3Ep. 34
In this episode, host Chris Warden interviews Mark Hill, a visionary leader in education in the fire service and author of Two Dark Thirty . They discuss technological advancements and their impact on education and training, including resistance to change in the fire service. They also explore the challenges in the education field and Mark's transition to the fire service. Marc emphasizes simplifying complex concepts and the power of storytelling in teaching, and highlights the importance of awa...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Season 3Ep. 33
In episode 032 of Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris Warden interviews Megan Lautz, the RescueRD, a registered dietitian and trainer of firefighters and police officers. They discuss the unique challenges of fueling firefighters and provide tips and tricks for improving diet and exercise. Megan emphasizes the importance of sleep for firefighters and the impact of trauma on food choices. They also discuss the difference between dietitians and nutritionists and the need for tailored nutrition ad...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode, Annette Zapp shares her journey into the fire service and her challenges as a female firefighter. She emphasizes the importance of firefighter wellness and the need for proactive strategies to offload trauma and stress. Annette discusses the four pillars of wellness: sleep, nutrition, mental health, and movement. She also highlights the impact of shame and gossip in the fire service and the need for self-awareness. Annette challenges the idea of exercising in fire gear and advoc...
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 1
“Firefighting is a serious business, and it requires continuous commitment to knowledge, skills, and abilities. ” Dennis Reilly Calling all firefighters and those looking to level up their personal growth! In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dennis Reilly, a retired Fire Chief with an awe-inspiring career spanning over four decades. Join us as Dennis shares his journey, filled with stories of triumph, challenges, and personal growth. As an Army...
Dec 16, 2023•1 hr 57 min0
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Trevor Kauer, a researcher and professor of interpersonal, family, and health communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Kauer draws on his experiences as an EMT and working in a rural fire department to shape his research and understand the lived experiences of first responders. He is an expert in mental health among first responders, particularly their experience of stress, trauma, and difficulty. Driven by his passion for creating and testing...
Dec 02, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 29
If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . 988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help. Welcome back to Priority Traffic Podcast, where we provide actionable advice, tools, and tips to help you become the best version of yourself that you can be. Please join us as we dive into PTSD, the stigma that surrounds it and what we can do to help prevent first responder suicide completion. Captain Chris Moore of the Chesapeake Virginia Fire D...
Oct 09, 2023•2 hr 37 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Join me as I sit down with Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka, two esteemed public safety professionals with a wealth of experience in the field. In this episode, they generously share their backgrounds, revealing how they became passionate firefighter health and wellness advocates. Nick and Jim recount their inspiring journey of how they crossed paths and forged a partnership that would ultimately lead to the creation of the renowned Firefighter Health and Wellness Conference. Learn about the confe...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Welcome back to Priority Traffic Podcast, where we provide actionable advice, tools, and tips to help you become the best version of yourself that you can be. In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, join us as we sit down with two extraordinary individuals: Danny Dumas of "Earn Your Title Podcast" and Josh Chase of "Jump Seat Leadership." Together, we embark on an awe-inspiring conversation about spirituality, its profound significance in our lives, and how we harness its power to navigate o...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Hey there, firefighters and seekers of personal growth! Get ready to stoke the fire within and ignite your potential in this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast. We're going to tackle some essential life skills that will turbocharge your personal development journey. So grab your gear, grab a cup of joe, and join us for this illuminating episode on Building Essential Life Skills. Get ready to level up your personal growth and development game, because together, we're unstoppable. Stay safe, stay...
Sep 12, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Welcome back to another electrifying episode of Priority Traffic Podcast. I'm your host, Chris, and today, we have an extraordinary story of resilience and empowerment to share with you. Get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of Dave Neely, a retired Green Beret, Model of Resilience, and an all-around incredible human being. We'll dive deep into Dave's experiences, extracting valuable lessons and exploring how he's empowering first responders and military personnel through his work a...
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Welcome back to Priority Traffic Podcast! In today's episode, we have an extraordinary guest joining us. Josh Walker, a Sheriff Detective, husband, father, and musician, is here to share his passion for personal growth and evolving as a person in all aspects of life. In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the deep waters of cultivating awareness. We explore how awareness plays a vital role in various aspects of our lives, from our relationships to our professional endeavors. But that's...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Podcast Episode Description: Fire Fighter Fitness Calling all Fire Fighters and fitness enthusiasts! Get ready to level up your fitness game as we dive deep into the world of Fire Fighter fitness in this episode. A special guest, Austin Womack, MS, CSCS, and TSAC-F are joining us. As an experienced fitness consultant and Rugged Athlete owner, Womack knows what it takes to optimize fitness and avoid injury in the Fire Fighter field. During our conversation, we'll tackle a range of topics relevant...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, we dive deep into how humans can control their environment. We explore the idea that actively fostering a healthy and supportive environment in the home and firehouse leads to better overall well-being and performance on the job. Join us as we discuss practical tips for creating spaces promoting physical and mental health, fostering camaraderie, and encouraging personal growth. Get ready to take control of your environment and unlock your full potenti...
Aug 07, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Welcome to Priority Traffic Podcast - the show that brings insights from firefighters and a community of high-performers who are always ready for the next challenge. In this episode, we sit down with a true Renaissance man - Pat Deneau. He's both a firefighter and a singer-songwriter, balancing his creative passions with his demanding job as an emergency responder. Join us as we delve into the fascinating intersectionality of firefighting, music creation, and health and wellness. Pat shares his ...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 42 min0
