Priority Traffic Podcast
Welcome to the Priority Traffic Podcast, where I hope to inspire and empower firefighters to prioritize their wellness, manage their lifestyle, and create sustainable habits that support performance.
Join us as we promote personal growth and resilience-building techniques that will help you excel in your profession and in all aspects of your life.
In each episode, I'll discuss insights and actionable strategies that will encourage open discussions about challenges and experiences you may face in your career.
My mission is to promote wellness, performance and thriving as firefighters, while becoming everything you can be outside of the line of duty. I hope to create a culture of continuous improvement and holistic performance by providing clear, direct, and inspiring guidance grounded in evidence and effectiveness.
Whether you're a veteran firefighter or just starting out in your career, I hope to make Priority Traffic Podcast a go-to resource for all things related to personal and professional wellness and high performance. My goal is to foster community and support to help you overcome obstacles and reach your full potential.
So join us on this journey of empowerment, growth, and authenticity. Please tune in to the Priority Traffic Podcast, and let's thrive together.
Episodes
49 episodes
Ep. 049 | Stress to Strength: How First Responders Can Thrive Under Pressure
Ever wonder why your heart pounds at a fire scene even when you're standing still? Or why you can't seem to "turn off" hours after a tough call? Dr. Pete Kadushin, performance psychologist who spent years with professional athletes including th...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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1:30:13
Ep. 048 | Flow Rope: Your Guide to Mindful Movement and Strength
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 m...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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15:51
Ep. 047 | Understanding Operator Lag and Tactical Dip for Firefighters
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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23:57
Ep. 046 | Transformative Insights on Emotional Growth and Healing w/ Nate Langley
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 re...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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1:00:59
Ep. 045 | Revolutionizing Balance: The Power of Spin Training w/ Sheila Thelen
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, an...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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1:02:55
Ep. 044 | The Firefighter's Path to Peak Performance w/ Ryan Provencher
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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1:09:11
The Journey of Self-Leadership - Episode 1 of The Leadership Exchange Series
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 in...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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19:13
Ep. 043 | Maximize Firefighter Performance with Eric Haskins
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 import...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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1:28:53
Ep. 042 | The Five Tools Every Firefighter Needs for Excellence w/ Nicholas Higgins
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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1:14:46
Ep. 41 | Discover the Power of Yoga with Annie Okerlin
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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1:17:06
Ep. 40 | The Intersection of Faith and Firefighting: A Conversation with Battalion Chief Andy Starnes
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 thro...
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Season 4
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Episode 40
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1:18:52
Ep. 039 | Voices from the Front Line: A Dispatcher's Insight into Resilience and Recovery
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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1:29:43
Ep. 038 | Courage to Listen, Strength to Heal: A First Responders' Journey to Wellness w/ Chris Littrell
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 a...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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1:20:08
Ep. 037 | Humans Over Hardware w/ Stephen Scrobe
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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1:03:13
Ep. 036 | Sleep's Critical Role: Unveiling the Nexus Between PTSD, Sleep Disorders, and Health w/ Dr. Barry Krakow
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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1:04:46
Ep. 035 | Kaizen Groundworks: A Unique Approach to Strength and Conditioning in the Fire Service
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 lifegua...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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1:01:54
Ep. 034 | 9 Alarm Defender Gear: Protecting Firefighters Inside and Out w/ Levi Bousquet
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 fami...
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Season 3
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Episode 34
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1:37:38
Ep. 033 | Marc Hill, Author of Two Dark Thirty: True Stories to Inspire Learning and Teaching in our Local Heroes
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 edu...
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Season 3
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Episode 33
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1:43:06
Ep. 032 | Firefighter Fueling Strategies w/ Megan Lautz (RescueRD)
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 t...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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1:31:27
Ep. 031 | Annette Zapp of Fire Rescue Wellness shares huge insights, her journey through fire and more!
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.
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:26:06
Ep. 030 | Hard Work, Dedication, and Mental Resilience: Insights from a Fire Chief's Journey with Chief Dennis Reilly
“Firefighting is a serious business, and it requires continuous commitment to knowledge, skills, and abilities.” Dennis ReillyCalling all firefighters and those looking to level up their personal growth! ...
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Season 3
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Episode 0
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1:56:47
Ep. 029 | Writing for Our Mental Health with Dr. Trevor Kauer
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 fi...
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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1:16:44
Ep. 028 | Breaking the Stigma: First Responder Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
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 Tr...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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2:37:02
Ep. 027 | Enhancing Firefighter Health and Wellness: A Conversation with Nick Magoteaux & Jim Burneka
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 firefig...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:18:31
Ep. 026 | The Inner Compass: Exploring Spirituality in Life & the Fire Service
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 ex...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:32:39
