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‘We are anti-fragile’: How firefighters can get stronger through challenges

Dr. Derrick Edwards – a firefighter, professor, counselor and chaplain – details psych concepts that impact firefighter work and home life

Today’s episode digs into a variety of psychological concepts that impact firefighter work and home life, all courtesy of Dr. Derrick Edwards, a nearly 20-year fire service veteran who also serves as a professional counselor and a mental health service provider. Dr. Edwards introduces a lot of new terms and concepts, including anti-fragile, psyche ache, urge-surfing, the end-of-days fallacy, and his favorite, the white bear, all to help us better understand ourselves – our emotions, reactions, stress and coping skills. Edwards – aka “Father ’Stache” – also shares how he became a fire service chaplain and why chaplaincy is so similar to counseling.

  • Don’t miss: The two root causes of anger
  • Episode power quote: “There’s more than one way to help someone, and no one way is for everyone.”
  • Hot seat sneak peek: Edwards’ favorite karaoke song

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Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
The USFA’s new branch chief for wildfire policy urges listeners who consider themselves to be “structure fire only” to adjust their mindset – and their tactics
The co-founder of HeartFit for Duty shares the common risk factors for cardiac and cancer challenges – and the simple exercise with the greatest impact
Recapping the themes that dominated events, headlines and kitchen table conversations, plus tips for how to thrive in 2025
Ventura Fire Captain Fernando Calderon explains how the survival challenge has made him a better company officer
Lautz describes extreme diets as “trying to get to a second-story window without a ladder,” which she combats through pro tips for making better choices on scene and at home
The former commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence shares critical leadership lessons
The Tucson fire chief details the fireground behaviors that raise his hackles
Gift options that will have you going back for seconds
UL’s FSRI research program manager talks fire dynamics, tactical decision-making and what aggressive firefighting means to him
The chief shares the album name that defines his career, the “opening act” who will improve the fire service in the years ahead, plus his encore