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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
With most lawsuits stemming from within the FD, officers must learn to identify and manage the conflict-seeking members most likely to turn problems into litigation
Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone detail how SDFR shows its members ‘we’re focused on you’
Ibrahim details his own mayday experience and shares his take on proactive vs. reactive RIT
After Kentucky Assistant Chief Chip Terry died by suicide, his widow made it her mission to help first responders get the help they need for PTSD
The IAFC’s technology advisor encourages fire service leaders to apply this simple mantra to embracing new tools
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