EPISODE · Sep 22, 2025 · 1H 17M
#400 Lt. Col. Dave Grossman Psychology of Service, Survival, Stress & the Warrior Mindset
from Firefighter Podcast · host Pete Wakefield
In this episode in joined by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. Retired U.S. Army Ranger, paratrooper, former West Point psychology professor and author of On Killing and On Combat walks us through how we unpack the psychology of stress, trauma, and resilience. Grossman has spent decades training military, law enforcement, and first responders on what actually happens to the mind and body under extreme pressure, from tunnel vision and time distortion to the adrenaline crash that follows a major incident. His insights reveal how we can prepare ourselves and our teams not only to survive high-stress encounters but to grow stronger from them.We explore the concept of the “bulletproof mind,” the science of stress inoculation, and the leadership practices that help protect responders long after the crisis ends. From tactical breathing and after-action reviews to the moral weight of service and survivor’s guilt, Grossman provides a framework for resilience that applies equally to the battlefield, the fireground, and everyday life. This conversation is about more than tactics, it’s about how to lead with empathy, build cultures of support, and navigate the realities of service in today’s world.You can find many of his books available on amazon HEREOr reach out to him HEREAccess all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREJoin me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HEREPODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydratedSend us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
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In this episode in joined by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. Retired U.S. Army Ranger, paratrooper, former West Point psychology professor and author of On Killing and On Combat walks us through how we unpack the psychology of stress, trauma, and resilience. Grossman has spent decades training military, law enforcement, and first responders on what actually happens to the mind and body under extreme pressure, from tunnel vision and time distortion to the adrenaline crash that follows a major i...
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#400 Lt. Col. Dave Grossman Psychology of Service, Survival, Stress & the Warrior Mindset
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