53 - Where are all the good leaders?

53 - Where are all the good leaders? ABOUT THIS EPISODE Today, my guest is Morgan Englund. He's a former actor turned paramedic and firefighter, and shares his experiences and insights on the challenges faced by first responders in terms of mental health and wellness. He discusses the toxic culture within the first responder community and the lack of support for mental health issues. Englund emphasizes the importance of peer support and vulnerability in changing this culture. He also shares his personal journey of healing, including his exploration of sound meditation and psychedelics. Englund calls for a shift in the culture of first responders to prioritize mental health and create a supportive environment. The conversation focuses on the need for better leadership in the fire department and the impact it has on the mental health and well-being of firefighters. The guest, Morgan Englund, shares personal experiences of mistreatment and lack of support from captains and supervisors. He emphasizes the importance of training captains to be leaders and creating a culture of support and vulnerability within the department. The conversation also touches on the need for change in the fire service as a whole and the role of frontline firefighters in driving that change. TAKEAWAYS The first responder community often lacks a supportive culture for mental health and wellness, with a focus on toughness and strength. Peer support and sharing lived experiences can be powerful tools for healing and creating a supportive environment. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as sound meditation and outdoor activities, can contribute to overall well-being. There is a need for a shift in the culture of first responders to prioritize mental health and create a safe space for vulnerability and support. The behavior and leadership of captains in the fire department significantly impact the mental health and well-being of firefighters. Training captains to be leaders and creating a culture of support and vulnerability is crucial for improving the work environment. There is a need for change in the fire service to prioritize the mental health and well-being of firefighters. Frontline firefighters can play a role in driving this change by advocating for better support and creating a sense of community within their teams.   ABOUT OUR GUEST Morgan Englund, a raw and dynamic speaker, draws every word from the depths of his being. Beginning his professional journey as a celebrated actor in the vibrant realm of New York television and theater, Morgan's life took a profound turn when faced with the challenge of providing a stable and loving home for his two young children amidst a failing marriage. Transitioning into the roles of a paramedic and firefighter, Morgan found solace in a stable career that also offered him the chance to selflessly aid strangers daily. Over two decades of tirelessly saving lives, extinguishing fires, and stemming the flow of blood, took their toll. Burnt out and grappling with deep depression, Morgan witnessed the tragic demise of friends and fellow first responders driven to take their own lives. Choosing to retire from the fire department, Morgan embarked on a personal journey of healing, profoundly impacted by the hopelessness and despair he had witnessed. Now committed to uplifting others from the depths of trauma, Morgan channels his experiences through engaging talks, sound meditation, and his own music. With an unwavering dedication, Morgan Englund is on a mission to make the world a better place, one person at a time. CONNECT WITH MORGAN https://morganenglund.com/ +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.