Kenny Schroeder: Reaching a Breaking Point and the Courage to Find a Path Forward

Today I am talking to Kenny Schroeder. He has 30 years in fire service and is currently a Lieutenant with the Fort Mitchell, Kentucky Fire Department. Kenny is also a dedicated advocate for first responder wellness and peer support, working to make sure others have access to resources and don’t have to face their hardest moments alone.In this conversation, Kenny shares what happened after he stepped away from the career that had shaped so much of his identity – and how that transition and the stress form the job led him into a deeply personal struggle with his mental health.He speaks candidly about what it means to reach a breaking point and the courage it takes to keep going and choose a different path forward.This is a meaningful conversation. I learned so much from Kenny. I’m really glad you’re here for it.Kenny Schroeder | LinkedInFirst Responder Health and Wellness Services | KYFRPSTTri-State First Responder Peer Support Team - HomeSAVE A WARRIOR™ – We Came Back For YouDetails about adding stellate ganglion block (SGB) to standard trauma treatment:Who Doesn’t Want to Feel Better Faster? - JAMES LYNCH, MDKEYWORDS firefighter mental health, trauma recovery, Save a Warrior, peer support, resilience, mental wellness, first responder culture KEY TOPICS Kenny's journey into firefighting and mental healthThe impact of trauma and burnout on first respondersThe role of Save a Warrior in recoveryImportance of vulnerability and peer supportStrategies for ongoing mental wellness and resilience SOUND BITES "It's okay to not be okay.""We can just be ourselves.""You're not alone." CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Firefighting Dreams05:13 The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter08:01 Retirement and Identity Crisis10:42 Struggles with Mental Health13:36 Seeking Help and Finding Resources16:51 The Impact of Save a Warrior Program19:29 Transformation and Personal Growth22:47 Present and Future Aspirations29:58 Transformative Journeys: From Brokenness to Healing37:31 Daily Practices: Building a New Life45:40 Resources and Support: Finding Help50:51 The Human Experience: Embracing Vulnerability