Parenting as a first responder. Episode 5 - Forged by the Fire podcast

Episode 5 - We talk with Dunny and Mark about how they bring their best as a dad while facing many challenges of being a firefighter. Covering shift work, dealing with traumatic work incidents and fatigue, they share openly about the challenges and their strategies for being present with their kids. Brendon Dunn (Dunny) - firefighter in Tauranga, mental health advocate within the brigade, and always keen for a yarn. Mark O'Conner - firefighter from Rotorua, active and passionate about peer support and an all round great guy#mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #parenting  #bbq...............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.