Surviving Your Shift, Building Responder Wellness

By: Dr. Bart J. Leger
  • Summary

  • Do you collapse after a grueling shift, too drained to enjoy dinner with family, or struggle to comfort a coworker after a tough call? As a retired first responder with 25+ years in traumatic stress, I understand. I’ve helped thousands navigate high-pressure jobs without treating life like a 911 call. Each week, you’ll hear unfiltered stories from those who’ve faced loss, trauma, and burnout yet found hope. Together, we’ll cover resilience, stress management, peer counseling, and more to help you thrive—on and off duty. Ready to reclaim energy and joy? Hit play, and let’s dive in.
    Dr. Bart J. Leger
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Episodes
  • 5 Steps to Protect Your Personal Time
    Jan 3 2025

    Coming home after a tough shift and still feeling “on the clock”?

    Today’s episode breaks down practical strategies to create boundaries between work and home, helping first responders reclaim personal time and be fully present for what matters most.

    Have you ever felt like work stress follows you home?

    It’s all too common for first responders and frontline professionals to replay calls, zone out, or snap at loved ones after a shift. Ignoring this problem can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and even physical health issues.

    But here’s the good news: You can set healthy boundaries between work and home life. In this episode, I’ll guide you through practical, actionable steps to help you integrate work and personal life in a sustainable way—so you can thrive at both.

    BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

    • How to decompress and transition from work mode to home mode.

    • The power of creating a “transition ritual” and how it can change your mindset.

    • Proven techniques to set limits on work texts, phone calls, and distractions at home.

    Healthy boundaries allow you to show up fully—not just for work but for the people who matter most in your life.

    CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

    The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: Episode 28: Finding Calm in the Chaos

    Transition Ritual Guide: Episode 1: Snapping at Your Family After Shift? Try This

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    11 mins
  • 5 Steps to Rewrite Your Story
    Nov 26 2024

    Do negative thoughts play over and over in your head after a tough call, wondering what you could’ve done differently?

    It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-criticism that erodes your confidence and makes it hard to move forward. That nagging voice in your head can feel like a constant weight pulling you down.

    But what if there was a way to break that loop and rewrite those stories? Cognitive Reframing can help you process those experiences in a healthier, more balanced way.

    BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

    • How to identify and challenge negative thoughts.

    • A step-by-step process to reframe those thoughts into opportunities for growth.

    • Practical tips to apply this skill in real-time.

    Negative thoughts don’t have to control your narrative. Shift your perspective and discover how to turn tough experiences into catalysts for growth.

    Liked this episode? Share it with someone who needs it! Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe for more actionable strategies.

    Connect with Dr. Bart J. Leger:

    Website: The Stress Care Doc

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleger/
    Facebook: @stresscaredoc

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    10 mins
  • Finding Calm in the Chaos
    Nov 19 2024

    Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant demands of the job? The fast pace, critical decisions, and unpredictable nature of frontline work can add up, even when we think we’re in control.

    Frontline work brings intense pressure, and managing stress is essential. In today’s episode, you’ll learn a quick, adaptable mindfulness technique that you can use anytime to find calm amidst chaos.

    Today’s episode introduces the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique, a powerful mindfulness exercise to bring focus and calm during high-stress moments. You can use it anytime, anywhere, to find clarity and reduce anxiety.

    BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

    • A simple mindfulness technique to manage stress in the moment

    • How to engage your senses to ground yourself and find focus

    • Practical steps to incorporate this exercise into your daily routine

    Remember, taking a moment for self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Try this technique the next time stress sneaks up on you.

    CONNECT WITH BART

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleger/ | https://stresscaredoc.com

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    8 mins

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