Minds on the Frontline Podcast

A Path to Resilience and Recovery

Geoff Lassers and Mike Mattern Episode 27

In this episode, we sit down with Skip O, a retired professional firefighter from Anderson, Indiana, and the host of the Burnt O-U-T Podcast. With 33 years of service, Skip brings a wealth of experience and insight into the challenges faced by frontline workers. His journey is marked by significant personal and professional trials, including battling alcoholism, drug addiction, and suicidal ideation, undergoing treatment at multiple centers, and surviving a heart attack at 34 years old. Sober since February 2000, Skip's story is one of resilience, recovery, and dedication to giving back to the community.

 

During this episode, Skip shares his powerful experiences, the origin and purpose of the Burnt O-U-T Podcast, and he offers invaluable insights for department leaders on supporting the mental and behavioral health of their personnel. This episode underscores the critical importance of community and support systems in maintaining well-being for those on the front lines.

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis - work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.

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