In episode 14, I have a serious, yet uplifting discussion with firefighter and EMT-P, Brandon Dreiman of Local 416. In 2012, after many years of numerous trauma experiences that began at age 16, Brandon was surprised by a random drug and alcohol screening. He blew positive. He received a suspension. It opened his eyes after years of abuse. I learned …
Episode 13: Officer Scott Medlin | K-9 Identity Crisis
In this episode of “Get Balanced,” host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson is speaking with former canine Officer Scott Medlin. Scott’s realized his dream years ago of working with his canine partner and catching the bad guys. After the birth of his first son in 2015, Scott’s wife helped him realize how he failed to be present with his family. Physically present …
Episode 12: Deputy Chief Ian Emmons | Blessed in Marriage
In this episode of “Get Balanced,” host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson is speaking with Deputy Chief of Operations Ian Emmons of Washington Township Fire near Dayton, Ohio. Deputy Chief Emmons discusses how having a common set of goals with his wife is one of their secrets to a happy marriage. He shares how he supports his wife’s goals, how she supports …
Episode 11: Chief Neil Gang | Faith, Family, Intentional Living
In this episode of “Get Balanced,” host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson is speaking with Penole, CA Police Chief Neil Gang. A single father of two children shares his stories of faith, family, and intentional living. He summarizes his leadership in four words, “Love God, Love People”. There’s so much more to Chief Neil than the badge. For instance, he strongly encourages …
Episode 10: Dr. Donnie Hutchinson | Work-Life Balance Discussion
In this episode of “Get Balanced,” host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson discusses his beliefs and research around work-life balance. This is episode #10 and in every tenth episode, Dr. Donnie will provide a solo piece on work-life balance and how it relates to first responders. Listen as he discusses three universal work-life conflicts and his methodology on work-life balance. Balance for …
Episode 9: Battalion Chief Andy Starnes | Save Your Family
In this episode of “Get Balanced,” host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson is speaking with Battalion Chief Andy Starnes. He shares his vulnerabilities and accountabilities regarding his family, faith, and career. The chief takes a deep dive into how his loving wife gave him a wake-up call early in his career. As a result, the Lord convicted him as he sought advice …
Episode 8: Joseph Imperatrice | Blue Lives Matter NYC
In episode 8 of the “Get Balanced,” podcast, host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson is speaking with Sgt. Joe Imperatrice of the NYPD and co-founder of Blue Lives Matter, NYC. Joe is a well-known contributor to the Fox News channel where he enjoys sharing his insights on Fox & Friends. The Get Balanced podcast digs into Joe’s work-life balance philosophies. He discusses …
Episode 7: Chief Raymond Garivey Jr | Working for God
In this episode of “Get Balanced,” host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson is speaking with Freeport Police Chief Raymond Garivey Jr. He experienced the remarkable privilege of working with an Angel of God, Abigail Arias. He is relentless in living Abigail’s legacy by sharing his blessings with kids in need, police officers, community, and his family. Chief Garivey shares his personal stories …
Episode 6: Lt. Joe Lennon FDNY | Know Who You Are
In this episode of “Get Balanced,” host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson is speaking with Lt. Joe Lennon with FDNY. Lt. Lennon is a firefighter and a Mental Health Counselor with FDNY. He also serves as an IAFF Lead Instructor for Peer Support training. Lt. Lennon shares advice on finding your own identity. For instance, although I listed what Lt. Lennon does …
Episode 5: Chief Todd LeDuc | Hard Charger to Servant Leader
In this episode of “Get Balanced,” host Dr. Donnie Hutchinson is speaking with Retired Chief Todd LeDuc. Chief serves as a board member for the IAFC, book editor of Surviving the Fire Service, and is the Chief Strategy Officer for Life Scan Wellness. Chief LeDuc believes in putting family and wellness as top priorities. Although, he shares how unplugging from …