Show notes
From the Ashes: Justin Champion on Trauma, Recovery, and Mental Health in the Fire ServiceOvercoming PTSD: A Firefighter's Journey - Beneath the Helmet Season 3What happens when a firefighter who’s always been the one saving others finds himself in need of rescue? In this compelling episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George speaks with Justin Champion—a veteran, firefighter, and founder of From the Ashes—who opens up about his personal battle with PTSD, burnout, and the hidden toll of a life in service.From multiple military deployments to years in the fire service, Justin’s experiences are both harrowing and inspiring. He shares how the accumulation of trauma affected his career, relationships, and mental health—and how he reached a turning point by calling what he calls a “mental mayday.” Through therapy, faith, and a renewed sense of purpose, Justin not only rebuilt his life but is now helping others in the fire service do the same.If you’re a firefighter, first responder, or someone who supports them, this conversation will give you practical tools for caring for your own mental health and supporting your brothers and sisters in the field. Justin dives into culture change in the fire service, the role of senior firefighters, and the importance of family wellbeing. His message is clear: it’s okay not to be okay, and asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do.Watch now to gain powerful insights, share this episode with your crew, and help break the stigma around mental health in the fire service. Don’t forget to subscribe to Beneath the Helmet for more real stories, leadership lessons, and wellness strategies for firefighters and first responders.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:53 Meet Justin Champion01:24 Justin's Personal Journey02:23 The Role of Faith03:50 Experiencing Trauma07:23 Seeking Help and Recovery11:37 Changing Fire Service Culture15:12 Addressing Mental Health Gaps17:49 The Importance of Senior Firefighters22:56 Approaching Stoic Firefighters23:54 Reaching Out to a Friend in Need24:47 The Importance of Being Real25:24 Meeting People Where They're At26:45 Breaking the Stigma in the Fire Service27:11 The Bravery of Asking for Help33:30 Daily Practices for Mental Wellness38:34 Supporting Your Family's Mental Health44:29 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Justin [email protected] of From the AshesArjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshorts 📨Linkedin Podcast Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321📝Join the BTH Newsletter at https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe📺Watch or Listen to all the episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca📩 Email Host: [email protected]
