Show notes
In Episode 97 of Beneath the Helmet, Arjuna George sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Hector Rodriguez, founder of White Butterfly Clinic, for a grounded conversation on healing the soul through psychiatry, trauma awareness, and human connection.Dr. Rodriguez shares how trauma patterns show up in the brain, why emotional intelligence is neurological and trainable, and how curiosity, lifestyle, and connection support healing. This episode explores Big T, middle T, and little t trauma, somatic symptoms, moral injury, and the challenges first responders face during major transitions like retirement.This conversation is especially relevant for firefighters, first responders, leaders, and anyone navigating chronic stress, trauma responses, or identity shifts.Guest Information:White Butterfly ClinicWebsite: whitebutterflyclinic.comFree digital magazine available on the site.Dr. Rodriguez works with clients worldwide, providing psychiatry services in Florida and California, and consulting with medical teams globally.Host Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret) 🚨 JOIN THE BTH COMMUNITY 📝 Podcast Newsletter: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 📨 LinkedIn Podcast Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321✅Become a BTH Ambassador for a one-time contribution of $23. Your Ambassador contribution supports the behind-the-scenes work that keeps this project alive. Click here to support the show 📺 WATCH & LISTEN 🌐 Full Episodes & Show Notes: www.beneaththehelmet.ca ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow?sub_confirmation=1 🔥 SOCIALS & CONTACT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet 📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected] Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction01:40 – Dr. Hector Rodriguez’s path to psychiatry03:00 – Psychiatry as the medical treatment of the soul06:00 – Trauma, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence09:00 – How the brain responds to trauma11:00 – Assessing trauma through conversation, blood work, and SPECT scans14:00 – The cerebellum, balance, and trauma patterns20:00 – Treating the soul and the importance of human connection24:00 – Moral injury and first responders29:00 – Big T, middle T, and little t trauma explained35:00 – Somatic symptoms and misunderstood trauma responses38:00 – Curiosity as a healing force for the brain47:00 – Retirement, identity, and dopamine loss50:00 – Coaching, purpose, and life after the uniform53:00 – Breaking stigma around psychiatry and seeking support58:00 – How to connect with Dr. Rodriguez and closing reflectionsIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Beneath the Helmet, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway.
