On Air by Yoga For First Responders

Hosted by Yoga For First Responders

Health Fitness Education

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Aug 2026

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About the show

On Air by Yoga For First Responders, shines a light on the importance of mental health and wellness for public safety personnel. In this show, we explore the world of yoga and its powerful impact on first responders, all while maintaining a sense of humor and lightheartedness because let's face it, we don't take ourselves too seriously. You know all too well the toll that the job can take on your mental and emotional well-being. That's why we're here to help you find balance and peace of mind through the modality of yoga. We'll be chatting with experts in the field, sharing stories and insights from real-life first responders, and offering practical tips and techniques to help you take control of your mental health and wellness. So, join us as we delve into the world of yoga and its transformative power for first responders. We're here to help you unleash resilience amidst the chaos.

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60 recent

August 16, 202615 min

QC- We're Not Doing Anything Until We Take Three Breaths

"We're not doing anything until we take three breaths." That's what Olivia said to her three-year-old mid-meltdown— and it's the line she realized she needs to say to herself a lot more often, too. In this week's QuickCast episode, Olivia unpacks how a toddler's emotional morning connected to something she's been thinking and teaching about for years: the boundaries we need with ourselves, not just with other people. She breaks down why regulation isn't the same as relaxation, what "autonomic fitness" actually means, and why the goal isn't a stress-free life — it's a nervous system that can move through activation and back into regulation, on demand, in real time. You'll hear about: Why "just breathe" is useless advice (you're already breathing) The difference between outward-facing boundaries and the internal ones we rarely talk about Why these practices only work if you train them before the chaos hits, not during it Listen now and learn the value of stopping to inhale, hold, and exhale. Interested in learning more about resilience and regulation in everyday life? Follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast: yogaforfirstresponders.org Instagram: @yogaforfirstresponders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YogaForFirstResponders/ Mentioned in this episode: YFFR Virtual Instructor School Sign up for YFFR Virtual Instructor School now through August 31st and enroll for the coaching track ($250 Value) at no additional cost! https://www.yogaforfirstresponders.org/virtual-instructor-school

August 9, 20262 hr 0 min

Healing the Healers: Mental Health in Medicine with Jonna Meyer

Not every career change is about chasing something new. Sometimes it's about saving yourself. This week on Yoga for First Responders On Air , Olivia and Eric sit down with registered nurse, YFFR instructor, and resilience advocate Jonna Meyer to discuss what happens when your identity becomes your profession—and why walking away from the career you thought defined you can become the healthiest decision you ever make. Jonna shares her journey from growing up in rural Missouri, becoming a young mother, and building a career in neonatal and critical care transport to recognizing the toll chronic stress had taken on her own life. She opens up about ACEs, burnout, compassion fatigue, mental health, and why she's now pursuing psychiatric mental health as the next chapter of her career. This conversation explores: Building resilience before burnout happens Mental health in healthcare and first responder professions The importance of peer support Why Yoga for First Responders Instructor School changed her perspective Creating a career that supports your wellbeing Whether you work in EMS, nursing, fire service, law enforcement, healthcare, or simply want to understand how resilience is built, this episode offers practical insights and an honest reminder that caring for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. Stay connected with Jonna Meyer: The Station 10 Foundation Rekindled Wellness Mentioned in this episode: YFFR Virtual Instructor School Sign up for YFFR Virtual Instructor School now through August 31st and enroll for the coaching track ($250 Value) at no additional cost! https://www.yogaforfirstresponders.org/virtual-instructor-school

August 2, 20261 hr 4 min

From Student to Teacher: Linzie's First Live Class

What happens when a Yoga for First Responders Instructor School graduate teaches her very first in-person class? In this episode, Olivia sits down with firefighter recruit and YFFR instructor Linzie immediately after stepping off the mat to reflect on the experience. Together, they unpack what effective teaching really looks like, why verbal cueing matters, and how curiosity is one of the most powerful tools we can develop. The conversation expands beyond yoga into communication, leadership, first responder culture, and the science behind why YFFR Instructor School is intentionally designed more like an academy than a traditional yoga teacher training. You'll also hear: Why intention and impact are two different things How verbal coaching creates better instructors Linzie's update on her firefighter hiring process Practical advice for bringing resilience training into your own department At the end of this episode, you'll hear the full audio from Linzie's class so you can experience her teaching for yourself. If you've ever wondered what the transition from YFFR Instructor School to working Instructor is really like, this episode offers a firsthand look inside the process. Learn more about Yoga for First Responders and Instructor School at yogaforfirstresponders.org Mentioned in this episode: YFFR Virtual Instructor School Sign up for YFFR Virtual Instructor School now through August 31st and enroll for the coaching track ($250 Value) at no additional cost! https://www.yogaforfirstresponders.org/virtual-instructor-school

July 26, 20269 min

QC- Information Isn't Transformation: Why Explaining Doesn't Changing Anyone

What if the sentence that changed how you teach could also change how you heal? In this week's Quickcast, Olivia shares the moment a simple piece of feedback — "telling isn't teaching" — flipped her entire approach to yoga instruction. She unpacks why information alone never changes behavior, why emotion is what turns information into memory, and how a trip to see Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey reminded her that plot isn't the same as experience. Then she brings it home to the mat: your tight hamstring isn't just a tight hamstring. Your breath in Warrior Two isn't just a breathing cue. Every pose can become part of a bigger story, and that's where real, lasting change for first responders begins. Listen now and learn how your own hero's journey starts with one simple change. Interested in becoming a YFFR Instructor? Visit YogaForFirstResponders.org to learn more about Instructor School programs and online trainings. https://www.instagram.com/yogaforfirstresponders https://www.facebook.com/YogaForFirstResponders

July 19, 20269 min

QC- From the Vault: Virtual Instructor School Reflections with Peggy Cash

This week, we're taking you back to one of the earliest conversations in Yoga For First Responders On Air. Originally released as Season 1, Episode 25, this Quickcast features highlights from a conversation with Peggy Cash, capturing the early days of what was then called the Instructor School Bridge Course—now known as Virtual Instructor School. Together with Eric and Olivia, Peggy discusses what makes YFFR Instructor School unique, why mentorship matters, how the program fits into busy schedules, and why maintaining high standards has always been central to YFFR's mission. Years later, this conversation serves as both a time capsule and a reminder that while our programs have evolved, our commitment to supporting first responders has remained the same. In this episode: Peggy's path to YFFR The limitations of traditional yoga teacher training Why YFFR focuses on evidence-based instruction Building an instructor community rooted in excellence Interested in starting your own Virtual Instructor School Journey? Head to https://www.yogaforfirstresponders.org/virtual-instructor-school for more info!

July 12, 202651 min

From Applicant to Future Firefighter: Following the Fire with Linzie

After months of preparation, testing, interviews, and uncertainty, Linzie receives the phone call she's been hoping for: a conditional offer to join the fire academy. In this episode of Yoga For First Responders On Air , Olivia and Linzie sit down to unpack everything that's happened since the interview: getting the unexpected phone call, processing imposter syndrome, preparing for psychological evaluations, and facing the uncertainty of what's still to come before the academy begins. They also have an honest conversation about what it's like entering a male-dominated profession, finding confidence without ego, and why "quiet confidence" may be one of the most valuable leadership skills a future firefighter can develop. If you've ever questioned whether you belong, wondered why you were chosen, or found yourself preparing for a life-changing opportunity, this conversation is for you. Interested in following along with Linzie's Journey? Follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast: yogaforfirstresponders.org https://www.instagram.com/yogaforfirstresponders/ https://www.facebook.com/YogaForFirstResponders/ Mentioned in this episode: A Lifetime of Resilience Training 1 Time Cost! Get lifetime access to our YFFR U4L platform for just $100 today! This is a $497 value for only $100! Even if you're not ready to start training, you can't pass up this offer before it's gone we only have a few dozen left at this price and it'll be gone forever! YFFR U4L First 100

June 28, 202627 min

From the Field: Learning to Lead and Take Up Space

Leadership isn't just about what you know...it's about how you're willing to show up. In this candid From the Field conversation, Olivia Mead and Jess Gannon pull back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes before YFFR Instructor School begins. Fresh off two neural meditations, they unpack limiting beliefs around visibility, authenticity, self-worth, and the fear of taking up space. Their conversation explores how doing your own inner work allows you to better serve others—and why the best instructors aren't the loudest people in the room, but the ones willing to lead authentically. If you've ever questioned whether you're qualified, struggled with imposter syndrome, or found yourself shrinking to make others comfortable, this episode is for you. Interested in becoming a YFFR Instructor? Visit YogaForFirstResponders.org to learn more about Instructor School programs and online trainings.

June 21, 202643 min

Pencils, Scantrons, and Firefighter Dreams: Following the Fire with Linzie

What happens after the physical test? Fresh out of her written exam, Linzie joins Olivia to break down her experience—from the testing room experience and how she managed her stress to what comes next in the hiring process. This candid conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of pursuing a career in the fire service while highlighting the importance of preparation, confidence, and honest self-assessment. Whether you're preparing for a firefighter hiring process, considering a career in public safety, or simply interested in human performance under pressure, this episode offers a real look at what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Interested in following along with Linzie's Journey? Follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast: yogaforfirstresponders.org https://www.instagram.com/yogaforfirstresponders/ https://www.facebook.com/YogaForFirstResponders/ Mentioned in this episode: LUMEBOX: $260 Off of Lumebox click the link and use code:yogaforfirstresponders https://thelumebox.com/pages/lb68/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=3&affid=4521&discount=yogaforfirstresponders

June 14, 202611 min

Running on Empty: Burnout vs Under Recovery

Are you burned out...or are you simply under-recovered? In this week's Quickcast, Olivia explores a common mistake many first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and high-performers make: confusing burnout with a lack of recovery. She breaks down the critical differences between the two, explains the warning signs your body sends when it's running at a deficit, and shares practical ways to restore your resilience before exhaustion turns into true burnout. You'll learn: • The difference between burnout and under-recovery • How to recognize nervous system warning signs • The simple question that can help you identify what you actually need • Practical recovery tools you can implement today Recovery isn't weakness. Recovery is training. Listen now and start your journey. Learn more about Yoga for First Responders and access recovery tools, courses, and training at yogaforfirstresponders.org Don't forget to like and subscribe for more weekly episodes about resilience and regulation! Mentioned in this episode: June Breathe Tactically Challenge Sign up for the Breathe Tactically 21-Day Challenge (starting June 1st): https://university.yogaforfirstresponders.org/breathe-tactically-challenge-sign-up

June 7, 202648 min

Do It Scared: Linzie's Test Day (Following the Fire)

What happens when months of preparation come down to one morning? In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Yoga For First Responders On Air, we're bringing you along for every moment of Linzie's test day. From the early morning nerves and nausea to the breathwork, mindset tools, waiting in the parking lot, and the moment when she finds out if she passes or fails. This isn't a polished recap after the fact. It's a real-time audio diary captured throughout the day, giving you an authentic look at the physical and mental demands firefighter candidates face during the hiring process. You'll hear: • Linzie's pre-test preparation and mindset strategies • Reflections from the parking lot while the testing unfolds • The reality of completing the PAC Test with a 45-pound vest • Linzie's final test result Most importantly, this episode reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is continuing forward despite it. Interested in following along with Linzie's Journey? Follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast: yogaforfirstresponders.org https://www.instagram.com/yogaforfirstresponders/ https://www.facebook.com/YogaForFirstResponders/ Mentioned in this episode: June Breathe Tactically Challenge Sign up for the Breathe Tactically 21-Day Challenge (starting June 1st): https://university.yogaforfirstresponders.org/breathe-tactically-challenge-sign-up

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