Finding Strength Podcast
Finding Strength Podcast
105: Forged in Resilience: Behavioral Health, Peer Support, and Recovery - John Gallup
105: Forged in Resilience: Behavioral Health, Peer Support, and Recovery - John Gallup
105: Forged in Resilience: Behavioral Health, Peer Support, and Recovery - John Gallup
Monday 25th August 2025
Join John Gallup as he shares his journey of recovery and resilience, highlighting the importance of peer support in firefighters' mental health.
Explicit
61 minutes
informative
hopeful
emotional
inspiring
About this podcast
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
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Episodes:
104 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Resilience and Recovery with John Gallup
Episode Overview
- John Gallup shares his personal struggle with alcoholism.
- The role of peer support in firefighter communities.
- Innovative approaches to behavioral health.
- The importance of resilience and community.
- John's mission to foster hope and connection.
I occupy space in this world. I get to own this space. I don't have to ask anybody's permission to be me.
In this compelling episode of the Finding Strength Podcast, hosts Matt Quackenbush and Brindy K welcome Battalion Chief John Gallup, a key figure in advancing mental health support within the firefighter community. John shares his deeply personal journey of battling alcoholism, offering a raw and honest account of the challenges faced by many first responders. John's story is one of resilience and recovery.
He talks about the pivotal moments in his life, from the depths of despair to finding hope through community and peer support. His experiences illustrate the often unspoken struggles of firefighters, who are frequently exposed to traumatic events and stressors as part of their job. Gallup emphasizes the importance of mental health resources and the role of peer support teams, which provide an essential lifeline for those in need.
The episode also sheds light on the innovative efforts of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Behavioral Health Committee, co-chaired by John. This initiative aims to create a culture of openness and support, fostering an environment where first responders can seek help without stigma. Through training and outreach programs, such as the Resilience in Action Tour, John and his team work to build stronger, more connected firefighter communities.
Listeners are invited to reflect on the power of community and the impact of collective support. John's mission is clear: to transform the way mental health is perceived and addressed in firefighting, ensuring that every individual has access to the resources they need to thrive. His journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability, resilience, and the profound impact of peer support.
The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange between Matt and John, underscoring the value of humility and the importance of recognizing one's worth. John's closing remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity: "We is greater than me."