On The Line

In this, the tenth and final podcast of On the Line season three, Patty and her doctoral advisor Dr. Duncan Campbell join host Charlie Palmer to discuss some of her groundbreaking findings, and to chart out a course for future steps.

he human brain is the most resilient organ in the body. Yet, even it is susceptible to harm, not only from outside physical sources, but from internal mechanisms as well. Due to the nature of the work they do, wildland firefighters can be exposed to traumatic events. These incidents may have an impact upon our mental and behavioral health.

Tune in for this special Season 3 bonus podcast when journalist Ali Pattillo joins the program to discuss her recent article regarding wildland firefighter mental health with host Charlie Palmer and cohost Brent Ruby. https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/wildland-firefighters-are-burning-out This podcast was made possible in part through support from the U. S. Forest Service and the University of Montana. The UM is an equal opportunity provider.

A member of the class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), is one of the most widely used over the counter medications in the world. It is quite effective for treating pain, reducing fever, and lessening inflammation in the body.

Athletic trainers (AT’s) are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention and care of injuries. While they’re a familiar presence in sporting environments, they do not have a large footprint working with tactical populations. Although the U. S. military has begun to hire more of them, wildland fire has not followed suit. Yet. Dr. Valerie Moody from the University of Montana Athletic Training Education Program and Athletic Trainer Bella Callis join the podcast to talk about the profession.

Although only about the size of a mouse turd, Dendroctonus ponderosae, also known as the Mountain Pine Beetle, has been responsible for what is being called the largest insect blight ever recorded in North America. Millions and millions of trees have been killed through infestation, which has led to massive forest ecosystem changes. Dr. Diana Six from the University of Montana’s joins the podcast to share her world renowned expertise about this fascinating creature.

19th Century American bars would often times offer a “free lunch” as an attempt to entice drinking customers in to their establishments. The catch was that patrons usually had to purchase at least one drink, and often times the foods served were high in salt content, thus leading to more thirst and higher beer sales. In response, economists of the era created there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. Wildland fire has its own version of the free lunch.

After the podcast episode “Smart and Smarter” came out during Season 2 of On The Line (with guest Drs. LLoyd Queen and Carl Seielstad) firefighter/scientist Casey Teske provided us with some awesome feedback when she suggested we also talk with the guys about drones. Casey, thanks for the great idea! We got one of them (Carl) along with another National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis employee, the uber talented Tim Wallace, to tell us about drones...

Running. It’s part of the fire culture. Whether it’s to stay in shape, to prepare for the pack test, or just for enjoyment, firefighters run, and far. Yet, how well does running translate to the specific job duties of the wildland firefighter, and what are some strategies for running injury-free?University of Montana professors Matt Bundle and Chuck Dumke join the podcast to answer these questions, and many others. Check it out!

Relationships are tough enough as it is to maintain successfully. With wildland firefighters, factors like unpredictable work schedules, absences, and communication challenges due to remote work environments can complicate matters even more. And yet, beside many firefighters stand strong, resilient partners who are able to successfully navigate these challenges. Smokejumper wives Korey Wolferman and Tobi Kearns join the podcast to talk about what life is like for “the other half.”

Transitions can be a challenging time, whether they be when a fire is changing classification type, or when firefighters are moving into retirement. Recently retired Missoula Smokejumpers Mitch Kearns and Keith “Skid” Wolferman join the podcast to talk about how the retirement process went for them. They also weigh in on mentoring and leadership, and Skid brings listeners up to speed on his upcoming D-Day re-enactment jump into Normandy.

This is it, the tenth and final podcast of Season 2. Critical Incident Stress Management, or CISM, is a process designed for helping those who have experienced traumatic events be able to share their perspectives with others, learn about common stress reactions, express emotions, and obtain information about follow up assistance that might be available. Heath Cota from the Forest Service and Asad Rahman from the BLM join the podcast to share their perspectives about CISM.

After a somewhat lengthy Season 2 hiatus, “On The Line” is back with a brand new podcast. United States Senator Jon Tester from the state of Montana joins the program from Washington, D. C. to talk about the importance of funding for wildland fire, what is happening right now in DC that might be relevant to firefighters, and how those of us involved in wildland fire can better work together to support the health and safety of our nation’s first responders.

The original Jose’s Bag podcast had such stellar and rave reviews (fake news?), that we are back with another installment. In Jose’s Bag 2.0, Luke Alford from the University of Montana’s Health and Human Performance Department steps in for Jose, and he is joined by host Charlie Palmer and UM exercise physiologist/sport nutritionist Dr. Chuck Dumke to examine and discuss four items: coffee, Copenhagen, Vitamin C, and coconut oil.

Prodigious friends Drs. LLoyd Queen and Carl Seielstad from UM’s National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis stumble across a suitcase full of questions posed to them by podcast host Charlie Palmer. The pair, who live dual lives as both fire scientists and fire managers, have their patience and their brains tested as they contend with Palmer’s at times sophomoric queries.