"A Silent War Within" is the podcast about mental health that is dedicated to courageously confronting and destigmatizing mental health challenges faced by first responders, including EMS, fire, police, dispatch, and nurses. Our mission is to provide a safe, accessible platform where these heroes can find understanding, resources, and a supportive community for their mental well-being. We believe your service deserves unwavering support.
"THE ONLY EASY DAY WAS YESTERDAY." This powerful truth resonates deeply with every first responder and healthcare professional. You run towards chaos, witness the unimaginable, and carry burdens that most can't comprehend. But what happens when the battle you're fighting is within? When the silence becomes deafening, and the weight of the uniform feels too heavy to bear alone? Welcome to A Silent War Within, a podcast about mental health challenges faced by first responders. This isn't just a podcast; it's a lifeline, a community, and a movement born from lived experience and a fierce dedication to change. Our Purpose: Breaking the Silence, Building Resilience. For too long, the culture in public safety and healthcare has demanded invincibility. It's told us to "suck it up," to "leave it at the door," and to hide our struggles behind a facade of strength. But this culture of silence has come at an unbearable cost: careers lost, families fractured, and lives tragically cut short. A Silent War Within is here to dismantle that stigma. We believe that acknowledging struggle is not a weakness, but an act of profound courage. We are creating the essential space for honest conversations about: the unseen emotional and mental tolls of the job, the realities of cumulative trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and burnout, the impact of these battles on our personal lives and relationships, and most importantly, the pathways to healing, resilience, and unwavering support.
Growing up in the heart of Mississippi, Kevin has always been drawn to helping others, particularly first responders facing mental health challenges. His early career saw him spinning tunes and running a radio station at just 17 and 18, teaching him early lessons in leadership and responsibility. Feeling a deeper calling, he served as a youth minister before discovering a profound passion for emergency medicine while volunteering with his local fire department. Kevin dove headfirst into EMT school, graduating top of his class, and spent seven years as an EMT. Seeking more challenges, he excelled as a paramedic. Those early years were filled with adrenaline, long hours, and life-saving moments. A pivotal turning point came during a terrifying pediatric cardiac arrest call; the resilience of that child and the dedication of the medical team profoundly inspired him. Kevin then joined Pediflite, a critical care transport team, where he learned from the best. Prioritizing family, he transitioned to the Transfer Center with the birth of his son, Malachi, and his daughter, Addison. He thrived as a supervisor, continuing to lead by example, foster teamwork, and empower others. Now, with a Bachelor's degree under his belt and a Master's on the horizon, Kevin brings his 20 years of public service and his personal journey through the 'silent war' to the microphone, as he hosts a podcast about mental health dedicated to ensuring no hero fights alone. Outside of work, you'll find him grilling, exploring bourbon, or spending quality time with his family.
Kimberly Burgess is a dedicated Pediatric Transport Respiratory Therapist with 13 years of invaluable experience in NICU and pediatric critical care. Her unwavering commitment to helping children and offering them hope drives her work, rooted in the belief that all children deserve a safe haven and a strong advocate standing behind them. In addition to her clinical expertise, Kimberly is a passionate mental health advocate, particularly for first responders. Her advocacy emerged from a personal understanding of the significant lack of resources available for these individuals and bedside healthcare providers facing mental health challenges. She firmly believes that mental health and wellness is not a 'one size fits all' and champions diverse approaches, emphasizing the critical role of peer support and providing a safe space where people from all walks of life feel cared for and understood. Having navigated her own struggles with mental health, Kim is determined to ensure that others do not have to face their challenges alone or fear the stigma of speaking up. Her life mantra, 'Be the change you want to see in the world,' guides her personal and professional endeavors. Kimberly is currently pursuing her BS in Healthcare Administration at WGU. In her personal life, she is the proud wife of a firefighter/paramedic, a devoted mother to five children aged 15 to 23, and an energetic Mimi to a one-year-old granddaughter. When she is not caring for others, furthering her education, or hosting a podcast about mental health, Kimberly enjoys a variety of hobbies, including working out, kayaking, fishing, metal detecting, and cooking for a crowd.
MaKayla is our newest cohost. Working in the nursing field for the last ten years, she has experienced most nursing jobs out there. Her experience in large health systems across the country. Makes her the perfect co-host. Bringing years of in hospital bedside experience to our team.
