Episodes
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What if some of life's hardest experiences could become catalysts for growth?
In this episode of Shift Happens, Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Director of Strategic Wellbeing (paramedic and psychotherapist0, Todd Wehr, explores the science of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), the positive psychological changes that can emerge after adversity. Through practical insights and real-world examples, Todd shares how challenges can reshape our perspective, strengthen relationships, deepen appreciation for life, and help us discover new possibilities.
The five domains of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) identified by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun are:
Greater appreciation of life – A deeper gratitude for being alive and a focus on what truly matters. Stronger relationships – Increased closeness, compassion, and connection with others. Personal strength – Recognising "I am stronger than I thought I was." New possibilities – Discovering new paths, opportunities, or directions in life. Spiritual or existential growth – A deeper sense of meaning, purpose, or understanding of life's big questions.Whether you've faced a personal setback, workplace challenge, or major life change, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and evidence-based strategies for navigating difficult times and finding growth on the other side.
Learn more:
QAS e-book - Finding the Silver LiningBook - Post Traumatic Growth
Post Traumatic Growth guidebook
We’d love to hear from you
Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at [email protected]
Support is always available
If this episode has raised anything for you:
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home or contact us at the email address above.Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance. Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley. Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Sound Engineering by East Coast Studio.
We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nick and Chloe share their raw and deeply personal journey through trauma, PTSD, and ADHD and the hope that can exist on the other side.
In this honest conversation, they open up about the impact trauma had on their lives, relationships, and mental health, what helped them through the darkest times, and why life really can get better. A powerful episode about struggle, recovery, love, and hope.
Learn more:
Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Brain injury rehabilitation resources for clients and families
We’d love to hear from you
Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at [email protected]
Support is always available
If this episode has raised anything for you:
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home or contact us at the email address above.Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance. Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley. Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Technical production by East Coast Studio.
We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Missing episodes?
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When it comes to longevity in emergency services, it’s not just about getting through the job, it’s about staying well for the long haul.
In this episode, Christian shares practical insights on building a sustainable career, from developing an identity beyond the uniform to managing stress and knowing when to reach out for support. He also reflects on what helps people stay and thrive in the profession over time.
If you want to keep showing up well, both on and off the road, this one’s for you.
Learn more:
The science of longevity - The Telomere EffectHaving a hobby outside work and wellbeing
We’d love to hear from you
Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at [email protected]
Support is always available
If this episode has raised anything for you:
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home. This includes the Injury Prevention Specialists/Exercise Physiologists for your individual movement needs or to join our perinatal support group.Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance. Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley. Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Technical production by East Coast Studio.
We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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What if one of the most powerful tools for your mental health wasn’t another app, strategy, or course… but something as simple as moving your body?
In this episode, we sit down with Steph Gill our very own Injury Prevention Specialist to explore the science behind how exercise supports mental health, especially in high-pressure roles like emergency services.
We unpack why movement isn’t just about physical fitness, but a critical foundation for emotional wellbeing, stress regulation, and long-term resilience in the job.
In this episode, we explore:
Why the mind–body split matters for mental health How exercise changes your brain and boosts mood The role of movement in conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and schizophrenia Practical ways to stay active in a busy, shift-based life Using exercise to support, manage, and protect your mental healthTakeaway
You don’t need to overhaul your life to improve your mental health.
Sometimes, the most powerful shift is simply this: move your body, regularly, in a way that works for you.
Learn more:
Exercise can treat and prevent depression and anxietyImproving your mental health through exercise
We’d love to hear from you
Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team [email protected]
Support is always availableIf this episode has raised anything for you:
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home. This includes the Injury Prevention Specialists/Exercise Physiologists for your individual movement needs or to join our perinatal support group.Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance.Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley.Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham.Technical production by East Coast Studio.
We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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What can paramedics, in fact anyone who wants to be a high performer, learn from elite sport?
Olympian Jo Brigden Jones shares how high-performance principles translate directly to frontline work. We explore mental conditioning, managing setbacks, staying focused under pressure, and building sustainable performance across a career.
Jo discusses practical strategies for managing fatigue, navigating emotional setbacks, and protecting wellbeing, simple tools for night shift and an indulgent cookie recipe for treat occasions.
She also shares her top three non-negotiables for staying mentally strong and physically capable in high-pressure environments.
Learn more:
The Resilience Project The imperfects podcast The Female Athlete projectGrowth Mindset (Mindset theory)
We’d love to hear from you
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at
[email protected]Support is always available
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
If this episode has raised anything for you:Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance.
Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge
With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley.
Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham.
Technical production by East Coast Studio.We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Self-criticism is common in emergency services, particularly among people who care deeply and hold themselves to high standards.
In this first episode of Shift Happens, we’re joined by Critical Care Paramedic Dave Ipsen for an open and grounded conversation about self-criticism: where it comes from, how it shows up on shift and at home, and why being hard on yourself doesn’t actually lead to better performance.
Together, we explore practical ways to recognise self-critical thinking, respond with greater self-compassion, and develop a more supportive inner voice, without lowering standards or losing what makes you good at your job.
This episode is for anyone who’s replayed a job, doubted themselves, or felt the pressure to always be better.
Learn more:
Self-Compassion - Information, community, learning
Research on self-compassion and how it protects the mental health of first responders
Research on how mindfulness and self-compassion could potentially decrease functional disability in returning veterans with PTSD symptoms.
We’d love to hear from you
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at
[email protected]Support is always available
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
If this episode has raised anything for you:Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance.
Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge
With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley.
Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham.
Technical production by East Coast Studio.We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Meet the voices behind the podcast and get a feel for what’s ahead: expert insights, practical tools, and real conversations shaped by the realities of shift work, high-pressure environments, and caring for others.
Whether you’re on the road, behind the screens, or supporting those who are, Shift Happens is about learning, sharing, and making positive change — one episode at a time.
Welcome to Shift Happens — a podcast dedicated to wellbeing in emergency services.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
