In the podcast episode titled "Creating Confidence from On Air with Yoga for First Responders, Olivia Mead and Eric Brenneman interview Rachel, a writer, copywriter, and YFFR instructor based in Utah. Rachel, is a graduate of Northwestern University's creative writing program and writes the award-winning yoga blog, Alive in the Fire. She is also the author of the book "Creating Confidence," which hit number one on the Amazon yoga section. The episode delves into various topics related to empowerment, embodiment, and transformation, making it a powerful and insightful conversation. Rachel's bo ..read more

In the latest episode of "On Air by YFFR," we had the pleasure of hosting Katrina Marsh, the founder of Busy Bee Studios. Katrina's journey is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and entrepreneurship, as she navigates the intersection of these two worlds while striving for personal growth and community impact. Preparing to Teach Yoga to First Responders: Katrina's journey with Yoga for First Responders (YFFR) began with a desire to expand her offerings and serve her community better. While she doesn't currently teach first responders, she has taken the proactive step of enrolling ..read more

A Police officer is involved in a foot chase. He sprints for about 400 meters and tackles a subject. Control is gained, the subject is secure, and now the Officer needs to "call it in". He activates the mic and starts to speak calmly… or so he thinks. In reality, it's more likely a jumbled mess of words, some shouting and maybe some cursing, punctuated with a lot of heavy panting and mouth breathing. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to access an important tool in the officer’s toolbox: tactical breathing. It’s time to access an important tool in the officer’s toolbox: tactical breathing. Anyon ..read more

In this episode, Olivia and Eric explore a topic close to our hearts - the challenges and dynamics of online yoga training compared to traditional in-person classes. They vividly paint the picture of the energetic and interactive nature of in-person teaching, where the teacher-student dialogue creates an immersive experience. The spontaneity and inspiration drawn from students' energy contribute to a vibrant and engaging class. Contrastingly, online teaching is portrayed as a potential challenge, where the instructor might feel reduced to a "robotic head in the corner of the screen."The absen ..read more

In this powerful episode, Olivia and Eric join Jeremy Sanders on the Crew First Culture podcast to discuss the importance of breath work and breathing techniques. They dive into the science behind these techniques and provide valuable insights on when and why to use them. Whether you're a first responder or someone looking to enhance your mental and physical resilience, this episode is a must-listen. Take a deep breath and press play to begin your training. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Breathwork is the Core of Yoga : We emphasize that breathwork isn't just a part of yoga; it's what diffe ..read more

As we enter a new year, it's a time of reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for what lies ahead. One profound yet often overlooked aspect of this journey is the power of our breath. Just as every inhale brings fresh energy, every exhale offers the chance to release what no longer serves us. As we strive for personal growth and resilience, familiarizing ourselves with the practice of breathwork can be a valuable tool. If you've been following us for some time, you may have heard us mention the Three-Part-Breath technique among others. Let's delve into how incorporating breathwork practi ..read more

In the last week of October, we highlight two YFFR instructors and Squad Leaders who share similar resilience and outlook around the battle that got them there. First, we heard from Sarah Hall, and now we will hear from Maggie Eastman. After reading their blogs, I ask you this: your most challenging trauma could be your greatest tool and teacher? In Hamlet, Shakespeare wrote, and Hamlet said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” I’d read that line a dozen times without it impacting me or leaving any mark on my psyche. It was a nice idea, but it didn’t apply to me. I ..read more

In the last week of October, we highlight two YFFR instructors and Squad Leaders who share similar resilience and outlook around the battle that got them there. First, we hear from Sarah Hall, and next, we will hear from Maggie Eastman. After reading their blogs, I ask you this: your most challenging trauma could be your greatest tool and teacher? Cancer is the best thing to have happened to me. Sounds contradictory, right? I realize that for many people, just the word “cancer” brings up thoughts and feelings that are negative and scary. Everyone has at least one connection to cancer. It is ha ..read more

In a recent episode of "On Air" by Yoga For First Responders, Hosts Olivia Mead and Eric Brenneman were joined by Maggie Eastman and Sarah Hall, both YFFR certified instructors and squad leaders. These two remarkable women are both breast cancer survivors who have emerged as advocates for others, drawing inspiration from stoic philosophy. Maggie Eastman, with over sixteen years of experience as a Telecommunicator, has been the reassuring voice behind 911 and non-emergency calls for first responders. During her tenure, she became a leader in her agency, leading the peer support team and contri ..read more

In this episode of "On Air" by Yoga for First Responders with hosts Olivia and Eric, the spotlight is on the powerful practice of incorporating yoga and mindfulness into our daily lives. The hosts share personal experiences, including a tale of unexpected adventures, to illustrate the analogy of life's twists and turns. They drive home the point that taking shortcuts or choosing an easier path might not yield the same beneficial results for our overall well-being. Olivia and Eric emphasize the significance of discovering our individual paths through life's unpredictable twists and turns, taki ..read more