Life After Public Service
Life After Public Service
Podcast Description
Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of these stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. However, alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity: highlighting the positive impact these individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others, have moved in or out of public service roles or have successfully introduced an additional income stream alongside your public service role, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
Donna continues to add to her extensive academic achievements, experience and skills. She is working towards a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and offers support to individuals looking to find clarity in their careers, to reach their full career potential or to plan their exit with confidence.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide range of themes focused on personal stories from public service workers, such as experiences of trauma, career transitions, and the impact of public service on mental health. Specific episodes delve into topics like navigating career changes, the effects of COVID-19 on professional duties, and the challenges faced by first responders dealing with traumatic events.
Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.
She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of these stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. However, alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity: highlighting the positive impact these individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others, have moved in or out of public service roles or have successfully introduced an additional income stream alongside your public service role, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
Donna continues to add to her extensive academic achievements, experience and skills. She is working towards a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and offers support to individuals looking to find clarity in their careers, to reach their full career potential or to plan their exit with confidence.
Donna interviews Dan Holder, the founder of Arc Atomic Rambo Coaching, a company dedicated to helping individuals remove alcohol from their lives and improve their mental health. Dan shares his journey from serving in the Royal Marine Reserves to experiencing complex PTSD after a demanding tour in Afghanistan. He discusses the challenges he faced with alcohol as a coping mechanism and how he ultimately transformed his life through positive psychology and resilience training.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The coaching business emphasises building a community for veterans and others dealing with mental health issues, providing a space for individuals to share experiences and seek help.
The journey through PTSD involved various forms of therapy, including EMDR, which helped transform traumatic memories into manageable ones, leading to personal growth and resilience.
Alcohol was initially used to numb the effects of PTSD, but recognising its detrimental impact led to a commitment to sobriety, which became a catalyst for achieving personal goals, such as completing an Ironman.
The coaching approach is based on three pillars: Awareness, Resilience, and Commitment (ARK), which helps clients understand their situations, build resilience, and maintain accountability for their goals.
Plans are in place to establish a community interest company to provide structured support for veterans and others in need, ensuring that help reaches those who require it, beyond just financial assistance.
BEST MOMENTS
“I think if you want to deal with PTSD, quit drinking first, because then you’re actually full front going on to sort out PTSD.”
“Why do people always ask you the worst thing you’ve ever seen or done? Why not ask about the best thing you’ve ever done?”
“I always knew drink was an issue back then. It took me a long period of time to stop.”
“I just reframed PTSD. To me, that’s like post-traumatic growth. I’ve become a way better person because I suffered with PTSD.”
“The alcohol-free movement is massive now. You can still be sociable, you can go out and do all of that side of things.”
ABOUT THE HOST
Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.
She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS
https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr
This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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