In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with I.M. Aiken, a veteran first responder, author, and storyteller, as she opens up about what it truly means to be resilient — before, during, and after life knocks you down.

I.M. Aiken has spent decades working on ambulances off and on since the 1980s, beginning her journey in the Boston area where she was born and raised. She also served one tour in Iraq as a civilian member of the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, experiences that shaped her outlook on crisis, courage, and community.

In this episode, she shares one of her most personal and recent challenges: a serious accident in which she fell off a roof and broke both wrists, leaving her fully disabled for three months. Despite also suffering from concussions and the steepest physical toll of her life, she persevered — not by pretending life didn’t hurt, but by leaning into her resilience plan, her community, and her unshakable mindset that “I can’t” is not an option.

Through laughter, grit, and real-talk wisdom, I.M. Aiken takes us behind the scenes of her recovery — from medevac helicopter rides to the love and support of neighbors and friends — illustrating how preparedness, visualization, and showing up for life’s messiest moments can make all the difference.

We also dive into her creative work as a published author, including The Little Ambulance War of Winchester County, a Trowbridge Vermont novel that gives readers front-row access to the challenges and heroes in emergency medical services. She’s also written Stolen Mountain and a growing series of short stories in The Trowbridge Dispatch, all rooted in her deep experience in public safety and rural community life.

✨ Episode Takeaways:

What a real-life resilience plan looks like — and how to build one

The role of community support when life changes suddenly

How showing up (even when it hurts) strengthens resilience

Lessons from emergency response that apply to everyday challenges

Creativity, storytelling, and finding purpose after trauma

Whether you’re facing a major injury, a career pivot, aging realities, or simply want tools to be resilient ready, this episode with I.M. Aiken will inspire your heart and fortify your spirit.