Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook, where we dive deep into the stories and strategies shaping the world of frontline heroes. In this episode, Brent sits down with Kara Kalin, the accomplished founder of Shift Change, registered clinical counselor, EMDR certified therapist, and former Canadian national team athlete. Together, they explore the remarkable intersections of high performance, psychological resilience, and mental health—especially as they relate to first responders.

Kara Kalin opens up about her unique journey from the world of competitive sports to trauma counseling, revealing the challenges of leaving behind a lifelong dream in pursuit of something greater. She shares not only her personal experiences with self-discovery, critical incidents, and major life transitions, but also how she harnessed her background to develop innovative, accessible mental health solutions for first responders and frontline workers.

Join us as we unpack the transformative power of EMDR therapy, the importance of early intervention after trauma, and the cultural shifts needed to better support those who serve our communities every day. Whether you’re in uniform or simply passionate about mental health, this candid conversation will offer insight and encouragement for anyone navigating the complexities of trauma, recovery, and resilience.

Kara's websites: https://www.karakalin.com/ https://www.shiftchange.life/