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Trauma doesn't have to be the end of your story—it can become the foundation for profound healing and service to others.
Former firefighter Natalie Newgent takes us through her remarkable journey from a career-ending injury to creating specialized healing spaces for first responders. After 14 years of running toward emergencies while carrying her own silent battles with stress and PTSD, a single moment changed everything when a workplace accident left her with severe physical injuries and unable to continue the career that had become her entire identity.
What saved her wasn't a sophisticated treatment program (though that came later)—it was the simple, consistent presence of one colleague who checked in regularly, sat with her in non-judgmental silence, and offered that small thread of connection that kept her tethered to hope. This profound experience became the foundation for Rekindled Retreats, Natalie's innovative healing program for first responders, veterans, caregivers, and women in male-dominated fields.
The conversation reveals surprising insights about the reality of firefighting work (80% of calls are actually medical emergencies), the unique challenges women face in these environments, and the critical gap in recovery resources for those who dedicate their lives to saving others. Natalie shares how her retreats offer multiple therapeutic modalities condensed into four transformative days, teaching participants to develop a "dimmer switch" between high-adrenaline work environments and everyday life—something first responders typically struggle with.
Whether you're a first responder yourself, know someone in the field, or simply appreciate stories of resilience and reinvention, this episode offers powerful reminders about the healing potential of genuine connection and the possibility of transforming our deepest wounds into sources of compassion for others.

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