Grand Junction Fire Department Capt. James Kavanaugh recently took on a new and unconventional job as a firefighter: hosting a podcast.
GJFD’s new wellness podcast, Going Interior, aired its first episode on April 1st.
Kavanaugh, who oversees the GJFD Academy, said the department’s public relations staff had had the idea for a podcast for a while, but just didn’t know the format.
“I think it was valuable. It certainly felt like a risk to go out,” Kavanaugh said. “This is an uncomfortable place to be, but by pushing ourselves to this point and opening up and sharing these stories, we can make things better and make things better for both the people we serve and those within our workplaces.” I hope it creates a connection.”
This show was created during breaks between the undergraduate academies.
Kavanaugh, who also coordinates the department’s peer support group, said podcasts are a way to reach first responders with health messages and strategies in an unusual medium. He said the common theme of the podcast is overcoming obstacles and challenges and finding strength and understanding through it.
“Mental health issues in the first responder population are a big problem, and helping people stay on the job throughout their careers is a big problem,” Kavanaugh said. “We have been ordered by one of our bosses to give more training only to staff who are not part of the peer support team, so line staff and those who have recently received computer-based training will probably want to reduce that. You’re probably thinking that.”
Four episodes of the planned 10-episode season of “Going Interior” have been released so far. Previous guests have included GJFD Capt. Bryson Rasmussen, health consultant Lindsay Mauer, and former fire chief Jason Whiteside.
“Let the amazing people in our department teach us through their stories, because I feel like we learn more through our connections to stories,” Kavanaugh said.
GJFD communications staff Dirk Clingman and Ellis Thompson work behind the scenes on “Going Interior.”
Clingman said the show began using equipment the station already owned, but has since moved to the Mesa County Public Library’s 970 West studio.
“They’ve been a great partner for us in terms of equipment and training,” Clingman said.
Clingman said Kavanaugh will select the guests and story threads and edit the show after recording. Editing time varies depending on the guest.
According to Klingman, “going inward” costs nothing other than man-hours.
Kavanaugh said he was impressed by how open and honest the guests were on the first episode of “Going Interiors,” and said the show will be a platform where people feel comfortable sharing stories that will benefit others. He said he hopes so.
“I’m really honored to be able to share these people’s stories and that they trust me and my team to do it respectfully and truly honor their stories.” Kavanaugh said.
“Going Interior” is available on most regular podcast channels.
“The Grand Junction Fire Department has so many great stories to share,” Kavanaugh said.
