summaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney interviews Court Gordon, a young firefighter and 911 dispatcher, who shares his unique journey through childhood challenges, including living in a homeless shelter, the loss of a close friend, and his mental health struggles. Court emphasizes the importance of therapy, support systems, and mentorship in navigating the complexities of life as a first responder. His story highlights resilience, personal growth, and the need for open conversations about mental health in the emergency services community. In this conversation, Court Gordon and Bart Heaney discuss the challenges faced by the younger generation in emergency services, the importance of support systems, and the critical role of communication in relationships. They delve into mental health awareness, the impact of bullying and social media, and the necessity of seeking help. Court shares personal experiences and emphasizes the need for open dialogue about mental health, especially among younger individuals entering the field.takeaways

• Court's journey into public safety began at a young age.
• Living in a homeless shelter shaped Court's perspective on life.
• Experiencing loss at a young age can have lasting effects.
• Therapy has been a crucial part of Court's mental health journey.
• Support from family and mentors can be life-saving.
• It's important to talk about mental health openly.
• Court believes everyone should experience hardship for perspective.
• Material possessions are insignificant compared to family and support.
• Young first responders often feel pressure to appear invincible.
• Community and mentorship are vital for new emergency service workers. We are the future generation and must support each other.
• Having a strong support system is crucial during tough times.
• Communication is key in relationships and mental health.
• It's important to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
• You should seek help even if you think you don't need it.
• The impact of bullying and social media on mental health is significant.
• You need to decompress from the pressures of emergency services.
• It's never too late to get help for mental health issues.
• Therapy can be beneficial for understanding and coping with challenges.
• You have to be patient with yourself during difficult times.

• Navigating Life's Challenges: Court Gordon's Story
• From Homelessness to Heroism: A First Responder's Journey

• "We're the future generation."
• "You can't let that get to you."
• "You need to decompress from it."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Cort Gordon and His Journey05:30Childhood Challenges and Resilience13:39Navigating Life in a Homeless Shelter21:30The Impact of Loss and Mental Health33:28Finding Closure and Understanding36:25Reflections on Emergency Services and Personal Growth38:50The Importance of Open Conversations40:42Mentorship and Support in Emergency Services42:51The Role of Therapy in Mental Health47:22Understanding the Weight of the Job50:01The Role of Support Systems57:20Finding Balance in Emergency Services01:03:19Navigating the Transition from Pre-Hospital to Emergency Protocols01:05:13Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in Emergency Services01:07:29The Impact of Bullying and Social Media on Youth Mental Health01:11:40The Importance of Seeking Help and Support01:19:05Advice to My Younger Self: Embracing Patience and Self-Compassion01:27:04The Weight We Carry.mp4