Rick Markley on CRACKYL Magazine, Wellness, and Why Every Firefighter Should Register for the NIOSH Cancer Registry

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Episode 129: Rick Markley on CRACKYL Magazine, Wellness, and Why Every Firefighter Should Register for the NIOSH Cancer Registry

Rick Markley doesn't just talk about firefighter wellness—he's building the infrastructure to support it. As Executive Editor at CRACKYL Magazine and a volunteer firefighter himself, Rick brings a unique perspective on what it really takes to thrive in the fire service.

In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and talking about things that actually matter: the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer (and why you need to register even if you're healthy), the power of meditation for Type-A personalities, and why CRACKYL Magazine is changing the conversation around first responder health.

This isn't your typical "drink water and stretch" wellness talk. We're diving deep into the science behind cancer prevention, the data that could save your life, and practical strategies for mental and physical resilience that you can implement today.

What You'll Learn:

• Why the NIOSH Cancer Registry needs YOUR data (diagnosis not required)
• How CRACKYL Magazine approaches whole-person wellness for first responders
• Meditation techniques that actually work for busy, stressed-out minds
• Why volunteering is one of the most powerful mental health tools available
• The truth about alcohol, sleep, and long-term health outcomes

Key Takeaway: Your participation in the NFR matters. Whether you've been diagnosed with cancer or not, registering takes 15 minutes and could change the future of firefighter health forever. Register at nfr.cdc.gov.

Rick Markley is the real deal—a journalist, firefighter, and advocate who's using his platform to make the fire service healthier, stronger, and more sustainable. This conversation will challenge you, inspire you, and give you actionable steps to take control of your wellness.

Stop surviving. Start thriving.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE