In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and coach Arjuna George sits down with Vance Row of Yoga Rescue, a former police officer who turned his life around through yoga, sobriety, and a deep commitment to wellness.
Vance opens up about his journey from law enforcement into teaching yoga, the struggles with alcohol and mental health that nearly ended his career, and how discovering yoga became the lifeline that helped him reclaim his health, resilience, and purpose.
This conversation dives into:
Why yoga is a game-changer for first responders under chronic stress
Vance’s personal story of addiction, recovery, and resilience
How yoga supports the nervous system, healing, and mental clarity
Practical advice for first responders struggling with burnout, trauma, or operational stress injury
Simple ways to begin your own mind-body wellness practice today
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:35 Guest Introduction: Vance Row of Yoga Rescue
01:24 Vance's Journey into Law Enforcement
04:02 Challenges and Realizations in the Police Force
06:53 Struggles with Alcohol and Mental Health
09:06 Turning Point: Seeking Help and Sobriety
11:45 Discovering Yoga: A Path to Healing
18:47 The Impact of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health
19:11 Practical Advice for Those Struggling
25:16 Yoga Sessions with Vance: What to Expect
29:33 Incorporating Functional Movements in Yoga
30:52 The Sedentary Nature of Police Work
31:40 Personal Transformation Through Yoga
33:25 Struggles with Control and Finding Balance
34:05 The Journey to Healing: Yoga, Therapy, and Lifestyle Changes
34:49 Career Transition: From Police Officer to Dispatcher
37:22 Creating Peer Support in the Dispatch Center
37:57 Retirement Decisions and Self-Care
43:02 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Self-Care Routines
55:27 The Importance of Hobbies and Personal Interests
58:08 Final Thoughts and Resources for First Responders
If you’re a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or frontline professional—or you love someone who is—this episode is for you.
📌 Learn more about Vance Row and Yoga Rescue: https://yogarescue.com
📌 More from Arjuna George:
Website: https://silverarrowcoaching.com
Book Burnt Around the Edges: https://www.burntaroundtheedges.com
Podcast Beneath the Helmet: https://beneaththehelmetpodcast.com
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations on first responder health, leadership, and resilience.
Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)
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📩 Email Host: arjuna@silverarrowco.com
#firstresponderwellness #yogaforfirstresponders #firefighterresilience #operationalstressinjury #mentalhealth
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