Episode 48: Travis Gribble - Former LEO/SWAT, Post Traumatic Growth & Mental Health Advocate

Welcome to I Will Hold Space For Your Darkness; a First Responder Mental Health Podcast hosted by Erin Jane.

A former Australian Police Officer and Detective, wife of an American Firefighter, previous crisis counsellor for a suicide prevention organization and current CISM trained, trauma informed and certified Life and Wellness Coach for First Responders, Emergency Services Members, Spouses and Loved Ones.

This week, Erin had the distinct pleasure of reconnecting with one of her favourite former guests, Travis Gribble! A former police officer with 24 years experience across both Michigan and Arizona. He held various positions throughout his law enforcement career, including SWAT member & Team Leader and Patrol Sergeant.

In retirement he founded My Arena; a First Responder Mental Health Education and Advocacy organisation, whose mission is to help first responders navigate the mental health challenges during their careers and educate agencies on how to appropriately handle critical incidents for the employees involved and provide critical response care when needed.

You can go listen to Episodes 5 and 6 to hear more about Travis' career, some of his personal mental health challenges and the drive behind My Arena.

This episode was an opportunity for Erin and Travis to catch up (officially) and for Travis to speak about the changes he's incorporated in his life since that original conversation. Most recently, the difficult decision to hit pause on his My Arena organisation, when he felt pulled in a different direction.

Travis shares about the immense privilege it was, travelling around the country, sharing his story and getting to connect with so many wonderful First Responders, both personally and professionally. But he was left with an overwhelming sense of "I've brought the importance of looking after their mental health to their attention, now what?"

He tells Erin about how the opportunity to attend the Struggle Well Experience with The Boulder Crest Foundation came about and how truly transformative it was for him personally.

So much so, he has taken on a role with them as a Guide, helping other First Responders navigate that life changing path of where Post Traumatic Growth can take them. Because of how passionately he feels about this new role, Travis has closed down his My Arena organisation and speaking engagements for the rest of 2025, choosing to focus on impacting this community in this hands on, immersive way.

Neither Travis nor Erin are speaking on behalf of The Boulder Crest Foundation in any capacity, Travis is simply sharing his personal experiences from his own perspective. However, both encourage anyone who listens to this episode and is interested in learning more, to go check out: https://bouldercrest.org/

We both hope you enjoy listening to this conversation and hearing more about the impact incorporating Post Traumatic Growth into your life can make.

Follow Travis on IG: my_.arena or search "Travis Gribble".

Please feel free to reach out if you'd like a topic discussed, to be a guest or are interested in receiving coaching services from Erin Jane.

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