The Anchor Point Podcast

Today on the show, Mike West joins us to talk about his fire career, the "unseen" injuries he endured, and his incredible letter he wrote on why he had to leave the agency...

Show Notes

Mike West has been in the wildland firefighting game for 17 years in various roles. He's done a little bit of everything from being a Hotshot, Type 2 IA crew member, engine crew member, to a dispatcher...

Our community recognizes the fact that this line of work can be austere, physically demanding, and even more demanding on your mental health - And over the course of Mike's career, his mental health took the brunt of these demands.

Mike eventually left the agency due to these reasons: 
  1. "I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I didn't think I could heal from it if I stayed in fire."
  2. "My career had a very negative impact on my family life. I found it impossible to balance fire and my personal life."
  3. "I always wanted to be a teacher."
  4. "The whole forestry tech/firefighter thing. No need to beat that dead horse. We all know the issue."
  5. "I wanted my summers back."
  6. "I think the FS could retain a lot of forestry techs with better pay and support systems. But I wasn't going to stay. By the time I decided to leave, the title of firefighter with good pay wouldn't have kept me. I was totally over it. There's a lot of fun to be had in fire, but I wasn't going to sacrifice my family relationships for it."
Upon leaving the agency, Mike wrote a heartfelt and honest letter to the forest to explain why he needed to leave fire... If you have a chance, read his letter here:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f6ced5b8d33bb20b5c97c0b/t/5f90da99b807353e9052ec13/1603328667160/Mike+West+Resignation+Letter_Redacted.pdf

He hopes that this letter helps inspire anyone who is struggling with mental health issues to seek the help that they need.

Mike is now "retired" from the agency and is a teacher in Susanville, California and is a contributor to the Mystery Ranch "Backbone Series"

If you want to find out more, check out the link below:
https://www.mysteryranch.com/backbone-mike-west

Hope everyone is doing well...

You know the drill...

Stay safe, stay savage...

Enjoy!

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Updates!

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https://www.patreon.com/theanchorpointpodcast

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Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

What is The Anchor Point Podcast?

Discover the premier and original podcast dedicated to wildland firefighting, the vibrant culture surrounding wildland firefighters, firefighter mental health and physical performance, and the wilderness - The Anchor Point Podcast... Join our global community as we delve into the captivating stories of Wildland Firefighters, shed light on career opportunities, promote fire prevention awareness, educate the public, and openly discuss the mental health struggles and triumphs faced by firefighters on and off duty. Immerse yourself in our unscripted and unedited long-form interviews, where we leave no topic unexplored.

With The Anchor Point Podcast, you'll gain free and exclusive access to firsthand experiences shared by wildland firefighters, industry experts, mental health clinicians, physical performance professionals, doctors, scientists, and the families of fire line operators. Our episodes encapsulate the entire spectrum of emotions, from the extraordinary and awe-inspiring moments to the challenging and humorous anecdotes that arise within the industry.

One of our podcast's core focuses lies in unraveling the physical and mental demands encountered while working in the field. We delve into topics such as proper nutrition and hydration, stress management, relationships, and maintaining focus, offering valuable insights and shared experiences.

Prepare to embark on an immersive journey into the heart of the action, as each episode of The Anchor Point Podcast takes you on an in-depth exploration of the challenges and rewards experienced by fireline operators. Engage in enlightening interviews and discussions with subject matter experts that provide a comprehensive understanding of wildland firefighting.

Whether you are a passionate wildland firefighting enthusiast or an individual seeking to expand your knowledge, The Anchor Point Podcast is an indispensable and trusted resource. Our episodes cover a broad range of topics, including fire behavior, weather patterns, medical know-how, equipment, gear, and the evolving role of technology in firefighting.

The Anchor Point Podcast is your gateway to a unique and invaluable vantage point on the challenges and rewards of fireline work. Whether you're seeking to expand your understanding of wildland firefighting or simply captivated by the extraordinary tales from the frontlines, our podcast is an essential resource. Subscribe today and unlock a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.