On Air by Yoga For First Responders, shines a light on the importance of mental health and wellness for public safety personnel. In this show, we explore the world of yoga and its powerful impact on first responders, all while maintaining a sense of humor and lightheartedness because let's face it, we don't take ourselves too seriously.
You know all too well the toll that the job can take on your mental and emotional well-being. That's why we're here to help you find balance and peace of mind through the modality of yoga.
We'll be chatting with experts in the field, sharing stories and insights from real-life first responders, and offering practical tips and techniques to help you take control of your mental health and wellness.
So, join us as we delve into the world of yoga and its transformative power for first responders. We're here to help you unleash resilience amidst the chaos.
QC- Niche of One: Olivia on Career Evolution and Reinvention
What if the experiences that seem completely unrelated are actually what make you uniquely qualified to do what you do?
In this episode of YFFR On Air, we're sharing a recording of Olivia's talk at a Women in Business event hosted by our local Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. Speaking about career evolution and transitioning between industries, Olivia shares how her unexpected journey from ballet dancer and performer to yoga teacher, neuroscience-informed educator, and founder of Yoga for First Responders shaped the work she does today.
Her performance background helped her become a confident teacher and public speaker. Her dance training introduced her to movement and the body. And her experiences along the way helped her develop a unique approach to supporting first responders.
Olivia calls this your “niche of one” — the combination of experiences, skills, and perspectives that makes you uniquely capable of doing what you do.
In this talk, Olivia explores:
Finding value in experiences that once seemed unrelated
Recognizing transferable skills when transitioning careers
Knowing when it's time to move on from something you're good at
Turning unexpected life experiences into new opportunities
Understanding why you're never truly starting from scratch
Whether you're considering a career change, navigating an unexpected transition, or figuring out what's next, this talk is a reminder that everything you've learned along the way has the potential to become part of your next chapter.
You have your own niche of one. Don't undervalue it.
Learn more about Yoga for First Responders:
🌐 https://yogaforfirstresponders.org (https://yogaforfirstresponders.org)
11 Oct 2026
"Instructor School Changed My Life": YFFR Instructors in Their Own Words
Every YFFR instructor started in the same place: day one of instructor school. In this From the Vault episode, we revisit three years of On Air conversations with YFFR Trainees and Instructors. Each of these 4 conversations describes what instructor school did for them, and what it could do for you.
In this episode:
Debbie Stiesmeyer, law enforcement officer and YFFR instructor, on the aftermath of a double homicide call, turning her guest bathroom into a hot yoga studio during COVID, and why breath work belongs on every officer's tool belt.
Firefighters from the Developing Tactical Resilience cadre, recorded the morning after a 24-hour training. New instructor Patrick "Armie" Armitage talks about the strength in stillness, and Tuna explains how one question, "challenge or threat?", reframed his universe.
Maggie Eastman and Sarah Hall, two breast cancer survivors who met on the mat at instructor school. Maggie shares the moment her mind and body stopped being at war, and how instructor school changed the direction of her career.
Eric Brenneman and instructor Rachel Warmath on going from terrified to confident as a new teacher, why we require recorded practice classes, and the 400-plus-instructor community you join when you certify.
Content note: Debbie's segment describes the aftermath of a homicide call involving two young children. Please listen with care.
Interested in finding your own Instructor School story?
Our next in-person instructor school is March 1–5, 2027 at the Bernalillo County Training Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. You don't need to be a yoga teacher, just ready to do the work for yourself first.
Register: yogaforfirstresponders.org/instructor-school
Learn more about our on-demand training app, online courses and in-person training at yogaforfirstresponders.org (https://yogaforfirstresponders.org).
4 Oct 2026
QC- I Want to Talk to 100 of You
What if the biggest thing standing between a great wellness tool and the first responders who need it isn't the tool itself?
It might be the language. The culture. The way it's introduced.
In this week's Quickcast, Olivia walks through what 13 years of teaching skeptical rooms has taught her, and explains why she's opening 100 free 15-minute calls for yoga teachers, clinicians, peer support members, chaplains, wellness coordinators, and anyone else trying to bring wellness, resilience, or stress management tools to first responders.
Bring your roadblock: agency access, leadership buy-in, resistance in the room, or language that isn't landing.
Olivia brings what she's learned, and what she hears from all 100 conversations will help shape what YFFR does next.
👉 Request a conversation with Olivia: https://forms.gle/ktYkXz6LsD9KrKkj9
Interested in joining us and bringing these tools to your community? Public registration is open for In-Person Instructor School, March 1–5, 2027, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Learn more at yogaforfirstresponders.org/instructor-school
Who has been a guest on On Air by Yoga For First Responders
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Debbie Stiesmeyer
Marc Maikoski
Dr Cammy
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
45
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
Contact On Air by Yoga For First Responders
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about On Air by Yoga For First Responders
Who hosts On Air by Yoga For First Responders?
Olivia host the show. Published by Yoga For First Responders.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does On Air by Yoga For First Responders take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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