A Healthy Shift Podcast with Roger Sutherland Shift work and night shift can be brutal—but they don’t have to be. Join veteran shift worker Roger Sutherland, a former law enforcement officer with 40+ years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, and a certified nutritionist. In A Healthy Shift, Roger shares evidence-based nutrition, health, and well-being strategies to help shift and night shift workers boost their energy, improve sleep, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you're rea ...
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Shiftwork Podcasts
Let's Talk Dispatch with Ashley Valenzuela is a series dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting the heroes behind the headset. Ashley is a 911 dispatcher in California and the creator of The Raspy Dispatcher LLC. Listen as she partners with industry leaders to add tools to every first responder's toolbelt. No topic is off-limits. Remember to subscribe, rate, and tell a friend, and find us on social media by searching The Raspy Dispatcher.
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Welcome to the Responding Together Podcast! This podcast is geared toward first-responder families. From communication challenges within your family to friends just not understanding the first responder schedule, we will dive into these and many other topics in the episodes ahead. We will be providing you with resources and encouragement from lessons learned to help you not just survive, but thrive as a family while you travel on this journey together. Tony and Dayna Falzone
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Welcome to the Responding Together Podcast! In this episode, we tackle one of the most common challenges first responder families face — the shiftwork shuffle. Let’s be real — managing a family is hard enough. But when you add in the constantly changing schedule challenges that come with EMS, Fire, and Law Enforcement, it creates a whole new level …
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[264] - Why Your Workplace Needs Shift Work Health Education in 2025
11:18
11:18
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11:18Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift Work Doesn’t Have to Wreck Your Health – Here’s How to Thrive In this episode, I talk about why shift work doesn't have to come at the cost of your health and wellbeing—and why it’s time organisations stop treating shift workers like machines. I'm Roger Sutherland, and I’ve made it my mission to educate …
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[263] - Shift Work & Your Health The Risks You Can't Ignore (And The Solutions You Need)
22:45
22:45
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22:45Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode of A Healthy Shift, I break down the long-term health risks of shift work — and more importantly, how to reduce your risk and protect your body over time. As a certified nutritionist and former law enforcement officer, I’ve lived the shift work life and seen the toll it can take. But I also kno…
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[262] - Reclaiming Your Rhythm Navigating Shift Work's Impact on Your Body Clock
29:09
29:09
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29:09Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I’m breaking down how your circadian rhythm impacts every part of your health as a shift worker — and why managing it is the difference between surviving your roster and actually thriving. Most shift workers are unknowingly working against their body’s natural rhythm. I’ll show you exactly how…
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[261] - Magnesium v Ashwagandha for Shift Workers
18:18
18:18
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18:18Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode of A Healthy Shift, I break down the differences between two popular supplements: ashwagandha and magnesium. Both are known to support stress relief and better sleep — but they work in very different ways. I explain: How ashwagandha can help calm a wired mind Why magnesium supports deep rest an…
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[260] - Nuts About Shift Work - A Small Snack with Big Benefits
11:30
11:30
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11:30Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work wrecks your body. Long hours. No sleep. Crappy food. But what if one of the simplest things you could do for your health... fits in your pocket? In today’s short but powerful episode, Roger dives into why a small handful of nuts a day might be the easiest, cheapest, and most effective habit for shif…
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[259] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Talk Back Radio 12-06-2025
42:38
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42:38Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode of A Healthy Shift, I take you through my journey—from being a 16-year-old Kiss fan camping outside Waverley Park to spending 40 years with Victoria Police. Along the way, I saw just how hard shift work can be on your body, mind, and relationships. That’s exactly why I created A Healthy Shift—t…
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[258] - The Danger of Normalising Exhaustion
13:47
13:47
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13:47Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Burnout has silently become the baseline for too many shift workers—especially those in healthcare and emergency services. You're waking up exhausted, pushing through gruelling 12-hour shifts, barely eating properly, and your sleep is completely disrupted. When did this become normal? In this raw, unfiltered c…
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[257] - Jack Hallows - Coaches in Conversation - Life, Lifting & Looking After Yourself
1:34:22
1:34:22
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1:34:22Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this candid episode, fitness coach Jack Hallows and I dive deep into the transformative power of resistance training—especially for those juggling the challenges of shift work. Beyond just physical gains, we explore how strength training builds confidence, mental clarity, and improved health markers that po…
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[256] - Where Is My Shift Work Education and Support?
14:25
14:25
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14:25Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Feeling Burnt Out from Shift Work? You’re Not Alone — And It’s Not Your Fault. Most organisations expect 24/7 workers to navigate tough schedules without any guidance on how to protect their health. After 40+ years as a police officer, experiencing every type of shift pattern imaginable, I’ve seen firsthand ho…
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[255] - How Shift Timing Impacts Your Health - What the Science Informs Us
15:45
15:45
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15:45Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work disrupts our body's natural 24-hour clock (circadian rhythm), affecting metabolism, hormones, and how we process food, which increases risks of weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. • Insulin sensitivity drops at night, making your body less effective at handling sugar during night shifts • Cort…
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[254] - How Your Indoor Lighting Is Making You Sick, Fat, and Tired
18:36
18:36
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18:36Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Blue light exposure at night disrupts our biology beyond sleep, causing serious health issues that shift workers need to understand and address to protect their wellbeing. • Blue light isn't actually blue – it's hidden within white light with higher concentrations in whiter light • Special cells in our eyes de…
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[253] - Chloe Spring - It All Falls Apart If Management Don't Support It
1:09:20
1:09:20
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1:09:20Text me what you thought of the show 😊 What if we told you that the very people keeping our society running 24/7 — emergency workers, nurses, first responders, and other shift workers — are silently suffering due to outdated systems, toxic workplace culture, and dangerous health consequences? In this powerful and confronting episode, Roger Sutherla…
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[252] - 8 Hours Pffft – A Better Way to Think About Sleep for Shift Workers
14:50
14:50
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14:50Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Are you tired of being told you need eight hours of sleep—when your shift schedule makes that nearly impossible? You're not alone, and more importantly, you're not failing. In this episode, we’re flipping traditional sleep advice on its head. With nearly 40 years of experience as both a shift worker and certif…
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[251] - Shift Shock: What I Wish I Knew When I Started Shift Work
19:16
19:16
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19:16Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift shock hits like a tidal wave when your entire life gets flipped upside down by irregular work hours. That overwhelming feeling when sleep patterns crumble, dietary choices deteriorate, and you find yourself constantly out of sync with everyone you care about isn't just uncomfortable – it's unsustainable.…
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[250] - Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Special Guest Dr OIivia Walch - 15-05-2025
40:07
40:07
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40:07Text me what you thought of the show 😊 When was the last time you experienced real darkness—so dark you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face? According to mathematician and sleep expert Dr. Olivia Walch, our modern “light diet” may be silently sabotaging our sleep. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Walch breaks down the surprising science be…
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Peer Support and Resiliency in Public Safety
51:41
51:41
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51:41In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, we sit down with Heather Williams, a licensed psychologist and founder of Premier First Responder Psychological Services. With over 25 years of experience working in law enforcement and public safety, Heather has dedicated her life to improving the mental health and wellness of first responders. From building…
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[249] - Matt Newlands - Checking in on your mates, but what are we looking for?
1:18:39
1:18:39
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1:18:39Text me what you thought of the show 😊 The mental health challenges of shift work extend far beyond simple fatigue. In this powerful conversation with Matt Newlands, former police officer and co-founder of Frontline Mental Health, we delve into the subtle warning signs of declining mental health that often go unrecognised in frontline workers. Matt…
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[248] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Talk Back Radio 01-05-2025
32:43
32:43
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32:43Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Forty years of night shifts taught me one crucial lesson—our bodies were never designed for midnight meals. As the founder of A Healthy Shift and a former law enforcement officer, I’ve seen firsthand how eating habits can make or break a shift worker’s health. When darkness falls and melatonin kicks in, your b…
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[247] - The Ideal Wake-Up Routine for Shift Workers
13:48
13:48
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13:48Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Ever wake up feeling like you’ve already lost the day before it even starts? If you’re a shift worker, that feeling isn’t just common—it’s a sign your body clock is out of sync. But the fix doesn’t come from supplements or strict routines. It starts in the first 30 minutes after you wake up. In this episode, I…
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[246] - Why I Don't Just Say Shift Work Will Kill You
31:34
31:34
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31:34Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Here’s the hard truth most people won’t tell you about shift work: It’s not the roster that's ruining your health—it’s what you do around it. After more than 40 years working rotating shifts in law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand that the job isn’t the enemy—but neglecting your body and your routines is. Too …
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In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, I’m joined by AK Dozanti, a former deputy sheriff turned First Responder Burnout Specialist and founder of Life Saver Wellness. AK shares her journey from law enforcement to burnout prevention, offering actionable insights on recognizing, preventing, and recovering from burnout in emergency services. With her…
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Supporting the Heart of 911: The Chaplain Initiative
51:58
51:58
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51:58In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, I’m joined by Brandi Powell, Executive Director and Founder of The 911 Chaplain Initiative Inc. With 15 years of experience as a dispatcher and trainer, Brandi shares her journey, the inspiration behind her nonprofit, and her mission to provide emotional and spiritual support to telecommunicators.We discuss t…
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[245] - Creatine Not Just for the Gym — What Every Shift Worker Over 40 Should Know
12:41
12:41
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12:41Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Are you grinding through night shifts, battling brain fog at 3AM, and wondering if there’s anything that can actually help? You might be overlooking one of the most powerful – and affordable – tools out there: creatine monohydrate. In this breakthrough episode of A Healthy Shift, renowned shift work expert Rog…
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[244] - Dr Charlotte Gupta - Factors influencing the eating behaviour of shiftworkers
1:07:04
1:07:04
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1:07:04Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work disrupts our natural eating patterns, impacting how our bodies process food, particularly overnight when our systems aren't primed for digestion. Dr. Charlotte Gupta discusses her groundbreaking research on the factors influencing shift workers' eating behaviors and how timing matters as much as foo…
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Welcome to the Responding Together Podcast! In this episode, we discuss communication challenges when life gets...well...chaotic! As a first responder family, we are no strangers to chaos. Many families experience chaos, and communication challenges are certainly not foreign to them. But when you add in the dynamic that being a part of EMS, Fire, o…
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[243] - You Don't Have to Do Shift Work Alone Anymore
12:06
12:06
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12:06Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Feeling like you're doing shift work on your own? That ends here. In this episode, I’m sharing something really close to my heart—something I wish existed decades ago when I was deep in the thick of rotating shifts, missed birthdays, sleepless nights, and the constant juggle of trying to stay healthy while wor…
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[242] - Your host Interviewed on 2GB Sydney - 18-04-2025
17:03
17:03
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17:03Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Support the show ---------------------------- ANNOUNCING "The Shift Workers Collective" https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective Click the link to learn all about it ----------------------------- YOU CAN FIND ME AT Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube COACHING One2One Coaching _______…
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[241] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Talk Back Radio 17-04-2025
38:27
38:27
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38:27Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Roger Sutherland, former law enforcement officer of four decades, returns to discuss how shift workers can maintain health and energy despite irregular schedules. • Building an online community for shift workers to connect, share experiences, and learn together • Understanding circadian misalignment and how it…
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[240] - Methylene Blue - Brain Booster or Biohacking Hype
12:35
12:35
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12:35Text me what you thought of the show 😊 You’ve probably seen it on social media—people swishing around bright blue tongues, swearing by methylene blue as the next big thing in brain health. But is it all hype, or is there actually something to it? As a long-time shift worker and nutritionist, I’m breaking down what methylene blue really is, how it w…
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Welcome back for another episode of the Responding Together Podcast! In this episode, we get into what we went through when the reality of the career hit us square between the eyes. We'll discuss how we managed to work through some tough challenges faced by all first responder families and what you can do to mitigate some of those pinch points that…
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[239] - Understanding Circadian Rhythms and Menstrual Health in Shift Work
21:35
21:35
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21:35Text me what you thought of the show 😊 If you're a woman working shifts and struggling with irregular periods, painful cramps, mood swings, or unexplained fatigue—this episode is your wake-up call. We’re diving into one of the most overlooked health issues in women’s wellness: how working against your natural body clock can wreak havoc on your mens…
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[238] - The Midnight Munchies – How to Avoid Junk Food on Night Shifts
12:27
12:27
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12:27Text me what you thought of the show 😊 If you’ve ever found yourself face-to-face with a vending machine at 2 AM, half-asleep and craving something sweet or salty, you’re not alone—and there’s real science behind it. In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on in your body during those late-night hours. When your sleep schedule gets…
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Welcome to the Responding Together Podcast! This episode introduces our brand new adventure and explains the inspiration behind the idea of a podcast geared toward first responder families. From communication challenges within your family to friends just not understanding the first responder schedule, we will dive into these and many other topics i…
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[237] - Behind the Mic: The Untold Story of 911 Dispatchers with Deborah Green
1:00:29
1:00:29
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1:00:29Text me what you thought of the show 😊 What happens after the emergency call ends? For 911 dispatchers, the trauma doesn’t just stop when they hang up – it sticks with them, call after call, year after year. And over time, it takes a serious toll on their mental and physical health. In this raw and eye-opening chat, Deborah Green, a former 911 disp…
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[236] - Shift Work & Insomnia Magnesium vs Melatonin – Which One Works Best
16:52
16:52
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16:52Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Are you a shift worker struggling to get quality sleep? In this episode, we break down the key differences between melatonin and magnesium, helping you make an informed decision on which supplement can best support your sleep. While melatonin signals your body that it’s time to rest, it doesn't directly induce…
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[235] - Why Does My Stomach Always Feel Off During and After Night Shifts
19:16
19:16
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19:16Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Digestive issues are a common struggle for shift workers, yet many don't fully understand why their stomachs seem to rebel during night shifts. From bloating and nausea to acid reflux and constipation, these symptoms are more than just annoying—they’re your body’s biological response to working against its nat…
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[234] - The Impact of Light at Night on Cancer Risk – What Shift Workers Need to Know
21:36
21:36
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21:36Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Blue light exposure does more than delay sleep—it could be increasing your cancer risk. In this episode, we dive into how artificial light, especially from screens, reduces melatonin production, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from cancer. Studies show shift workers, especially those on night s…
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The Value of Neurodiversity in Public Safety Communication
1:03:37
1:03:37
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1:03:37In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, I sit down with Will Young, a dedicated public safety telecommunicator and passionate advocate for neurodiversity in emergency communications. Will shares his journey into public safety, his involvement with APCO and NENA, and his mission to create more inclusive emergency communication centers (ECCs). We exp…
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[233] - Conquering the Mental Struggles of Shift Work
17:15
17:15
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17:15Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work can take a serious toll on your mental health, but it’s not talked about enough. In this episode, Roger Sutherland shares his 40 years of experience in shift work and dives into how it impacts our psychological well-being. He opens up about the mental health challenges shift workers face and provide…
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[232] - Chris Payten - Breathwork, Completely free. Incredibly underrated
1:21:17
1:21:17
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1:21:17Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Breathing – we do it 20,000 times a day without thinking, but what if you could use it as a powerful tool for your health, especially as a shift worker facing constant stress? In this episode, Chris Payton, breathwork coach and co-founder of Infinity Training and Coaching, explains how our breathing patterns i…
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[231] - The ‘I'll Just Rest My Eyes’ Struggle - Staying Awake During Your Shift
16:04
16:04
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16:04Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Are you guilty of “just resting your eyes” during a night shift… only to wake up 15 minutes later in a panic? It’s a struggle every shift worker knows too well. But staying alert doesn’t have to mean guzzling energy drinks or fighting sleep with sheer willpower. Shift work goes against our natural biology. As …
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[230] - I’ve Been Up for 16 Hours and I'm Still Expected to Function?
22:21
22:21
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22:21Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work can leave you absolutely drained, especially after grueling 16-hour shifts. But did you know that fatigue from these extended hours can impair your cognitive function to a level comparable to having a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration? This means slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and a fo…
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[229] - International Women’s Day-Acknowledging & Empowering Shift-Working Women
26:51
26:51
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26:51Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Let’s be real—shift work isn’t the same for everyone, especially for women. If you’re a woman working overnight or rotating shifts, you know it’s not just about managing late nights or early mornings. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface that makes shift work harder for women—and the science backs it up.…
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[228] - Sophie Ballantyne - How did a 24/7 Shift Worker turn it all around?
1:13:51
1:13:51
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1:13:51Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Are you a shift worker struggling with your health and well-being? In this episode, health coach Sophie Ballantyne shares her inspiring journey from a traditional nursing career to embracing holistic health practices. Sophie dives deep into how light exposure impacts your sleep and energy levels, offering expe…
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Building Better Teams: The Role of Leadership in Dispatch Centers with T’airra Whitis
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51:35In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch I am joined by T’airra Whitis a seasoned communications center manager and doctoral researcher exploring how supportive leadership can transform dispatch centers. We discuss the vital need for empathy in leadership, the impact of offering training and development opportunities, and how connecting more deeply w…
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[227] - Why Drinking 500ml of Water Upon Waking is a Game Changer for Shift Workers
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15:45Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode of A Healthy Shift, Roger Sutherland, a certified nutritionist and experienced shift worker, reveals a simple, revolutionary habit that can transform your shift work routine. By drinking 500 ml (16 ounces) of water first thing in the morning, you can kickstart your day with a surge of energy, c…
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[226] - The Night Shift Strategy That Took Tam from "Horrid" to "Thriving"
44:08
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44:08Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, we sit down with Tam Epshtein, a shift worker who shares her journey from "surviving" to thriving during night shifts. With the help of Roger, an experienced coach and owner of the podcast, Tam discovered how small but powerful changes to her routine could drastically improve her energy, body,…
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[225] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Talk Back Radio 20:02:2025
51:40
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51:40Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Struggling to balance shift work with personal life? In this episode, seasoned law enforcement officer Roger shares tips on maintaining mental well-being and energy amidst the demands of shift work. We discuss the importance of camaraderie and debriefings with fellow officers, the leadership pressures during C…
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Partners in Crisis: Peer Support and Therapy in the Communication Center with Kate Farber and Hudson
48:28
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48:28In this episode ofLet’s Talk Dispatch, we sit down with Katie Farber, a Public Safety Dispatcher II at Ventura County Fire Dispatch. Katie shares her journey in dispatch, her experience leading the Peer Support Team, and her unique partnership with Hudson, a certified therapy dog. Together, they provide comfort during critical incidents and large-s…
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