Podcast Review: Better Than Yesterday by Osher Günsberg

Better Than Yesterday, hosted by Osher Günsberg, is a compelling podcast that delves into the complexities of mental health, resilience, and personal growth through conversations with leading experts, authors, and health professionals. Günsberg, who has been open about his own mental health journey, brings authenticity and empathy to discussions, creating a relatable and insightful resource for listeners. For first responders, this podcast offers valuable lessons on managing mental health, building resilience, and making small, impactful changes that improve well-being in a high-stress career.

🎙️Key Takeaways for First Responders

1. Prioritizing Mental Health as a Foundation for Resilience

   Günsberg often emphasizes the importance of treating mental health as a priority, a message that resonates deeply with the experiences of first responders. Many episodes explore practical strategies for managing stress and mental fatigue—common challenges for those in frontline roles. First responders are frequently exposed to intense situations, and maintaining mental health is essential for sustaining long-term resilience.

   • Insight: In episodes featuring mental health professionals, listeners learn that mental health is foundational to resilience and can be cultivated through proactive self-care, regular check-ins, and seeking support when needed.
   • Lesson for First Responders: Make mental health check-ins a regular practice. Whether it’s through journaling, speaking with a counselor, or discussing feelings with a trusted colleague, creating a habit of mental health reflection can help build resilience and prevent burnout.

2. Building Resilience Through Small, Sustainable Changes

   Better Than Yesterday promotes the idea that resilience is built not in grand, sweeping changes, but through small, consistent habits that can be sustained over time. Günsberg and his guests frequently discuss the power of small actions, like practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and physical activity, which can create a buffer against the effects of stress.

   • Insight: Resilience is a skill that can be developed incrementally. The podcast encourages listeners to implement small, manageable changes rather than striving for instant transformation, making resilience-building accessible even with a busy schedule.
   • Lesson for First Responders: Incorporate small resilience-building habits into your daily life, such as setting aside a few minutes for breathing exercises after a shift, reflecting on moments of gratitude, or committing to a regular exercise routine. These habits can help counterbalance the demands of a high-stress job.

3. Understanding the Importance of Self-Compassion

   Günsberg often explores the concept of self-compassion—treating oneself with kindness and patience in difficult times. For first responders, who are accustomed to being the helpers in challenging situations, self-compassion can feel unfamiliar. Yet, as the podcast reveals, it is a crucial aspect of mental well-being and helps prevent burnout by reducing harsh self-criticism.

   • Insight: Self-compassion fosters resilience by allowing individuals to approach setbacks and mistakes with understanding, rather than self-judgment. Episodes with psychologists and well-being experts emphasize that self-compassion is not about lowering standards, but about creating a supportive mental environment for growth.
   • Lesson for First Responders: Practice self-compassion, especially after a challenging shift or a difficult call. Take a moment to acknowledge the effort you put in, and remind yourself that everyone has limitations. Being kind to yourself in these moments strengthens resilience and supports mental health.

4. Embracing Community and Connection

   In Better Than Yesterday, Günsberg frequently highlights the importance of connecting with others and building a support network. First responders, who often face unique challenges that can feel isolating, benefit from a sense of community. Episodes that focus on connection, empathy, and reaching out serve as reminders that resilience is not built alone, but through supportive relationships and shared experiences.

   • Insight: Connection is key to mental well-being. Having a support network of colleagues, friends, and family who understand and empathize with your challenges is essential to managing stress and building resilience.
   • Lesson for First Responders: Actively engage with colleagues and peers who understand the unique aspects of first responder work. Share experiences, seek support when needed, and build a community that provides a sense of belonging and emotional strength.

💡After Thoughts

Osher Günsberg’s Better Than Yesterday offers first responders practical insights and relatable advice for managing mental health and fostering resilience. Through discussions that prioritize mental well-being, small daily habits, self-compassion, and community connection, this podcast provides an accessible toolkit for first responders navigating the stresses of their roles. By incorporating the podcast’s lessons into everyday life, paramedics and other first responders can support their mental health, build resilience, and approach each day feeling empowered to handle whatever challenges come their way.

To listen to any episode, click on the link below.