171. Finding Light in the Darkness: Lori Hodges’ Journey Through Trauma and Leadership

Warriors Unmasked

In this compelling episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Lori Hodges, a remarkable leader, author, and veteran of emergency services with over 30 years of experience. Lori shares her journey from growing up in a turbulent home environment to finding her purpose as a first responder and emergency manager. Through vulnerability and resilience, she has transformed her own trauma into a life dedicated to helping others navigate chaos and find hope.

Key Takeaways from Lori’s Journey:

• Finding Purpose in Trauma: Lori discusses how her childhood trauma shaped her hypervigilance, a trait she leveraged to excel as a paramedic and emergency manager. Rather than letting her past define her, she turned adversity into a tool for growth and service.

• The Beauty in Chaos: As a student of chaos theory, Lori explains how great things can emerge from difficult circumstances. From wildfires to pandemics, she shares examples of how even devastating events can create opportunities for learning, innovation, and community building.

• Breaking the Stigma: Lori dives into the stigma surrounding mental health in emergency services, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and normalizing therapy. Her book, Shaking in the Forest: Finding Light in the Darkness, aims to open up conversations about trauma and mental health, particularly for first responders.

Practical Tools for Mental Health:

Lori shares actionable strategies to manage stress and maintain mental health:

• Journaling and Reflection: Writing down thoughts, whether to save or destroy later, can help process emotions and find clarity.

• Grounding Exercises: Techniques like noticing the feeling of hair on your arm or scanning the room can rewire the brain and shift focus from fight-or-flight mode to rational thinking.

• Team Accountability: Lori emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture where team members support each other and recognize when someone needs help.

The Role of Leadership in Mental Health:

As an emergency manager, Lori has seen firsthand how critical leadership is in creating a supportive environment. By modeling healthy behaviors and encouraging open communication, leaders can break down barriers and build a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Lori’s Book: Shaking in the Forest

Lori’s book offers a unique blend of real-life stories, lessons learned, and reflections on her personal and professional experiences. Each chapter highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty that can be found even in the darkest moments. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through Lori’s website, LoriHodges.com.

Listen to the full episode to hear more about Lori’s incredible journey and her mission to empower others through storytelling, leadership, and mental health advocacy.

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GUEST LINKS:

• Lori Hodges: https://lorihodges.com
• Thriving Through Chaos: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingThroughChaos

LINKS:

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Lori’s background in emergency services and leadership.
• 03:18 – Lori’s childhood experiences and how trauma shaped her hypervigilance.
• 08:32 – Discovering purpose through her career as a firefighter and paramedic.
• 12:45 – The turning point: Finding beauty and growth in chaos theory.
• 18:20 – Addressing the stigma around mental health in emergency services.
• 24:11 – Practical strategies for managing stress and processing trauma.
• 30:05 – The role of leadership in fostering team mental health and support.
• 35:48 – Insights from Shaking in the Forest: Finding Light in the Darkness.
• 40:22 – Lori’s message to first responders about seeking help and embracing growth.
• 45:10 – Final reflections and call to action for listeners to explore Lori’s work.