Ep. 17 | The Fire Inside Her: From Firefighter to Coach with Diane Schroeder

Written By Sarah Bettman
 
 

In an enlightening episode of the "LiveStoked Lead Stoked" podcast, my guest, Diane Schroeder, and I delve into Diane's transformative journey from a seasoned firefighter to an inspiring life coach. Diane's story is a testament to the power of aligning one's life with core values of joy, connection, and authenticity, especially after facing immense personal and professional challenges.

The Spark Within: Living Authentically

Diane shares her perspective on what it means to live "stoked," which she defines as living a life that is authentic and true to one’s inner values. For Diane, this philosophy was crucial in navigating the trials she faced, particularly during overwhelming periods of burnout as a battalion chief. This section of the episode highlights the importance of self-awareness and continuous personal growth, as both of us reflect upon our firefighting careers coupled with the emotional toll that cumulative traumatic events can take.

Trials By Fire: Overcoming Adversity

During the episode, Diane recounts critical moments of her career including major crises such as 9/11 and the most destructive wildfire in Colorado. These events not only challenged her physical and emotional capacity but also revealed the dire need for emotional support in emergency services. Our experiences underline the significance of “emotional hours” or the limited capacity individuals have for processing trauma, emphasizing the need for supportive infrastructure in high-risk professions.

Building New Identities

Transitioning from firefighting to life coaching wasn't an instantaneous shift for Diane—it was a painstaking journey of self-discovery and redefinition. This portion of the conversation sheds light on the struggle of unwinding one’s professional identity while embracing a new path. We discuss the psychological impact of stepping away from a career that once defined them and the ongoing process of integrating their experiences into a new, authentic self.

Embracing New Norms

A significant part of our conversation is dedicated to changing cultural norms within the firefighting community. Diane’s intricate tattoos, symbolic of her resilience and strength, segue into a discussion on the evolving perceptions of tattoos in the workplace and her authenticity. 

Writing and Therapy

Diane credits writing as a crucial outlet that helped her navigate through various life challenges, promoting it as a tool for others to explore their paths to authenticity. Therapy, likewise, is upheld as an essential resource for emotional healing and self-discovery.

Leading with Authenticity

As the episode wraps up, Diane encourages listeners to embrace their journeys to authenticity, endorsing her podcast and bimonthly newsletter as resources for women seeking to live and lead authentically. We are so grateful for the transformative power of honest self-exploration and the impact it can have on leading fulfilling lives. We close with a note of inspiration, urging you to brave the uncharted territories of your personal evolution with courage and an open heart.

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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked

Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?

You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.

I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me. 

I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all. 

My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.

Sarah Bettman
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Ep. 18 | Becoming More of Me
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Ep. 16 | Using Magic to Challenge Assumptions with Dan Trommater