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Mind Pilot

Mind Pilot

By: Jana Price-Sharps
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Boost your mental health as a first responder or veteran with the Mind Pilot podcast, hosted by Dr. Jana Price-Sharps, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and stress management. This essential podcast is designed for firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and veterans seeking practical strategies to enhance their mental well-being. Delve into topics like resilience, stress reduction, effective parenting, healthy relationships, coping with anxiety and depression, conquering nightmares, and setting achievable goals. Tune in to the Mind Pilot podcast and empower yourself with actionable tips and techniques tailored for first responders, ensuring greater overall well-being and a stronger mindset on the job.

© 2026 Mind Pilot
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • The Danger of "It'll Be Fine": Understanding Dissociation
    Jun 23 2026

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    Mind Pilot Episode 103


    Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm sure it'll be okay," even when your gut is telling you otherwise? In this episode of Mind Pilot, Dr. Jana Price-Sharps and Dr. Mathew Sharps dive into the reality of everyday dissociation. While checking out can give your mind a temporary break from stress, it can also blind you to serious problems in your relationships and daily life. Learn how to recognize when you're shutting down and discover practical tools to force your brain back into reality before things go horribly wrong.


    Topics Covered

    • Understanding how normal dissociation acts as a break from physical reality, but can lead to ignoring serious problems if left unchecked.
    • The difference between "Gestalt processing" (ignoring the details) and "feature intensive processing" (forcing the mind back to reality).
    • Recognizing defensive reactions or anger as a potential sign of cognitive dissonance and unhelpful dissociation.
    • Practical steps for setting boundaries and taking time to cool down when feeling overstimulated, adrenalized, or disconnected.


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    20 mins
  • Lower Your Work Cortisol
    Jun 9 2026

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    Mind Pilot Episode 102

    Is bonding over what "sucks" actually making you sick? Learn how to lower your work cortisol by shifting the narrative with coworkers and protecting your personal life from the physiological "heat" of the job.

    Key Topics Covered

    • The Biological Price of "Griping": How connecting with coworkers through shared negativity spikes adrenaline and keeps your system "running hot".
    • Physical Health Consequences: The direct link between chronic workplace stress and issues like high blood pressure, IBS, and sleep apnea.
    • Tactics for Shifting the Narrative: Practical ways to change the subject or set nonverbal boundaries to protect your internal peace.
    • Protecting the Home Front: Why lowering your cortisol is essential for preventing irritability and hyper-vigilance with your spouse and children.

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    8 mins
  • Protecting Your Peace & Knowing Your Limits
    May 26 2026

    Have feed back, suggestions, or questions? CLICK HERE to Send us a Message.

    Mind Pilot Episode 101

    In this episode of Mind Pilot, Dr. Jana Price-Sharps and Dr. Mary Oganesyan explore the critical role of setting boundaries in relationships. Learn how first responders and their partners can protect their peace and avoid resentment by de-escalating arguments and taking space when conversations turn hostile. Tune in to discover how communicating your triggers and putting your own "oxygen mask" on first leads to healthier connections.

    Key Points

    • Setting Boundaries: Establishing emotional and physical limits to avoid self-resentment.
    • De-escalating Conflict: Using "I" statements and timed breaks to cool down heated arguments.
    • Toxic Communication: Addressing sarcasm and contempt to rebuild a safe relationship environment.
    • Managing Triggers: Focusing on your own personal growth rather than trying to fix your partner.

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    19 mins
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