Rooted in Wellness

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 11:04:00 GMT

In this first episode, hosts Liz and Amy introduce Rooted in Wellness and dig into the lived experience of working long-term in high-stress, shift-based roles. Amy shares her path from EMT and volunteer firefighter to pediatric trauma nurse, describing how chronic night shifts, stimulants, and fragmented sleep produced a “slow erosion” of health over decades. They discuss how normalizing exhaustion among colleagues hides the problem and how recognizing the pattern is the crucial first step toward change. The conversation frames the podcast’s mission: realistic, practical strategies to help first responders build sustainable, healthier careers.

Trailer

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:35:51 GMT

Rooted in Wellness with Liz and Amy is a podcast for first responders and others working in high-stress professions who want realistic, sustainable ways to support their health and well-being.

Hosted by Elizabeth Mann, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, and Amy Gerdes, Registered Nurse and Integrative Health Practitioner, the show explores the connection between mental, emotional, and physical health through the lens of demanding careers.

Drawing from decades of experience in mental health, emergency medicine, trauma care, and integrative wellness, Liz and Amy have honest conversations about stress, burnout, nervous system health, trauma, cardiovascular health, relationships, sleep, resilience, and the many ways high-pressure work can impact life outside of the job.

Rather than offering idealized wellness routines that don’t fit real life, Rooted in Wellness focuses on relatable education and practical strategies you can actually use.

Because wellness shouldn’t become one more thing on your to-do list. The goal is to help you make intentional, sustainable changes that support your mind and body—and build a life you don’t have to recover from.