Meet the voices behind the podcast and get a feel for what’s ahead: expert insights, practical tools, and real conversations shaped by the realities of shift work, high-pressure environments, and caring for others. 

Whether you’re on the road, behind the screens, or supporting those who are, Shift Happens is about learning, sharing, and making positive change — one episode at a time.

Welcome to Shift Happens — a podcast dedicated to wellbeing in emergency services.

Meet the voices behind the podcast and get a feel for what&rsquo;s ahead: expert insights, practical tools, and real conversations shaped by the realities of shift work, high-pressure environments, and caring for others.&nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re on the road, behind the screens, or supporting those who are,&nbsp;Shift Happens&nbsp;is about learning, sharing, and making positive change &mdash; one episode at a time.
Welcome to Shift Happens &mdash; a podcast dedicated to wellbeing in emergency services.

When your work involves high stakes, long shifts, and constant care for others, your own wellbeing matters more than ever.

Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health team at NSW Ambulance and hosted by paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Shift Happens is dedicated to supporting emergency service staff through expert guidance, practical tools, and real stories from the frontline.

Each episode creates space for learning, sharing, and meaningful reflection—helping you make positive changes that last, one episode at a time.

When your work involves high stakes, long shifts, and constant care for others, your own wellbeing matters more than ever.
Shift Happens&nbsp;is brought to you by the Staff Health team at NSW Ambulance and hosted by paramedics Katie Horky&nbsp;and Timothy Graham. Shift Happens&nbsp;is dedicated to supporting emergency service staff through expert guidance, practical tools, and real stories from the frontline.
Each episode creates space for learning, sharing, and meaningful reflection&mdash;helping you make positive changes that last, one episode at a time.

Shift Happens

Welcome to Shift Happens

Staying well for the long haul

Building identity beyond the uniform

Advice - your identity outside ambulance

Retaining experienced staff

Managing stress and seeking support

When it comes to longevity in emergency services, it’s not just about getting through the job, it’s about staying well for the long haul.

In this episode, Christian shares practical insights on building a sustainable career, from developing an identity beyond the uniform to managing stress and knowing when to reach out for support. He also reflects on what helps people stay and thrive in the profession over time.

If you want to keep showing up well, both on and off the road, this one’s for you.

Learn more:
The science of longevity - The Telomere Effect

Having a hobby outside work and wellbeing

We’d love to hear from you

Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au

Support is always available

If this episode has raised anything for you:
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home. This includes the Injury Prevention Specialists/Exercise Physiologists for your individual movement needs or to join our perinatal support group.

Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline

Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance. Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley. Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Technical production by East Coast Studio.

We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.

 

 

When it comes to longevity in emergency services, it&rsquo;s not just about getting through the job, it&rsquo;s about staying well for the long haul.
In this episode, Christian shares practical insights on building a sustainable career, from developing an identity beyond the uniform to managing stress and knowing when to reach out for support. He also reflects on what helps people stay and thrive in the profession over time.
If you want to keep showing up well, both on and off the road, this one&rsquo;s for you.
Learn more: <a href="https://www.elissaepel.com/telomere-effect">The science of longevity - The Telomere Effect</a>
<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being">Having a hobby outside work and wellbeing</a>
We&rsquo;d love to hear from you
Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at <a href="mailto: AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au">AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au</a>
Support is always available
If this episode has raised anything for you: NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home. This includes the Injury Prevention Specialists/Exercise Physiologists for your individual movement needs or to join our perinatal support group.
Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance. Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley. Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Technical production by East Coast Studio.
We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Can You Do This Job for 25+ Years? Longevity with Christian Mortensen 

The great divide: Mind vs Body

Lifestyle Psychiatry: Whole-Person Care

Biochemical changes boosts mental health 

Neurogensis

Exercise: Your Prescription for Wellbeing

Tips for shift workers

Take a pure rest day

Staying motivated

Exercise and diagnosed mental illness 

Prevention of mental ill health

Movement when on shift

Movement for different mental illnesses 

Movement for Pregnancy and Kids

Get support for your movement

What if one of the most powerful tools for your mental health wasn’t another app, strategy, or course… but something as simple as moving your body?

In this episode, we sit down with Steph Gill our very own Injury Prevention Specialist to explore the science behind how exercise supports mental health, especially in high-pressure roles like emergency services.

We unpack why movement isn’t just about physical fitness, but a critical foundation for emotional wellbeing, stress regulation, and long-term resilience in the job.

In this episode, we explore:
Why the mind–body split matters for mental health
How exercise changes your brain and boosts mood
The role of movement in conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and schizophrenia
Practical ways to stay active in a busy, shift-based life
Using exercise to support, manage, and protect your mental health

Takeaway

You don’t need to overhaul your life to improve your mental health.
Sometimes, the most powerful shift is simply this: move your body, regularly, in a way that works for you.


Learn more:
Exercise can treat and prevent depression and anxiety 

Improving your mental health through exercise 

We’d love to hear from you

Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team atAMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au


Support is always available

If this episode has raised anything for you:
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home. This includes the Injury Prevention Specialists/Exercise Physiologists for your individual movement needs or to join our perinatal support group.

Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline


Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance.Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley.Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham.Technical production by East Coast Studio.


We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.

What if one of the most powerful tools for your mental health wasn&rsquo;t another app, strategy, or course&hellip; but something as simple as moving your body?
In this episode, we sit down with Steph Gill our very own Injury Prevention Specialist to explore the science behind how exercise supports mental health, especially in high-pressure roles like emergency services.
We unpack why movement isn&rsquo;t just about physical fitness, but a critical foundation for emotional wellbeing, stress regulation, and long-term resilience in the job.
In this episode, we explore:
<ul data-start="596" data-end="928">
<li data-section-id="kgmsm0" data-start="596" data-end="649">Why the mind&ndash;body split matters for mental health</li>
<li data-section-id="qnutxk" data-start="650" data-end="701">How exercise changes your brain and boosts mood</li>
<li data-section-id="1kl2yqv" data-start="702" data-end="796">The role of movement in conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and schizophrenia</li>
<li data-section-id="15s06n6" data-start="797" data-end="858">Practical ways to stay active in a busy, shift-based life</li>
<li data-section-id="18uk0in" data-start="859" data-end="928">Using exercise to support, manage, and protect your mental health</li>
</ul>
Takeaway
You don&rsquo;t need to overhaul your life to improve your mental health. Sometimes, the most powerful shift is simply this: move your body, regularly, in a way that works for you.
 Learn more: <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-14/mental-health-exercise-treat-prevent-depression-anxiety/103431858">Exercise can treat and prevent depression and anxiety</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.eml.com.au/resources/improving-your-mental-health-through-exercise/">Improving your mental health through exercise</a>&nbsp;
We&rsquo;d love to hear from you
Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team <a href="mailto:atAMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au">atAMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au</a>
 Support is always available
If this episode has raised anything for you: NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home. This includes the Injury Prevention Specialists/Exercise Physiologists for your individual movement needs or to join our perinatal support group.
Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
 Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance.Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge.&nbsp;With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley.Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham.Technical production by East Coast Studio.
 We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.

Move your mind: How exercise supports mental health with Steph Gill

High Performance Mind Set 

Managing set backs

Atheletic mind set translates to paramedicine

Managing fatigue and upset

Practical tips _take-aways_night shift

Jo's top 3 non-negotiables for wellbeing

What can paramedics, in fact anyone who wants to be a high performer, learn from elite sport?

Olympian Jo Brigden Jones shares how high-performance principles translate directly to frontline work. We explore mental conditioning, managing setbacks, staying focused under pressure, and building sustainable performance across a career.

Jo discusses practical strategies for managing fatigue, navigating emotional setbacks, and protecting wellbeing, simple tools for night shift and an indulgent cookie recipe for treat occasions.

She also shares her top three non-negotiables for staying mentally strong and physically capable in high-pressure environments.

Learn more:
The Resilience Project
The imperfects podcast
The Female Athlete project 


Growth Mindset (Mindset theory)

We’d love to hear from you
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at
AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au

Support is always available
If this episode has raised anything for you:
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home
Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline

Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance.
Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge
With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley.
Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham.
Technical production by East Coast Studio.

We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

 

The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.

What can paramedics, in fact anyone who wants to be a high performer, learn from elite sport?
Olympian Jo Brigden Jones shares how high-performance principles translate directly to frontline work. We explore mental conditioning, managing setbacks, staying focused under pressure, and building sustainable performance across a career.
Jo discusses practical strategies for managing fatigue, navigating emotional setbacks, and protecting wellbeing, simple tools for night shift and an <a href="https://simplyhomecooked.com/wprm_print/chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies">indulgent cookie recipe </a>for treat occasions.
She also shares her top three non-negotiables for staying mentally strong and physically capable in high-pressure environments.
Learn more:
<ol data-start="138" data-end="1589">
<li data-start="138" data-end="691"><a href="https://theresilienceproject.com.au/about/">The Resilience Project</a></li>
<li data-start="138" data-end="691"><a href="https://theresilienceproject.com.au/the-imperfects-podcast/">The imperfects podcast</a></li>
<li data-start="138" data-end="691"><a href="https://thefemaleathleteproject.com/">The Female Athlete project&nbsp;</a></li>
<li data-start="138" data-end="691">
<a href="https://www.porchlightbooks.com/products/mindset-carol-s-dweck-9780345472328">Growth Mindset (Mindset theory)</a>
</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.porchlightbooks.com/products/mindset-carol-s-dweck-9780345472328"></a><a href="https://www.porchlightbooks.com/products/mindset-carol-s-dweck-9780345472328"></a><a href="https://www.porchlightbooks.com/products/mindset-carol-s-dweck-9780345472328"></a>We&rsquo;d love to hear from you Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at <a href="mailto:AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au">AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au</a>
Support is always available If this episode has raised anything for you:
<ul>
<li data-start="983" data-end="1083">NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via <a href="https://nswhealth.sharepoint.com/sites/AMBULANCE-STAFFHEALTHWELLBEINGRESOURCES">Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home</a></li>
<li>Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Home | Lifeline</a></li>
</ul>
Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance. Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley. Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Technical production by East Coast Studio.
We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
&nbsp;
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.

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