Healing Out Loud – A Conversation with Firefighter, Author, and Advocate Jim Burneka
- Shannon Davis
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
In this episode of Compounding Change, I had the honor of sitting down with someone who embodies the phrase “do something.” Jim Burneka, a retired firefighter, health and wellness advocate, podcaster, and co-author of the powerful book Overcoming Tuesday, joined me to talk about his journey - from the firehouse to fighting cancer, advocating for firefighter health, and ultimately learning to heal and help others do the same.
“Even though the book is done, I’m still a work in progress,” Jim said early on in our conversation. “I really could do a sequel if I wanted to.”
And after talking with him, I hope he does.
From a Ride-Along to a Calling
Jim didn’t exactly grow up dreaming of becoming a firefighter. As he put it, “I wasn’t the greatest of kids… not getting arrested or anything, but definitely a problem child.” It was a ride-along arranged by his dad that changed the trajectory of his life. At just 15 years old, Jim was dropped off at a Dayton firehouse and had no idea that day would shape his future.
“It was just hanging out with your friends and going on calls… this isn’t even work,” he remembered thinking.
That sense of purpose and excitement drove Jim into the fire service, but it wasn’t long before the reality of the job hit. His first wake-up call came early in his career when he responded to the deaths of people he knew personally - his friend’s grandmother and another friend’s younger brother.
“That’s when I realized it’s not all fun and games. There’s some serious stuff here.”
Trauma, Loss, and Writing Through It
Jim’s book Overcoming Tuesday, co-authored with his sister, dives into the physical and mental toll firefighting took on him, and the healing that followed. It's a raw and honest look at what many firefighters face but rarely talk about. Cancer. PTSD. Loss. Guilt. And eventually, the breakdown that led him to step away.
“I realized that although my job was rewarding, it also did a lot of damage - physically, mentally, emotionally. That’s why I had to share my story.”
One of the most moving parts of the conversation was hearing Jim describe a pivotal point in his career, when he left the fire line to become a wellness coordinator. What should have been a fresh start turned into a nightmare.
“I thought that role was an answered prayer… but it ended up prematurely ending my career.”
Still, Jim doesn’t share that with bitterness. He owns his part. “I was stubborn. I regret how I fought for things, not what I fought for.”
The Fight for Firefighter Health
Jim has become a strong voice in firefighter wellness, especially around the dangers hidden in firefighting gear.
“We were absorbing toxic chemicals through our skin at every fire—and our own gear had carcinogens in it.”
He was part of the early wave of firefighters sounding the alarm, battling not only manufacturers but also disbelief within the fire service itself. Eventually, he and others gained traction, and now safer gear options are becoming more widely available.
“We’re working with the IAFF to reimagine what PPE should look like. It has to be driven by the firefighters, not the manufacturers.”
Real Recovery: From Neurofeedback to New Hobbies
Jim’s path to recovery wasn’t linear, but it was intentional. After retirement, he went through a period of floundering - unsure of who he was without the firehouse.
He tried neurofeedback, a form of therapy that retrains the brain. At one point, a scan showed that parts of his brain literally weren’t turning on - he was stuck in constant fight-or-flight. But after months of therapy, his second scan showed significant improvement.
“Before, I would just react, especially with anger. Now I have the space to pause, to choose how I respond. That’s a game-changer.”
He also rediscovered joy through new hobbies: disc golf with his boys and wood burning (pyrography), which he now uses to create thoughtful gifts.
“I’ve even got a brand with my face on it, so instead of signing my work, I stamp it. It’s ridiculous, but fun.”
Life After the Fire Service
Today, Jim continues his advocacy and storytelling through two monthly podcasts and a regular column for Firefighter Nation. His humor shines in the column titled The Airing of Grievances—a nod to Seinfeld’s Festivus.
“I thought they’d say no to that title. But to their credit, they said, ‘Go for it.’”
He also works with the IAFF on two national committees focused on PPE and overall wellness for firefighters. His reach has expanded from 300 local members to over 350,000 across North America.
“Now I get to make decisions where money isn’t the main factor. That kind of freedom… it’s been amazing.”
Lessons for Life and Legacy
As a financial advisor, I often talk to firefighters about planning for the unknown. Jim’s story is the reason why I always say: Don’t assume you’ll work 30 years. Life changes. Your body changes. Have a plan that gives you options.
Jim’s journey is one of bravery - not just in the fires, but in what came after. His willingness to tell the truth, ask for help, and pivot when life didn’t go according to plan makes his story so valuable.
“You have to try different things until you find what works for you. It’s not one magic pill. But it’s worth it.”
Watch the Full interview here: https://youtu.be/iUKotDPCFS8
To my fellow first responders and those who love them: Jim's story is a reminder that your health - mental and physical - matters. Your legacy is not just in how long you serve, but in how well you live.
Resources Mentioned:
Overcoming Tuesday by Jim Burneka and Lauren Burneka
Firefighter Nation – home of Jim’s podcasts and column
First Responders Bridge Retreat – a retreat for first responders and their spouses
If this conversation resonated with you, share it. And don’t forget to subscribe to Compounding Change wherever you get your podcasts.
- Shannon Host, Compounding Change Financial Advisor for First Responders www.daviscompoundingchange.com