Hey everyone, it’s been a while. Life’s been a wild ride, and I want to catch you all up on where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing.

After years in EMS, burnout took its toll. I needed an escape, something beyond the chaos of the city and the sirens blaring every night. That’s when I decided to chase a lifelong dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. From April 20th, 2022, to September 25th, 2022, I put one foot in front of the other, finding peace in the mountains, discovering more about myself than I ever thought possible. It was healing, but not easy. There were days the rain never stopped, and there were nights filled with stars that stretched on forever—both brought a sense of calm I’d been craving. I met amazing people along the way, other hikers with their own stories, and we formed a community that made even the hardest days worthwhile. The trail tested me physically and mentally, but it also gave me a sense of purpose and a chance to let go of the weight I’d been carrying for so long.

And then there was Antarctica—a place that truly changed everything for me. I took a firefighter paramedic contract at McMurdo Station, and the ice turned into home. Between the 24-hour daylight and the freezing darkness of winter, I met someone who became my anchor. Alyssa and I connected through a love of puzzles, “fancy ramen”, baking sessions in the galley, and navigating the long, cold winter together. She’s kind in a way that softens all the hard edges I’ve picked up over the years, and we’ve been figuring out this life together ever since. Life at McMurdo was like nothing I’d ever experienced—like a mix of college dorm living and a remote outpost on another planet. We worked hard, but we also made time for fun. There were parties, trivia nights, and moments of bonding that only happen when you’re isolated from the rest of the world. The friendships I made there were intense and deep, forged in one of the harshest environments on Earth. And through it all, Alyssa was there, making even the coldest days feel warm.

Now, I’m back to working the streets, teaching new EMTs, and still trying to find balance. Returning to EMS after everything I’ve experienced feels different. The work is still challenging, but I see it through a new lens now. I’m also focused on teaching—helping new EMTs understand the importance of mental health, showing them that it’s okay to feel, and that burnout is something we can fight together. I want to leave them in a better place than I was, to help them find purpose and joy in the work without losing themselves in the process. Writing my new book has been emotional—a journey through old wounds and moments of joy. There were nights I cried as I wrote, tears of both sorrow and gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me. It’s been a healing process, and I hope that sharing these stories can help others heal too. I want EMS workers to know that it’s okay to feel something, that they’re not alone, and I want the general public to understand the realities we face, the beauty and the pain of this job.

I hope sharing these stories here brings us back together. Stick around—I’ll be sharing more soon, including some snippets from this new project I’ve been working on. I’ve decided to write a book that captures all these experiences—the struggles, the camaraderie, and the lessons learned from years in EMS, as well as the unforgettable adventures on the Appalachian Trail and in Antarctica. There are stories that I’ve never shared before—stories of heartbreak, resilience, and unexpected joy—that I can’t wait for you all to read. I hope you’ll join me on this journey. From the highs of the Appalachian Trail to the freezing depths of Antarctica, and everything in between, I want to take you all along on this journey.

Thanks for still being here, for still listening.

— Johnny