Creating safe outlets for coping with trauma| Guest: firefighter Chad Dillon

Creating safe outlets for coping with trauma| Guest: firefighter Chad Dillon

From 50% Facts by Jim McDonald

December 18, 2025 · 54 min · Episode 496

About this episode

Jim McDonald and firefighter Chad Dillon discuss mental health, community, and self-expression through art and music.

In this conversation, Jim McDonald and firefighter Chad Dillon delve into deeper topics surrounding mental health, community, and self-expression through photography and music. They discuss Chad's journey from firefighting to founding the nonprofit, Ruted Above, aimed at fostering community connections and safe spaces for expression. The conversation highlights the importance of therapy, the impact of culture on personal growth, and the role of art in healing. They also touch on the significance of manifesting goals and the influence of music and tattoos in their lives. You can find Chad and his new non-profit on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ruted_above/ Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past 03:00 The Journey into Photography and Culture 05:53 Exploring Mental Health and Personal Growth 09:12 The Impact of Community and Expression 12:07 Building a Nonprofit: Rooted Above 15:05 The Art of Photography and Its Evolution 18:01 The Importance of Community and Connection 27:04 The Art of Photography and Personal Expression 29:16 Building Community Through Events and Nonprofits 32:06 The Search for Belonging in a Negative World 33:50 Mental Health and Identity…

People in this episode

Host: Jim McDonald

Guest: Chad Dillon

Topics covered

  • mental health
  • community
  • self-expression
  • nonprofit
  • art
  • photography
  • music

Keywords

  • mental health
  • community connection
  • nonprofit
  • photography
  • music
  • art
  • self-expression
  • therapy
  • tattoos
  • personal growth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ruted Above, Instagram

Places: Third Street Barbell

More episodes of 50% Facts

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the 50% Facts podcast page.