Raw Thoughts Podcast

01/03/2026

A Facebook memory popped up from two years ago today.

What a milestone to celebrate.

When I went to share it on Instagram, I realized… I had never actually posted about it.
Maybe I threw it on my story,, but this moment deserves a place on my wall.

Recently someone asked me how I felt about letting the podcast just “sit there.”

It’s been almost two years since I released an episode.
I haven’t continued the podcast… but I also never shut it down.

And here’s the beautiful thing about podcasting.
Those episodes are still being listened to long after they were recorded.

The stories still live. The connections still matter.
And honestly, those connections outweigh any ROI metric you could calculate.

Raw Thoughts was created to help break the stigma around mental health. To share transformation, raw vulnerability, and healing journeys.

Over the last two years, I’ve been on my own healing journey.

I was forced to slow down when I was diagnosed with cPTSD.

The compound effect of life is real, and eventually you can’t outrun the pain standing right in front of you.

I know there will be a time when this podcast returns —
not just to share my story, but to keep building, dreaming, and breaking the stigma around mental health,
one raw story at a time.

For now, God has me building other things.
And truly… it all started with this podcast.

So stay tuned for what’s coming.

And these YouTube stats?
No new content from me, yet the numbers keep moving.
It’s like the stock market: I invested in myself, built something real, and even through the rises and falls, it keeps working.

Just like me.

Xoxo
🔥❤️✌️
MaKenzie

02/23/2025

Cheers to 3 Years, Podcast Family!

Starting Raw Thoughts Podcast has been one of my greatest joys, and hitting this three-year milestone is truly humbling. This past year, I had to step back as my own mental health was taking a toll.

Deep-seated wounds resurfaced—feeling like I wasn’t enough, that I didn’t deserve love, and that I was a mistake. I needed time to heal. Through various therapy modalities and deep self-work, I’m feeling more like myself every day.

Over these past three years, this podcast has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I’ve had the honor of interviewing incredible guests, stepping onto more stages, and making it to the top 130 speakers in America. Together, we reached the top 10% of podcasters and earned the Community Servant Leadership for First Responders award.

Even when I stepped away, Raw Thoughts continued to reach people—proving that these conversations matter. Lives were still being impacted, and that, above all, is why I started this journey.

I’m excited to get things rolling again—to share more stories, spark deeper conversations, and continue transforming lives. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to what’s next!

08/12/2024

Exited to be speaking at Saint Alphonsus Ski and Mountain Trauma Conference this year. This is an annual conference for first responders that combines expert lectures with opportunities for hands-on simulation sessions - all in beautiful Sun Valley, ID.

If you are an EMT, paramedic, ski patrol or just love wilderness medicine and rescue – this conference is sure to give you and your team the latest education and techniques to handle any situation in the remote wilderness. The conference includes:
-Hands-on medical simulation courses
-Workshops and lectures conducted by medical and wilderness experts
-13 contact hours of training and education available

Personally I will be holding 2 workshops on Breaking Free: Unleashing the Power of Mental Reframing and a general lecture on Empowering Resilience: Mastering the Boundaries for First Responders.

Register today for top pick of your classes, trainings fill fast.
https://lnkd.in/gvVbgd_Q

07/26/2024

If you are looking for ways to support our home town heroes in fighting the fires in our backyard, please review this list and details in doing so. This is the #1 fire in the US currently. It is impacting our local ranchers, cattleman, families, friends and people of our community. Giving back, sending good vibes and praying for safety and protection is much needed right now. MaKenzie Tiegs

07/23/2024

🌟 Honored and Grateful 🌟

Reflecting on the incredible journey from that podcast interview with to receiving the Community Leadership award for first responders – it fills me with immense gratitude today.

Amidst doubts and struggles, I found my purpose in serving our community, be it first responders, the Treasure Valley, Idaho, or our country.

Transitioning to a proactive approach hasn't been easy, but those moments when my work touches lives, reminding me why I keep pushing forward.

Receiving calls from individuals helped by the tools I share, it reaffirms my commitment to mental health advocacy for our heroes in uniform.

This award, a nod from the man upstairs, strengthens my mission to empower and educate on mental health for first responders.

The path hasn't always been clear, but being a trailblazer means embracing the uncertainty and trusting the journey.

To every soul who has been part of this ride, from podcast guests to supporters, decision-makers, and my dear family and friends – my heart is full of gratitude. 🙏✨

07/22/2024

Last night during my daddy-daughter catch-up, the focus was on partnership.
"dad it's really hard to find a man because I know what true partnership is like from being a medic." With him replying, "I know exactly what you mean."

Working as a medic has shown me the true meaning of being a partner. It's about looking at someone and confidently saying "we got this" to part ways and get the job done.

Partnership in EMS can be challenging, with conflicts in personalities, ways of doing things, and gender biases. These experiences have shown me that being a woman in this field requires strength. Trust and forgiveness are crucial in a partnership, even in the face of disagreements and misunderstandings.

I am grateful for every partner in my career who has helped shape me into a person who values qualities like laughter, discipline, compassion, kindness, respect, and integrity in a partnership. Building together is key, and that's why I haven't settled for a poor partnership with a mate. I understand the essence of true partnership.

Reflecting on this, I wonder, how is your partnership with your spouse, partner, children, family, and friends?

07/02/2024

Learning to take care of yourself in a healthy way instead of suppressing your emotions, feelings and needs is one of the wildest things I've ever done.

One thing that has helped me truly is seeing how far I have come. My responses now versus one year ago are incredibly different. Showing myself the growth from putting in the work.

It's exhausting let me tell you. I feel like I am a child learning life again. That is where I find myself though. What is it that I want to do?

See, with my childhood trauma mixed with a high demand career my needs were never put first. I spoke in a way as a child to not get in trouble. To be the high achiever so I would try and get seen.
As a medic, it was my literal job to save people. Which meant if it was 104 degrees outside, we had a patient in shock our heaters were blasting and I just suffered because it wasn't about me in that moment. It was about my patient.

Whhewww that made toxic lies for my brain to believe that I wasn't worth anything. I first had to provide for others.

Well these past several months I've been learning how to put myself first. Take care of some of my basic needs in a new way. Slowing life down and cherishing what I do have. What I've worked hard to build.

If you are a recovering people pleaser, I hear, see and value you. I'm in this struggle with you. But I'm also walking the path to recovery. To restoring myself, my wounds and healing.

That also means change. You cannot heal without change.

Change is inevitable.

So as I heal, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for people's messages, concerns and love throughout this process.

I am human and struggle too. Having my supporters, community, aspirations and movement is what has helped me rebuild the strength to recover from my own mental health challenges.

With that, I love you all.

06/28/2024

🌟 **Be the Hero Our First Responders Need! Your Support Can Make a Lifesaving Difference!** 🌟

Our brave first responders dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe, often at great personal cost. Now, it's our turn to support them. Your company can directly impact the well-being of these heroes through sponsorships that provide essential resources for their mental health.

**Sponsorship Levels:**

🏅 **Heroic Sponsorship** - $72,000

💪 **Courageous Sponsorship** - $36,000

💖 **Compassionate Sponsorship** - $12,000

By supporting this cause, your company will join a movement that stands with our first responders. Your generous contribution not only provides practical resources but also demonstrates profound gratitude for their selfless service.

As a sponsor, your company will gain significant social presence and acknowledgment for its commitment to this crucial cause. Your brand will be associated with a mission that resonates deeply with the community and showcases your dedication to making a positive impact.

Let's stand together and show our heroes that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Join us in making a lifesaving difference!

📞 **Contact for more information:**

05/24/2024

05/10/2024

Got to see podcast guest Cameo share her story with 911 dispatchers at the NW APCO Conference here in Boise.

Doing the good work of talking about mental health as first responders. Check out episode 72 to listen to her full story.

05/02/2024

Check out the top 5 podcasts to date! Tune in to Raw Thoughts Podcast for personal stories, expert insights, educational content, and valuable tools to enhance your mental wealth toolkit.

With 71% of our listeners falling in the 25-54 age range and predominantly male, we're globally ranked in the top 10% of podcasts. Share your own raw thoughts on the insights you've gained from navigating life's challenges.

04/21/2024

The war on police officers in America is a disgrace to our country. Prayers to and the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Tobin Bolter who was fatally shot last night where I live.

Over 100 police officers have been shot and killed on our own soil so far this year. The ones who dedicate their lives to the communities to protect and serve others are not being protected and underserved.

America, it's time to wake up. One officer is shot every 22 hours. Over 100 officers have been shot so far this year.

I stand with the men and woman that bravely and courageously wake up every day and go to work with knowing their is a target on them.

I stand with all first responders who literally put their lives on the line. Having been a former Paramedic, my love goes out to the EMS crews who had to work on one of their own brothers.

Our leaders are failing us. Our leaders need to step up, gain a back bone and do what is right for the good of people not just themselves.

Congress, this is in your hands currently to help. To pass the Protect and Serve Act. Be part of the solution, not the problem.

RIP Deputy Tobin Bolter ❤️🚨🚔