Hiding in Plain Sight: When the Helper Needs Help

137 - Hiding in Plain Sight: When the Helper Needs Help with Paramedic Brad Lawson For nearly 27 years, Brad Lawson served his community as a paramedic, responding to tragedies, accidents, overdoses, and some of life's darkest moments. Like many first responders, Brad learned to suppress emotions, push through pain, and wear the mask of strength. To everyone around him, he appeared to have it all together. But beneath the surface, years of unresolved trauma, addiction, emotional exhaustion, and a lack of support were taking their toll. In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Brad shares his personal journey from darkness to healing. He opens up about the cultural pressures that keep first responders silent, the challenges of seeking help, and the lessons he learned through therapy, recovery, and rebuilding his support system. Brad also discusses his book, Dancing With Darkness: A First Responder's Fight for Light, and the work he's doing through the Pierce Foundation to bring mental wellness resources, education, and hope to first responders across the country. You'll hear an honest discussion about leadership, organizational culture, burnout, resilience, and what it truly means to prioritize wellness in high-stress professions. Whether you're a first responder, leader, spouse, healthcare worker, or someone supporting those who serve others, this conversation offers practical insights and powerful encouragement. If you've ever wondered whether you're carrying too much alone, this episode is for you. Listen in and discover why healing begins when we stop pretending we're okay.   Connect with Brad:  piercefoundation.org Book: Dancing with Darkness https://a.co/d/0eJKQyTb +++++ Need Help? We have a list of resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Book a screening event: contact [email protected] Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.