First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver
by Conrad Weaver
The First Responder Wellness Podcast with host Conrad Weaver dives deep into the mental health, resilience, and leadership challenges faced by first responders. Through engaging conversations with police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and wellness experts, this show delivers actionable leadership solutions and real-world strategies to help first responder leaders build healthier, more resilient teams.Each episode highlights stories of courage, lessons in leadership, and tools for personal and organizational wellness. Whether you’re a chief, frontline responder, or wellness advocate, this podcast equips you with the insights and inspiration to lead well, live healthier, and strengthen the culture of your agency.Popular guests include: Dr. Arash Javanbakht, Chief Neil Gang (Ret.), Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, Dr. Stephanie Conn, Dr. Eugene Lipov, Dr. Marvin Wayne, Chief David Rhodes, Dr. Heather Twedell, James Geering, Dr. Brooke Bartlett, and Dr. Rita Brock.
Episodes
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Mental Toughness Isn't Enough: A Navy SEAL'S Journey to Mental Fitness
Mental Toughness Isn't Enough: A Navy SEAL's Journey to Mental Fitness Guest: Chris Irwin | First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver What happens when the mental toughness that helped you survive some of life's most demanding challenges is no longer enough? Former Navy SEAL Chris Irwin...
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The Undercover Cop with a Death Wish: Trauma, PTSD, and the Road Back
Content advisory: This episode includes discussion of suicide, substance use, and traumatic experiences. If you or someone you know is in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 for support. 156 - The Undercover Cop with a Death Wish: Trauma, PTSD, and the Road Back What happens when a…
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Burned Out - The Hidden Cost of Being a First Responder with Iris Waichler
Episode 155: Burned Out - The Hidden Cost of Being a First Responder with Iris Waichler Guest: Iris Waichler, MSW | Author of Burned Out What happens when first responders leave the emergency behind—but the emotional weight follows them home? First responders spend their careers helping people...
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First Responders Need Help. Congress Is Listening.
First Responders Need Help. Congress Is Listening. Guest: Congressman Suhas Subramanyam | First Responder Wellness Podcast What happens when a first responder finally reaches out for help — only to discover there's nobody available? For many firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS...
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Stop Waiting until they Break - Matt Newlands
Register HERE for the Leadership & Wellness Summit in Frederick, MD, Nov. 19! 154 - Stop Waiting until they Break - Matt Newlands What if we trained first responders for the mental and emotional demands of the job with the same intentionality we use to train them for firearms, tactics,...
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When your Job Becomes your Identity - Rachael Stark
153 - When your Job Becomes your Identity - Rachael Stark What happens when you're performing well at work—but you're not actually doing well? Rachael Stark knows that tension firsthand. Rachael is a captain in the Army National Guard, a reserve police officer, works in policy and accreditation…
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POPPA: Peer Support at the NYPD
PAPPA HELPLINES Active NYPD Officers: 1-888-COPS-COP (1-888-267-7267) NYPD Retirees: 1-800-599-1085 If you're struggling, don't wait until things become a crisis. Reach out. Episode 152 - POPPA: Peer Support at the NYPD Police officers are trained to respond when everyone else is having the worst...
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141 Days: Zero Contact — When the System Fails You: Rusty Myers
141 Days: Zero Contact — When the System Fails You What happens when you’ve given decades of your life to law enforcement—and suddenly the system you trusted goes silent? Deputy Chief Rusty Myers spent 31 years in law enforcement, serving as a patrol officer, supervisor, training commander,...
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The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 - with Director, Michael Gier
150 - The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 - with Director, Michael Gier Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the countless people whose lives were forever changed. But what happened after the tragedy?…
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Introducing the First Responder Leadership Podcast
149 - Leadership Is Wellness: Four Conversations Every First Responder Should Hear Leadership and wellness are not separate conversations. In this special edition of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver shares highlights from the first four episodes of the brand-new First Responder...
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A New Chapter: Leadership, Wellness & What’s Next
A New Chapter: Leadership, Wellness & What’s Next - Conrad Weaver Something new is coming — and it’s been in the works for quite some time. In this special edition of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver steps away from the normal interview format to share two major...
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AXON AID - How a Tech Innovator is Fighting for First Responder Mental Health
SPECIAL EDITION: AXON AID - How a Tech Innovator is Fighting for First Responder Mental Health What does a technology company best known for TASER energy weapons and body cameras have to do with first responder mental health and wellness? More than you might expect. In this special edition of the...
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The Loneliness Epidemic Is Killing First Responders - with Dr. Jody Carrington
147 - The Loneliness Epidemic Is Killing First Responders - with Dr. Jody Carrington In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver sits down with Dr. Jody Carrington — psychologist, bestselling author, and former civilian member of Canada’s national police force, the RCMP…
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From Felonies to the Front Lines: Casey Burley
Join the First Responder Leadership Mastermind: firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind 146 - From Felonies to the Front Lines: One Woman's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery Work What does it really take to go from a stolen car, a drug addiction, and a revolving-door relationship with jail — to...
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From Skeptic to Believer - with Chief Rob Reardon
Ready to become the leader your people deserve? Applications for Cohort #2 of the First Responder Leadership Mastermind are now open. Space is limited. Learn more: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind 145 - From Skeptic to Believer - with Chief Rob Reardon Episode Description What happens...
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PTSD and Institutional Betrayal with Tracey Wilkinson
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You are not alone, and help is available. You can also find first responder-specific resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources "I had to save myself because if I...
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Ego Kills Careers, and How to Lead Differently with Dr. Ron Camacho
Click here for a Coaching Strategy Call with Conrad Weaver: https://firstresponderwellness.co/schedule/ 143 - Ego Kills Careers, and How to Lead Differently with Dr. Ron Camacho "There is a pre-therapy Camacho and a post-therapy Camacho. They are two totally different people." — Chief Ron Camacho...
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Beautifully Broken: How One Officer's Suicide Sparked a Movement of Hope | Jared Buchanan & Daniel Herzog
142 - Beautifully Broken: How One Officer's Suicide Sparked a Movement of Hope | Jared Buchanan & Daniel Herzog What happens when unimaginable loss becomes a mission to save lives? When police officer Paul Buchanan died by suicide, he left behind a heartbreaking note explaining that he wanted...
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Shot in the line of Duty - with Hali Bradford
141 - Shot in the line of Duty - with Hali Bradford She arrived at the hospital with 30 seconds of life and a 99.99% chance of not surviving. Her surgeon was moments from calling her time of death. And then — without medical explanation — the bleeding stopped. This week on the First Responder...
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How is Filing a Complaint a Mental Health Tool - with Bridget Truxillo
140 - How is Filing a Complaint a Mental Health Tool - with Bridget Truxillo Most first responders think of complaints as paperwork, politics, or career-ending decisions—not something connected to wellness. But what if staying silent is actually what does the most damage? In this episode, Conrad...
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What Happens After the Diagnosis? With Suzanne Stone
139 - What Happens After the Diagnosis? With Suzanne Stone Executive Episode Summary For many people, cancer is something that happens to someone else. Until suddenly it doesn't. In this powerful conversation, Conrad sits down with Suzanne Stone, CEO of the Livestrong Foundation, to explore what...
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Mental Warefare is Part of the Path - Doc Springer
138 - Mental Warefare is Part of the Path - Doc Springer Episode Description What if some of the things we've been taught about trauma, resilience, and suicide prevention are actually making the problem worse? In this powerful conversation, Conrad Weaver sits down with Dr. Shauna "Doc"...
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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…
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The Full Bucket: Hidden Trauma, Childhood Wounds and Healing for First Responders
136 - The Full Bucket: Hidden Trauma, Childhood Wounds and Healing for First Responders with Dr. Stacy Raymond EPISODE SUMMARY What if the trauma first responders carry didn’t start on the job? In this powerful conversation, psychologist and trauma specialist Dr. Stacy Raymond explores the hidden...
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Great Leaders Empower the Team - with Steve Vincent
Need Help? Check out our resource page at https://firstresponderwellness.co/resources/ Great Leaders Empower the Team - with Steve Vincent What does real leadership look like when lives, missions, and impossible decisions are on the line? In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast,...
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The Ripple Effect of Saving a Life | Brad Newbury
Need Help? Check out our resource page at https://firstresponderwellness.co/resources/ The Ripple Effect of Saving a Life | Brad Newbury What does it really mean to save a life? In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran...
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SPECIAL EDITION: Walking Through Grief: Healing After First Responder Suicide.
Donate to Marchelle's Fundraiser for Copline https://www.facebook.com/donate/847531208377644/1299883602026213/ https://www.copline.org/ Walking Through Grief: Healing After First Responder Suicide. In this deeply emotional episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits...
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Lead Anyway, Even When Leadership is Broken - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. Join our Mastermind Series: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/ +++++ 132 - Lead Anyway, Even When Leadership is Broken - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman Everyone talks about bad...
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You're Not Broken, You're Leveling Up - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. Level up your leadership: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/ 131 - You're Not Broken, You're Leveling Up - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman What if the very thing you’ve been told is...
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Mental Warfare is Part of the Path - with Rob Magao
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. CODE RED Fundraiser: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lightningdigital/code-red-a-cardiac-wake-up-call Join our Mastermind Series: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/ +++++...
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The Emotional Toll of Life in the Trauma Unit with Dr. Alicia Mangram
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. CODE RED Fundraiser: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lightningdigital/code-red-a-cardiac-wake-up-call 129 - The Emotional Toll of Life in the Trauma Unit with Dr. Alicia Mangram What...
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SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles with Taylor Montey (Part 2)
"Better sleep often starts with a better environment." - Taylor Montey Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles with Taylor Montey In part two of this conversation, Conrad Weaver and…
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Code Red: A Cardiac Wake Up Call with Dr. Jonathan Sheinberg
To Support the Code Red Documentary, Click Here Special Edition - Code Red: A Cardiac Wake Up Call with Dr. Jonathan Sheinberg In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with Dr. Jon Sheinberg for a powerful conversation about one of the most overlooked threats to first responders: heart disease....
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SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. 127 - SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles (Part 1 of 2) In part one of this two-part conversation, Conrad Weaver sits down with firefighter, lieutenant, counselor, and sleep…
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The Hidden Injury Behind the Anger with Jeff Casselman
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. 126 - The Hidden Injury Behind the Anger with Jeff Casselman What happens when the trauma isn’t just emotional — but neurological? In this powerful episode, Conrad Weaver talks with…
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SPECIAL EDITION: A Proactive Peer Support System First Responders Can Trust
Book a call with Peer Connect: https://firstresponderwellness.co/peerconnect SPECIAL EDITION: A Proactive Peer Support System First Responders Can Trust What if peer support in your agency didn’t depend on chance, availability, or who happened to answer the phone? In this episode of the First...
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You Can't Fix Your Family Until You Fix Yourself - Gregory Seibert
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. 125 - You Can't Fix Your Family Until You Fix Yourself - Gregory Seibert What happens when a career built on strength, control, and service slowly hardens your heart? In this episode,...
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First Responder Trauma and Marriage with Erin Jane
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. 124 - First Responder Trauma and Marriage with Erin Jane EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Conrad sits down with Erin Jane for a conversation that feels both deeply personal and quietly...
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Marriage, Badges, and Breakthroughs
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. Marriage, Badges, and Breakthroughs In this conversation, Conrad sits down with Dylan and Kella Bates—two first responders who’ve worked in very different worlds, from the nonstop pace of...
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Unlearn Survival, and Relearn Peace - with Kevin Barnhill
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. Click here to take the Leadership Assessment: http://firstresponderwellness.co/assessment Episode 122 - Unlearn Survival, and Relearn Peace - with Kevin Barnhill This episode is a raw...
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You're Only as Sick as Your Secrets - Matt Bloesch
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. Click here to take the Leadership Assessment: http://firstresponderwellness.co/assessment Episode 121: You're Only as Sick as Your Secrets - Matt Bloesch Retirement is supposed to feel…
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You Don't Have to be Falling Apart to Need Healing - Kemmi Sadler
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. Click here to take the Leadership Assessment: http://firstresponderwellness.co/assessment 120 - You Don't Have to be Falling Apart to Need Healing - Kemmi Sadler In this episode of the...
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The Moment We Arrive On Scene, We Become a Part of Their Story - Lt. Sarah Shendy
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. The Moment We Arrive On Scene, We Become a Part of Their Story - Lt. Sarah Shendy Some people wear the uniform and slowly disappear inside it—hardened, exhausted, running on fumes. Sarah...
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Bulletproof: Staying Human on the Job with Dan Willis
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. EPISODE 118: Bulletproof: Staying Human on the Job with Dan Willis What happens to a good heart after years of walking into the worst moments of other people’s lives? In this episode,...
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I Built My Recovery Like an Investigation - with Craig Semple
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. I Built My Recovery Like an Investigation - with Craig Semple Craig Semple served 25 years as a detective in the New South Wales, Australia Police Force—homicides, drug squads, outlaw...
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You Can't Heal What Stays Locked in the Dark - Dr. Cherylynn Lee
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. You Can't Heal What Stays Locked in the Dark - Dr. Cherylynn Lee In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with police psychologist…
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How to Survive the Job with Dr. Kevin Gilmartin
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help. What happens when the very skills that keep an officer alive on the street start quietly dismantling the rest of their life? In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with Dr. Kevin...
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A Year in Review - Highlights from the Top Ten Downloaded Episodes this Year
This special year-end episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast counts down the Top 10 Most Downloaded Episodes of the Year—the conversations that resonated most with first responders, leaders, and their families. These episodes tackle the issues that matter most right now: trauma and the...
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Christmas Eve Message from Conrad Weaver
Podcast Episode Summary & Show Notes Episode Title: A Christmas Message for First Responders Podcast: First Responder Wellness Podcast Air Date: December 24, 2025 Duration: ~7 minutes Host: Conrad Weaver 🎧 Episode Summary: In this special Christmas Eve episode of the First Responder Wellness...
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From Addiction to Purpose - Rich Cheatham's Journey Through Shame and Redemption.
Need help? Find a resource here: https://firstresponderwellness.co/resources/ Register for the First Responder Leadership Mastermind here: https://firstresponderwellness.co/masterclass/ From Addiction to Purpose - Rich Cheatham's Journey Through Shame and Redemption. In this powerful episode,...
About this show
The First Responder Wellness Podcast with host Conrad Weaver dives deep into the mental health, resilience, and leadership challenges faced by first responders. Through engaging conversations with police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and wellness experts, this show delivers actionable leadership solutions and real-world strategies to help first responder leaders build healthier, more resilient teams.Each episode highlights stories of courage, lessons in leadership, and tools for personal and organizational wellness. Whether you’re a chief, frontline responder, or wellness advocate, this podcast equips you with the insights and inspiration to lead well, live healthier, and strengthen the culture of your agency.Popular guests include: Dr. Arash Javanbakht, Chief Neil Gang (Ret.), Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, Dr. Stephanie Conn, Dr. Eugene Lipov, Dr. Marvin Wayne, Chief David Rhodes, Dr. Heather Twedell, James Geering, Dr. Brooke Bartlett, and Dr. Rita Brock.
Hosted by
Conrad Weaver