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PODCAST · health

Off The Ground with Matt and John

by Matt Hagan

We offer straight talk about dealing with mental health, trauma, including PTSD, anxiety and depression and much more. While we will be talking quite a bit about first responders, this will be for anyone who wants some frank discussion about mental health. It’s time to get rid of the stigma. Hosted by long-time first responders and lifelong friends, it’s full of heart and humor.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 14, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Episode #41: Dealing With Guilt

    In this episode, Matt and John talk about guilt, and ways to deal with it.

  2. Episode #40: Dealing With Change

    In this episode, the guys talk about dealing with change. And Matt talks about a major career change he recently made.

  3. Episode #39: Good Relationships With Ourselves

    In this episode, the guys talk about the importance of having a good relationship with yourself

  4. Episode #38: Mental Health and Aging.

    A chat about potential mental health challenges as we age.

  5. Episode #37: Mental Health Myths

    In this episode, Matt and John debunk 5 mental health myths.

  6. 1 year of 988

    The 988 Suicide and Crisis Line is one year old. In this episode the guys talk about 988, some statistics, and start a new segment at the end of the podcast.

  7. BONUS EPISODE! Out-Takes: Idiots vs. Podcasting

    A short episode featuring some out-takes while we were having some technical difficulties. A fair amount of swearing, singing and a little bit of fart talk. Hey…don’t blame us. You’re the one listening.

  8. Episode 35: Gay Pride Month

    In this episode, Matt and John share their thoughts on Gay Pride Month and other related issues.

  9. Episode #34: How to Find a Therapist

    In this episode the boys talk about ways to find a therapist that’s right for you.

  10. Episode #33: Men’s Mental Health Month and….where we have been

    In this episode the guys explain where they have been, and a good talk about Men’s Mental Health Month.

  11. Episode #32: Signs You May Need a Therapist

    The boys start off by sharing their thoughts on the tragic death of Tyree Nichols. Then, a good talk about signs you may need a therapist. And as a free bonus you get to hear a cat and some kids in the background!

  12. Episode #31: How to Help Someone Who’s Struggling

    A talk about how you can help others that are struggling. We talk about do’s and don’ts as well as some simple steps to reach out. Plus, you get to hear Matt’s heater running in the background.

  13. Episode #30: Stigma

    In this episode, the boys talk about the stigma surrounding getting mental health help.

  14. Episode 29: Very Special (and Ridiculous) Friendships

    A group of life-long friends discuss friendship and other shit. Enjoy

  15. Episode 28: Forgiveness

    The guys chat about forgiveness of others, as well as a bit about bad photo shop.

  16. Episode #27: Holiday Stress

    In this episode, the guys talk about holiday stressors and a classic bit by Cheech and Chong

  17. Episode 26: The Importance of Boundaries

    In this episode John and Matt discuss the importance of boundaries, setting them and respecting them.

  18. Episode 25: How do you define success?

    A chat about how we define success. Also some shocking news about John’s lack of movie watching

  19. Episode 24: Ideas on How to Open Up

    Here are some ideas on how to talk about heavy topics that may be weighing on us.

  20. Episode #23: Talking about how life events can change your outlook.

    Kicking off a new season, with a new co-host! Matt and John discuss how life events can change your outlook on life. Plus a bit about the new 9-8-8 crisis line.

  21. Episode #22: How do we teach hope

    A brief talk on teaching children to prepare for good things instead of just preparing for the worst. Plus a brief anxiety reduction technique

  22. Episode #21: How childhood trauma affects us as adults.

    A great talk with professional therapist, Dana Petroff, about how childhood trauma and adult trauma are linked.

  23. Episode #20: Child Abuse Prevention Month

    April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In this episode I talk about my own experiences as a victim of child abuse.

  24. Episode #19: Medication Stigma

    In this episode we talk a bit about the stigma of taking mental health medication. And we wrap up with an emotional regulation skill

  25. Episode #18: Changing The Narrative

    A talk about changing the way we look at mental health injuries

  26. Episode #17: Embracing Failure

    A rant about today’s activities in Washington DC and then some talk about embracing failure.

  27. Episode #16: Finding Joy in the Simple Things.

    In this episode we talk about finding joy in the day-to-day. And two very special guests weigh in.

  28. Episode #15: Suicide

    A talk about suicide and getting help. We round it out with a bit of humor.

  29. Episode #14: Emotional Overload

    A chat with a 911 Dispatcher/Call-Taker about emotional overload and how she’s learned to take care of herself and others.

  30. Episode #13: Lowering Holiday Stress

    We put a lot of pressure on ourselves for the perfect holiday. Here are some ideas to help avoid it. And a short talk about reaching out to others.

  31. Episode #12: Compartmentalizing Your Emotions.

    Why Compartmentalizing your emotions isn’t a bad thing. And a recap of the STOP Skill.

  32. Episode #11: Fellas....Get Your Butt Checked. Special guest John Tafolla

    John Tafolla talks about getting a cancer diagnosis and how he navigated his way through the initial shock, and treatment.

  33. Shut Up And Listen!

    A short talk about the elections and actually listening to the other side

  34. Episode #9: Choosing Optimism and Gratitude

    Choosing optimism and gratitude can be easier said than done. In this episode we will talk about why it’s so important

  35. Episode #8: Setting Boundaries and Saying No.

    A chat about setting boundaries with others, and learning to tell people no. And why both are good for you.

  36. Episode #7: Talking To Your Loved Ones About What You’ve Experienced. Finding The Balance

    A chat on talking to your partner about traumas you’ve experienced, without causing them vicarious trauma. As well as some tips on preparing them for those talks. And we wrap it up with some tips on better sleep.

  37. Episode #6: Humility and Connection

    A brief talk about humility and the importance of connection with others. How a recent forest fire has brought people together.

  38. It’s okay to not be okay—“I’m fine and I’m okay” are bullshit

    A chat about why there’s nothing weak about not being ok. And...a shout out to sex

  39. Episode 4: Forgiveness of Self

    A bit about the importance of learning to forgive ourselves. And why we should stop saying “I’m sorry” so much. Unless of course you’re Canadian

  40. The stigma of asking for help.

    There’s a stigma that comes to realizing we need help, and asking for help. We will discuss why there shouldn’t be. We will also talk about Safe Call Now, as well as a couple of easy stress reduction techniques.

  41. Who Are Your People?

    Episode #2: A short talk on who our people are and accountability partners. (My apologies for the background noise...hey I’m new, give me a break)

  42. Episode 1...The Intro

    A short hello, and explanation about what we are doing.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

We offer straight talk about dealing with mental health, trauma, including PTSD, anxiety and depression and much more. While we will be talking quite a bit about first responders, this will be for anyone who wants some frank discussion about mental health. It’s time to get rid of the stigma. Hosted by long-time first responders and lifelong friends, it’s full of heart and humor.

HOSTED BY

Matt Hagan

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Off The Ground with Matt and John have?

Off The Ground with Matt and John currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Off The Ground with Matt and John about?

We offer straight talk about dealing with mental health, trauma, including PTSD, anxiety and depression and much more. While we will be talking quite a bit about first responders, this will be for anyone who wants some frank discussion about mental health. It’s time to get rid of the stigma. Hosted...

How often does Off The Ground with Matt and John release new episodes?

Off The Ground with Matt and John has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Off The Ground with Matt and John?

You can listen to Off The Ground with Matt and John on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Off The Ground with Matt and John?

Off The Ground with Matt and John is created and hosted by Matt Hagan.
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