Responder Resilience

Twenty-five years after 9/11, more than 600 FDNY members have died from Ground Zero-related illness, nearly double the number lost in the collapse itself. Retired FDNY Deputy Chief Richard Alles arrived 20 minutes after the second tower fell and spent nine months on-site. Today, as Director of 9/11 Community Affairs for Barasch & McGarry, he works full-time helping first responders and survivors access the WTC Health Program and Victim Compensation Fund.In this conversation, Chief Alles covers:What leadership looked like in the chaos of Ground Zero's first hoursHow detective James Zadroga's autopsy became the forensic evidence that passed the Zadroga ActThe current FDNY and nationwide illness death toll, now surpassing 9,000 across all WTC-related illnessWho qualifies for WTC Health Program and VCF benefits, and the exposure-hour requirements by dateWhy skin cancer, not respiratory illness, is the most common Ground Zero-linked conditionHis own two cancer diagnoses, and why he tells everyone with 9/11 exposure "it's not if you'll get sick, it's when"Subscribe for more conversations on first responder mental health, leadership, and culture.  YouTube: Responder ResilienceFacebook: ResponderTVLinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify: Responder ResilienceFull archive: ResponderTV.comContact Richard Alles:Website: https://www.post911attorneys.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaraschMcGarry/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baraschmcgarry/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barasch-mcgarry/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/This show is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical, psychological, or professional treatment. Views expressed are those of the individuals, not any affiliated agency or organization.In an emergency, call 911. For mental health support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Dr. Johnny Torgeson opened a top-grossing fitness franchise at 25, served as an Army sergeant, and now commands operations at a federal fire department. Along the way he identified a gap most fire officers never get taught: how to actually build a team, not just staff one.He wrote Forging Your Team: Demystifying Team Development for First Responders. Then he built Forging Teams AI, a 24/7 leadership coaching agent trained on his own research and experience, designed to help officers diagnose team dysfunction, low morale, and stalled performance in real time, without the cost of traditional executive coaching.In this conversation, Johnny explains how the tool works, what it catches that emotional decision-making misses, and why he believes the fire service needs to move past outdated 1990s leadership models.Learn more: forgingteams.comResponder Resilience is produced by Mind Health Media, LLC, hosted by Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.), Dr. Stacy Raymond, and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT. Subscribe for more conversations with the people building a stronger, more resilient first responder culture.**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rrContact Johnny Torgeson:Website: forgingteams.comContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/This show is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical, psychological, or professional treatment. Views expressed are those of the individuals, not any affiliated agency or organization.In an emergency, call 911. For mental health support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

The response to Ground Zero didn't end in 2001. For the FDNY, it became a 25 year path through recovery, transformation, and choices most agencies will never have to make.5 Fewer than 600 of the 11,500 FDNY firefighters who were at the World Trade Center on September 11 remain on the job. In addition to the 343 members lost on 9/11, more than 400 additional members have since died from World Trade Center related illnesses.In this episode of Responder Resilience, retired FDNY Captain Paul Brown and executive coach Andre Kotzé join hosts Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) to discuss their new book, Rising from Ground Zero: 9/11 and the FDNY's Path Through Crisis and Transformation. Built from 90 hours of raw testimony, the book documents the day of the collapse, the recovery, and the institutional transformation that followed, co-authored with Dr. Gregory P. Shea and Lauren Starkey.Paul, a third-generation FDNY firefighter, and Andre, a former mountain rescue operator and organizational development expert, discuss what it took to rebuild command, culture, and mental health support inside the busiest fire department in the world, and why they believe institutions can experience their own version of post-traumatic growth.The authors have committed 51% of the book's net profits to charities supporting FDNY members and their families.**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rrLearn more about the book: https://www.risingfromgroundzero.org/André Kotzé:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-kotze-b38a3617b/Paul Brown:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-brown-54079b124/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Terry Hastings didn't set out to become New York State's first Chief Wellness Officer. He built the case for the role one needs assessment, one training module, one hard conversation at a time.He partnered with the Institute for Disaster Mental Health and the Benjamin Center at SUNY New Paltz to survey over 6,000 first responders statewide, the first assessment of its kind in New York. What they found: 16% reported suicidal ideation, four times the general population. Among dispatchers, it was 21%.Now Terry's leveraging that data to lead the largest state-level wellness effort in the country.In this episode, Terry breaks down:Why dispatchers reported the highest rates of suicidal ideation at 21%The gap in culturally competent mental health care and what New York is doing to close itWhy Brazilian jiu-jitsu became central to his own wellness practice, and the new course he's launching for public safety professionalsWhat a Wellness Officer Roundtable actually accomplishesGuest: Terry Hastings, Chief Wellness Officer, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency ServicesHosted by Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.), Dr. Stacy Raymond, and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rrContact Terry Hastings:Website: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.hastings.12LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-hastings-8686b215/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

The injury gets treated. The claim gets filed. The responder gets lost in between.Retired Battalion Chief David Picone spent years inside a system that's supposed to cover everything: prevention, behavioral health, cancer, rehab, the claim itself,  and watched it fail at the seams. So he rebuilt it. Thirty-four integrated policies. Injury rates down. A wellness center built like a Division I athletic program. Now, as CEO of the Health & Safety Leadership Alliance, he's taking that blueprint national.Dr. Ramsey Ali sees what happens when the system fails. As Director of the First Responder Institute and PTSD IOP at Institutes of Health, he treats the complex cases: PTSD tangled with chronic pain and substance use, that siloed care left behind.One built the system. One treats its casualties. In this episode, they expose where first responder wellness actually breaks down and what it takes to fix it at the system level, not just at the individual level.In this episode:Where individual resilience ends, and organizational failure beginsWhat workers' comp gets wrong about mental health claimsWhat a department doing this right actually looks likeThe one thing Picone and Ali would change about how employers approach responder health**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rrContact David Picone and Ramsey Ali: Learn more about HSLA: http://hslalliance.orgFirst Responder Institute at Institutes of Health: https://institutesofhealth.orgContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Twenty-five years later, 343 still means something. It's the number of FDNY members lost on 9/11. Now it's also the number of miles a five-day ride will cover, from Boston to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.Suzanne Stone, President and CEO of Livestrong, joins Responder Resilience to talk about the First Responder Ride for Resilience: why it exists, who's riding, and what it means for a first responder community still absorbing the cost of that day, and every day since.Livestrong has spent almost 30 years working the "soft side" of survivorship, the part that isn't clinical. For first responders, that means occupational cancer risk baked into the job itself, families left without a playbook, and a culture that doesn't always know how to ask for help. Suzanne breaks down what Livestrong is building specifically for fire, police, and EMS. That includes a culturally competent survivor's guide, Ellis (their AI-powered survivorship companion), and a fertility preservation discount network covering 150+ clinics nationwide.The ride itself runs September 6 to 10, 2026, gathering in Boston and finishing at the 9/11 Memorial and Battery Park in New York. It arrives September 10 so active-duty riders can be back at their firehouses on the anniversary itself.**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rrContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/LIVESTRONG:🔗 Ride details & registration: https://911ride.org🔗 Learn more about Livestrong's work: https://livestrong.org📫 Questions or want to get involved: [email protected]

"Cultural competence" gets thrown around a lot in mental health circles. Dr. Brooke Bartlett has a harder definition: specialized, ongoing training paired with hands-on experience- not a one-hour class, not having an uncle who's a firefighter, not a personality trait you either have or don't. Bartlett, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Center for Trauma, Anxiety, and Stress, joins Responder Resilience to unpack what it actually takes for a clinician to earn - not perform - fluency with the first responder population. She breaks down the fastest ways clinicians lose trust in a first session, why overcompensating with jargon backfires faster than admitting what you don't know, and why leading with curiosity beats leading with credentials every time.To ground the conversation, she uses moral injury as the case study - walking through its three pathways (acts of commission, omission, and institutional betrayal), the neuroscience that separates it from PTSD, and why "should have, could have" is the phrase she hears most from first responders. It's a clear example of why cultural fluency isn't optional: you can't treat what you don't understand.Dr. Bartlett offers live and on-demand continuing education courses for clinicians on cultural competency for first responders and on assessing and treating moral injury - details at centertas.com/events.Subscribe for more conversations with the people building a stronger, more resilient first responder culture.🚒 YouTube: Responder Resilience 📱 Facebook: ResponderTV 💼 LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify 🌐 respondertv.comConnect with us: 📘 Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QCONNECT WITH RESPONDER RESILIENCEPhone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected]🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week. https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience📩 Sign up for our newsletter: https://ResponderTV.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/DR. BROOKE BARTLETT🔹 Website: centertas.com🔹 Instagram: @doctorbrookephd

What happens when every traditional treatment fails — and a first responder is still drowning?Retired FDNY-EMS paramedic and Army combat medic Carmine Fiore survived 30 treatment centers and 15 heroin overdoses before trying something the first responder world rarely talks about: Ibogaine-assisted treatment at Ambio Life Sciences in Tijuana, Mexico.In this episode, Carmine joins host David Dachinger and psychedelic-assisted therapy provider Candace Maisel, LCSW, for a candid, deeply personal conversation about what it took to finally heal — and what that healing actually looks like.In this episode:What cumulative trauma looks like when it's been suppressed for years — and why it doesn't just disappearCarmine's Ibogaine journey: the childhood memories, the generational trauma, and the moment Ibogaine delivered a message about his late fatherThe neuroscience behind psychedelic healing — BDNF, GDNF, neuroplasticity, and why the brain's post-treatment window mattersWhy psilocybin's 6-8 hour duration gives it an edge over ketamine for deep trauma workWhat integration really looks like — and why the medicine is only the beginningWhat Carmine would say to the first responder white-knuckling it right now, afraid to ask for helpThe Casey Skudin 343 Fund — and how it's helping first responders access treatment they couldn't otherwise affordResponder Resilience is an informational podcast. The experiences and perspectives shared in this episode are not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Psychedelic-assisted therapies carry real risks and are not appropriate for everyone. Please consult your physician or a licensed mental health professional before pursuing any treatment options discussed here.Subscribe to Responder Resilience: 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeConnect with us: 🌐 ResponderTV.com 📘 Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QContact Candace Maisel, LCSWhttps://ct-psych.com/candace-maisel-lcswhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/candacemaisellcswContact Carmine Fiorehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carmine-fiore-241a701a8/https://www.instagram.com/carmine12285https://www.thetravelagency.co/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

She lost him. Then she found a way through.Lt. James Crawford (Ret.) of the Chicago Police Department was a pastor, a mentor, and the man everyone leaned on. Months after retiring, he died by suicide. His wife, Erie S. Crawford, LSW, PhD — a licensed social worker who saw the signs — made a decision in her darkest hour: this loss would not take her too.She buried him on a Saturday. By Monday, she was in therapy, fighting for her own healing. What she built from that fight is now helping suicide-loss families across the country find their way back to life.In this episode, Dr. Crawford joins hosts Lt. David Dachinger (ret.) and guest co-host Lynette Shaw-Butler for a conversation about loss, love, and the long road back.In this episode: ▪ Why the "strong ones" carry pain silently — and how families can gently open that door ▪ The warning signs she saw, and what she wants other spouses to know ▪ The retirement transition: why a plan for what's next matters as much as the pension ▪ What suicide-loss families need after the funeral, when the initial support fades ▪ The S.U.N.R.I.S.E. Healing Journey: Surrender, Understand, Nurture, Reconcile, Integrate, Strengthen, Engage ▪ Her guiding truth: when night ends, the sun risesIf you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Healing is possible — and you don't have to walk it alone.Watch on YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Full archive: ResponderTV.com🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week. https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q

After 26 years as an FBI Special Agent — investigating fraud, corruption, and the schemes that cost people everything — Jerri Williams could have walked away quietly. She didn't.She entered the Bureau in 1982 as one of the first Black female agents in FBI history. She worked the cases. She learned the truth. And when Hollywood started telling a different story, she wrote the book to correct it — literally.Now she hosts FBI Case File Review, a true crime podcast with over 10 million downloads, and she's on a mission to preserve the real stories of the men and women who served.In this episode, Jerri, David, and Stacy sit down to talk about something every first responder needs to hear: why your story matters, why telling it protects the profession, and why silence is the real threat to your legacy. In this episode:Why Jerri has spent 10 years sharing FBI stories — and what she's learnedHow authentic storytelling shapes public trust in law enforcementWhat gets lost when first responders don't preserve their experienceWhy your personal legacy deserves to be told — on your termsThe cases that changed how she sees the mission of storytelling itselfWatch on YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Full archive: ResponderTV.com🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week. https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QConnect with Jerri Williams:🌐 jerriwilliams.com📘 facebook.com/JerriWilliamsAuthor📸 instagram.com/fbicasereview💼 linkedin.com/in/jerriwilliamsauthor📚 FBI Myths and Misconceptions: jerriwilliams.com/booksContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/#ResponderResilience #FirstResponders #LawEnforcement #FBI #MentalHealth #Storytelling #FirstResponderWellness #TrueCrime #Leadership #LegacyBuilding🎙️ Responder Resilience is built for first responders, mental health professionals, and anyone committed to the long-term health of those who serve.

The United States has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. Not because the firefighters aren't good enough. Not because the apparatus isn't fast enough. Because of culture.Dr. Burton Clark has been saying that since 1970. He became a volunteer firefighter that year, a career firefighter two years later, and spent the next fifty-five years working at every level of the fire service — from neighborhood firehouses to the National Fire Academy to the halls of Johns Hopkins University. He has studied more firefighter fatalities than most people have had shifts. And the conclusion he keeps reaching is the same one nobody wants to write in the after-action report.Something went wrong. It always does. And most of the time, it didn't have to.In this episode of Responder Resilience, Dr. Clark gets into the culture behind the casualty. Why America emphasizes suppression over prevention while other countries do the opposite — and why that choice shows up in the death toll. Why fire deaths are still treated as inevitable when the data says they aren't. What the social, political, economic, and technological forces shaping fire culture actually look like from the inside. And what it's going to take — at the company level, the chief level, and the community level — for anything to actually change.This is not a comfortable episode. It's not supposed to be.If you wear a badge, lead a department, or care about bringing every firefighter home — this conversation is for you**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rrContact Dr. Clark: americanfireculture.comContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

A senior FBI agent heard Chaplain Cary Friedman deliver a eulogy. He was struck by something he couldn't quite name — the message was spiritual, but it wasn't religious. Universal without being hollow. A week later, Chaplain Friedman was at the FBI Academy in Quantico. He's been consulting to the Behavioral Science Unit ever since.For more than two decades, Chaplain Friedman has been working with law enforcement officers across the country on something the behavioral sciences triad left out: the soul. Not religion. Not doctrine. The deeper thing that gets a person out of bed and into a patrol car every morning, and the thing that quietly erodes when the job takes more than it gives back.In this episode of Responder Resilience, we get into all of it. The distinction between spirituality and religion, and why it matters more than most cops think. Moral injury. The inner critic that replays every call with the word "should." The nobility of policing and what happens when officers lose sight of it. The interconnectedness principle. The personal mission statement that changes everything when you actually write it down.And yes, Batman. Chaplain Friedman is the world's foremost authority on the Dark Knight, and he uses that to powerful effect with law enforcement audiences. The adverse childhood experiences. The pain turned into mission. The "What Would Batman Do?" exercise that lands differently than you'd expect in a room full of cops.If you wear a badge, work with people who do, or care about what this profession does to the human beings inside it — this episode is for you.**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rrContact Chaplain Cary A. Friedman: Website: http://spiritualsurvivalforlawenforcement.com/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Most psychologists who work with first responders come from the outside — and spend years earning trust. Dr. Carla Sutton Moore built her career from the inside out.Twenty-five years in mental health. Over twenty devoted exclusively to law enforcement, firefighters, corrections officers, and 911 operators. Named Psychologist of the Year by the Fire Service Psychology Association in 2024. Vice-Chair of the IACP Police Psychological Services Section. Recipient of the City of Atlanta's 2025 Woman of Impact Award. And one of the most respected voices in public safety behavioral health working today.In this episode, Dr. Moore pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build wellness programs that change lives — not because a flyer went up in the break room, but because someone did the slow, patient, relationship-driven work of making it real.We get into how clinicians embed with agencies. How programs are developed from the inside of a major city government. How to earn trust in a culture built to keep outsiders out — and what it costs agencies and the workforce when culturally relevant care doesn't exist.If you work in public safety, lead a department, provide mental health services to first responders, or are trying to build something that actually lasts — this conversation is for you.**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rrContact Moore to Life Counseling and Consulting: Website: www.mooretolifecc.comContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Daniel Sundahl ran calls for twenty years. As a career firefighter and advanced care paramedic in Alberta, Canada, he saw what the job builds in you — and what it quietly destroys. He didn't leave the profession when it got hard. He went deeper into it, earning credentials as a Registered Counselling Therapist and Trauma Specialist, and then wrote a book about what he learned.UnStuck — now a bestseller — is a roadmap built specifically for people who've been trained to suppress, push through, and move on. In this episode, DanSun breaks down the Emotional Diagnostic Tool (EDT), explains why the Default Mode Network makes boredom dangerous for first responders, and lays out a clinical framework for moving from reaction to response.This is the conversation the academy never gave you.Topics covered:The neuroscience of trauma response · Why suppression isn't strength · The EDT framework · Boredom, the Default Mode Network, and harmful coping · Post-traumatic growth vs. post-traumatic stress · Building a lasting foundation of inner peace🎙️ Responder Resilience is built for first responders, mental health professionals, and anyone committed to the long-term health of those who serve.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week. https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience📩 Sign up for our newsletter: https://ResponderTV.com ★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QContact Daniel Sundahl:Art/Main site: dansunphotos.comLinktree (aggregates all links): linktr.ee/DanSunUnStuck — amazon.com/dp/B0GX5NVXVLInstagram: @dansunphotoart Facebook (art page): facebook.com/DansunPhotos LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dansunphotoartContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Most fitness products make you a promise. And most of the time, six weeks later, they're collecting dust in a corner.Khalil Zahar built something different.He was finishing his master's degree in Toronto when he walked into a boxing gym and fell completely in love — training four or five times a week, getting into the best shape of his life. Then he noticed something almost absurd: even elite-level boxers were still counting their punches with a clicker.An engineer saw a problem. FightCamp was born.What started as punch-tracking technology for Olympic and professional athletes became one of the most talked-about connected fitness platforms in the world. Today FightCamp has raised nearly $100 million in funding, backed by Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, Georges St-Pierre, and Francis Ngannou. Two-thirds of its users had never boxed a day in their life.But that's not why we called him.We called him because of the first responders — the firefighters, cops, paramedics, and dispatchers who found something in FightCamp that a gym membership and a treadmill never could give them. Training that doesn't just build a body. Training that prepares the mind for chaos, processes stress instead of storing it, and builds the kind of composure that keeps you steady when everything around you isn't.In this episode, we hear directly from first responders who train with FightCamp — and we sit down with the man who built it to find out why it works, where it's going, and what it could do for you.If you know you should be training but haven't found the right thing yet — this one's for you.Responder Resilience is produced for first responders and mental health professionals. New episodes on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Facebook, and LinkedIn. All past episodes at ResponderTV.com.★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QFightCamp:Contact FightCamp:Website: https://joinfightcamp.com/shopFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joinfightcamp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightcamp/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

They respond to the worst moments of people's lives — every single shift. Then they clear the call, restock the rig, and do it again. Nobody asks if they're okay. The system just keeps moving.In this episode of Responder Resilience, we sit down with two people who decided that wasn't good enough.Whitney Wilkerson (MDiv, BCC, NBC-HWC) is a board-certified chaplain, ordained interfaith minister, and trauma-informed wellness coach with 25+ years of experience supporting people through crisis — from pediatric hospitals to trauma centers to military burnout. Lucas Isola is a 15-year EMS veteran and Chief of the Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corps in New York, who got tired of waiting for someone else to fix the problem.Together, they built Pups and Cups — a resilience initiative that brings therapy dogs, coffee, games, and stress-relief tools directly to EMS stations. No pressure. No clinical setting. Just real support, on the crew's terms.We get into why suburban EMS agencies are more psychologically vulnerable than most people assume, why spiritual care has nothing to do with religion, why the simplest interventions often land the hardest — and what happens to patient care, team culture, and retention when you actually invest in the people doing the job.This one hits different.🎙️ Responder Resilience is built for first responders, mental health professionals, and anyone committed to the long-term health of those who serve.Contact Whitney Wilkerson and Lucas Isola:Website: https://www.irvingtonvac.org/Website: http://pupsandcupsproject.com/Website: https://reverendwhitney.com/Website: https://whitneywilkerson.com/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz made history the moment she took office — the first elected Sheriff of Miami-Dade County in nearly sixty years, the first woman to hold the role, and the first Latina sheriff in Florida history. But making history was never the point. What she did next was.In this episode of the Visionary Leaders series on Responder Resilience, we sit down with Sheriff Cordero-Stutz to talk about what it takes to lead the largest law enforcement agency in Florida — and how she's working to build a culture where asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.We cover:Her journey from patrol officer in 1996 to Sheriff of Miami-Dade CountyThe mental health and wellness infrastructure she's building for her deputiesHer role in the Florida Sheriffs Women's Leadership Academy alongside Sheriff Michelle CookWhat every first responder leader needs to understand about sustaining their people for the long haulWhether you lead a team of five or an agency of five thousand, this conversation is worth your time.🎙️ Responder Resilience is built for first responders, mental health professionals, and anyone committed to the long-term health of those who serve.★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QContact Sheriff Cordero-Stutz:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamidadesheriffsoffice/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamidadeso/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosanna-cordero-stutz-6b7414151Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Burnout in first responders doesn't announce itself. It doesn't look like a crisis. It looks like a paramedic who still shows up, still runs the calls, still does the job — and feels absolutely nothing while doing it.In this episode of Responder Resilience, Lt. David Dachinger (ret.), Dr. Stacy Raymond, and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT have the conversation that first responder culture has spent decades making almost impossible to have.What burnout actually is — clinically, culturally, and personally. Why the stoicism and dark humor that help providers survive the job can quietly accelerate its damage. How moral injury, powerlessness, and the erosion of empathy compound over years of service. What untreated burnout does to families. And what it actually takes — beyond a hotline number and a mandatory training — to come back from it.This episode is for providers, for leaders, and for anyone who loves someone who wears a uniform. Because the quiet collapse is real. And it doesn't have to be the end of the story.Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Every LEO has a version of the glory days. The calls that reminded you why you signed up. The moments where the job felt like exactly what it was supposed to be — meaningful, necessary, alive with purpose.Chris Littrell had those days.But the other calls came too. They always do. The ones that don't debrief cleanly. The ones that follow you home in the dark and take up residence somewhere behind your eyes. Twenty years of them. And somewhere in the accumulation — the weight of the badge, the silence of the locker room, the culture that confused suffering with strength — the bottle started making more sense than asking for help.Chris Littrell is a retired police sergeant, Air Force veteran, and the author of Echoes from the Street — a book that required him to walk back through everything he'd spent years trying to outrun. The trauma calls. The PTSD he didn't name until it had already taken things from him. And then — the loss that broke the framework entirely. The kind of grief that doesn't respond to willpower, rank, or any coping mechanism a twenty-year veteran thinks he has.In this episode, Chris talks about all of it — the good, the broken, and the long, uncertain road back to himself. Not because it's easy. Because silence has already cost this profession too much.This one stays with you. ★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.comContact Christopher Littrell:Website: https://christopherlittrell.com/Facebook: https://facebook.com/chris.littrell.5Instagram: https://instagram.com/chris.littrell.5LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gravitychrisContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Donnie Woodyard has spent his career believing EMS can be better — and working to prove it.If you've ever held multiple state licenses just to do your job, watched a talented medic leave because relicensing wasn't worth the hassle, or struggled to staff a mutual aid response with people you couldn't legally deploy across a state line — this conversation was made for you. And if you're a supervisor trying to keep the lights on while the conversation around you keeps shifting to innovation — you'll want to hear this too.As Executive Director of the U.S. EMS Compact, Donnie is working to remove the barriers that have quietly cost this profession some of its best people. Licensing walls that make relocation feel like starting over. A system built in 1966 that was never designed to carry the weight EMS carries today.In this episode, he breaks down what the Compact actually means for your staffing model, your retention strategy, and your people. Then we go further — into AI, cognitive load, and the clinical decision support tools that are already reshaping the landscape. Into why the providers and leaders who are most stretched right now may have the most to gain from what's coming.The future of EMS is here. The conversation starts now. Donnie Woodyard is ready.**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Donnie Woodyard, Jr:Website: http://www.emscompact.gov/Website: http://www.ems-history.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnie.woodyardLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwoodyard/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Most psychologists who work with law enforcement do it from a safe distance. They consult. They advise. They hand over a report and drive home.Dr. Cherylynn Lee doesn't do that.She works inside the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office. Full-time. Every day. She's not observing the culture — she's inside it, earning trust in a world built, brick by brick, to never ask for help. She responds to active crises in the field. Sits on the crisis negotiation team. Has debriefed more than forty critical incidents — line-of-duty deaths, officer-involved shootings, mass casualty events — and then comes back the next day and does it again.She also helped build Santa Barbara County's first law enforcement mental health co-response team from scratch. And now she's shaping wellness standards for the entire state of California. This is someone so embedded in law enforcement that when something terrible happens — and in this work, something terrible often happens — she's already there.On this episode of Responder Resilience, we ask the questions that don't get asked enough. What does trust look like inside a culture that was never designed to be vulnerable? What patterns does she see in the officers who finally walk through her door — and what took them so long? How much of the cultural shift around mental health in law enforcement is real, and how much is performance?The answers are not comfortable. They're not meant to be.This is what embedded support actually looks like. Not from the outside looking in — but from inside the wireContact Dr. Cherylynn Lee:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylynn-lee-phd-6a1420120/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Kevin Hazzard spent a decade running calls in the worst sections of Atlanta — and what he learned there is at the core of everything he's written since. Three books. One relentless refusal to let the people who run toward the worst of it go unwitnessed.He brought to light the buried legacy of Freedom House EMS — the Black men who invented modern paramedicine, set the gold standard for emergency medicine worldwide, and were then discarded from the story they authored. And then he took us 40,000 feet above the Atlantic, to the most dangerous air-medical rescue in history.Picture this: a crew locked inside a plane with two Ebola-infected Americans, somewhere over the ocean — no protocols to guide them, no precedent to follow, treating one of the most infectious diseases on earth at cruising altitude. A real-world Mission Impossible. Except someone took the mission anyway.In this episode, we talk about what the work does to you, what gallows humor is actually for, when it's time to hang up the radio, and why the people who built emergency medicine are still being discarded — just like the Freedom House medics were.In this episode:• How Kevin found his way into EMS — and what kept him there for a decade• What dark humor in A Thousand Naked Strangers reveals about survival — and what clinicians misunderstand when they pathologize it• The moment Kevin knew it was time to walk away from the ambulance• Locked in a plane with Ebola, no protocols, 40,000 feet over the Atlantic — what that rescue actually looked like from the inside• Freedom House EMS: the forgotten architects of emergency medicine, and what their erasure says about how we still treat first responders today**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Kevin Hazzard:Website: http://kevinhazzard.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.hazzard.96Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goes_by_hazzard/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Law enforcement leadership is evolving, yet many organizations still operate under outdated assumptions about strength, resilience, and performance.In this episode, David Dachinger and guest co-host Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski sit down with retired Chief Deputy Rosanne Richeal, Trauma-informed Executive Coach, and founder of The Richeal Group, to understand the conditions impacting leadership, performance, and culture in public safety.Drawing on nearly four decades in law enforcement and emergency medical services, along with clinical training in counseling psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy, Rosanne challenges the belief that toughness alone sustains performance and explains how unaddressed stress, cumulative trauma, and leadership behaviors shape decision-making, communication, and long-term effectiveness.The conversation moves beyond theory into real-world application, outlining what trauma-informed leadership looks like inside an agency:• Why psychological safety strengthens accountability and trust• How self-regulation directly impacts leadership effectiveness• What it means to lead with clarity and dignity under pressure• How culture is built through daily interactions, not written policyRosanne also offers a practical starting point. PAUSE. Create space before reacting, ask more questions before responding, and lead with intention instead of urgency.She also previews her upcoming books, Trauma-Informed Leadership: The Future of Wellness in Law Enforcement and Unapologetic Pause, both releasing soon on Amazon. If you work with first responders or you are one, this episode is not optional.Watch live Wed 4/8 at 7 pm ET: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/Contact Rosanne Richeal:Website: http://www.richealgroup.com/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rosannericheal/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosannericheal/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rosanne-richeal-437268215Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Your nervous system doesn't know the call is over.That's the reality for first responders — and the problem most conventional therapy wasn't built to solve. Dr. Joanna Rosen, psychologist and founder of Between Two Ears Trauma Consultancy, goes deeper than the story, deeper than the memory — all the way down to where trauma actually lives.In this installment of our Clinician's Guide Masterclass series, Dr. Rosen breaks down Deep Brain Reorienting — DBR — a cutting-edge modality that's changing what's possible in trauma treatment, and explains why there's a critical difference between being trauma-informed and being trauma-competent.For clinicians who want to go further. For first responders who want to understand why they can't just leave it at the door. Discover why DBR is transforming trauma treatment — watch live Wed 4/1 at 7 pm ET: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience**Resources for Responder Wellness:**• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Fitness: FightCamp (code RR10 for 10% off) https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Dr. Joanna Rosen:Website: http://moveforwardbetter.com/Website: http://between2ears.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joanna-rosen-psyd/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Cops don't break on the job. They break slowly, quietly, in the space between calls — carrying everything they've ever seen, heard, and survived until the bucket finally overflows.Dr. Stacy Raymond knows what's in that bucket. She's sat across from officers who've held it together for decades — on the street, in the squad room, at home — until they couldn't anymore. Her book, Dump the Bucket: Healing Trauma in Police with EMDR, doesn't deal in platitudes. It deals in truth: that the trauma destroying officers didn't always start on the job. And that EMDR might be the most powerful tool in law enforcement wellness that nobody's talking about.This is a conversation about what it actually takes to heal — not manage, not cope, not white-knuckle through another shift. Heal. If you wear a badge, treat the ones who do, or love someone who brings the job home every night — this one's for you.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Dr. Stacy Ramond:Website: https://www.drstacyraymond.com/Dump the Bucket Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0ewEHfTELinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stacy-raymond-ba2142359/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacyshrink1414/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

Jimmy Van Wattum knows what it’s like to carry the weight of the job long after the shift ends. In this episode, we get inside Jimmy’s story—the pain he couldn’t shake, the breaking point that sent him searching for help, and how he turned raw trauma into a hard-fought promotion.Jimmy doesn’t pull punches. He talks straight about the moment he realized therapy wasn’t a last resort, but a lifeline, and how EMDR became the tool that helped him process what the job throws at you. This is post-traumatic growth in real time: scars that turn into stripes, pain that becomes fuel, and the courage it takes to walk back through the fire for yourself and your crew. For every first responder who thinks they have to tough it out alone, Jimmy’s story is proof—there’s strength in seeking help, and the hardest calls can lead to your biggest breakthroughs.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Jim Van Wattum:​​Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/resilienttactix/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

There’s no playbook for what happens after the sirens fade. In this episode, retired FDNY EMT Carmine Fiore lays it all bare—addiction, painkillers, the battle to hold it together at home, and the brutal truth of what first responders carry long after the shift ends. No sugarcoating, no clichés—just raw honesty, grit, and the kind of redemption story that cuts through the noise. This is what it means to fight for your own life after spending years saving everyone else’s.Carmine takes us inside the struggle to find meaning and connection in a world where vulnerability is seen as a risk and silence is the norm. Through hard-won lessons and unflinching self-examination, Carmine shows what real recovery looks like—and why the toughest battles are fought where nobody sees.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Carmine Fiore:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17zR3XP33q/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmine12285LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmine-fiore-241a701a8Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/

In this episode, Lynette Shaw Butler—retired LEO with a psychology degree, advocate, and educator—pulls back the curtain on the unseen toll of growing up in the shadow of childhood trauma and responding on some of America’s toughest streets. On the job, the trauma she’d buried for so long erupted, and suddenly survival meant facing herself as much as any threat outside.Lynette’s story is one of grit, vulnerability, and the fierce drive to transform pain into power. In this raw, unflinching episode, she lays bare what it takes to go from broken to unbreakable. The courage to ask for help. The lonely road of therapy, and the difference a culturally competent therapist can make for those who wear the badge. She’s battled through the silence, the stigma, and the scars—emerging not just as a survivor, but as a relentless advocate for others.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Lynette Shaw:​​Website: LynnShawGroup.comInstagram: @LynnShawGroupFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynette.butler.9028LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynette-shaw-butler-98345538/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode, we sit down with Commander Eric Tung, the visionary behind Blue Grit, who’s on a mission to elevate the lives and careers of Law Enforcement Officers. Get ready to delve into the art of resilience—how can we not only strengthen ourselves but also inspire those around us? We’ll explore the nuances of communication across generational lines, drawing on Eric's two decades of experience in the field. With a sharp focus on vulnerability and self-awareness, he unpacks the concept of “true accountability” in policing, pushing the boundaries of what it means to lead with integrity.For the newer officers finding their footing, Eric shares invaluable insights on confidence and respect—elements crucial for success in this challenging landscape. Together, we’ll tackle pressing questions around work-life balance: Is it attainable? What does it mean for longevity in a demanding profession? Join us as Eric shares his wisdom forged through the intense highs and lows of law enforcement, helping to cultivate a proactive mindset, adaptable routines, and a thriving organizational culture. Don’t miss this chance to gain perspective from a true leader in the field!Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Eric Tung:Website: http://bluegritwellness.com/Instagram: @bluegritwellnessEmail: [email protected] Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

Imagine a system that tracks not just the nature of the calls we do, but the hidden costs of cumulative trauma, organizational stressors, and behavioral health risk. This is a high-stakes conversation about resilience in a field where the emotional toll can be as devastating as the physical one.This episode plunges into the raw, unfiltered world of firefighters and their mental health, inspired by Christopher Velasquez’s groundbreaking work, “Firefighter Mental Health Exposure Program.” We dissect a grim reality: While first responders log near misses and toxic exposures, their psychological scars go unchecked. Velasquez, a veteran firefighter and paramedic, is on a mission—a fiery crusade to revolutionize how we measure mental fitness. Join us as we tackle these tough questions: How do we convince chiefs and stakeholders to embrace a new paradigm? What features must these tracking systems have to resonate with the firehouse culture? Velasquez lays bare the need for action, boldly proclaiming that mental wellness must become as routine as a fitness test. This episode doesn’t just illuminate an urgent issue; it challenges every firefighter to confront the unseen battle they face. Buckle up for a gritty revelation that might just change the game for the bravest among us.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Christopher Verlasquez:Website: http://www.mobilehealthconcepts.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safiremedicLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/christopher-velasquez-43aaa8a5Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode of "Visionary Leaders Masterclass," we sit down with Sheriff Robert Jonsen of Santa Clara County, a true pioneer in law enforcement leadership. With four decades of experience, including transformative roles as Chief of Police and a certified Compassion Cultivation instructor, Sheriff Jonsen represents a new wave of leaders redefining what it means to serve and protect.We discuss Sheriff Jonsen's insights on the most pressing stressors facing public safety professionals today. How does he envision a culture in which seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength? We’ll explore his passion for wellness in law enforcement and discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing effective, culturally competent, and inclusive wellness programs.Listeners will learn about Sheriff Jonsen's upcoming book, "Got Your Six- A Sheriff’s Blueprint for Resilience, Reform, and Staying Human Behind the Badge," which outlines his blueprint for resilience and reform in policing. This episode is not only a masterclass in leadership but also a heartfelt dialogue about the humanity behind the badge. Tune in for a transformative listen that promises to reshape your understanding of law enforcement leadership today.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/Contact Robert Jonsen, Sheriff: Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff:Website: https://sheriff.santaclaracounty.gov/homeWebsite: https://www.compassioninstitute.com/courageousheart/LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/robert-jonsen-4848a352Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode of Responder Resilience's Visionary Leaders Masterclass, Fire Chief Nick Marsan from Westport, CT, shares his mantra: “Mission First, People Always.” This phrase isn’t just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle that can reshape leadership in the fire service.We explore the critical intersection of leadership and mental health, discussing how to make mental wellness a core operational value. What daily actions must command staff take to foster this mindset? How can we create a culture that normalizes mental health discussions and encourages first responders to seek help?This episode is a crucial call to action for leaders, emphasizing the need to prioritize people in our mission. Tune in to learn how this military-inspired mantra can guide transformative leadership in any organization.Now available! Helping the Helpers: the book that equips you to support those on the frontlines. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ Contact Chief Nick Marsan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-marsan-mpa-ma-a1335123b/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode, we speak with retired Lt. Randy Sutton, a man whose own life is a testament to the trials faced by those in blue. Founder of The Wounded Blue, Randy sheds light on the stark reality of physical and emotional injuries sustained on the job, illuminating the journeys of the more than 17,000 officers he has helped. A catalyst for change in Law Enforcement, Randy discusses the impactful services provided by The Wounded Blue and unpacks the powerful motto, "Never forgotten, never alone." We also touch on the poignant themes from his compelling book, "Rescuing 911: The Fight for America’s Safety." Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that promises to resonate well beyond the final word.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/Contact Randy Sutton:Website: http://thewoundedblue.org/Facebook: @thewoundedblueInstagram: @thewoundedblueContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

Join us as we confront the critical issue of first responder mental health and explore the vital role of chaplaincy in emergency services. We learn about the GY6 Initiative a powerful movement led by Chaplain John Revell, born from heart-wrenching loss yet driven by an unyielding mission: to save lives. What drives rescuers to the brink, and how can we change this tragic narrative? From debriefs to vital resources, we're unraveling the complexities of mental wellness in high-stakes environments. This isn't just another story; it's a clarion call to action, a testament to resilience against the silent epidemic that threatens our bravest. Tune in to learn how the GY6 Initiative is shaking the foundation of first responder support because every life matters, and every call could hold the key to hope.Now available! Helping the Helpers: the book that equips you to support those on the frontlines. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/Contact John Revell:Website: http://www.gy6.info/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ASbQR9WbV/?mibextid=wwXIfrContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this raw episode, we speak with Doug White, a veteran and retired law enforcement officer. Doug pulls no punches as he confronts the reality of post-traumatic stress in first responders. Doug reveals how over-identifying with the uniform can unravel lives, and shares the brutal toll decades of service take on personal identity and relationships, turning the spotlight on the often painful process of transition. From the wreckage of broken connections to the struggle for resilience, this conversation is a wake-up call. Doug offers hard-hitting strategies for reclaiming your sense of self after the badge is gone. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about stepping into the light after adversity and knowing that the growth continues, both in and out of uniform. Buckle up—this episode is an unvarnished look at the vulnerabilities we all share.Now available! Helping the Helpers: the book that equips you to support those on the frontlines. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comFightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/Contact Doug White:Website: http://www.dougwhiteofficial.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567095642264Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tell_this_story/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougwhiteofficial/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this encore presentation of Responder Resilience, we revisit the compelling journey of retired FDNY EMS Chief Lillian Bonsignore, who recently took on the role of Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. A trailblazer with a remarkable 31-year career, she became the first female to achieve a 4-star rank in FDNY history. In this informative episode, Commissioner Bonsignore shares intimate reflections on her challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned throughout her extraordinary career. From navigating high-pressure EMS incidents to fostering resilience among her team, her insights offer a profound look at leadership and dedication. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that explores the essence of emergency services through the lens of a true pioneer.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4QThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode of *Responder Resilience*, we sit down with Danielle Gustafson, the passionate Executive Director of the EMS FDNY Help Fund, a beacon of hope for New York City's Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. These first responders confront an array of obstacles—from the relentless pressures of their job to the barriers in accessing the care they desperately need. Danielle reveals the unseen struggles these rescue warriors face, shedding light on how the Help Fund steps in during times of crisis—providing vital support systems in the wake of death, injury, illness, or hardship. We’ll explore the fund’s initiatives, including urgent counseling services and its monumental response during COVID-19, when it provided meals and shelter to those fighting on the frontlines. Throughout our conversation, we’ll tackle poignant questions: What do NYC’s EMS personnel truly need? How do their challenges differ from those faced by their fire counterparts? This episode unearths the raw truth behind the sirens, the silenced stories of sacrifice, and the unyielding resolve of those who answer the calls. Join us for a compelling dialogue that underscores not just the importance of mental and emotional support for our first responders, but why their well-being is essential for the safety of us all.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003EMS FDNY HELP FUND:Website: http://emsfdnyhelpfund.com/https://www.facebook.com/emsfdnyhf/https://www.linkedin.com/company/emsfdnyhelpfundhttps://www.instagram.com/ems.fdny.helpfund/Contact Danielle Gustafson:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedaniellegustafson/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellegustafsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegustafson/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this encore of our mini-documentary, Responder Resilience takes you on a profound journey into the heart of spirituality—a complex tapestry woven from the experiences of those who stand on the front lines of life and death: our First Responders and military personnel. They exist in a realm where courage meets chaos, and their harrowing encounters shape unique philosophies of resilience and meaning. Through their poignant stories, we witness the raw truth of trauma and the undeniable power of belief in transforming suffering into strength. From the burning buildings they rush into to the moments when they hold the hands of grieving families, these brave souls reveal how spirituality serves as both a lifeline and a guiding light. In a world often overshadowed by despair, their reflections offer an inspiring testament to the human spirit's quest for purpose amidst unimaginable pain. Tune in for insights that challenge our perceptions and invite us to contemplate the deeper connections that bind us all.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003Thanks to our resource partner, First Responder Project, whose no-cost first responder retreats offer you a chance to reclaim connection and learn vital skills. Take a stand for your well-being and the connections that matter most.  Learn more and register at FirstResponderProject.orgThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comThanks also to our resource partner, FightCamp. Harness the strength of boxing to release stress, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community. For free shipping and a free month of membership, go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ and use the code RRPONE.Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the heart and soul of Autumn Schmidt, a former police officer whose journey from the front lines of law enforcement to the forefront of women's empowerment is nothing short of remarkable. Autumn’s story is rich with the kind of raw vulnerability that reveals the gritty reality of betrayal and adversity in a profession that often demands unwavering strength. She candidly shares her battles—both physical and emotional—that shaped her path, including the brutal truth behind the phrase “we eat our own” that echoes through the corridors of law enforcement. With her business, "She's An Asset," Autumn isn’t just advocating for awareness; she’s igniting a movement that blends safety, confidence, and sisterhood into a powerful lifeline for women everywhere. Join us as we unravel the complexities of her experiences, the challenges women face in law enforcement, and the steadfast support systems that could reshape an industry. This episode promises an unfiltered exploration of resilience and empowerment that challenges the status quo and inspires us all to rise stronger together.Contact Autumn Schmidt:Website: https://shesanasset.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shesanasset/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautumnschmidtLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumnclifford/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

We sit down with Lt. Andrew Masters of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, a man who has stared into the abyss. His raw, unfiltered journey takes us deep into the struggles of mental health within the first responder community, where the weight of despair nearly pushed him over the edge. Andrew opens up about his darkest moments, including his near-suicide experience, and the transformative power of resilience and support.As a passionate advocate for mental wellness, Lt. Masters discusses the critical need for culturally competent clinicians who understand the unique pressures faced by those on the front lines. With his boots on the ground, he shares firsthand insights on how appropriate training can bridge the gap between responders and mental health professionals. Join us as we uncover what it truly takes to prepare the next generation of clinicians to effectively serve this critical population. Get ready for an episode that’s as real as it gets—where courage meets compassion, and hope rises from the ashes of despair.Contact Drew Masters:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comingoutofthestorm/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the often-overlooked world of New York City’s Emergency Medical Services. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Anthony Almojera, a 20-year veteran Lieutenant and passionate advocate for EMS, as he sheds light on the harsh realities of a profession that battles for recognition alongside firefighters and police, exploring the mental health toll and alarming turnover rates that have surged in the wake of the pandemic. Anthony shares his firsthand experiences, revealing the challenging call volumes and the dire consequences of a system in crisis. With his candid insights and powerful stories, get ready for an unfiltered look at life on the front lines of EMS.Contact Anthony Almojera:Facebook: @anthonyalmojeraInstagram: @anthonyalmojeraContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode of Responder Resilience, we sit down with Erin Nugent, a former police officer turned First Responder Wellness Coach. Erin shares her journey from frontline service to civilian life, discussing the personal challenges she faced and the strategies that have worked for her. She aims to destigmatize mental health through open conversations on her radio show.We also explore Erin’s experiences as a firefighter’s spouse and how that relationship shapes her support approach during the ups and downs of active duty. Learn how she manages the reentry phase when her partner returns from a shift and discover practical tips for discussing mental health with loved ones.We also discuss the differences between coaching, peer support, and clinical therapy, highlighting how these roles intersect. Join us for a heartfelt discussion that champions healing and resilience within the first responder community.Contact Erin Nugent:Website: https://www.erinjanecoaching.com/Radio: https://www.thethinlinerockstation.com/Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-will-hold-space-for-your-darkness-a-first/id1709535359Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinjanecoachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinjanecoachingLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-nugent-00a19a223/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this compelling episode, we go deep into the transformative journey of trauma with clinical directors Bonnie Rumilly and Jennifer Spirito from the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team. Get ready to challenge your perceptions as we unravel how trauma isn't just a burden but a catalyst for profound change. Discover the hidden symptoms of trauma, the unexpected triggers, and how these experiences can fuel personal growth. We’ll unpack the concept of Posttraumatic Growth—what it is, how it manifests, and the steps you can take to embark on this empowering journey. Are pain and resilience intertwined? Join us for an eye-opening discussion that redefines strength and sheds light on the powerful potential for transformation following adversity. Contact Jennifer Spirito, LCSW:Website: https://www.jenniferspiritolcsw.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_spirito_lcswContact Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT:Website: https://fctrt.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agmllc2017LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-c-rumilly-lcsw-emt-b-certified-emdr-therapist-6a34b1268/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode, we sit down with Kwesi Millington—a former RCMP officer whose life changed forever after a high-profile incident and the mental health crisis that followed. Kwesi opens up about the pressures of policing in the public eye and what it really takes to rebuild after hitting rock bottom. Expect a candid, thought-provoking conversation that digs into the personal cost of the uniform, the journey toward healing, finding purpose after the job, and the bold ideas needed to become “unbreakable”.Contact Kwesi Millington:Website: www.kwesimillington.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kwesi.millingtonInstagram: www.instagram.com/kwesispeaksLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kwesimillingtonContact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this Clinicians' Guide Masterclass, we turn the spotlight on the often-overlooked world of mental health in disaster response. Join us as Joellen Rhyndress, a seasoned therapist, shares authentic stories from the front lines of crisis management, revealing what it's truly like to be an embedded clinician in the chaos. We’ll tackle the tricky balance of cultural competence and trust, and we’ll discuss resilience and misconceptions about responder mental health. Buckle up for a wild ride through the gritty side of mental health work when deployed to critical incidents.Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003Thanks to our resource partner, First Responder Project, whose no-cost first responder retreats offer you a chance to reclaim connection and learn vital skills. Take a stand for your well-being and the connections that matter most.  Learn more and register at FirstResponderProject.orgThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comThanks also to our resource partner, FightCamp. Harness the strength of boxing to release stress, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community. For free shipping and a free month of membership, go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ and use the code RRPONE.Contact Joellen Rhyndress:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657034770LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellen-rhyndress-lmsw-lcsw-6a785010/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

Join us for this compelling episode featuring retired police officers Ernest Stevens and Scott Medlin as they unpack their groundbreaking book, *101 Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Law Enforcement Officer*. We lean into eye-opening discussions that will challenge your perspective on a career in policing. Hear firsthand how this powerful toolkit is designed to prepare aspiring officers and their families for the realities of the job. From collaborative writing insights to practical advice for potential recruits, this episode is packed with real-world reflections and valuable lessons for anyone considering a path in law enforcement. Tune in and get ready to think critically about what it truly means to serve and protect!Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003Thanks to our resource partner, First Responder Project, whose no-cost first responder retreats offer you a chance to reclaim connection and learn vital skills. Take a stand for your well-being and the connections that matter most.  Learn more and register at FirstResponderProject.orgThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comThanks also to our resource partner, FightCamp. Harness the strength of boxing to release stress, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community. For free shipping and a free month of membership, go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ and use the code RRPONE.Contact Ernie Stevens:Website: http://www.erneststevens.com/Twitter: @Estevens0845LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernest-stevens-b4234a1b6/Contact Scott Medlin:Website: http://thescottmedlin.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the10codemindset/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-medlin/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

Step into the world of RESPONDER RESILIENCE, an insightful podcast that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of firefighters, EMTs, 911, law enforcement professionals, clinicians and those who serve. Hear firsthand accounts from our community's finest as they discuss critical issues on the job and share their experiences with hosts Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.), Bonnie Rumilly LCSW/EMT and Dr. Stacy Raymond. Explore topics of mental and physical wellness with emergency services thought leaders, and get ready to be inspired and gain a deeper appreciation for their sacrifices and resilience. 

In this episode, we converse with Dr. Stephanie Conn, a leading expert in police psychology and resilience training for first responders. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Conn brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, especially from her newly updated book, "Increasing Resilience in Police & Emergency Personnel." We explore groundbreaking topics like nervous system regulation, innovative peer support practices, biohacks, and the latest in sleep science—all aimed at enhancing performance under pressure. Discover how first responders can combat trauma, burnout, and moral injury in an ever-demanding environment. Plus, we tackle the stigmas around wellness in the first responder community. How can we transform perceptions of meditation, breath work, and yoga from "woo-woo" to transformative? Buckle up for an enlightening conversation that blends science, practical strategies, and a unique perspective on the mental battles rescuers face every day. Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003Go to https://www.respondertv.com/p/helpingthehelpers/ for more book info.Thanks to our resource partner, First Responder Project, whose no-cost first responder retreats offer you a chance to reclaim connection and learn vital skills. Take a stand for your well-being and the connections that matter most.  Learn more and register at FirstResponderProject.orgThanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comThanks also to our resource partner, FightCamp. Harness the strength of boxing to release stress, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community. For free shipping and a free month of membership, go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ and use the code RRPONE.Contact STEPHANIE CONN:Website: https://firstresponderpsychology.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstResponderPsychLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stephanie-conn/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode, we sit down with Sheriff Michelle Cook from the Clay County, Florida, Sheriff's Office for an eye-opening discussion about the ever-evolving landscape of law enforcement. Sheriff Cook shares her insights on the crucial topics of recruitment and retention within the force, diving deep into the challenges and opportunities that face law enforcement agencies today.Sheriff Cook’s journey as a leader—known for her integrity and compassionate approach—offers a unique perspective on striking a balance between firm leadership and genuine community connection. We also explore the profound impact of technology on policing and how it's reshaping community engagement. Get ready to hear about the impressive CCSO Wellness initiatives and the dynamic growth of Clay County. How does CCSO plan to continue its legacy of outstanding service amidst these changes? This episode promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking as we explore inward-facing and outward-facing leadership in today’s policing world. Don't miss it!Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003Go to https://www.respondertv.com/p/helpingthehelpers/ for more book info.Thanks to our resource partner, First Responder Project, whose no-cost first responder retreats offer you a chance to reclaim connection and learn vital skills. Take a stand for your well-being and the connections that matter most.  Learn more and register at FirstResponderProject.orgThanks also to our resource partner, FightCamp. Harness the strength of boxing to release stress, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community. For free shipping and a free month of membership, go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ and use the code RRPONE.Contact SHERIFF COOK:Website: https://www.claysheriff.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccsofl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccsofl/Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

Josh Bitsko was one of three officers who breached the suspect’s room during the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. That moment was not just a test of tactics; it was a critical examination of the emotional core of what it truly means to be a first responder.We hear from Josh about maintaining calm in high-stress situations like active shooter scenarios. He shares crucial strategies for self-regulating emotions and how slowing down mentally can make all the difference in a crisis. We tackle the concept of "tactical paralysis" and explore effective techniques for keeping a team focused and decisive when the pressure is on. Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003Go to https://www.respondertv.com/p/helpingthehelpers/ for more book info.Thanks also to our resource partner, FightCamp. Harness the strength of boxing to release stress, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community. For free shipping and a free month of membership, go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ and use the code RRPONE.Thanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.comContact Josh Bitsko:Website: http://www.bitskoconsulting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561200480384Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuabitsko/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-bitsko-47905192/ Contact Responder Resilience:Phone: +1 844-344-6655Email: [email protected] website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilienceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/