Whether you are a firefighter, EMT/Medic, dispatcher, in law enforcement, or are a proud supporter, you won't want to miss the next episode of a compelling new podcast called RESPONDER RESILIENCE. This unique and highly impactful web-based talk show interviews some of our community's finest heroes who offer insight on the most critical issues on the job, while providing viewers with a front-row seat on what being a responder truly means.
Recent Episodes
March 22, 2023
Responder Retirement: Navigating Life 2.0 (Part 1) | S3 E12
In this two part mini-documentary, Responder Resilience does a deep dive into the topic of first responder retirement. We are joined by a panel of twenty one retired or active first responders and resilience experts, representing law enforcement, the fire service, EMS, dispatch, animal control, and mental health clinicians.
We’re joined by Giovanni Rocco, retired LEO and FBI covert operative and author of the book “Giovanni’s Ring: My life Inside the Real Sopranos”. Giovanni talks about the toll the job takes, and the unwitting sacrifices our spouses and children make as a result of the first responder profession. Giovanni discussed how his “double life” as an FBI undercover agent inside the Italian-American mafia impacted his loved ones and his own mental health.
March 8, 2023
Blue Epidemic: Preventing Police Suicide | S3 E10
In this episode, Stacy and David speak with Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of the Blue Wall Institute www.bw-institute.com about police officer suicide. We do a deep dive into the root causes of law enforcement officers taking their lives, and examine Dr. Johnson’s “Fatal 10” of suicide contributing factors.
March 1, 2023
Humanizing The Badge: Inspiring Positive Change | S3 E9
We’re joined by retired police sergeant Donna Brown, one of only five female officers hired in 1979 by the Tallahassee Police Department. Donna is passionate about humanizing the badge and first responder mental health. Donna retired in 2006 after a 26-year career, and became an author.
Feb. 22, 2023
Build Your Resiliency With Tactical Self-Care | S3 E8
In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Rodger Ruge, published author and Certified Life Coach about building resilience within the first responder community. Rodger is a retired police officer, survivor of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and 30-year mindfulness and resilience practitioner, trainer and coach.
We’re joined by retired firefighter and Account Executive at O2X Human Performance, John Vargo, who shares his personal struggle with burnout, anxiety, anger, and dependence on alcohol during his honest and raw interview with Bonnie and David. John describes hitting bottom, and finding his way out of the darkness.
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About the Hosts
Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.)
Executive Producer | Host
David Dachinger is a retired Fire Lieutenant and EMT with over 21 years as a leader in emergency services. He has written department policy, instructed fire/rescue training, and created fitness and wellness initiatives. As a fire officer, he frequently served as Shift Commander and Incident Commander.
A two-time Grammy Award® nominee, David was a mixing engineer and producer, collaborating on numerous albums with artists such as Roberta Flack, Usher, Celine Dione, and The Isley Brothers.
David has been a survivor of stage IV cancer since 2014. His first-hand experience undergoing cancer treatment profoundly altered the landscape of his life and inspired him to be an advocate for firefighter wellness. He is a two-time international bestselling author featured in Cancer: From Tears to Triumph, and bestselling co-author of the book Live Calm With Cancer (...and Beyond). David and his wife Tamara created the Loving Meditations app, which provides mobile mind-body wellness tools such as meditation and music to elevate quality-of-life for all those touched by cancer, including patients or caregivers.
Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW / EMT
Host | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | EMDR Trauma Therapist
Bonnie Rumilly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of Adults, Adolescents, Children and First Responders. Bonnie worked in Newtown treating Trauma directly after the Sandy Hook School Shootings and is an EMDR therapist. She is a Board Member of the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team, Inc., which treats First Responders for PTSD and Trauma. Bonnie is also a 21-year Emergency Medical Technician, and retired Chief of her EMS agency.
In addition to hosting Responder Resilience, Bonnie co-leads a weekly peer support group for first responders along with Dr. Stacy Raymond.
Dr. Stacy Raymond
Host | Clinical Psychologist | Approved EMDR Consultant
Stacy Raymond is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice for nearly 24 years. She is a trauma specialist and an Approved Consultant in EMDR. The daughter of a retired police officer and US Marine, Stacy dedicates half her practice hours to working with First Responders and Military Veterans. In 2020 she created Responder Wellness Inc—a non-profit charity for EMS, Police & Fire. Stacy co-leads a weekly free Peer Support Meeting for first responders, along with Bonnie Rumilly.
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