Responder Resilience

Mental Health And Therapy Episodes

36
Sept. 3, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Living the Embedded Clinician Role with Dr. Nicole Navega | S5 E36

Join us on this Clinician’s Guide masterclass as we speak with Dr. Nicole Navega, a pioneer in embedded EMS trauma care.
Guest: Nicole Navega
34
Aug. 20, 2025

Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty with Lt. Tommy Bolin | S5 E34

We talk with Lt. Tommy Bolin, a firefighter and paramedic from Central Ohio, about the hidden mental health struggles first responders face, and drawing from his book, “Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty in a Life of Trauma and Sacrifice.”
Guest: Tommy Bolin
33
Aug. 13, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Structuring a Practice That Works | S5 E33

Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMTB, and Stacy Raymond, PsyD, share their expertise on building a practice tailored for clinicians working with First Responders in this engaging episode.
32
Aug. 6, 2025

Revolutionize Your Resilience with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux | S5 E32

We sit down with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux, the dynamic duo behind the Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference. From raw, personal stories to powerful insights about mental health, these two are on a mission to help first responders navigate the often-overlooked challenges they face.
30
July 23, 2025

Battling Burnout with Brainspotting and Sleep Strategies | S5 E30

What if the key to mental wellness lies not just in the mind but in the bed? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Leah Kaylor, the FBI's sleep expert helps to unravel the intricate relationship between sleep and resilience, exploring how addressing sleep issues can spark essential conversations about mental health within this high-stakes profession.
Guest: Leah Kaylor
29
July 16, 2025

Nervous System Recalibration©: Finding Focus Under Pressure | S5 E29

Join us for an insightful conversation with Doug Allen, the author of “An Operator's Guide to the Nervous System”. With a deep commitment to serving military personnel and the first responder community, Doug offers a fresh perspective on achieving peak performance through an innovative technique that recalibrates your nervous system for the challenges of the current environment.
Guest: Doug Allen
28
July 9, 2025

Forging FDNY’s Mental Health Model | S5 E28

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Andrew Kane, a seasoned veteran of the FDNY with three decades of experience. Drew was on the front lines at Ground Zero during 9/11 and has committed his life to supporting firefighters and their families in navigating mental health and substance abuse challenges.
Guest: Andrew Kane
25
June 18, 2025

Taking the Cape Off with Patrick J. Kenny | S5 E25

Join us for a powerful conversation with Retired Fire Chief Patrick J. Kenny, author of “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief, and Loss.” We peel back the layers of leadership in emergency services and what it truly means to lead with strength and vulnerability.
19
May 7, 2025

6 Steps to STRONG Responder Relationships with Kristal DeSantis, LMFT | S5 E19

Our guest Kristal DeSantis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the author of "STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man."
17
April 23, 2025

Family First: Building Resilience at Home with Dr. Rachelle Zemlok | S5 E17

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, a first responder psychologist specializing in the unique challenges first responder families face. We explore the vital importance of family support in this demanding job.
16
April 16, 2025

Choosing Growth Over Grief with Guest Rick Cheatham | S5 E16

We sit down with Rick Cheatham, a seasoned Life and Career Transformation Coach and retired Fire Captain. Rick shares his profound journey of resilience, navigating personal challenges including overcoming addiction, coping with the murder of his son, and enduring a life-changing injury.
Guest: Rick Cheatham
15
April 9, 2025

Clinician's Guide to Wellness Programs and Internships with Wendy Hummell | S5 E15

In this Clinician’s Guide for mental health professionals and savvy first responders, we sit down with Wendy Hummell, a retired detective turned health and wellness manager. We’ll dive into the challenges of introducing wellness to Law enforcement culture, the need for supportive internship programs, and how first responders can transition into second careers as therapists.
Guest: Wendy Hummell
14
April 2, 2025

Responder's Survival Guide: Stress Less, Forgive More with Dr. Fred Luskin | S5 E14

Are you feeling overwhelmed by extreme stress or struggling with feelings of resentment? In this enlightening episode, we feature Dr. Frederic Luskin, the renowned director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects.
Guest: Fred Luskin
12
March 19, 2025

Jason Patton—Saving Lives Through Connection and Comedy | S5 E12

In this encore episode, get ready to meet charismatic firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton, the creative force behind Fire Department Chronicles.
Guest: Jason Patton
11
March 12, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Building Trust with Law Enforcement | S5 E11

This episode explores the vital connection between mental health and law enforcement. Dr. Medina Baumgart shares insights on the critical role of embedded clinicians, the mental health challenges retired officers face, and the importance of peer support programs.
10
March 5, 2025

Clinician's Guide to Peer Support and Officer Wellness | S5 E10

Join us for a compelling dialogue for clinicians and savvy first responders, with Captain Mike Fumiatti of the New Haven Police Department as we dig into the importance of police peer support in law enforcement.
8
Feb. 19, 2025

Confronting Vicarious Trauma: A Self-Care Guide | S5 E8

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Falisa Asberry, a retired law enforcement veteran and Peacock Training & Consulting Group CEO.
6
Feb. 5, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to In-Patient Treatment Facilities | S5 E6

In this Clinician's Guide episode, we sit down with Patrick Fitzgibbons, retired police commander and Shatterproof Community Liaison Lead at FHE Health. We explore the essential topic of specialized addiction and mental health treatment programs designed for first responders.
4
Jan. 22, 2025

EMDR for EMS: Healing Off-Duty Trauma | S5 E4

In this impactful episode, we address the vital mental health challenges faced by EMS and first responders, including post-traumatic stress and the effects of "buffing" calls—responding to emergencies off-duty.
Guest: Frank Glowski
3
Jan. 15, 2025

Frank Leto—Success Stories from FDNY’s Counseling Service Unit | S5 E3

Tune in for a candid conversation highlighting behavioral health's critical role in emergency services. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Frank Leto (Ret.), Captain and Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Service Unit (CSU), to discuss the profound impact of 9/11 on firefighter behavioral health. Join us as we delve into the challenges of establishing the CSU in the aftermath of the attacks, gaining buy-in for peer support programs, and the memorable successes showcasing mental health support's importance for first responders.
Guest: Frank Leto
2
Jan. 8, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Working with Unique Fire And Law Populations | S5 E2

In this episode of our clinician masterclass series, we dive into the unique challenges faced by wildland firefighters and specialized law enforcement units like the Border Patrol, FBI, US Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. Join psychologist Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia as she shares essential strategies and techniques for addressing the trauma and stress experienced by these responders.
51
Dec. 18, 2024

Dena Ali—Finding “Hope Out of Darkness” | S4 E51

Join us for an enlightening episode as we speak with Battalion Chief Dena Ali, the Program Manager for Behavioral Health at the First Responder Center for Excellence. In this discussion, we explore her groundbreaking new book, *Hope Out of Darkness: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness*.
Guest: Dena Ali
47
Nov. 20, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Enhancing Your Practice | S4 E47

In this essential installment of the Clinician's Guide Masterclass, we focus on strategies for clinicians to work effectively with first responders. We will hear from four mental health therapists who have successfully developed practices centered on serving emergency services. Kurt Fuchs, LCSW, Kristin Lewis, LMFT, Bonnie Luft, LPC and Jennifer Spirito, LCSW are members of the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team (FCTRT).
41
Oct. 9, 2024

Vinnie Montez—Law, Order, and Laughter | S4 E41

In this episode, we talk with Vinnie Montez, a retired Colorado Sheriff's Office commander and current Public Information Officer who has made a name for himself as a nationally touring stand-up comedian. Vinnie shares stories from his dual career paths, illustrating how humor has been a valuable tool in law enforcement. We delve into his documentary, "Vinnie-isms: The Story of the Cop Comedian," which chronicles his journey and has been submitted to multiple film festivals. The discussion also touches on Vinnie's future plans, including the National Heroes Off Duty Comedy Tour in 2025 and performances for the U.S. Military in Poland, showcasing his unique blend of comedy and service. This episode offers a deep dive into how Vinnie's experiences in both fields have shaped his identity and outlook.
Guest: Vinnie Montez