Responder Resilience

Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

Copikaze — Managing Mission Impossible | S3 E22

May 31, 2023

Copikaze — Managing Mission Impossible | S3 E22

On the next episode of Responder Resilience, we’re joined by Tom Rizzo, Investigations Division Commander and author of the #1 Amazon Best-Seller "Copikaze: A Crucible to Manage Mission Impossible". Listen in as Tom shares his principles of self-discipline and how they can positively impact others. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation.

Stress And Burnout Relationships And Marriage Law Enforcement Leadership And Command
Yoga to the Rescue: Restful Tools for Stressful Times | S3 E17

April 26, 2023

Yoga to the Rescue: Restful Tools for Stressful Times | S3 E17

Looking to enhance your well-being and job performance? Meet Wendy S. Hummell, a retired Detective, podcaster and Sheriff’s Office Wellness Coordinator who has been teaching yoga, mindfulness, and resilience to First Responders for the past six years. Her mission is to support them with the resources needed to thrive in their career and beyond. Tune in to Responder Resilience to learn more about Wendy's story and expertise.

Resilience Tools Law Enforcement Exercise, Meditation, Yoga, Reiki
Getting Past Your Past: Thriving After Adversity | S3 E16

April 19, 2023

Getting Past Your Past: Thriving After Adversity | S3 E16

Join us on Responder Resilience as we welcome former SWAT Operator and keynote speaker Laura G. Hanson. As the only female on the full-time SWAT Team in Virginia Beach for over 4 years, Laura has a wealth of experience to share. She'll discuss her memoir "Why I Went In," her work as CEO of Brain Bucket Coaching, and her passion for helping first responders lead fulfilling lives despite the inherent challenges of their jobs. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Resilience Tools Mental Health And Therapy Spirituality Law Enforcement
Second Impact: Understanding Brain Injury | S3 E15

April 12, 2023

Second Impact: Understanding Brain Injury | S3 E15

👁️‍🗨️ First responders face many dangers on the job, including the risk of traumatic brain injury from assaults, vehicle crashes, falls, and explosive forced entry. Tune in to our latest episode, where we'll be discussing Second Impact Injury with former professional boxer Ray Ciancaglini and veteran Law Enforcement Officer Chris Belair.

Law Enforcement Traumatic Injuries
Responder Retirement: Navigating Life 2.0 (Part 2) | S3 E13

March 29, 2023

Responder Retirement: Navigating Life 2.0 (Part 2) | S3 E13

In the second part of this mini-documentary, Responder Resilience continues the 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.

Mental Health And Therapy Retirement And Transitioning Law Enforcement Suicide
Responder Retirement: Navigating Life 2.0 (Part 1) | S3 E12

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.

Mental Health And Therapy Retirement And Transitioning Law Enforcement
Family Matters: Managing the Psychological Costs of the Job | S3 E11

March 15, 2023

Family Matters: Managing the Psychological Costs of the Job | S3 E11

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.

Mental Health And Therapy Relationships And Marriage Law Enforcement Addiction And Recovery Work-Life Balance
Blue Epidemic: Preventing Police Suicide | S3 E10

March 08, 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.

Resilience Tools Relationships And Marriage Law Enforcement Suicide
Humanizing The Badge: Inspiring Positive Change | S3 E9

March 01, 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.

Retirement And Transitioning Law Enforcement Toxic Exposures And Cancer
Build Your Resiliency With Tactical Self-Care | S3 E8

February 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.

Ptsd And Emdr Resilience Tools Stress And Burnout Law Enforcement Exercise, Meditation, Yoga, Reiki
Surviving Self-Inflicted Wounds  | S3 E5

February 01, 2023

Surviving Self-Inflicted Wounds | S3 E5

We’re joined by 30 year law enforcement veteran and Law Enforcement Life Coach John Kelly, an expert on breaking the cycle of self destruction. John developed a wellness / leadership program called “Sometimes Heroes Need Help” that addresses the personal, professional, financial, physical and mental health of the first responder. John talks about what happens when crazy becomes the new normal, and stopping the PTS and suicidal ideation slide from becoming an avalanche.  We explore taking responsibility, failing and getting back up, the caring of others and practicing self-care.

Law Enforcement Addiction And Recovery Work-Life Balance
Innovative Leadership for a Culture of Wellness | S3 E3

January 18, 2023

Innovative Leadership for a Culture of Wellness | S3 E3

We’re joined by Neil Gang, Chief of the Pinole, California Police Department since 2014, who has served in law enforcement for over 34 years. Neil is the author of the Asher Model 7 Point Approach to a Culture of Wellness, and the host of the 6th Pillar Podcast. His innovative work as a law enforcement leader has been featured in several national Police magazines.

Mental Health And Therapy Law Enforcement Leadership And Command
Leadership Matters: Breaking Down Barriers  | S3 E1

January 04, 2023

Leadership Matters: Breaking Down Barriers | S3 E1

Our guest is Jonni Redick, a retired Assistant Chief with the California Highway Patrol, and a 29-year veteran of one of the largest police agencies in the country.

Stress And Burnout Law Enforcement Leadership And Command Work-Life Balance
Staying Fit for Duty: Conquer Your Job Stress and Trauma | S2 E49

December 07, 2022

Staying Fit for Duty: Conquer Your Job Stress and Trauma | S2 E49

Our guest is Scott Medlin, a Marine Corps and Law Enforcement Veteran, Author, Speaker, and host of The 10 Code Mindset podcast. Scott Medlin mentors police officers using powerful tools that enable them to make self-care and life fulfillment a priority, even when they're constantly being called to serve.

Mental Health And Therapy Stress And Burnout Law Enforcement
The Silent Epidemic in Police Officer Mental Health | S2 E47

November 23, 2022

The Silent Epidemic in Police Officer Mental Health | S2 E47

In April 2016, Police Officer Adam A. Meyers was involved in a critical incident when he used deadly force against someone who armed themselves with a hatchet inside a busy department store. In the aftermath of this incident, Meyers was plagued with trauma and guilt, descending into a spiral of depression and using alcohol, while isolating and withdrawing. This led Adam to create Stop the Threat – Stop the Stigma, a mission devoted to removing the stigmas around speaking openly about mental health within law enforcement.

Ptsd And Emdr Mental Health And Therapy Retirement And Transitioning Law Enforcement