Responder Resilience

Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

Feb. 4, 2026

Visionary Leaders Masterclass: Chief Nick Marsan | S6 E5

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.
Guest: Nick Marsan
The player is loading ...
Visionary Leaders Masterclass: Chief Nick Marsan | S6 E5
Jan. 28, 2026

Healing the Wounded Blue with Guest Randy Sutton | S6 E4

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 …
Guest: Randy Sutton
The player is loading ...
Healing the Wounded Blue with Guest Randy Sutton | S6 E4
Jan. 21, 2026

Chaplain’s Quest: A Light in the Darkness with Guest John Revell | S6 E3

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 …
Guest: John Revell
The player is loading ...
Chaplain’s Quest: A Light in the Darkness with Guest John Revell | S6 E3
Jan. 14, 2026

Hiding In Plain Sight with Guest Doug White | S6 E2

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.
Guest: Doug White
The player is loading ...
Hiding In Plain Sight with Guest Doug White | S6 E2
Jan. 7, 2026

Breaking Barriers: The Journey Of A Trailblazer Guest Lillian Bonsignore | S6 E1

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.
The player is loading ...
Breaking Barriers: The Journey Of A Trailblazer Guest Lillian Bonsignore | S6 E1
Dec. 31, 2025

A Lifeline For NYC’s EMS with Guest Danielle Gustafson | S5 E53

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 ac…
The player is loading ...
A Lifeline For NYC’s EMS with Guest Danielle Gustafson | S5 E53
Dec. 24, 2025

The Spiritual Side of Responders and Military (Mini-Doc) | S5 E52

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.
The player is loading ...
The Spiritual Side of Responders and Military (Mini-Doc) | S5 E52
Dec. 17, 2025

We Eat Our Own: Navigating Betrayal and Adversity with Guest Autumn Schmidt | S5 E51

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.
The player is loading ...
We Eat Our Own: Navigating Betrayal and Adversity with Guest Autumn Schmidt  | S5 E51
Dec. 10, 2025

Beyond Cultural Competence: Real Talk from the Trenches with Guest Drew Masters | S5 E50

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 professio…
The player is loading ...
Beyond Cultural Competence: Real Talk from the Trenches with Guest Drew Masters | S5 E50
Nov. 26, 2025

Condition Critical: The Crisis Within EMS with Guest Anthony Almojera | S5 E48

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 turnove…
The player is loading ...
Condition Critical: The Crisis Within EMS with Guest Anthony Almojera | S5 E48
Nov. 19, 2025

Embracing Life Beyond The Badge with Guest Erin Nugent | S5 E47

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…
Guest: Erin Nugent
The player is loading ...
Embracing Life Beyond The Badge with Guest Erin Nugent | S5 E47
Nov. 12, 2025

Post-Traumatic Growth: Turn Your Pain Into Power with Guests Bonnie Rumilly and Jennifer Spirito | S5 E46

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.
The player is loading ...
Post-Traumatic Growth: Turn Your Pain Into Power with Guests Bonnie Rumilly and Jennifer Spirito | S5 E46
Nov. 5, 2025

Becoming Unbreakable with Guest Kwesi Millington | S5 E45

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.
The player is loading ...
Becoming Unbreakable with Guest Kwesi Millington | S5 E45
Oct. 29, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Embedding in Disaster Responses | S5 E44

In this Clinicians' Guide Masterclass, we turn the spotlight on the often-overlooked world of mental health in disaster response.
The player is loading ...
Clinician’s Guide to Embedding in Disaster Responses | S5 E44
Oct. 22, 2025

101 Questions To Ask Before Becoming A Law Enforcement Officer with Guests Ernie Stevens and Scott Medlin | S5 E43

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 …
The player is loading ...
101 Questions To Ask Before Becoming A Law Enforcement Officer with Guests Ernie Stevens and Scott Medlin | S5 E43
Oct. 15, 2025

The New Playbook for Increasing Resilience with Dr. Stephanie Conn | S5 E42

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 Po…
The player is loading ...
The New Playbook for Increasing Resilience with Dr. Stephanie Conn | S5 E42
Oct. 8, 2025

Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership with Sheriff Michelle Cook | S5 E41

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 de…
Guest: Michelle Cook
The player is loading ...
Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership with Sheriff Michelle Cook | S5 E41
Oct. 1, 2025

Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control | S5 E40

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 re…
Guest: Joshua Bitsko
The player is loading ...
Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control | S5 E40
Sept. 24, 2025

When Perfectionism Becomes Toxic with Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT | S5 E39

In this engaging episode of Responder Resilience, Bonnie and David tackle the unspoken challenges faced by first responders dealing with perfectionism and relentless self-criticism.
The player is loading ...
When Perfectionism Becomes Toxic with Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT | S5 E39
Sept. 17, 2025

S5 E38 Navigating The Journey To Resilience with Guest John Creamer

In this episode, we address the realities of mental health in high-stress professions, the impact of training, and the often-overlooked importance of creative outlets for healing with John Creamer, the Deputy Executive Direct...
The player is loading ...
S5 E38 Navigating The Journey To Resilience with Guest John Creamer
Sept. 10, 2025

Lessons from the Leaders of FDNY | S5 E37

In this episode, we hear from seven influential FDNY leaders who share their insights on effective leadership, resilience, and wellness.
The player is loading ...
Lessons from the Leaders of FDNY | S5 E37
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
The player is loading ...
Clinician’s Guide to Living the Embedded Clinician Role with Dr. Nicole Navega | S5 E36
Aug. 27, 2025

Creating A Culture Of Resilience with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell | S5 E35

Get ready to embark on the inspiring journey of Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, the groundbreaking former U.S. Fire Administrator
The player is loading ...
Creating A Culture Of Resilience with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell | S5 E35
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
The player is loading ...
Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty with Lt. Tommy Bolin | S5 E34