Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)
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.
Retirement And Transitioning
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
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
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
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
February 15, 2023
A Happier Hour — The Journey to Recovery and Wellness | S3 E7
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.
Mental Health And Therapy Addiction And Recovery Exercise, Meditation, Yoga, Reiki
February 08, 2023
Life After EMS: Departure With A Purpose | S3 E6
In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Denise Beard, who began in EMS in 1992. We explore the pitfalls of burnout and compassion fatigue, what happens after you leave EMS, and how to move forward into a new mission and purpose after being a first responder.
Peer Support Mental Health And Therapy Stress And Burnout
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
January 25, 2023
Building Authentic Leadership Through Self Awareness | S3 E4
Bonnie and David speak with Chief Albe Bassett of the New Canaan, CT Fire Department about the importance of self-awareness and self-leadership. An accomplished leader and instructor in the Connecticut fire service community, Chief Bassett talks about core values and the key qualities of authentic leadership.
Leadership And Command
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
January 16, 2023
Protect Your Energy To Improve Your Performance | S3 E2
Our guest, Peter Benson, has created Tensor-Ring Energy Pendants designed to protect your energy field, give you a shielding effect, and promote a sense of calmness. Peter explains how he developed the pendants and a shielding/balancing anklet, as well as the different purposes and benefits of each.
Resilience Tools Stress And Burnout
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
December 28, 2022
Lead with Balance: Mastering Work-Life Success | S2 E52
How can responders succeed in a world where we are often working multiple jobs, handling high call volumes, working under staffing shortages, or just trying to get through one shift at a time? We’re joined by Dr. Donnie Hutchinson, a Work-Life Balance instructor who works with firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders on self-care and work-life balance programs, to improve their success at home, work, and in life.
Resilience Tools Relationships And Marriage Work-Life Balance
December 26, 2022
Lessons from The Line: The Art of Fully Involved Leadership | S2 E51
Our guest is Captain Rommie Duckworth, career fire captain and paramedic/EMS Coordinator for Ridgefield (CT) Fire Department, author, speaker, and educator. We talk about personal experiences with trauma that demonstrate the importance of getting help, and how officers and department leaders can stay current on available mental health and wellness resources. Also, we discuss differences between generations of responders and their openness to seek help.
Resilience Tools Leadership And Command
December 16, 2022
Responder Resilience, December 14, 2022
Guest, Bobby Halton, Fire Chief (Ret), Editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering, Education Director of FDIC
December 14, 2022
Resilience in the Fire Service with Chief Bobby Halton | S2 E50
In this episode, David speaks with Chief Bobby Halton, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine and education director of FDIC.
Resilience Tools Spirituality Leadership And Command
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
November 30, 2022
Company Officer: Front Line Leaders For Mental Wellness | S2 E48
The most vital responsibility of company officers is the safety and well-being of the firefighters in their command. Our guest, Battalion Chief Cristian Hinojosa of Dallas Fire-Rescue was recently promoted from Captain, and talks about why he’s passionate about mental health for firefighters.
Peer Support Retirement And Transitioning Leadership And Command Addiction And Recovery
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
November 16, 2022
US Police & Fire Championships-Olympics Style Events for 1st Responders | S2 E46
In this episode, we speak with Edmund Russell, Executive Director, and Jim King, Vice President of the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF). about the United States Police & Fire Championships, an Olympic-style competition with athletes representing law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration and customs from across the country.
Exercise, Meditation, Yoga, Reiki
November 09, 2022
Shatterproof: A Journey of Courage, Inspiration and Hope | S2 E45
Patrick Fitzgibbons is a retired Police Commander who discusses the struggles he experienced, and provides advice, inspiration, and hope for overcoming mental health issues, through his role as National Outreach Liaison for the Shatterproof Program for First Responders.
Stress And Burnout Law Enforcement Addiction And Recovery
November 02, 2022
PTSD911: Documentary Film About Responder PTSD | S2 E44
Conrad Weaver, Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker, Podcast Host, Producer and Director of PTSD911
9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch Resilience Tools Stress And Burnout
October 26, 2022
Mental Health Cops: Connecting with Empathy | S2 E43
Join us for a conversation with Ernie Stevens from the Emmy Award Winning HBO Documentary, Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops.
Mental Health And Therapy Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention
October 19, 2022
Motivational Check: From Hostage Negotiator to Cancer Warrior | S2 E42
What does the phrase “Motivational Check” mean? Former LEO Terry Tucker has reinvented himself frequently over his professional career. He was an officer and SWAT Hostage Negotiator with the Cincinnati Police Department.
Resilience Tools Law Enforcement Toxic Exposures And Cancer