Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

Join us on Responder Resilience as we welcome former SWAT Operator Laura G. Hanson, who is the author of the memoir, Why I Went In, the CEO of Brain Bucket Coaching, and keynote speaker. She's a former police officer and SWAT Team operator with the Virginia Beach Police Department- serving as the only female on the full-time SWAT Team for over 4 years.. While on SWAT, Hanson received the Silver Cross for responding to an active shooter at Building 2 on May 31, 2019, and was also part of the tea...

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!

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. We discuss Concussion Awareness and Education, the importance of prompt concussion management, and living with a traumatic brain injury. On the RESILIENCE TOOLBOX se...

👁️‍🗨️ 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.

In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Dr. Peter M. Antevy about managing mental health challenges at critical incidents, the story behind creating the Handtevy App, and how it saves lives and significantly reduces medication errors. Dr. Antevy speaks about his role at the Parkland shooting, the mental health challenges encountered, the battle scars and takeaways. We also explore the value of follow up and getting closure for EMS providers after a critical patient encounter. He discusses ...

In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Dr. Peter M. Antevy about managing mental health challenges at critical incidents, the story behind creating the Handtevy App, and how it saves lives and significantly reduces medication errors.

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. Most people view retirement as something to look forward to with joy and anticipation. At the same time, when it comes to life stressors, retirement is among...

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.

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. Most people view retirement as something to look forward to with joy and anticipation. At the same time, when it comes to life stressors, retirement is among the top 10. It’...

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. Giovanni also shares insights, strategies, and res...

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.

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 and The Fatal 10. 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. We discuss why we keep doing the same things over and over, expecting a different result, and the topic of agencies mandating mental health checks to reduce stigma and norm...

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.

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. In this episode, she talks about her 3-volume, award winning Behind and Beyond the Badge book series. Her goal with the books is to help drive negative conversations towards a positive outlook on law enforcement...

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.

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. John’s organization, Turn In, helps first responders strengthen their minds through wellness retreats and meditation, with tools to quiet their minds via healthier alternatives, resul...

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.

In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Denise Beard, who began in EMS in 1992. In 2017 Denise decided to retire from her career as a medical assistant and move to Canada with her spouse. During her time in Canada, Denise began working with Provincial and National organizations for Peer Support. 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. Contact Captain D...

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.

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 responsi...

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.

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. We speak with Neil about showing your organization’s members that they’re important, and Neil tells the story of Police Officer Ashe...