Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

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...

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.

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.

Ever felt the rage of another driver who’s 20 feet away in another lane? Or walked into a house during an emergency call and instantly felt the anxiety and tension? First responders and trauma therapists are compassionate, empathetic people, constantly in situations with extreme trauma, anger, pain, hostility or violence. Compassionate and empathetic people tend to absorb others' emotions like a sponge. Taking on other people’s stress, and negative energy can lead to a feeling of overwhelm and ...

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. Redick rose through the ranks in law enforcement to break through the “less-than-1%” ceiling for women of color in executive leadership. We discuss the barriers that exist for women in law enforcement, and the barriers we create for ourselves. We also discuss the promotion process, the qualities of authentic servant leadership and c...

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.

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. His website is www.donniehutchinson.com Dr. Donnie speak...

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.

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.

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. Rommie explains the role of company office...

In this episode, David speaks with Chief Bobby Halton, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine and education director of FDIC. Chief Halton talks about the virtue and importance of resilience in the fire service, and discusses the personalities of firefighters that sets them apart as leaders. We discuss what the privilege of being an American firefighter means, and how when it comes to resiliency, firefighters support their peers by celebrating their success. Chief Halton references severa...

In this episode, David speaks with Chief Bobby Halton, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine and education director of FDIC.

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. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), upwards of 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions. Scott offers strategies for dealin...

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.

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. As a leader/officer/supervisor, how do we recognize when one of our members is struggling with a mental health problem and needs help? What are some signals indicating they might need help? We discuss how a...