Responder Resilience

Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

46
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.
Post-Traumatic Growth: Turn Your Pain Into Power with Guests Bonnie Rumilly and Jennifer Spirito | S5 E46
Responder Resilience
Post-Traumatic Growth: Turn Your Pain Into Power with Guests Bonnie Rumilly and Jennifer Spirito | S5 E46
45
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.
Becoming Unbreakable with Guest Kwesi Millington | S5 E45
Responder Resilience
Becoming Unbreakable with Guest Kwesi Millington | S5 E45
44
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.
Clinician’s Guide to Embedding in Disaster Responses | S5 E44
Responder Resilience
Clinician’s Guide to Embedding in Disaster Responses | S5 E44
43
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 policing.
101 Questions To Ask Before Becoming A Law Enforcement Officer with Guests Ernie Stevens and Scott Medlin | S5 E43
Responder Resilience
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 Police & Emergency Personnel."
The New Playbook for Increasing Resilience with Dr. Stephanie Conn | S5 E42
Responder Resilience
The New Playbook for Increasing Resilience with Dr. Stephanie Conn | S5 E42
41
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 deep into the challenges and opportunities that face law enforcement agencies today.
Guest: Michelle Cook
Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership with Sheriff Michelle Cook | S5 E41
Responder Resilience
Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership with Sheriff Michelle Cook | S5 E41
40
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 responder.
Guest: Joshua Bitsko
Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control | S5 E40
Responder Resilience
Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control | S5 E40
39
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.
When Perfectionism Becomes Toxic with Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT | S5 E39
Responder Resilience
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 Director of the Florida Deputy Sheriff’s Association. With over 32 years in law enforcement and a wealth of experience in executive leadership, John reveals the harsh realities facing first responders today and the crucial need for effective training and resilience strategies. Get...
S5 E38 Navigating The Journey To Resilience with Guest John Creamer
Responder Resilience
S5 E38 Navigating The Journey To Resilience with Guest John Creamer
37
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.
Lessons from the Leaders of FDNY | S5 E37
Responder Resilience
Lessons from the Leaders of FDNY | S5 E37
36
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
Clinician’s Guide to Living the Embedded Clinician Role with Dr. Nicole Navega | S5 E36
Responder Resilience
Clinician’s Guide to Living the Embedded Clinician Role with Dr. Nicole Navega | S5 E36
35
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
Creating A Culture Of Resilience with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell | S5 E35
Responder Resilience
Creating A Culture Of Resilience with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell | S5 E35
34
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
Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty with Lt. Tommy Bolin | S5 E34
Responder Resilience
Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty with Lt. Tommy Bolin | S5 E34
33
Aug. 13, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Structuring a Practice That Works | S5 E33

Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMTB, and Stacy Raymond, PsyD, share their expertise on building a practice tailored for clinicians working with First Responders in this engaging episode.
Clinician’s Guide to Structuring a Practice That Works | S5 E33
Responder Resilience
Clinician’s Guide to Structuring a Practice That Works | S5 E33
32
Aug. 6, 2025

Revolutionize Your Resilience with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux | S5 E32

We sit down with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux, the dynamic duo behind the Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference. From raw, personal stories to powerful insights about mental health, these two are on a mission to help first responders navigate the often-overlooked challenges they face.
Revolutionize Your Resilience with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux | S5 E32
Responder Resilience
Revolutionize Your Resilience with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux | S5 E32
July 30, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Legal Insights, Ethics & Advocacy | S5 E31

In this Clinicians Guide Masterclass, we delve into the intricate world of first responder mental health with Sarah Gura, MA, LCPC, LMHC, EMDR, a seasoned clinician whose expertise sheds light on the intersection of legal intricacies and compassionate care.
Guest: Sarah Gura
Clinician’s Guide to Legal Insights, Ethics & Advocacy | S5 E31
Responder Resilience
Clinician’s Guide to Legal Insights, Ethics & Advocacy | S5 E31
30
July 23, 2025

Battling Burnout with Brainspotting and Sleep Strategies | S5 E30

What if the key to mental wellness lies not just in the mind but in the bed? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Leah Kaylor, the FBI's sleep expert helps to unravel the intricate relationship between sleep and resilience, exploring how addressing sleep issues can spark essential conversations about mental health within this high-stakes profession.
Guest: Leah Kaylor
Battling Burnout with Brainspotting and Sleep Strategies | S5 E30
Responder Resilience
Battling Burnout with Brainspotting and Sleep Strategies | S5 E30
29
July 16, 2025

Nervous System Recalibration©: Finding Focus Under Pressure | S5 E29

Join us for an insightful conversation with Doug Allen, the author of “An Operator's Guide to the Nervous System”. With a deep commitment to serving military personnel and the first responder community, Doug offers a fresh perspective on achieving peak performance through an innovative technique that recalibrates your nervous system for the challenges of the current environment.
Guest: Doug Allen
Nervous System Recalibration©: Finding Focus Under Pressure | S5 E29
Responder Resilience
Nervous System Recalibration©: Finding Focus Under Pressure | S5 E29
28
July 9, 2025

Forging FDNY’s Mental Health Model | S5 E28

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Andrew Kane, a seasoned veteran of the FDNY with three decades of experience. Drew was on the front lines at Ground Zero during 9/11 and has committed his life to supporting firefighters and their families in navigating mental health and substance abuse challenges.
Guest: Andrew Kane
Forging FDNY’s Mental Health Model | S5 E28
Responder Resilience
Forging FDNY’s Mental Health Model | S5 E28
27
July 2, 2025

Modern Tools for Mental Mastery with Dr. Nolan Beise | S5 E27

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nolan Beise, the visionary CEO of Circl Brain Health. Imagine a world where you can optimize your mental performance just as you would your physical fitness.
Guest: Nolan Beise
Modern Tools for Mental Mastery with Dr. Nolan Beise | S5 E27
Responder Resilience
Modern Tools for Mental Mastery with Dr. Nolan Beise | S5 E27
26
June 25, 2025

From Ashes To Insights: Untold Stories Of Fire Marshals | S5 E26

Join us in this smoldering episode as we sit down with Erik Mickelsen, a seasoned Investigator from the Franklin Township Fire Marshals Office and Somerset County Fire Investigation Unit.
From Ashes To Insights: Untold Stories Of Fire Marshals | S5 E26
Responder Resilience
From Ashes To Insights: Untold Stories Of Fire Marshals | S5 E26
25
June 18, 2025

Taking the Cape Off with Patrick J. Kenny | S5 E25

Join us for a powerful conversation with Retired Fire Chief Patrick J. Kenny, author of “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief, and Loss.” We peel back the layers of leadership in emergency services and what it truly means to lead with strength and vulnerability.
Taking the Cape Off with Patrick J. Kenny | S5 E25
Responder Resilience
Taking the Cape Off with Patrick J. Kenny | S5 E25
24
June 11, 2025

How FightCamp Shapes Resilience with Coach PJ Shirdan | S5 E24

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of boxing with “Coach PJ” Shirdan from FightCamp, a cutting-edge at-home boxing and kickboxing training system. Discover how the art of boxing not only enhances physical fitness but also fosters discipline and resilience—crucial traits for those on the front lines.
Guest: PJ Shirdan
How FightCamp Shapes Resilience with Coach PJ Shirdan | S5 E24
Responder Resilience
How FightCamp Shapes Resilience with Coach PJ Shirdan | S5 E24
23
June 4, 2025

The Wake-Up Call: From Near-Death to Thriving with Guest Danny Smith | S5 E23

In this episode, we sit down with Lt. Danny Smith, a retired firefighter whose 18 years of service took an unexpected turn during a harrowing cardiac event in 2017. Danny shares his transformative journey of navigating the critical crossroads of health and well-being.
Guest: Danny Smith
The Wake-Up Call: From Near-Death to Thriving with Guest Danny Smith | S5 E23
Responder Resilience
The Wake-Up Call: From Near-Death to Thriving with Guest Danny Smith | S5 E23