Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)
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.
Guest: Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT
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...
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.
Guests: Frank Leeb , Lillian Bonsignore , Thomas Dunne , Kristina Moon , Frank Leto , John Haseney , Andrew Kane
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
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
Guest: Lori Moore-Merrell
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
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.
Guests: Stacy Raymond , Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT
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.
Guests: Jim Burneka , Nick Magoteaux
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Guest: Erik Mickelsen
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.
Guest: Patrick J. Kenny
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
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
22
May 28, 2025
The Resilience Blueprint: From Duty to Domicile | S5 E22
We sit down with John Oldham, a retired Division Chief from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, to discuss the crucial intersection of first responder relationships and mental health.
Guest: John Oldham
21
May 21, 2025
Standing Strong: The Impact of NFFF and FRCE | S5 E21
We speak with Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the First Responder Center for Excellence. We’ll honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and discuss the vital mission of NFFF in supporting the mental health and wellness of responders.
Guest: Victor Stagnaro
20
May 14, 2025
Untold Story: How Freedom House Transformed EMS with Guest John Moon | S5 E20
Tune in as John Moon, retired Assistant Chief of Pittsburgh E.M.S. and a former Freedom House Ambulance Service paramedic, shares the powerful story of Freedom House, the first Black-led EMS organization in the U.S.
Guest: John Moon
19
May 7, 2025
6 Steps to STRONG Responder Relationships with Kristal DeSantis, LMFT | S5 E19
Our guest Kristal DeSantis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the author of "STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man."
Guest: Kristal DeSantis
18
April 30, 2025
Cancer Under Fire: Changing the Game to Reduce Risks | S5 E18
This critical episode explores a pressing issue affecting every firefighter: cancer prevention and detection. Join FDNY Battalion Chief John Haseney as we discuss vital steps being taken to overcome implementation barriers within the fire service.
Guest: John Haseney
17
April 23, 2025
Family First: Building Resilience at Home with Dr. Rachelle Zemlok | S5 E17
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, a first responder psychologist specializing in the unique challenges first responder families face. We explore the vital importance of family support in this demanding job.
Guest: Rachelle Zemlok
16
April 16, 2025
Choosing Growth Over Grief with Guest Rick Cheatham | S5 E16
We sit down with Rick Cheatham, a seasoned Life and Career Transformation Coach and retired Fire Captain. Rick shares his profound journey of resilience, navigating personal challenges including overcoming addiction, coping with the murder of his son, and enduring a life-changing injury.
Guest: Rick Cheatham