Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Falisa Asberry, a retired law enforcement veteran and Peacock Training & Consulting Group CEO.

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Joe Matthews, retired Captain of the New York City Fire Department. As we explore his remarkable FDNY career, Joe shares how his experiences shaped his identity and resilience. Discover the transformative journey that led him to cycle coast to coast for charitable causes, and hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.

In this Clinician's Guide episode, we sit down with Patrick Fitzgibbons, retired police commander and Shatterproof Community Liaison Lead at FHE Health. We explore the essential topic of specialized addiction and mental health treatment programs designed for first responders.

In this episode, we chat with Jeff Dill, Founder and CEO of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). Jeff shares insights on moral injury, the cultural brainwashing that affects first responders, and the alarming statistics related to firefighter suicides.

In this impactful episode, we address the vital mental health challenges faced by EMS and first responders, including post-traumatic stress and the effects of "buffing" calls—responding to emergencies off-duty.

Tune in for a candid conversation highlighting behavioral health's critical role in emergency services. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Frank Leto (Ret.), Captain and Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Service Unit (CSU), to discuss the profound impact of 9/11 on firefighter behavioral health. Join us as we delve into the challenges of establishing the CSU in the aftermath of the attacks, gaining buy-in for peer support programs, and the memorable successes showcasing mental health support's importance for first responders.

In this episode of our clinician masterclass series, we dive into the unique challenges faced by wildland firefighters and specialized law enforcement units like the Border Patrol, FBI, US Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. Join psychologist Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia as she shares essential strategies and techniques for addressing the trauma and stress experienced by these responders.

By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! 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.

By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! In Part 1 of this two-part mini-documentary, Responder Resilience delves into the pivotal topic of first responder retirement. With insights from a distinguished panel of 21 retired or active first responders and resilience experts, we examine the unique challenges and opportunities retirement presents for those in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, dispatch, animal control, and mental health professions.

Join us for an enlightening episode as we speak with Battalion Chief Dena Ali, the Program Manager for Behavioral Health at the First Responder Center for Excellence. In this discussion, we explore her groundbreaking new book, *Hope Out of Darkness: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness*.

We welcome Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation, to discuss organ donation and its impact on first responders and their families. Kristina shares her journey through grief and how she found healing after the tragic loss of her husband, FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, II.

In this insightful episode, we engage with Nicole Florisi, M.S., Director of Content and Curriculum at Force Science, to explore the intricacies of human performance and force science in law enforcement. We discuss the nuances of optimizing responder resilience through practical, cutting-edge research on human factors and use-of-force incidents.

Join us for an insightful conversation featuring Paul Combs, an acclaimed illustrator, cartoonist, and firefighter/EMT. Paul's unique blend of artistry and emergency service expertise offers a distinctive perspective on the critical issues faced by first responders. We'll explore Paul's journey in the fire service, his approach to leadership, and how his cartoons provide both humor and insight into the firefighting profession.

In this essential installment of the Clinician's Guide Masterclass, we focus on strategies for clinicians to work effectively with first responders. We will hear from four mental health therapists who have successfully developed practices centered on serving emergency services. Kurt Fuchs, LCSW, Kristin Lewis, LMFT, Bonnie Luft, LPC and Jennifer Spirito, LCSW are members of the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team (FCTRT).

In this episode, Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne (FDNY, Ret.) unravels the stressors that grip firefighters and fireground officers on critical calls. Chief Dunne shares secrets to maintaining command presence, and for those stepping into the shoes of Incident Commander, he offers wisdom to lead with confidence.

In this episode of our Clinician Masterclass Series, we explore the sensitive topic of Suicide Psychological Autopsies with Elizabeth Pol, M.A., founder of Resilient Heroes, NFP, and a Chicago Police Officer. Elizabeth discusses the methodologies involved in conducting psychological autopsies, emphasizing the importance of privacy and dignity for the deceased and their families.

In this edition of our Clinicians Guide Masterclass, we shine a spotlight on the world of mental health counseling within the Special Operations Forces community. We sit down with Christopher Ostrander, PhD, the visionary Founder and President of SOF Network, the nation's first and only clinical directory of licensed mental health providers who specialize in working with the SOF community.

Join us for a special episode as we sit down with Chiefs Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, authors of the groundbreaking book, 30 Fires You Must Know. We revisit one of the most pivotal incidents featured in their book: the 1975 New York Telephone Fire, a landmark event that underscores the severe consequences of occupational exposure to toxic smoke. Through exclusive clips from our past interview with the late Danny Noonan (first-due truck FDNY fireman) we explore firsthand accounts of battling this formidable blaze. Sadly, Danny Noonan passed away in July after a long battle with cancer, and his courage and legacy continue to educate and inspire the firefighting community.

We sit down with Captain Jared Vermeulen of Boca Raton Fire Rescue to unpack critical components of effective leadership and management within the fire service. Captain Vermeulen shares insights from his book, The Modern Fire Officer, offering a roadmap for cultivating a thriving, supportive environment for both fire officers and their teams. Join us for an enlightening conversation that provides practical, actionable insights for fire officers striving to lead with integrity, support their teams, and excel in their roles.

In this episode, we talk with Vinnie Montez, a retired Colorado Sheriff's Office commander and current Public Information Officer who has made a name for himself as a nationally touring stand-up comedian. Vinnie shares stories from his dual career paths, illustrating how humor has been a valuable tool in law enforcement. We delve into his documentary, "Vinnie-isms: The Story of the Cop Comedian," which chronicles his journey and has been submitted to multiple film festivals. The discussion also touches on Vinnie's future plans, including the National Heroes Off Duty Comedy Tour in 2025 and performances for the U.S. Military in Poland, showcasing his unique blend of comedy and service. This episode offers a deep dive into how Vinnie's experiences in both fields have shaped his identity and outlook.

Daniel Sundahl, acclaimed artist and retired paramedic/firefighter, presents "Post-Traumatic Growth—Finding Benefits Within Challenges." He will take us on a visual narrative of resilience and transformation as we view and listen to his personal story of post-traumatic growth. Through a powerful narrative interwoven with his unique photo art, Daniel shares his transformative journey from battling the demons of occupational stress to finding solace and strength in his creative expressions. Join us as we explore the intersection of art, trauma, and personal growth, and learn how to find benefits within the challenges we face. ​Don't miss this opportunity to connect with Daniel's moving story and discover ways to navigate your own journey toward mental well-being.

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Dedmon, the dedicated Outreach Director for the 911 Training Institute and a retired police dispatcher from Southern California. Ryan is on a mission to help 911 professionals recover from and grow beyond post-traumatic stress. We investigate the pressing staffing crisis affecting 911 centers across the nation, and explore the concrete tools that public safety telecommunicators can employ to manage job-related stress and burnout. Join us for a compelling conversation that challenges you to reflect on the support systems in place for our “first” first responders and consider how we can all contribute to their wellbeing.

We continue our deep dive for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders into "Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters" with Part 2 featuring Dr. Kristen Wheldon. As the President and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association, Dr. Wheldon brings a wealth of experience and passion for enhancing the behavioral health of firefighters and their families. Join us as we explore critical topics such as the definition and development of cultural competency in the fire service, and the unique challenges clinicians face when working with this population. Dr. Wheldon shares insights on common biases that clinicians may encounter and the differences in therapeutic approaches needed for firefighters compared to the general public.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with retired Chief Lillian Bonsignore, a trailblazing 31-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who served as the FDNY Chief of EMS Operations from 2019-2022, a period that encompassed the harrowing COVID-19 pandemic. As the highest-ranking Officer in the EMS command and the first female to achieve a 4-star rank in the history of FDNY, Chief Bonsignore's career is a testament to resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.