Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)
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
15
April 9, 2025
Clinician's Guide to Wellness Programs and Internships with Wendy Hummell | S5 E15
In this Clinician’s Guide for mental health professionals and savvy first responders, we sit down with Wendy Hummell, a retired detective turned health and wellness manager. We’ll dive into the challenges of introducing wellness to Law enforcement culture, the need for supportive internship programs, and how first responders can transition into second careers as therapists.
Guest: Wendy Hummell
14
April 2, 2025
Responder's Survival Guide: Stress Less, Forgive More with Dr. Fred Luskin | S5 E14
Are you feeling overwhelmed by extreme stress or struggling with feelings of resentment? In this enlightening episode, we feature Dr. Frederic Luskin, the renowned director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects.
Guest: Fred Luskin
13
March 26, 2025
Building The Bulletproof Mind with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman | S5 E13
Tune in for a compelling episode featuring Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a distinguished former Army Ranger and leading expert on combat psychology and resilience. This engaging conversation reveals essential techniques for cultivating mental toughness and effectively managing trauma responses in the high-pressure environments confronted by first responders.
Guest: Dave Grossman
12
March 19, 2025
Jason Patton—Saving Lives Through Connection and Comedy | S5 E12
In this encore episode, get ready to meet charismatic firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton, the creative force behind Fire Department Chronicles.
Guest: Jason Patton
11
March 12, 2025
Clinician’s Guide to Building Trust with Law Enforcement | S5 E11
This episode explores the vital connection between mental health and law enforcement. Dr. Medina Baumgart shares insights on the critical role of embedded clinicians, the mental health challenges retired officers face, and the importance of peer support programs.
Guest: Medina Baumgart
10
March 5, 2025
Clinician's Guide to Peer Support and Officer Wellness | S5 E10
Join us for a compelling dialogue for clinicians and savvy first responders, with Captain Mike Fumiatti of the New Haven Police Department as we dig into the importance of police peer support in law enforcement.
Guest: Michael Fumiatti
9
Feb. 26, 2025
Mental Health Canines in Crisis Response | S5 E9
In this episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we speak with Brad Cole, Executive Director of K9 First Responders, Inc. We explore the four categories of Crisis Mental Health Canines and what sets each apart.
Guest: Brad Cole
8
Feb. 19, 2025
Confronting Vicarious Trauma: A Self-Care Guide | S5 E8
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Falisa Asberry, a retired law enforcement veteran and Peacock Training & Consulting Group CEO.
Guest: Falisa Asberry
7
Feb. 12, 2025
The Story Behind “Cycling for a Cause” | S5 E7
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.
Guest: Joe Matthews
6
Feb. 5, 2025
Clinician’s Guide to In-Patient Treatment Facilities | S5 E6
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.
Guest: Patrick Fitzgibbons
5
Jan. 29, 2025
Addressing Retirement, Moral Injury and Suicide | S5 E5
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.
Guest: Jeff Dill
4
Jan. 22, 2025
EMDR for EMS: Healing Off-Duty Trauma | S5 E4
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.
Guest: Frank Glowski
3
Jan. 15, 2025
Frank Leto—Success Stories from FDNY’s Counseling Service Unit | S5 E3
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.
Guest: Frank Leto
2
Jan. 8, 2025
Clinician’s Guide to Working with Unique Fire And Law Populations | S5 E2
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.
Guest: Robbie Adler-Tapia