Feb. 21, 2024

Joseph T. Bonanno—Recipes for Resilience: Coping with Suicide | S4 E8

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Joseph T. Bonanno, who has served in both the USAF and The FDNY. Joseph opens up about the profound impact of suicide on his life, especially following the tragic loss of his brother Michael in 2012. Starting from humble beginnings, he shares the fascinating trajectory of his culinary passion and where it stands today.

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Responder Resilience

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Joseph T. Bonanno, a true American hero who has served in both the USAF and The FDNY. Joseph opens up about the profound impact of suicide on his life, especially following the tragic loss of his brother Michael in 2012. Through his personal experiences, Joseph sheds light on the ripple effect of suicide and shares valuable insights on coping mechanisms and available resources for those affected by such a devastating event.

Beyond his resilience in the face of adversity, Joseph's story takes an interesting turn as he delves into the evolution of his cooking TV show. Starting from humble beginnings, he shares the fascinating trajectory of his culinary passion and where it stands today. As a former firefighter turned certified fitness trainer and nutritionist, Joseph's dedication to health and wellness shines through as he recounts preparing nutritious meals for his fellow firefighters. With his expertise culminating in the creation of renowned cookbooks like American Firehouse Cuisine, Joseph's culinary legacy continues to inspire and nourish many. Join us as we explore the multifaceted journey of this remarkable responder on Responder Resilience!


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Joseph T. BonannoProfile Photo

Joseph T. Bonanno

Veteran Firefighter | Chef | Author | TV Host

Joseph T. Bonanno is a USAF Veteran and a veteran of The FDNY. He comes from a family of firefighters; his father Joseph T. Bonanno worked at Engine 88 FDNY and brother Michael Bonanno worked at Ladder 7.

While a firefighter Joe became certified as a fitness trainer and nutritionist. With his fitness and nutrition background he prepared healthy meals for the firefighters he worked with.

He’s the author of The Healthy Firehouse Cookbook, The Firehouse Grilling Cookbook, and American Firehouse Cuisine

Bonanno entered and won many firehouse cooking contests including America's Greatest Firehouse Chef, The FDNY Bake Off, The International Firefighter Olympic Culinary Division and The Florida State Iron Chef Competition.