Aug. 20, 2025

Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty with Lt. Tommy Bolin | S5 E34

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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.”

In this episode, we talk with Lt. Tommy Bolin, a firefighter and paramedic from Central Ohio, about the hidden mental health struggles first responders face. Drawing from his book, “Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty in a Life of Trauma and Sacrifice,” Tommy discusses the toll of duty, identity crises, and the importance of breaking the silence around these issues.

We address critical questions: Why are suicide rates among first responders higher than line-of-duty deaths? How does trauma impact families and home life? Join us for a candid conversation aimed at reducing stigma and fostering a supportive culture for those who serve our communities.



SPONSORS:
Coming September 2025!! Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness, a new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. Get a FREE sample Chapter and Book Launch Invite!!  Go to helpingthehelpers.me to get Early Access when you sign up!

 

Thanks to our resource partner, EMS & FIRE PRO EXPO. Join us for the largest gathering of EMS and fire professionals in New England, September 24 - 27, 2025, at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut! Sign up at https://emspro.org/ 


Thanks also to our resource partner, FightCamp. Harness the strength of boxing to release stress, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community. For free shipping and a free month of membership, go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ and use the code RRPONE.

 

Thanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.com

 

Contact Lt. Tommy Bolin:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F646Q8WB

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fdawgs45

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fdawgs20/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-bolin-3a4a902a/



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Tommy Bolin Profile Photo

Tommy Bolin

Firefighter | Author | Speaker

Tommy Bolin is a firefighter/paramedic with over 30 years of service and the author of Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty in a Life of Trauma and Sacrifice. After being diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, Tommy turned his pain into purpose, becoming a mental health advocate for first responders, veterans, and their families. He now speaks across the country, challenging the stigma around mental health and encouraging open, honest conversations. His work aims to shift the culture of silence into one of healing, connection, and hope.