We’re joined by retired police sergeant Donna Brown, one of only five female officers hired in 1979 by the Tallahassee Police Department. Donna is passionate about humanizing the badge and first responder mental health. Donna retired in 2006 after a 26-year career, and became an author. In this episode, she…
This episode also features a new segment called “Resilience Toolbox”. We speak with Robert Webb about his Worker’s Comp Cancer Packets. Robert is a Retired Fort Worth Fire Department Captain who has created Workers Compensation Cancer Packets to assist firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer. Captain Webb describes his own…
In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Rodger Ruge, published author and Certified Life Coach about building resilience within the first responder community. Rodger is a retired police officer, survivor of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and 30-year mindfulness and resilience practitioner, trainer and coach. Rodger shares valuable nuggets of…
We’re joined by retired firefighter and Account Executive at O2X Human Performance, John Vargo, who shares his personal struggle with burnout, anxiety, anger, and dependence on alcohol during his honest and raw interview with Bonnie and David. John describes hitting bottom, and finding his way out of the darkness. John’s…
In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Denise Beard, who began in EMS in 1992. In 2017 Denise decided to retire from her career as a medical assistant and move to Canada with her spouse. During her time in Canada, Denise began working with Provincial and National organizations for…
We’re joined by 30 year law enforcement veteran and Law Enforcement Life Coach John Kelly, an expert on breaking the cycle of self destruction. John developed a wellness / leadership program called “Sometimes Heroes Need Help” that addresses the personal, professional, financial, physical and mental health of the first responder.…
We’re joined by Neil Gang, Chief of the Pinole, California Police Department since 2014, who has served in law enforcement for over 34 years. Neil is the author of the Asher Model 7 Point Approach to a Culture of Wellness, and the host of the 6th Pillar Podcast. His innovative…
Ever felt the rage of another driver who’s 20 feet away in another lane? Or walked into a house during an emergency call and instantly felt the anxiety and tension? First responders and trauma therapists are compassionate, empathetic people, constantly in situations with extreme trauma, anger, pain, hostility or violence.…
Our guest is Johnni Redick, a retired Assistant Chief with the California Highway Patrol, and a 29-year veteran of one of the largest police agencies in the country. Redick rose through the ranks in law enforcement to break through the “less-than-1%” ceiling for women of color in executive leadership. We…
How can responders succeed in a world where we are often working multiple jobs, handling high call volumes, working under staffing shortages, or just trying to get through one shift at a time? We’re joined by Dr. Donnie Hutchinson, a Work-Life Balance instructor who works with firefighters, law enforcement officers,…
Our guest is Captain Rommie Duckworth, career fire captain and paramedic/EMS Coordinator for Ridgefield (CT) Fire Department, author, speaker, and educator. We talk about personal experiences with trauma that demonstrate the importance of getting help, and how officers and department leaders can stay current on available mental health and wellness…
In this episode, David speaks with Chief Bobby Halton, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine and education director of FDIC. Chief Halton talks about the virtue and importance of resilience in the fire service, and discusses the personalities of firefighters that sets them apart as leaders. We discuss what the privilege…
Our guest is Scott Medlin, a Marine Corps and Law Enforcement Veteran, Author, Speaker, and host of The 10 Code Mindset podcast. Scott Medlin mentors police officers using powerful tools that enable them to make self-care and life fulfillment a priority, even when they're constantly being called to serve. According…
The most vital responsibility of company officers is the safety and well-being of the firefighters in their command. Our guest, Battalion Chief Cristian Hinojosa of Dallas Fire-Rescue was recently promoted from Captain and talks about why he’s passionate about mental health for firefighters. As a leader/officer/supervisor, how do we recognize…
In April 2016, Police Officer Adam A. Meyers was involved in a critical incident when he used deadly force against someone who armed themselves with a hatchet inside a busy Department store. In the aftermath of this incident, Meyers was plagued with trauma and guilt, descending into a spiral of…
In this episode, we speak with Edmund Russell, Executive Director, and Jim King, Vice President of the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF). Edmund is a retired 31-year member of the LAPD, and Jim retired as a Captain from the Indianapolis Fire Department after 30 years of service. The United States…
Patrick Fitzgibbons is a retired Police Commander who went through dark periods, then sought help at FHEHealth’s Shatterproof Program for first responders, which he says saved his life. Patrick is now on a mission to help other responders navigate the same issues that he faced. In this episode, Patrick discusses…
Join us for a deep dive discussion with award-winning filmmaker Conrad Weaver about PTSD 911, a documentary film that follows the lives of first responders, who are suffering from line of duty PTSD. It was created to raise awareness of the psychological issues faced by America's first responders and to…
Join us for a conversation with Ernie Stevens from the Emmy Award Winning HBO Documentary, Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops. This film shows how community policing can make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering. It also shows the importance of having empathy, and how the most…
What does the phrase “Motivational Check” mean? Former LEO Terry Tucker has reinvented himself frequently over his professional career. He was an officer and SWAT Hostage Negotiator with the Cincinnati Police Department. Motivational Check is a mantra from when Terry was a recruit in the Cincinnati Police Academy, it was…
Is there a connection between pain and trauma? How are stress and trauma stored in the body? Many responders are struggling with some kind of emotional pain, substance abuse, depression, trauma and even suicidal ideation, etc. Is it possible to transform that pain into something more positive? Gabriel Shaw is…
In this episode, we’ll be speaking with Michael Crouch, LCSW on the topic, “Is Trauma Treatable?” Michael is an EMDR Consultant and Co-Coordinator of the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team (FCTRT). Mental health trauma treatment is a critical topic for many in the first responder community. Michael is featured in…
We'll be speaking with financial representative Adam Palamara of Northwestern Mutual, who works with over 100 First Responders and Veterans across the country. We discuss some critical questions that should be answered well before retirement arrives. We also discuss estate planning, financial planning and pension maximization strategies. Depending on the…
In this episode, we’ll be speaking with trauma expert and author of the book CopShock, Allen Kates, about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and how to survive it by employing resiliency techniques.
