Turning Tragedy Into Purpose: Regan Falk’s Story and the Legacy of Kevin Regan Guest: Regan Falk – Founder, Kevin Regan Family Foundation Summary: In this heartfelt and deeply emotional conversation, Conrad talks with Regan Falk, widow of Philadelphia police officer Kevin Regan. Regan shares her family's journey—beginning with Kevin’s dream of becoming a police officer, the toll of years on the force, and the trauma that ultimately led to his tragic suicide. They discuss: Kevin’s passion for pol...
Jun 25, 2025•55 min•Season 2Ep. 87
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here and Save 20% through the month of June: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ 86 - He Survived the Fire - She Fought to Heal the Wounds In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Liz Bartholomew, founder of Responders Retreat in Wisconsin. Liz shares the deeply personal and emotional story of her husband Joe, a veteran firefighter whose life was forever changed by a traumatic call—and how the sy...
Jun 18, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 86
In Episode 85 of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker shares his 39-year journey through the fire service—and the emotional weight that comes with it. From handling fatal fire scenes to the heartbreaking loss of his beloved dogs, Don opens up about the quiet, often ignored toll of first responder work. But this episode isn't about despair—it's about hope, growth, and leading by example. He speaks candidly about his own breakdown, the pivotal moment a roll o...
Jun 11, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 85
Take the quiz to find your perfect trainer and get 14 days of free training here: https://go.trainwell.net/FirstResponderWellness EPISODE SYNOPSIS Retired NYPD officer Samantha Sonnett opens up about her personal journey following her diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She shares how her chronic illness prompted a major lifestyle overhaul, focusing on cellular health, stress management, hydration, gut health, and nutrition. With vulnerability and clarity, Samantha discusses how long-term tra...
Jun 04, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 84
🔹 Episode Overview In the first installment of this two-part series, host Conrad Weaver welcomes back Samantha Sonnett, a retired NYPD officer, for an unfiltered and deeply moving conversation about the realities of law enforcement and its long-term impact on wellness. Samantha reflects on her 20+ year career with the NYPD, from patrolling the streets to training first responders for high-risk emergencies. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to manage impossible caseloa...
May 28, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 83
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ QUESTIONS: Please call: 970-306-7799 or send an email to Gary Miller at [email protected] 82 - Finding Purpose after the Trauma with Kris O'Neill 📝 Show Notes Guest: Kris O’Neill Host: Conrad Weaver Podcast: First Responder Wellness Podcast 🔍 Episode Overview: In this episode, retired officer Kris O'Neill opens up about the day that forever changed his life: January 28, 201...
May 21, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 82
Keep the Truth Tellers Around You with Dr. Jennifer Prohaska This isn’t your typical feel-good chat about mental health. In this brutally honest and refreshingly grounded episode, Dr. Jennifer Prohaska cuts through the fluff with a clear message: we’re focusing on the wrong end of the problem when it comes to wellness in public safety. Dr. Jen explains why organizational dysfunction, not trauma alone, is what’s pushing people out the door—and why even the best therapy can’t fix a toxic culture. ...
May 14, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 81
In this episode of the First Responder Wellness podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Mark Pattison, a former NFL wide receiver turned extreme mountaineer and Sports Illustrated executive. While Mark may not be a first responder in the traditional sense, his life journey is filled with parallels — perseverance, grit, mental toughness, and the daily discipline required to survive and thrive under intense pressure. Mark shares his transformative journey from professional football to climbing ...
May 07, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 80
Episode Summary In Episode 79, Conrad Weaver welcomes back Jeremy Wade, former Seattle Police Officer and current founder of Mission First Alliance, a national faith-based organization supporting first responders. This episode features an inspiring and deeply moving conversation about the challenges and victories of living out Christian faith in the demanding world of first responders. Jeremy shares his personal journey of recommitting to his faith, how it transformed his law enforcement career,...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 79
🎙️ Episode Overview In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Rachael Belcher, a seasoned paramedic from Baltimore County with over 25 years of experience in emergency services. Rachael opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of the job, recounting her early days as a 911 dispatcher during 9/11, her evolution into field response, and the buildup of trauma that nearly derailed her life. She shares her raw ...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 78
77 - Norman Rocked my World with Tim Eggebraaten 📄 Episode Summary In this compelling episode, Tim Eggebraaten—former police chief, storyteller, and advocate for first responder mental health—joins the show to reflect on his transformative journey through law enforcement. Tim opens up about the deep emotional toll that policing took on his well-being, the critical importance of community connections, and how personal encounters—like one with a homeless man named Norman—forever changed his view ...
Apr 16, 2025•57 min•Season 2Ep. 77
He's not an #$$hole, He's Symptomatic - Erin Maccabee & Cinnamon Reiheld Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver is joined by Erin Maccabee and Cinnamon Reiheld for a powerful conversation about the mental health challenges faced by first responders. They explore how trauma, desensitization, and high ACEs scores impact emotional well-being, and why compassion, vulnerability, and peer support are essential for healing. Erin and Cinnamon shar...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 76
Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver talks with Ashley Jones — a seasoned police officer and empowerment coach — as she shares her deeply personal journey through law enforcement and mental health challenges faced by first responders. Ashley opens up about the illusion of brotherhood in the field, the critical need for vulnerability training, and the urgent lack of mental health support in police departments. With a mission to empower others, Ash...
Apr 02, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 75
🧠 Episode Summary In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast LIVE, host Conrad Weaver is joined by Dr. Heather Twedell, widely known as “Dr. T,” a leading psychologist specializing in first responder mental health and wellness. Dr. T shares her deeply personal connection to the first responder community, the origin story of her organization F1RST, and how her work—spanning from local fire departments to elite athletic teams like the Dallas Cowboys—is ...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min
📝 Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Allen Williford to discuss Paddling for Pennies, an inspiring initiative that raises funds for first responders and their families. Allen shares the origins of this 193-mile endurance paddle and the mental and physical challenges it brings. Together, they dive into the critical importance of mental health support for first responders, the overlooked yet vital role of dispatchers, and the...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 74
Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran officer Tony Godwin from the Garland Police Department. With over 31 years of experience, Tony specializes in internet crimes against children, working tirelessly to protect vulnerable populations. They discuss: The challenges of investigating child exploitation and human trafficking The mental health toll on officers and the evolving support systems in law enforcement The role of f...
Mar 19, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 73
72 - Turning Tragedy into Hope for First Responders with Linda Kokoros Episode Summary: In this deeply moving episode, Linda Kokoros shares her personal journey as a first responder family member navigating grief after the tragic loss of her son, Alex, to suicide. She sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by first responders, the lack of support within law enforcement, and the crucial role of community engagement in raising awareness. Linda discusses the foundation she established in...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 72
71 - How to Create a Culture of Wellness with Chief Neil Gang This is from the First Responder Wellness Podcast LIVE event we hosted on February 21. 🎧 First Responder Wellness Podcast 📅 Episode 71 | February 25, 2025 🎙 Host: Conrad Weaver 🎙 Guest: Chief Neil Gang Episode Overview In this special episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Chief Neil Gang, former police chief of Pinole, California, to discuss leadership, wellness, and building a culture ...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 71
Register for the LIVE Events here: https://mailchi.mp/ptsd911movie/first-responder-wellness-podcast-live 70 - Searching for Answers with Liz Pol Episode Summary In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, we sit down with Liz Pol, a Chicago police officer with 21 years of service and a mental health professional specializing in forensic psychology. Liz shares her deep expertise in suicide prevention, trauma, and mental health support for first responders, shedding light on ...
Feb 19, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 70
69 - I was the Angry Dispatcher - Adam Timm Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Adam Timm about the mental health challenges faced by 911 dispatchers and first responders. Adam, who spent 20 years in 911 dispatch, shares his personal journey of transformation through mindfulness and stress reduction techniques. He reflects on the impact of daily stressors in the dispatch environment and highlights the importance of self-awarenes...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 69
68 - Talking About it is Therapy - With Mike Bergin Episode Summary In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Mike Bergin opens up about the mental health challenges he faced throughout his career in law enforcement, including the profound impact of a police-involved shooting. He discusses the stigma that often prevents first responders from seeking help and how public speaking became a crucial part of his healing journey. Mike emphasizes the importance of strong, support...
Feb 05, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 68
Episode Summary: In this powerful and emotional episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Christy Lister, the former wife of a police officer who tragically took his own life in 2019. Christy shares her personal journey of navigating life after loss, the challenges faced by first responder families, and the critical need for mental health support within law enforcement. She discusses the importance of early intervention, peer support, and the tools necess...
Jan 29, 2025•55 min•Season 2Ep. 67
From Dispatcher to Chaplain: Brandi Powell is on a Mission Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, we welcome Brandi Powell, a seasoned professional with 15 years of 911 dispatch experience and 12 years of ministerial work. Brandi shares her journey from being on the frontlines of emergency response to becoming a certified Law Enforcement Chaplain. She sheds light on the high levels of stress and emotional challenges faced by dispatchers and how holistic wellness...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 66
SPECIAL EDITION: Wellness on the Front Lines of the California Fires Matty Fiorenza is on the front lines of the California Fires working with first responders. In times of need, we often see the true heroes among us! As we watch the brave first responders in action, I feel grateful for their courage and strength. Many families including the firefighters that continue to work, have lost their homes, and our hearts go out to all of them. If you want to help, please consider donating to support th...
Jan 20, 2025•13 min•Ep. 66
REGISTER FOR THE LIVE EVENT 65 - Self-Care Strategies with Dr. Kimberly Miller Episode Overview In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Kimberly Miller joins Conrad Weaver to share her inspiring journey into psychology and her deep insights into mental health, addiction, and the role of mindset in overcoming life’s challenges. Together, they explore the importance of serving others while maintaining self-care, especially for first responders and those in helping professions. Listeners will gain p...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 65
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the First Responder Wellness Podcast LIVE event on January 31, 2025 12:00PM EST. On Trauma: A Conversation with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman 🔑 Episode Overview In this powerful and insightful episode, host Conrad Weaver welcomes back Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a retired Army Ranger, psychologist, and world-renowned author of On Killing and On Combat. With decades of experience training military personnel, law enforcement, and first responders, Lt. Col. Grossman dives deep into...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 64
Reflecting on 2024: Milestones, Gratitude, and Big Plans for 2025 In this New Year’s special episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver reflects on the achievements of 2024 and shares exciting plans for 2025. Key Highlights from 2024: PTSD911 Documentary: 21 in-person screenings across the U.S., totaling 56 events over two years. 139 agencies are now using the PTSD911 Documentary Toolkit for training purposes. Podcast Growth: Over 115 podcast episodes (including previous...
Jan 01, 2025•13 min
Episode Title: Merry Christmas & The Gift of Presence Podcast: First Responder Wellness Podcast Release Date: December 25, 2024 Episode Summary In this heartfelt holiday episode, host Conrad Weaver takes a moment to wish all listeners a Merry Christmas and shares a powerful message on the importance of being present during the holiday season. Acknowledging the sacrifices made by first responders who are working during the holidays, the host expresses gratitude and appreciation for their serv...
Dec 25, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 64
63 - Budget. Budget. Budget. A plan for financial wellness with Nick Daugherty the Financial Cop In this conversation, Nick Daugherty shares his journey from being $80,000 in debt as a law enforcement officer to becoming a financial wellness advocate for first responders. He discusses the importance of financial education, the debt snowball method, and budgeting strategies that can help individuals manage their finances effectively. The conversation also highlights the impact of financial stress...
Dec 18, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 63
62 - Is Your Check Engine Light On? - Dr. Brooke Bartlett In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Dr. Brooke Bartlett emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, sharing insights from her research on trauma and its effects on the brain and body. She highlights the importance of sleep for emotional processing and provides practical tips for improving sleep hygiene, especially tailored for first responders who often face unique challenges in maintaining their ...
Dec 11, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 62
