Lesson's from One Critical Incident Learn how a critical incident in 1991 shaped Mike Ming's career as a fire fighter. What does it take to create a wellness program for 8,000+ employees? That's what Mike Ming was tasked to do a few years ago for Cal Fire, the agency where he spent most of his fire fighting career. Take a listen to my conversation with Mike on how he and his team developed a program that includes preparing new fire fighters at the academy for the traumas of the job. ABOUT MIKE M...
Nov 15, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Hashtag Buddycheck with Stephen Powers On the show today Stephen Powers talks about why he and his wife started the Hashtag Buddycheck movement. #BuddyCheck has been used on many social media posts to encourage first responders and others to check on each other. What motivated Stephen and his wife to start this? Listen in to this important conversation! ABOUT OUR GUEST During my 25 years as a first responder and the time served in the Marines, I was exposed to multiple critical incidents and was...
Nov 08, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 10
What is Moral Injury? Today on the show we talk about the difference between moral injury and post traumatic stress disorder. And we learn about the things that first responders can do to help heal moral injuries. ABOUT OUR GUEST Rita Nakashima Brock, Rel. M., M.A., Ph.D. is the Senior Vice President for Moral Injury Recovery Programs at Volunteers of America. She leads the organization’s efforts to deepen understanding about moral injury in the many populations who experience it. The center bui...
Nov 01, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 9
You're Normal if You're Not Ok - Saly Glassman How do horses help with therapy? Today, I talk with Saly Glassman, founder and President of the Kindle Hill Foundation. We talk about her non-profit that helps first responders deal with the traumas they have experienced. ABOUT SALY GLASSMAN Saly Glassman was employed by Merrill Lynch (now Bank of America) for 39 years. In addition to her financial advisory skills, Saly has been known as an instructor, innovator, author, and problem solver. When her...
Oct 25, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Law Enforcement and Wellness with Sherri Martin Today's episode we talk about how the National Fraternal Order of Police provides wellness resources for their members. Sherri Martin serves as the National Director of Wellness Services for the Fraternal Order of Police. A career police officer, Sherri has extensive experience in crisis negotiation and intervention, serving most of her law enforcement career as a patrol supervisor and lead crisis negotiator. While a member of the Charleston Police...
Oct 18, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Healthy Relationships at Home = Healthier Work Life with JD & Shelli Schulgen The national divorce rate for married couples has been at 50% for a while. For first responders its much higher, as much as 75 percent. That’s a staggering statistic. 8 out of ten first responders you work with are likely to be in a divorce. How can that change. Well the couple I have on the show today is working on that. JD & Shelli Schulgen have been married for almost 43 years! JD is a station Captain with t...
Oct 11, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Building a Culture of Wellness is a Process with Anna Fitch Courie In this episode Conrad talks with Dr. Anna Fitch Courie, Director of Responder Wellness, with the FirstNet Program at AT&T. Their conversation centers around the need to support first responders with the resources they need to thrive and live healthy lives. Dr. Courie, is the Director of Responder Wellness, with the FirstNet Program at AT&T. She is a nurse, Army wife, former university faculty, and author. Dr. Courie has ...
Oct 04, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Fair is Just a Weather Condition with Marc Junkerman Marc “Junk” Junkerman joins us on today's episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast. Marc is a retired law enforcement Lieutenant from Maryland who gave 28 years of active service. His diverse assignments included tours in Patrol, Special Operations/SWAT, Special Investigations, Warrant/Fugitive Apprehension, Planning, and Training. He also served for nearly a decade in the US Army and US Army Reserve as both an enlisted soldier and comm...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Surviving Grief with Lisa Zoll. How do first responders deal with death? They face it almost daily, and yet have to continue on their work. In this episode Conrad talks with Lisa Zoll who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in helping clients challenged by loss, grief, and trauma. WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS FRANK TALK ABOUT DEATH AND SUICIDE. Her experience as a volunteer firefighter and EMT at Camp Hill Fire Department, Company 14 led her to become a trainer and volunteer for ...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Yoga Rescue with Vance Row Within 30 days of his first studio class, he knew he wanted to teach cops, firefighters, correctional officers, dispatchers and first responders. Guest: Vance Row, Yoga Teacher/ Police- Fire Dispatcher/ Former Police Corporal BIO: Vance first found yoga after a number of back injuries in 2008 and 2009. During physical therapy, he would use yoga as a change of pace type workout. When Vance did, he always did so at home where he could struggle with difficult poses and tr...
Sep 13, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 2
A BUFFET OF OPTIONS In this first episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad talks with Garland, Texas Police Officer, Todd Gyure who heads up the wellness unit at Garland Police Department. Building a culture of wellness within a public safety agency is hard, especially when "Suck it up, buttercup" has been the motto for decades. Todd Gyure tells us how they did it at the Garland PD. Todd also talks about the Overwatch Peer Support (OPS) he founded along with the National Alliance ...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 1
The First Responder Wellness Podcast In a world where courage and dedication meet the toughest challenges, there are unsung heroes who answer the call without hesitation. They are the first responders - the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. But behind the badges and uniforms, they carry the weight of their experiences. HI, My name is Conrad Weaver. I’m a filmmaker and the host of the brand new 'First Responder Wellness Podcast' - a show dedicated to first respo...
Aug 15, 2023•1 min
Conrad gives an update on the podcast and documentary film! Subscribe to the E-Newsletter at https://ptsd911movie.com/subscribe/ Request information about film screenings here: https://ptsd911movie.com/screenings/ +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN and GET YOUR NAME IN THE CREDITS: http...
Aug 16, 2022•10 min•Season 3Ep. 40
Mark Meincke is the host of the popular Operation Tango Romeo podcast - The Trauma Recovery Podcast. Today he's my guest on the PTSD911 Presents Podcast; we talk in depth about trauma and it's effects on the human experience. TRIGGER WARNING: Some of the dialogue on today's show may be troubling for some viewers/listeners. If you or a family member or friend are struggling with mental health issues such as PTSD, please reach out. Here are a few numbers you can call these numbers: IN THE USA: Sui...
Aug 10, 2022•59 min•Season 3Ep. 39
"If I could forget the trauma, my art would be very different." - Daniel Sundahl Today on the PTSD911 Presents Podcast: Paramedic/Artist, Daniel Sundahl ABOUT DANIEL Daniel was born in Alberta, Canada. Taking up a global residency as an English language teacher in Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia and Japan, he is now a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Leduc. His love of photography began on his travels, and as his technique developed, he started to produce a blend of photography and graphic art...
Aug 03, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Today on the show I talk with current APCO International President, Jason Kern. We discuss the current state of 911 Communications, wellness for 911 professionals, and what the future holds in the 911 world. ABOUT JASON Jason Kern began his career in public safety in 1991 and is currently serving as the Executive Director of Southeast Emergency Communications (SEECOM) in Crystal Lake, Illinois. During nearly three decades as a tenured public safety professional, he has extensive experience in La...
Jul 27, 2022•43 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: Nick Daugherty Today's Episode: “So you want to be a millionaire”. About Nick: Nick Daugherty began his career with the Grand Prairie Police Department (GPPD) in 2003 serving as a patrol officer, school resource officer, and underage alcohol and drug task force officer. In 2012 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he served as a patrol sergeant, field training supervisor, fleet coordinator, and criminal intelligence unit sergeant. Additionally, Nick holds a Ma...
Jul 07, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 36
Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: Mirian “Bev” Perez Today's Episode: Push the Reset Button About Bev: Mirian “Bev” Perez is a retired police officer, motivational speaker and CEO/Founder of SHIELDUS Co., (Self Help In Every Law-Enforcement Department). SHIELDUS is a non-profit organization focused on breaking the stigma of mental health amongst First Responders, offering wellness retreats, peer-support training, and mindfulness groups. After her experience as a police officer and her educational backg...
Jun 23, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: David (Diem) Leath Today's Episode: Side Hustles for First Responders About David: David (Diem) Leath was 20 years into his career as a police officer when he saw a need to transition into business. While many first responders make decent salaries, most have never been trained how to manage their money or even start new businesses. According to David, most frontline heroes don’t know how to talk about their 20+ years of experience in a way that translates into money. D...
Jun 16, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 34
On this episode of the PTSD911 Presents podcast, EMT and Author, Dennis Blocker II, talks about the personal toll of working in a level one trauma center. WARNING: THIS CONVERSATION CONTAINS SUBJECT MATTER THAT MAY BE TRIGGERING FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS. If you are having suicidal ideas, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. HOST: Conrad Weaver GUEST: Dennis R. Blocker, ii ABOUT DENNIS: Dennis R Blocker II was born into a military family and as such was always on...
Jun 02, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 33
Jeff Dill joins Host, Conrad Weaver to talk about firefighter wellness. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SHOW AND THE FILM: https://bit.ly/3NjUSTC PTSD911 Podcast is for first responders and those who support first responders. HOST: Conrad Weaver GUEST: Jeff Dill TODAY'S EPISODE: Wellness for firefighters ABOUT JEFF: Jeff Dill founded Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) in 2011. He travels the United States and Canada holding workshops to teach firefighters about behavioral health awareness and sui...
May 19, 2022•55 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: ShaRonda Young-Calderon Today's Episode: Surviving Suicide About ShaRonda: ShaRonda Young Calderon is a mental health advocate that lives in the DFW Metroplex with her three children. In June of 2018, ShaRonda lost her husband, Deputy Homero Calderon, to suicide. Homero, an 18yr veteran of the Dallas County Sheriff Dept, suffered with PTSI. ShaRonda has used the traumatic loss of her husband as a catalyst to educate and spread awareness of mental health and suicide pre...
May 05, 2022•56 min•Season 3Ep. 31
LINK TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN FIRST RESPONDERS: https://bit.ly/3KUT6qV PTSD911 PRESENTS HOST: Conrad Weaver GUEST: Jennifer White ABOUT JENNIFER WHITE Jennifer White, ENP, is the 9-1-1 Director of the Loudon County (TN) Emergency Communications District and the current President of the National Emergency Number Association. She and the rest of the 2021-2022 Board of Directors were sworn in on July 28 at the NENA 2021 Conference and Expo in Columbus, OH. White now leads the organization’s more than 1...
Apr 21, 2022•36 min•Season 3Ep. 30
On the program today, Dr. Heather Twedell, "Dr. T" talks about her work with first responders through her practice, F1RST (First Responder Stress & Trauma) in the North Texas area. She says first responders are elite athletes and should be trained as such. ABOUT "Dr. T" Dr. Heather Twedell received her doctorate in forensic psychology from Alliant University in 2011; she is a licensed psychologist in the states of Texas and California. Dr. Twedell's work with first responders, along with her...
Apr 07, 2022•57 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Courageously Broken - DA Michaels tells her story Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: D.A. Michaels ABOUT D.A. MICHAELS Donna Michaels has had a distinguished career which began by serving in the U.S. Navy and followed by 21 years in law enforcement which she is now retired from. She is a proud mom of a teenage daughter and enjoys her time with their three hysterically funny dogs. After being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2017, she began a journey to find answers to questions she had s...
Mar 24, 2022•59 min•Season 3Ep. 28
LEFT OF BANG Host: Conrad Weaver, PTSD911 Documentary Director Guest: Dr. Phil Baquie, CEO of Alpha 6 Tactical Solutions and owner of Wellness Centers USA. Doc teaches warriors left of bang tactics to combat traumatic stress. ABOUT DR. BAQUIE Originally from Australia, Dr. Phil "Doc" Baquie is a licensed mental health professional with a unique set of skills. Doc is a highly experienced communicator who specializes in training law enforcement and military personnel. Part of his passion to work w...
Mar 10, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Host: Conrad Weaver, PTSD911 Documentary Director Guest: Keith Hanks, Director Of Business Development at First Responder Coaching ABOUT KEITH HANKS Former Firefighter/EMT, retired 2017 after 21 years. Advocate for PTSD and Mental illness awareness, suicide prevention, and breaking the stigma since 2015. Author, currently working on first book about own life and experience with PTSD. First Responder Peer Support group member. Public speaker on the the subject of PTSD, mental illness, substance/a...
Feb 24, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Host: Conrad Weaver, Producer/Director PTSD911 Documentary Guests: Jeff & Shawn Thomas, 1st Responder Conferences ABOUT JEFF & SHAWN Shawn is a deputy for the King County Sheriff's Office in Seattle, WA. Shawn has been a deputy for 24 years and Jeff recently retired from the King County Sheriff's Office after 32 years. In September 2016, Shawn's peer support captain suggested she organize a health and wellness conference for first responders and their families. The conference was a huge ...
Feb 10, 2022•53 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Dan Jarvis joins us to talk about healing PTSD through modalities that are not always accepted by leadership. But modalities that work. Let us know what you think in the comments. Host: Conrad Weaver, Producer/Director PTSD911 Documentary Guest: Daniel Jarvis is the founder and President of 22ZERO BIO: U.S. Army retired, Sergeant First Class (E-7) 7 years as a Deputy Sheriff Former U.S. Army Drill Sergeant The Developer of the 22Zero Resiliency Coaching Program Developer of the Trauma Resiliency...
Jan 06, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 24
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is an award winning author, and nationally recognized as a powerful, dynamic speaker. He has authored over a dozen books, to include his “perennial bestsellers” On Killing, On Combat, and On Spiritual Combat; a New York Times best-selling book co-authored with Glenn Beck, and many other successful books and scholarly papers. His books are “required” or “recommended” reading in all four branches of the US Armed Forces, and in federal and local law enforcement academies nati...
Dec 03, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 23
