61 - Is a 24/72 Hour Schedule the Answer? - James Geering In this episode, James Geering shares his journey from aspiring firefighter to first responder, discussing the motivations behind his career choice and the impact of childhood experiences on his path. He emphasizes the importance of mental health support for first responders, the role of community in healing, and the challenges of PTSD. Geering also explores alternative therapies and practical tools for maintaining well-being, while addre...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 61
THANKSGIVING SPECIAL - A message from all of us at PTSD911 Thank you for your support of the PTSD911 film and the First Responder Wellness Podcast! Today Matty, Elizabeth, Desiree, and Todd join me for a special THANK YOU to all of you! +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcas...
Nov 27, 2024•15 min
This is a special edition of the First Responder Wellness Podcast. In this conversation, Jeff Dill, founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, discusses the alarming rise in firefighter suicides, sharing personal insights and data from his organization. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes, particularly the impact of relationships and moral injury. Jeff advocates for open conversations about mental health and encourages first responders to seek help, wh...
Nov 21, 2024•20 min
60 - What can a horse do for you? Have you ever asked yourself this question? In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver interviews Elizabeth Tate, a pastoral counselor and equine therapy practitioner. Elizabeth shares her journey into the field of equine therapy, highlighting the profound impact horses have on the healing process for veterans and first responders. The conversation delves into the science behind equine therapy, the unique dynamics of working with hors...
Nov 20, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 60
In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Chloe shares her journey from working in professional sports to becoming a registered dietitian focused on nutrition for first responders. She discusses the unique challenges faced by first responders, including irregular eating patterns, stress, and the impact of caffeine and hydration on their health. Chloe emphasizes the importance of nutrition, hydration, and healthy eating habits for overall wellness and weight loss. In this conversat...
Nov 13, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 59
58 - How Full is Your Trashcan? - Meagan McCarthy It's a strange question to ask... but you'll understand once you take a listen to my conversation with Meagan McCarthy. In this episode, Meagan shares her harrowing experience as a deputy sheriff involved in a critical incident that changed her life. She discusses the physical and mental health challenges she faced following the incident, including PTSD and the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement. Meagan emphasizes the importance ...
Nov 06, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 58
57 - I Can't Give, What I Don't Have - Barbara Crump In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Barbara Crump, a licensed professional counselor and ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, about the unique mental health challenges faced by first responders and veterans. They discuss the impact of childhood trauma, the importance of therapy, and various therapeutic modalities, including ketamine therapy and accelerated resolution therapy. Barbara emphasizes...
Oct 30, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 57
56 - It's OK to Stop and Rest In this episode, Ryan Dedmon shares his journey from being a police dispatcher to becoming an advocate for mental health and wellness among first responders. He discusses the impact of trauma, the importance of therapy, and the stigma surrounding mental health in public safety. Ryan emphasizes the need for balance in life, the significance of community support, and the challenges of navigating identity after service. He also highlights the importance of empowering o...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 56
55 - From Cop to Mental Health Advocate ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this conversation, Brad Shepherd shares his transformative journey from law enforcement to recovery advocacy. He discusses the spiritual and community aspects that influenced his path, the challenges of addiction, and the profound impact of 12-step programs. Brad emphasizes the importance of accountability, courage in seeking help, and daily practices that support mental wellness. He also addresses the stigma surrounding mental health...
Oct 16, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 55
54 - You Can't Lose if You Keep Showing Up ABOUT THIS EPISODE Monica Crawford, founder of Five-0 Fierce and Fit, discusses her work as a nutrition and fitness coach for female first responders. She shares her own journey from law enforcement to entrepreneurship and the importance of creating resources to help first responders navigate toxic work environments. Monica emphasizes the significance of sleep, self-care, nutrition, and exercise in maintaining overall wellness. She provides practical ad...
Oct 09, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 54
53 - Where are all the good leaders? ABOUT THIS EPISODE Today, my guest is Morgan Englund. He's a former actor turned paramedic and firefighter, and shares his experiences and insights on the challenges faced by first responders in terms of mental health and wellness. He discusses the toxic culture within the first responder community and the lack of support for mental health issues. Englund emphasizes the importance of peer support and vulnerability in changing this culture. He also shares his ...
Oct 02, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 53
In this episode, Adam Davis, a former law enforcement officer, shares his journey of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and suicidal thoughts to find healing and purpose. He has written several books and speaks to first responders about finding hope and healing. His message of love and grace resonates with many, as he receives numerous messages and testimonials about the impact of his work. Adam continues to write and speak because he sees the fruit of his efforts and wants to make a positi...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 52
In this conversation, Matthew (Matty) Fiorenza discusses his journey of recovery after the release of the PTSD911 documentary, his daily practices that support his mental health, and the launch of his nonprofit foundation aimed at helping first responders. He reflects on the importance of spiritual connection in his recovery and shares insights on the incremental changes that have led to his current state of well-being. The conversation highlights the significance of community support and the ne...
Sep 20, 2024•25 min
51 - How can I Overcome the Darkness? The Power of Faith and Authentic Leadership In this conversation, Host, Conrad Weaver interviews Jason Sautel, a former firefighter, about his experiences and struggles with mental health in the first responder community. They also discuss the role of faith in healing and the need for support systems within the fire service. The conversation touches on topics such as the impact of childhood trauma, the challenges of being a first responder, and the importanc...
Sep 18, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 51
50 - What's the Most Important Issue in Policing? In this conversation, Chief Steve Dye discusses the challenges and importance of supporting and improving the wellness of police officers. He emphasizes the need for strong leadership, the impact of media portrayal on recruitment and retention, and the importance of self-responsibility and compliance in interactions with law enforcement. Chief Dye also highlights the role of community support in shaping the perception and effectiveness of police ...
Sep 11, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 50
49 - Can I Rewire my Brain? A Protocol for Healing the Hero On this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Dan Jarvis discusses his work with Healing the Hero, a Christian faith-based ministry focused on healing PTSD, depression, and anxiety among first responders, veterans, and other individuals. He explains the protocol they use, which involves visual disassociation and rewiring the brain through neuroplasticity. Dan also discusses the importance of bringing faith into the healing pr...
Sep 04, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 49
48 - How to Remember the Heroes Who Die by Suicide? A monument for the Heroes. Karen Solomon, the president of FirstHelp, discusses the organization's mission to support first responder families after a suicide and provide prevention and resilience training. She shares her personal connection to the issue and how it led her to start the organization. Karen explains the stigma surrounding suicide in the first responder community and the challenges in addressing mental health. She also talks about...
Aug 28, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 48
47 - Investing in Spiritual Well-being with Chad Depew ABOUT THIS EPISODE Chad Depew, a police chief in Southwest Ohio, discusses the importance of investing in the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of first responders. He shares his personal journey in law enforcement and the challenges he faced in terms of mental health and wellness. Chad emphasizes the need for first responders to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. He also discusses the role of faith in coping ...
Aug 21, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 47
46 - Coaching for Well-Being: A Proactive Approach for First Responders Jennifer Anderson, founder and CEO of First Responder Coaching, shares her personal experience as the spouse of a first responder who suffered a mental health break. She discusses the early signs she noticed and the challenges they faced in finding resources. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of proactive support and difficult conversations to prevent first responder suicide. She also explains the role of coaching in helpin...
Aug 14, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 46
45 - Collaborative Healing: Creating a Supportive Environment for First Responders Mark Bouchard, a Canadian police officer and current coordinator of the RCMP's National Tactical Medicine Program, discusses the importance of mental health support for first responders. He shares his personal journey of experiencing trauma and struggling with PTSD, and how he eventually sought help and took control of his healing process. Bouchard emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how mental health is a...
Aug 07, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 45
We're on break, but in this episode, Host Conrad Weaver provides updates on the PTSD911 documentary and the First Responder Wellness Podcast. He announces the upcoming season of the podcast, featuring guests who are leaders in the First Responder community and are working on mental health and wellness initiatives. Conrad emphasizes the importance of self-care and encourages listeners to share their best practices for health and wellness. He also shares upcoming events where the documentary will ...
Jul 31, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 47
From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows. 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 lea...
Jul 24, 2024•53 min
From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows. 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 strug...
Jul 17, 2024•56 min
From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows. 22-Are you losing your religion? - Jeremy Wade Jeremy Wade, a former police officer, shares his journey of finding faith and wellness in the midst of the challenges of being a first responder. He discusses the early experiences that tested his resolve and faith, the toll it took on his mental health and relationships, and the importance of prioritizing faith and famil...
Jul 10, 2024•50 min
From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows. Today we have Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman on the show. The episode first aired LIVE on YouTube on December 1, 2021. About Lt. Col. Dave Grossman Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime. Col. Grossma...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 3 min
44 - Do it Like it's Your Last Shot with Brenda Lee In this conversation, Brenda Lee discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and self-care for first responders and high-level executives. She shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma and the need for self-reflection. Brenda emphasizes the significance of taking time for oneself and creating a morning routine. She also highlights the importance of operating at peak performance and managing emotions for overall health and well-bei...
Jun 26, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 44
43 - Real Leadership Comes from Courage with Brandon Evans Brandon Evans, a firefighter and entrepreneur, shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma and burnout in the fire service. He discusses the challenges faced by first responders in terms of mental health and the lack of adequate training and support. Brandon conducted an international research study on the state of mental health within the fire service, highlighting the need for prevention and support to prevent suicides and PTSD le...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 43
42 - Overcoming Trauma Together with Scott McPherson Scott McPherson shares his experience as a firefighter EMT and Army infantry officer and discusses the importance of addressing the soul wounds of first responders. He explains that soul wounds are perceived or actual actions that transgress deeply held moral values, and they can result from critical incidents with unfavorable outcomes, betrayal, or failure to meet performance standards. Scott emphasizes the need for open and honest conversati...
Jun 12, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 42
41 - Healing Invisible Wounds with Russ Hanes What do you do when you’re a first responder and you're struggling and making bad decisions at work and you realize this is not working out for you? That’s where Russ Hanes was at after 17 years of working in law enforcement, corrections, and 911 dispatch. Fortunately for Russ, he was finally able eventually get his life together but it meant leaving the job he loved. But he still wanted to help people. So, he launched the Invisible Wounds Project, a...
Jun 05, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 41
40 - We are what we eat with Megan Lautz Today on the First Responder Wellness podcast I have a conversation with a nutritionist who talks about how our diet impacts our mental health, and really everything else about us. My guest is Megan Lautz. She is a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer on a mission to help first responders optimize performance, recover faster, and enjoy long, healthy retirements. In this episode we dive into all things nutrition. What you should eat, fad diets, and al...
May 29, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 40
