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Feb 19, 2024•1 min
First Responders' Bridge: The Podcast
A Podcast for First Responders and their families, that will help take someone from hurt to healing.
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Episodes
Ep. #38 - "Prison Prodigy" with Kyle Overmyer
Kyle Overmyer is a father, husband, and former Sheriff of Sandusky county, OH. He will be discussing overcoming addiction and crime to get to the successful place he is in today. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Feb 12, 2024•35 min
Ep. #37 - "Taking the Cape Off (Part 2)" with Patrick Kenny
In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Patrick J. Kenny, a seasoned veteran with over 38 years in the fire service. Patrick, who retired in January 2021 after serving as Fire Chief in Hinsdale and Western Springs, Illinois for 25 years, brings a wealth of experience and insights. Beyond his distinguished career, Patrick is also an international best-selling author, known for his impactful book "TAKING THE CAPE OFF: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss." Join...
Feb 05, 2024•22 min
Ep. #36 - "Taking the Cape Off (Part 1)" with Patrick Kenny
In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Patrick J. Kenny, a seasoned veteran with over 38 years in the fire service. Patrick, who retired in January 2021 after serving as Fire Chief in Hinsdale and Western Springs, Illinois for 25 years, brings a wealth of experience and insights. Beyond his distinguished career, Patrick is also an international best-selling author, known for his impactful book "TAKING THE CAPE OFF: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss." Join...
Jan 29, 2024•31 min
Ep. #35 - "Dealing with First Responder Trauma" with Amy Bock
Amy Bock, the proprietor of Resilience Counseling and Consultation in Westerville, Ohio, has been delivering trauma-informed counseling services since obtaining her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from THE Ohio State University in 2013. Amy is a certified first responder counselor, focusing her expertise on assisting first responders and their families. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/...
Jan 22, 2024•31 min
Ep. #34 - "Married 2 The Badge" with Kerry-Ann Astree
Kerry-Ann Burnett-Astree, a Christian and mother of three, is the Board Chair and CEO of Married 2 the Badge. As a widow of a law enforcement sergeant, she is deeply passionate about empowering women to flourish in all aspects of their lives. Kerry-Ann advocates that every law enforcement wife should have the necessary support to excel in her role as a spouse and supporter to her partner. Married 2 the Badge https://married2thebadge.com/ https://www.facebook.com/M2Badge https://www.instagram.com...
Jan 15, 2024•35 min
Ep. #33 - "A Cop's Guide to Mental Wellness" with Rhonda Grizzell
Rhonda Grizzell embarked on her policing journey in 1994 and dedicated 26 years to the Columbus, Ohio Police Department, achieving the rank of Commander. Her impactful contributions include founding the Columbus Police Peer Assistance team. Transitioning in 2020 to the role of Deputy Chief for the Reynoldsburg, Ohio Police Department, Rhonda played a pivotal role in initiating the Metro Peer Assist Team in Central Ohio. This effort aimed to provide crucial mental health resources to suburban law...
Jan 08, 2024•28 min
Ep. #32 - "Strength in Venerability" with Chuck Albers
With 17 years of experience in law enforcement, Sergeant Chuck Albers currently serves in Central Ohio's wellness bureau, leading a team of clinicians and law enforcement professionals. Their shared mission is to improve the well-being and health of police officers within the department. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Jan 01, 2024•34 min
Ep. #31 - "Normalize the Conversation" with Neil Gang
Chief Neil Gang has worked in law enforcement since 1988. He is currently the Chief of Police for the city of Pinole Police Department in Pinole, California. Chief Gang is the author of the "ASHER model: A 7 Point approach to a culture of wellness." In 2020 he was awarded the Public Safety Hero of the Year by Congressman Mike Thompson and is a national keynote speaker on Officer wellness. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/...
Dec 18, 2023•40 min
Ep. #30 - "Alleviating Financial Stress for First Responders" with Matt Calhoun
Matt Calhoun has spent the past 20 years working in the financial services industry as a financial advisor. Prior to joining the Edward George Wealth Management Group, Matt worked for Morgan Stanley where he obtained the title of Vice President. Matt went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in business education from THE Ohio State University. While at OSU, he played fullback for the Buckeyes. After college Matt spent time in the NFL with the New York Giants and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Contact Ma...
Dec 11, 2023•26 min
Ep. #29 - "Find Someone to Talk To" with Steve Click
Steve Click retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol after serving in various roles, including patrol, the motorcycle unit, and as a lieutenant at the Ohio Highway Patrol Training Academy. His career culminated as the Lieutenant of the Ohio Assist Program. Presently, he serves as the Director of the Ohio Office of First Responder Wellness. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/...
Dec 04, 2023•23 min
Ep. #28 - "Navigating Critical Moments" with Bryan Mason
Bryan Mason has been a police officer with the city of Columbus police department since 2006. Bryan has been involved in several critical incidents and now uses those experiences to help other officers. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Nov 27, 2023•23 min
Ep. #27 - "I Grew Up on the Same Streets I Now Protect" with Anthony Johnson (OhNoItsDaPoPo)
We sit down with Anthony Johnson, a dedicated police officer with a remarkable story of transformation and community impact. Anthony grew up in a challenging neighborhood where trust in law enforcement was scarce, including his own skepticism. His life took a dramatic turn when an encounter with a compassionate police officer altered his perception of law enforcement. Anthony not only became a police officer himself but also returned to serve in the very neighborhood he left. Throughout the conv...
Nov 20, 2023•33 min
Ep. #26 - "Beyond the Fire: Addressing Fire Fighter Cancer" with Cindy Ell
Today we have Cindy Ell joining us. Cindy is the founder and president of the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation. The foundation was established in 2004 to provide international outreach support and resource assistance programs for firefighters and family members that are stricken by cancer. The foundation is creating state of the art programs for cancer education, awareness, research, and prevention to ensure the quality of life and retirement of firefighters around the world. For more information ...
Nov 13, 2023•24 min
Ep. #25 - "Heroes in Action" with Jim King
Jim King is a 30 year firefighter. He is the Vice President of the California Police Athletic Federation, which is the governing body for the US Police and Fire Championships and the World Police and Fire Games. http://cpaf.org/ To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Nov 06, 2023•27 min
Ep. #24 - "On Fire" with Peter Facinelli
Peter Facinelli made his acting debut in 1995, appearing in Rebecca Miller's "Angela" and has worked consistently ever since. He has been on TV shows such as Law & Order, Fastlane, Glee, SWAT, Magnum PI, FBI and Nurse Jackie where he played Dr. Fitch Cooper. In 2008, he won the role of Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the wildly popular Twilight (2008) and its sequels. He is joining us today to talk about his newest movie "On Fire" where he not only acted but also directed. To donate to First Responde...
Oct 30, 2023•26 min
Ep. #23 - "Trauma Needs a Witness" with K.J. Watts
Join us for a conversation with K.J. Watts, a second-generation firefighter and Assistant Fire Chief, as well as the co-founder of the Phoenix Project. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by first responders, K.J. emphasizes the importance of openness, trust, and active support within the first responder community. Visit www.thephoenixproject.life to learn more about K.J. the Phoenix Project's mission. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://fir...
Oct 23, 2023•20 min
Ep. #22 - "Don't Be Afraid to Show You Are Human" with Rob Sagle
In this episode, we're joined by Rob Sagle, Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau, who delves into the intricate world of administrative stress experienced by First Responder leaders. With real-life examples, Rob sheds light on the delicate balance these leaders must maintain. He emphasizes the importance of self-care in this demanding role, providing valuable insights into stress management techniques and effective scheduling to help navigate the weighty responsibilities they bear. To d...
Oct 16, 2023•24 min
Ep. #21 - "Navigating Trauma and Recovery" with Alison Fienning
Alison Fienning, MSW, LISW-S, LMHC, CCTP, EMDRt, is a dedicated mental health professional with over a decade of experience in the field. She is the owner of Pinpoint Behavioral Health Solutions. Alison is deeply connected to the first responder world, being the spouse of a firefighter. Through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment, she continues to be an influential force in the field of mental health, inspiring positive change and fostering well-being in the lives of those she ...
Oct 09, 2023•34 min
Ep. #20 - "Be Who You Are, Where You Are" with Joe Lorenz
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Lorenz, a firefighter and chaplain with Columbus Fire, who embarked on his firefighting career at the age of 39. Joe shares his deep connection to faith and how it has shaped his journey as a first responder and chaplain. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Oct 02, 2023•29 min
Ep. #19 - "Don't Carry Your Burdens Alone" with Michael McSellers
In this episode, we sit down with Michael McSellers, a Virginia State Trooper and former Marine. Michael shares his personal journey explaining why it's okay not to be okay, and why we were never meant to carry our burdens alone. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Sep 25, 2023•32 min
Ep. #18 - "Behind the Headset: The Life of a Police Dispatcher" with Laura Thomas
Join us as Laura Thomas, a police dispatcher, discusses the highs of supporting officers' safety and the struggle of sending officers to dangerous situations. Listen as Laura candidly opens up about the cumulative stress that wears on dispatchers, the haunting uncertainty that accompanies each call, and her own struggle with mental health. Her journey reminds us of the weight carried by those who hold the thin blue line from behind the scenes. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more in...
Sep 18, 2023•31 min
Ep. #17 - "A Widow's Story of Loss and Survival" with Jesi Arter
In this episode, Jesi Arter shares her journey from marrying a firefighter to the unimaginable reality of becoming a suicide widow and a single mother. Jesi's story sheds light on the complexities of mental health and how family members of first responders can spot the warning signs and begin the journey of getting them help. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Sep 11, 2023•26 min
Ep. #16 - "From Nightmare to Healing" with Jamie and Brandon Qualls
In this episode, Jamie and Brandon Qualls take listeners on an emotional journey through the hidden struggles of first responder families. Tune in as they share their struggles and the slow, determined crawl towards healing, reminding us of the importance of seeking help, even in our darkest moments. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Sep 04, 2023•35 min
Episode #15 - "Why Are We Killing Ourselves?" with Jeff Dill
Jeff Dill is a retired fire captain and founder of Fire Fighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FFBHA). Their mission is to shed light on and address the often overlooked behavioral health challenges faced by firefighters and EMS personnel. From depression and PTS to anxiety, addiction, and the alarming issue of firefighter suicides, Jeff highlights the importance of understanding, discussing, and supporting the mental well-being of our brave first responders and their families. For more information...
Aug 28, 2023•31 min
Ep. #14 - "The Challenges and Rewards of Being a First Responder Child" with Megan and Noah
In this episode, Megan and Noah open up about their unique experiences growing up as children of first responders. They discuss the consistent sacrifices made due to the nature of first responder work and provide an intimate look at the unique challenges and rewards that come with the territory. Tune in to hear how these experiences have shaped Megan and Noah and made them who they are today. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/...
Aug 21, 2023•37 min
Ep. #13 - "Finding Your WHY" with Stan Partlow
In this episode, Stan Partlow, discusses why it is important to find your purpose, leave a meaningful legacy, and channel relentless effort toward your aspirations. As a retired police officer, Stan reminds us that titles do not define our worth, and that it is our "why" that truly determines our legacy. To donate to First Responders Bridge, or for more information, go to https://firstrespondersbridge.org/
Aug 14, 2023•31 min
Ep. #12 - "Getting Help for First Responder Families" with Ra'Shawd Davis
In this episode, we sit down with Ra'Shawd Davis, an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) counselor with Columbus, who specializes in counseling for First Responders and their families. Ra'Shawd sheds light on the common struggles faced by families in the silence of dealing with the challenges of a first responder's profession. Ra'Shawd offers guidance and compassion, empowering first responder families to seek help and create an open and supportive atmosphere for their children's well-being. To do...
Aug 07, 2023•33 min
BONUS EPISODE: A Mission To Aid Veterans and First Responders
In this bonus episode, we sit down with Mike from Central Ohio American Charities to discuss the extraordinary work they've been doing for veterans and first responders. Founded with the mission to help veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Mike shares the motivation behind the organization's efforts to aid wounded men and women who have selflessly served our country. With fundraising efforts dating back to 2008, Central Ohio American Charities has raised over an incredible $600,...
Aug 04, 2023•4 min
Ep. #11 - "The Silent Stress of the Job" with Anthony and Michelle Bizzarro
In this episode we sit down with Anthony Bizzarro, a Fire Chief with 28 years of service, and his wife Michelle, a Nurse Practitioner and former ER Nurse. Four to five years ago, Anthony's mental health took a turn for the worse, shining a light on the challenges faced by first responders and their families. This episode highlights the silent struggles experienced by those in public service, where the priority of helping others often comes before tending to one's mental health. To donate to Firs...
Jul 31, 2023•27 min
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