First Responders Episodes
July 16, 2024
Racing Toward Healing: Chris Perry on Community Service, Motorcycle Passion, and the Journey to Mental Wellness
Send us a Text Message. What if embracing a new role in your golden years could bring unparalleled joy and fulfillment? Join us as we sit down with Chris Perry, a retired Cincinnati Police Officer turned Senior Resource Offic...
June 18, 2024
Healing the Warriors Within: Don Bradley's Guide to Emotional Health for First Responders and Military Personnel
Send us a Text Message. What if your emotional well-being was just as critical as your physical health? Join us in this riveting episode of Enduring the Badge as we sit down with Don Bradley, a former police officer turned th...
May 14, 2024
Navigating Leadership and Cultural Transformation in High-Stakes Professions with Michael Lopez
Send us a Text Message. Transform your understanding of leadership and culture in high-stakes professions with insights from Michael Lopez, a distinguished coach and consultant. Our latest episode offers compelling discourse ...
April 2, 2024
Voices of Bravery: Crafting Stories to Mend the Invisible Scars of Service with Steven Leapley
Have you ever considered the profound impact that sharing a story can have on healing a heart marked by trauma? This is the central theme of my heartfelt conversation with Stephen Leapley, a ghostwriter whose life has been de...
March 5, 2024
Dr. Brooke Bartlett's Blueprint for Overcoming Stigma in First Responder Mental Care
"Breaking the Stigma: Transformative Pathways to Healing for First Responders and Military Heroes"
In this podcast episode, Jerry Dean Lund and clinical psychologist Brooke Bartlett discuss the critical topic of mental health support for first responders and military heroes. The conversation focus…
Feb. 20, 2024
Safeguarding Our Saviors: Retired Battalion Chief Robert Avsec on the Mental Health Crusade in Firefighting
In this episode, Robert Avsec, a retired battalion chief from the Chesterfield Virginia Fire and EMS department, sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by firefighters. The conversation delves into the alarming increase in suicides and the psychological impact of cancer diagnoses within …
Feb. 13, 2024
Unmasking the Protector: Ashley Jones on Vulnerability and Personal Growth in Law Enforcement
Ashley Jones provided eye-opening insights into the complexities of mental health within the force and the struggle to maintain integrity and personal well-being. The conversation shed light on the challenges officers face and the importance of supportive environments prioritizing mental and physic…
Feb. 6, 2024
A New Chapter for Heroes Brian Livingston on Life After Service
The conversation between the speaker and Brian Livingston delves into the emotional, psychological, and logistical hurdles that come with leaving behind the camaraderie and identity built in the line of duty. It emphasizes the importance of a supportive network and a well-thought-out exit strategy,…
Jan. 23, 2024
Igniting Change: Captain Jeremy Norton on Firefighting, Leadership, and the Quest for Inclusivity and Mental Health
Captain Jeremy Norton provides a compelling account of his journey as a firefighter, offering invaluable insights into the challenges, triumphs, and profound human experiences that define the firefighting profession. His narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for compassionate…
Dec. 19, 2023
Dr. Pam Arnell, Advocating for Comprehensive Mental Health Support for First Responders and Veterans
Effective mental health support is essential for first responders and introduces the transformative 22 Zero program. By offering a non-invasive, non-clinical approach to therapy, the program has proven to be a game-changer for veterans and first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress. In add…
Dec. 12, 2023
The Battle Within: Dr. Marisha Chilcott on Mental Health in First Responders and Innovative Treatments
Explore the potential of psychedelic psychotherapy in treating mental health, focusing on the benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy and the need to destigmatize mental health issues. Discover the transformative power of ketamine in changing thought patterns and forging new mental paths. Discuss the…
Dec. 5, 2023
Combatting Compassion Fatigue: Dr. Finneran on Improving Mental Health Support for First Responders
Jerry Dean Lund and Dr. Finneran delve into the challenges faced by first responders and service providers, providing valuable strategies to combat compassion fatigue. They stress the significance of self-care and mental health resources, shedding light on the consequences of unaddressed trauma. Th…
Nov. 28, 2023
Braving the Blaze: Exploring Mental Health, Relationships and Retention in Wildland Firefighting
Join us on the Enduring the Badge Podcast as we explore the raw and unfiltered world of wildland firefighting. Through profound insights from courageous firefighters and their loved ones, we delve into the mental health challenges, seasonal job pressure, and isolation experienced by members of this…
Nov. 14, 2023
Fueling the Frontline: Megan Lautz on Nutrition Solutions for First Responders
In this episode, Megan Lautz, a registered dietitian and expert in first responders' nutrition, discusses how she tailors evidence-based diet routines for busy police officers and firefighters. She explores the impact of the Standard American Diet on mental health and offers practical tips for a he…
Oct. 10, 2023
Healing the Wounds of PTSD: Edmund Dalo's Journey through Creativity
Edmund Dalo, co-founder of the Authentic Abstract First Responder Foundation, shares his journey of healing from PTSD through creativity. He addresses the stigma associated with mental health, especially among first responders, and how spirituality can influence our coping mechanisms. This inspirin…
Sept. 26, 2023
Building Homes for Heroes: Honoring Sacrifices, Rebuilding Lives, and Transforming Legacies
This episode explores the critical work of Building Homes for Heroes in rebuilding lives and dreams. Guests share the physical and emotional toll of working at Ground Zero and the ongoing struggles of first responders to receive support. We hear about a father who received a distressing call about …
Sept. 19, 2023
Facing the Fire: John Vought's Crusade for CBD in First Responder Care
Meet John Vought, a South Florida Fire Department Captain who is dedicated to improving the well-being of first responders through his company, Rescue One CBD. After experiencing sleep issues post-foot surgery, John discovered the potential benefits of CBD and became passionate about its use. He em…
July 11, 2023
The Transformative Impact of Peer Support in Mental Health
Think about it. We all know someone who has been impacted by crime in some way. Maybe they lost a loved one, were the victim of a violent act, are experiencing PTSD, or have just been through a traumatic event. It only takes one person to help someone in need make a connection with a life-saving or…
June 27, 2023
Unleashing Your Inner Resilience: A Conversation with Experts
Join us for an exciting opportunity to learn how to build resilience and tackle life's challenges confidently and gracefully. Public safety, wellness, and empowerment specialist Dr. Tia White and seasoned police officer Jake Steyer will debunk the myth of resilience being merely bouncing back. Deve…
June 6, 2023
Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth: The Dark Knight of Your Soul and the Resilience of First Responders and Veterans
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of post-traumatic growth with Jessica Depatie, a documentary film producer and journalist. We discuss her project, "The Dark Knight of Your Soul," which explores the relevance of ancient Greek myths of heroism in today's world and their connection to …
May 2, 2023
First Response Mental Health Peer Support App- Nik Fiorito
Nik is employed with First Response Mental Health. He's a key player in the development of a peer support software that connects people who need assistance and teaches them how to do so successfully and quickly. Nick will dis...
March 7, 2023
The Power Of Vulnerability- Reps For Responder, Founder & LEO Frank Voce
Frank Voce has been so open about his history. You must hear this man's story of strength and vulnerability. He's a fantastic human with a fantastic story. We'll discuss sobriety, mental health in and out of the hospital, reh...
Feb. 14, 2023
From Personal Tragedy To Triumph- Founder of Flame Decon, Veteran Tara Cornett
Flame Natural Decon's owner and founder is Tara Cornett. Tara has a very personal story that she will share with you. She'll tell us what she did to avoid tragedies and how you can build resilience.
Feb. 7, 2023
PTSD 911 Documentary Film- Director Conrad Weaver
Conrad has done some sensational things in his life, but this quote by Conrad is my favorite. He claims that telling stories that matter is far more fulfilling than telling stories that entertain. He believes his responsibility to the world is to leave it a better place than when he arrived. If the…