First Responders Episodes
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 d…
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 heal…
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 in…
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 a…
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 t…
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 nar…
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 f…
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 keta…
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 hea…
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 chal…
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…
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 responde…
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 rec…
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 discover…
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…