Responder Resilience

Join us for a compelling episode of Responder Resilience as we speak with Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the First Responder Center for Excellence. We’ll honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and discuss the vital mission of NFFF in supporting the mental health and wellness of responders. Learn about the resources available for their families and the...

Tune in as John Moon, retired Assistant Chief of Pittsburgh E.M.S. and a former Freedom House Ambulance Service paramedic, shares the powerful story of Freedom House, the first Black-led EMS organization in the U.S. We learn how they revolutionized emergency medical services, providing critical care when it was desperately needed in their community. John shares the challenges they faced, the innov...

Our guest Kristal DeSantis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the author of "STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man." Her approach blends psychology, attachment theory, and practical strategies to help people build thriving relationships. We’ll explore the unique challenges first responders and military personnel encounter in their relationships. We'll co...

This critical episode explores a pressing issue affecting every firefighter: cancer prevention and detection. Join FDNY Battalion Chief John Haseney as we discuss vital steps being taken to overcome implementation barriers within the fire service. Discover the innovative efforts of the FDNY Contamination Reduction Workgroup and learn how they promote essential skin cancer screenings. We also discu...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, a first responder psychologist specializing in the unique challenges first responder families face. We explore the vital importance of family support in this demanding job. Dr. Zemlok shares invaluable insights and practical strategies to help families thrive amidst the stresses of first responder work. Whether you're a first responder or someo...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Rick Cheatham, a seasoned Life and Career Transformation Coach and retired Fire Captain. Rick shares his profound journey of resilience, navigating personal challenges including overcoming addiction, coping with the murder of his son, and enduring a life-changing injury. Discover how he transformed pain into purpose and learn valuable insights on crisis...

In this Clinician’s Guide for mental health professionals and savvy first responders, we sit down with Wendy Hummell, a retired detective turned health and wellness manager. We’ll dive into the challenges of introducing wellness to Law enforcement culture, the need for supportive internship programs, and how first responders can transition into second careers as therapists. Wendy shares strategies...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by extreme stress or struggling with feelings of resentment? In this enlightening episode, we feature Dr. Frederic Luskin, the renowned director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects. Discover how embracing forgiveness can uplift your spirit and help you regain a sense of peace and fulfillment.  We explore the transformative power of forgiveness, emotional awa...

Tune in for a compelling episode featuring Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a distinguished former Army Ranger and leading expert on combat psychology and resilience. This engaging conversation reveals essential techniques for cultivating mental toughness and effectively managing trauma responses in the high-pressure environments confronted by first responders.  Discover the significant impact of sleep dep...

In this encore episode, get ready to meet charismatic firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton, the creative force behind Fire Department Chronicles. In this episode, we dive into crucial conversations about mental health and wellness for first responders while enjoying Jason's signature humor. Discover how a good laugh can enhance firefighter retention and gain Jason’s insights on tackling tough i...

This episode explores the vital connection between mental health and law enforcement. Dr. Medina Baumgart shares insights on the critical role of embedded clinicians, the mental health challenges retired officers face, and the importance of peer support programs. Discover effective strategies for building trust between clinicians and police personnel, explore successful co-response models, and lea...

Join us for a compelling dialogue for clinicians and savvy first responders, with Captain Mike Fumiatti of the New Haven Police Department as we dig into the importance of police peer support in law enforcement. We explore the vital role of peer support in promoting officer wellbeing. Discover effective strategies for clinicians to collaborate with police departments, fostering robust support init...

In this episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we speak with Brad Cole, Executive Director of K9 First Responders, Inc. We explore the four categories of Crisis Mental Health Canines and what sets each apart. Brad shares insights on how these incredible dogs provide support during crises, discusses potential unintended consequences of their use, and offers guidance on effectively integ...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Falisa Asberry, a retired law enforcement veteran and Peacock Training & Consulting Group CEO. Together, we explore the vital concept of vicarious trauma and its effects on first responders and organizations. Dr. Falisa highlights the importance of the Four Domains of resilience and shares effective self-care routines to enhance mental health. Discover how leade...

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Joe Matthews, retired Captain of the New York City Fire Department. As we explore his remarkable FDNY career, Joe shares how his experiences shaped his identity and resilience. Discover the transformative journey that led him to cycle coast to coast for charitable causes, and hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.  Joe al...

In this Clinician's Guide episode, we sit down with Patrick Fitzgibbons, retired police commander and Shatterproof Community Liaison Lead at FHE Health. We explore the essential topic of specialized addiction and mental health treatment programs designed for first responders.  Patrick discusses the key differences between various in-patient treatment facilities, what clinicians should seek wh...

In this episode, we chat with Jeff Dill, Founder and CEO of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA).  Jeff shares insights on moral injury, the cultural brainwashing that affects first responders, and the alarming statistics related to firefighter suicides. With a focus on firefighter behavioral health awareness, he explains the importance of accurate suicide data collection and how rela...

In this impactful episode, we address the vital mental health challenges faced by EMS and first responders, including post-traumatic stress and the effects of "buffing" calls—responding to emergencies off-duty. Join us for an insightful conversation with Emergency Medical Technician Frank Glowski, as he shares his personal struggles after traumatic off-duty incidents and highlights the i...

Tune in for a candid conversation highlighting behavioral health's critical role in emergency services. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Frank Leto (Ret.), Captain and Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Service Unit (CSU), to discuss the profound impact of 9/11 on firefighter behavioral health. Join us as we delve into the challenges of establishing the CSU in the aftermath of t...

In this episode of our clinician masterclass series, we dive into the unique challenges faced by wildland firefighters and specialized law enforcement units like the Border Patrol, FBI, US Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. Join psychologist Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia as she shares essential strategies and techniques for addressing the trauma and stress experienced by these r...

By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! In the second part of this mini-documentary, Responder Resilience continues the deep dive into the topic of first responder retirement. We are joined by a panel of twenty-one retired or active first responders and resilience experts, representing law enforcement, the fire service, EMS, dispatch, animal control, and...

By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! In Part 1 of this two-part mini-documentary, Responder Resilience delves into the pivotal topic of first responder retirement. With insights from a distinguished panel of 21 retired or active first responders and resilience experts, we examine the unique challenges and opportunities retirement presents for those in...

Join us for an enlightening episode as we speak with Battalion Chief Dena Ali, the Program Manager for Behavioral Health at the First Responder Center for Excellence. In this discussion, we explore her groundbreaking new book, *Hope Out of Darkness: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness*. Chief Ali shares her personal experiences and professional insights, shedding light on the challenges and...

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation, to discuss the vital topic of organ donation and its impact on first responders and their families. Kristina shares her personal journey through grief and how she found healing after the tragic loss of her husband, FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, II. Kristina compassionately discusses the importance of having...

In this insightful episode, we engage with Nicole Florisi, M.S., Director of Content and Curriculum at Force Science, to explore the intricacies of human performance and force science in law enforcement. We discuss the nuances of optimizing responder resilience through practical, cutting-edge research on human factors and use-of-force incidents.  How can first responders enhance their performance...