Finding Strength Podcast

In this episode, Matt and Brindy sit down with firefighter Dave Allsup to talk about courage, vulnerability, and the life-changing decision to seek treatment. Dave shares how his wife helped him take the step toward getting support through Deer Hollow and how that choice changed the direction of his life. Today, Dave uses his own story to encourage other first responders to get the support they ne...

In this deeply human episode, Matt and Brindy sit down with therapists Deana Charter, LPC (AZ), and Jennifer Koch, PsyD (WA), to explore the inner world of the healer. Each shares their own story of becoming who they are today—and the personal transformations that shaped their path. Together they dive into what it’s really like to work with trauma, especially among first responders, and how therap...

In this powerful and emotional episode, Battalion Chief John Gallup shares his deeply personal story of battling alcoholism and finding recovery. With honesty and vulnerability, he takes us inside the struggles many first responders face but rarely talk about, showing how resilience, peer support, and community can spark real healing. Beyond his personal journey, John reflects on his work as co-ch...

Hey friends! In this short bonus episode of the Finding Strength Podcast , I explore the critical topic of trauma-informed research, how we can ethically study trauma without causing harm. As a 4th-year PhD student at National University, I’m currently taking a course titled Research Ethics in Trauma and Disaster Response , and this episode is part of an academic assignment. In the episode we disc...

In this special episode of Finding Strength , our host becomes the guest once again! Matt had the privilege of sitting down with Podcast Host Chris Littrell, alongside his incredible speaking partners—Tim Sears, John Gallup, Greg Rudiger—and his good friend, the one and only, Jordan Lee. This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s the launchpad for something truly powerful. We’re kicking of...

In this powerful episode of Finding Strength , we sit down with Keri Seymore, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of experience as an ER nurse. Keri shares her firsthand perspective on the trauma that nurses endure, the emotional toll of working on the frontlines. We also dive into the ways healthcare professionals cope with trauma, including an important...

In this special episode of Finding Strength , Matt, Brindy, and their 17-year-old son, Ezra, dive into an open and honest conversation about parenting, family dynamics, and the inner world of teenagers. Together, they explore what it’s like to navigate the teenage years from both the parent and teen perspectives, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. They discuss th...

Jim Miguel is nothing short of a hero. Like so many in his field, he embodies humility, strength, and an unwavering dedication to serving others. His story offers a profound glimpse into the daily realities faced by firefighters and will inspire you to see their work—and your own life—in a new light. As we celebrate the 100th episode of the Finding Strength Podcast , it’s only fitting that we hono...

In this episode, we are joined by Retired Sergeant David Sorenson of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. Dave is also the founder of Keep’n Safe, a powerful non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of first responders. With 43 years of experience in law enforcement, including 10 years as a Reserve Officer and 33 years as a full-time Deputy and Sergeant, Dave is a passio...

In this powerful episode of the Finding Strength Podcast, we sit down with Chris Sutherland, a former Police Officer with the Marysville Police Department. Chris shares his story as the School Resource Officer during the tragic 2014 Marysville-Pilchuck High School shooting in Washington. He opens up about that harrowing day, revealing his raw emotions, the immediate response, and his challenging r...

Eight years ago, Heather lost the love of her life just weeks after welcoming their newborn child into the world. Today, she continues to navigate the profound loss of her husband while raising their child on her own. Grief is a constant companion for Heather as she faces the challenges of single motherhood, all while keeping her husband's memory alive for their child. Join us as Heather opens...

In this powerful episode, we dive into Blue's incredible journey from hardship to hope. Growing up in poverty, Blue moved 22 times before turning 18, never finishing a school year in one place. Faced with physical and mental abuse, he turned to alcohol at 14 and by 16, was fully immersed in a destructive lifestyle. But his story didn’t end there. Through the love of his life, a supportive job,...

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Sergeant Brad Coleman from the Washington, Utah police department, who shares his extraordinary journey of survival after a devastating dirt bike accident. Brad takes us through the harrowing moments of his rescue, he teaches us about his incredible resilience and grit, and he dives into the uncertainty of his recovery. Despite initial doubts from docto...

In this episode, we sit down with James Munns, a seasoned firefighter who tells the incredible story of saving the life of a woman who nearly drowned in her car and many others as well. James's humility and reluctance to accept the title of "hero" provide a deep insight into the challenges faced by those in his line of work. Beyond the heroic deeds, this episode delves into the often...

In this latest episode of the Finding Strength Podcast, we dive deep into the increasingly popular world of therapy. Many of us have embarked on the journey of psychotherapy, but what is its true purpose? What actually happens during therapy sessions, and most importantly, does it really work? Join us as we explore these pressing questions and uncover the transformative power of therapy, providing...

The opioid epidemic has impacted countless lives, and Rob Molling experienced it firsthand as he watched his mother become addicted to pain pills after surgery. This personal tragedy led him down his own path of addiction. Forced to grow up quickly, Rob took on responsibilities far beyond his years, including learning to cook for himself. This necessity soon blossomed into a passion for helping ot...

Over the last 20 years Matt Quackenbush has developed his own method of healing that he calls the Finding Strength Method. In this episode the method is outlined for us using the Four Virtues of Stoicism: Wisdom, Temperance, Justice and Courage. Matt's unique approach to healing has saved countless lives and helped thousands change their lives for the better. Join us as we break down this grou...

Parker Terry went through the unimaginable. What was supposed to be a beautiful, spiritual, and bonding moment for his entire family became a living nightmare. In this deeply moving episode, Parker courageously and vulnerably shares his experience when he and his wife chose to have a home birth with someone they believed would provide the best possible care for Jordan and their full-term unborn ch...

Join us as we explore the emotion of anger and uncover why it is actually a secondary emotion. Discover how anger often signals that something else is going on beneath the surface. We reference Brené Brown's book Atlas of the Heart and love her take on the emotion of anger. 10ninety/Finding Strength Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10ninety-finding-strength-one-day-workshop-tickets-89553...

In this episode, we get to know the therapist, himself. Many people's lives have been changed by Matt's therapy practices and ideas. He shares his knowledge each week with the listeners, but this week we change it up and he becomes the guest. Hear his story of becoming a therapist and learn about the man behind the method.

This is a joint episode of the 10ninety and Finding Strength Podcasts. Matt, Brindy, and the and only Mason Sawyer sit down and open up about loss, grief, pain, and the mental health struggles we all have. They also discuss their upcoming live event on July 27 in Lehi, UT, a six hour inspirational workshop designed to teach new tools and inspire you to make the changes you've been wanting to m...

Finding new ways to connect with your partner is always a challenge. In this brand new segment Matt and Brindy answer questions that promote vulnerability and connection. There's some really deep stuff in this episode. We think you're gonna love it! Follow along with your partner and answer the questions alongside the hosts to become a closer couple. Enjoy! Questions: 1. In what ways do yo...

Shame! We all have it! And it's here to stay. Shame is an emotion designed to keep us connected. But it sure does it in a strange way. We all have that voice in our head that says, "Your not enough." This week's episode is all about how to tame and befriend that voice so we can become more resilient to the powerful emotion of shame. Be sure to check out our website: https://findi...

Experience the transformative power of breathwork as Abbey Daw (Brindy's Breathwork Coach) shares her remarkable journey. From the challenges of training for Ironman to finding the courage to step away, Abbey opens up about her personal battles, including navigating her sexual orientation and surviving a toxic relationship with a trusted mentor. Despite facing these dark chapters, Abbey's...

Lehi Utah Fire Chief Jeremy Craft and his wife Kristen epitomize resilience and dedication. Over the past year, they've faced unimaginable hardships—a journey that most people will never experience. Despite the profound grief of losing their son to suicide and Jeremy's recent cancer diagnosis, their unwavering commitment to their community shines through. Their story is not just about surv...