Minds on the Frontline Podcast

In Episode 52, we sat down with Scott Stockinger and his kids, who gave us an honest glimpse into what it’s like growing up with a firefighter dad.  Today, Scott returns with his wife, Tracy, to discuss marriage, maydays, and how they’ve made it work through 28 years of shifts, stress, and sacrifice. From reentry struggles to trust, communication, and raising kids under pressure, this episode delv...

In this episode, Dr. Arash Javanbakht returns to explore the science of trauma, its impact on the brain and body, and innovative treatments like augmented reality exposure therapy. We break down the difference between stress and trauma, the risks of unresolved experiences, and practical strategies for healing—especially for first responders. Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the...

For 25 years, Ryan Fessenden served as a 911 dispatcher for the City of Warren.  Answering life-or-death calls from both strangers and loved ones. In this episode, he shares how a detour turned into a lifelong mission in public safety, the emotional weight dispatchers carry, and the moment a call involving his close friend and now co-host changed everything.  Now retired, Ryan serves as Administra...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Vaibhav Diwadkar, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Wayne State University. Dr. Diwadkar worked directly with Wim Hof, the world-famous figure known for enduring extreme cold and pushing human limits. His research explored how the Wim Hof Method—combining breathwork, cold exposure, and focused mental training—impacts the brain. The findings sho...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rebecca Sripada, a leading clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr. Sripada is also a Research Scientist at the VA Center for Clinical Management Research and has spent over 20 years specializing in PTSD treatment and recovery. Her research focuses on improving access to effective P...

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Stockinger, a professional firefighter and paramedic with the Dearborn Fire Department, and his two children, Cole and Amber.  During the COVID lockdown, a conversation at home changed everything. Scott’s children opened up about their experiences growing up with a firefighter father, revealing fears, worries, and emotions he had never fully realized. This d...

Detroit firefighter Matt Dunaj knows firsthand how the weight of life and the job can push someone to the brink. In August 2024, overwhelmed by stress and addiction, he sat alone in his basement, gun in hand, ready to end it all, until his Goldendoodle, Mia, interrupted him with a simple act of love that saved his life. That moment set him on a path to recovery, leading him to the IAFF Center of E...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Dave Ledgerwood, a professor at Wayne State University and a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ledgerwood breaks down how addiction, whether to nicotine, gambling, or other substances, affects the brain and why first responders are at higher risk. We explore the impact of trauma, shift work, and sleep deprivation,...

In this episode, we welcome Captain David Clifton of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division, where he has served for 18 years and counting. During this episode, we discuss the challenges officers face, the emotional toll of the job, and the misconceptions about corrections work. Captain Clifton highlights the need for mentorship, crisis intervention, and mental health support,...

In this episode, Dr. Ali Amirsadri, Director of the FST5 Program and a seasoned psychiatrist with over 20 years in emergency psychiatry, joins us to explore the profound connection between crying and laughter. As essential emotional tools, these responses shape how we process experiences, connect with others, and manage stress, especially for frontline workers. We delve into their evolutionary roo...

In this episode, we welcome award-winning filmmaker Conrad Weaver, director of PTSD 911, a documentary exploring the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Conrad shares insights from his journey capturing the resilience and struggles of these frontline heroes and offers actionable strategies for fostering wellness, peer support, and systemic change within agencies. Discover how his w...

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Ali Amirsadri, a respected psychiatrist, professor, and advocate for frontline mental health. As the Director of the FST5 Program, Dr. A has over 20 years of experience in emergency psychiatry and specializes in addressing PTSD, anxiety, and grief in Michigan’s frontline workers. Building on Episode 41, we explore multidimensional grief, trauma, and actionable...

In this episode, Michigan’s State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer shares insights from over 30 years in the fire service. We discuss his work leading the Bureau of Fire Services, efforts to reduce fire fatalities, and initiatives like FST5 that expand access to mental health resources. Kevin highlights how mental health support improves recruitment, retention, and resilience while addressing financia...

In this episode, we sit down with Michigan State Representative Mike McFall, a dedicated advocate for public safety and community well-being. Representing House District 8, which includes Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and portions of Ferndale, Detroit, and Highland Park (and expanding to parts of Warren and Centerline in 2025), Mike brings a hands-on approach to his work—riding along with police, j...

In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, we sit down with James Geering, former firefighter, paramedic, and host of the acclaimed Behind the Shield Podcast. With over 1,000 episodes and 6 million downloads, James has become a trusted voice in the first responder community, offering powerful insights into mental and physical wellness.  James shares his journey from his career in fire service to c...

In this episode, we welcome back Ashley Freeman, an EMT, mental health advocate, and volunteer with the Northwest Michigan Peer Support Network. Drawing from personal loss, including the suicide of her father and his mentor, Ashley shares her journey of resilience and her mission to support frontline workers in northwest Michigan. Her unique perspective as both a first responder and someone who ha...

In this episode, we welcome Ali Amirsadri, M.D., a respected psychiatrist and mental health advocate. Dr. A serves as the Professor and Associate Chair for Clinical Services in the Department of Psychiatry at Wayne State University, the Chief Medical Officer for the Wayne Health Department of Psychiatry, and the Director of the FST5 Program. Drawing on over 20 years in emergency psychiatry, Dr. A...

In this episode, we welcome Mike Wierenga, retired law enforcement officer, part-time firefighter, and co-founder of 2 The Rescue ( TwoTheRescue.com ). With over 31 years of public safety experience, Mike shares how his career shaped his passion for mental health advocacy and the mission of 2 The Rescue. We discuss his early experiences addressing frontline mental health challenges, the critical t...

In this episode, we sit down with Michigan State Representative Mike Harris of the 52nd District.  Mike is a retired police officer who brings firsthand insight into the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by frontline workers. Rep. Harris shares how his background in law enforcement shapes his policy approach, his advocacy for first responders, and his vision for expanding access to men...

In this episode, we welcome Jim Marshall, co-founder and CEO of the 911 Training Institute (www.911training.net) and author of The Resilient 911 Professional. A licensed mental health professional, Jim has dedicated his career to supporting the well-being of 911 dispatchers and emergency telecommunicators. He has developed science-driven training programs to equip dispatchers with tools to handle...

In this episode, Brett Key, co-founder and executive director of Warrior’s Rest Foundation (www.warriorsrestfoundation.org), shares insights from his 26-year law enforcement career and his mission to support first responders' mental health. Warrior’s Rest Foundation, rooted in peer support and specialized training, provides essential mental and emotional care to frontline workers across Oklah...

In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Evans, a firefighter, researcher, and founder of Fire to Light. Drawing from over a decade of frontline experience, Brandon shares his journey of addressing mental health challenges in the firefighting community. Through his international study, "Heroes Are Also Human," he highlights gaps in awareness, stigma, and the need for proactive support....

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Tate, Michigan’s Speaker of the House and State Representative for the 10th District. Speaker Tate’s story is one of service, resilience, and leadership, shaped by his experiences as the son of a Detroit firefighter, a professional athlete, a Marine, and a public servant.  We explore how his background influenced his understanding of the mental health challeng...

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedicating episodes to addressing the urgent issue of suicide among frontline workers.   During this episode, we dive deep into what happens after a frontline worker completes suicide. Mike and Manisha will guide us through the critical steps and immediate actions that need to be taken....

In this episode, we welcome back Manisha Leary, the FST5 Program Manager and a clinical psychotherapist specializing in trauma. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedicating episodes to addressing the urgent issue of suicide among frontline workers.  Throughout this episode, Mike, Manisha, and I continue our crucial conve...