Responder Resilience

Join us on the latest episode of Responder Resilience as we speak with Jason Corthell, the Director of Ironclad Wellness and Division Chief of Training at Harris County TX Emergency Services District 13. In this episode, Jason shares his personal experiences with post traumatic stress and addiction, which stem from being inside a structural collapse at a working fire. He has since created a ground...

Check out this inspiring episode of Responder Resilience where we dive deep into the power of art therapy with Daniel Sundahl, a paramedic and talented photo artist. Throughout his more than two decades of service as a firefighter and paramedic, Daniel has experienced countless traumatic calls that have taken a toll on his mental health. Using his unique style of photo art, Daniel processes these...

Are you a first responder worried about your financial future? Managing finances and retirement is not an easy task, especially for first responders. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Nicholas Daugherty from FinancialCop.com and learn about budgeting, debt reduction, retirement planning and more! FinancialCop is the largest financial...

On the next episode of Responder Resilience, we’re joined by Tom Rizzo, Investigations Division Commander and author of the #1 Amazon Best-Seller "Copikaze: A Crucible to Manage Mission Impossible". Listen in as Tom shares his principles of self-discipline and how they can positively impact others. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation.  As the dust settled from the Septemb...

Join us in this episode as we talk with Resilience Expert & Author at Pathfinder Resilience, Dr. Renee Thornton, about navigating adversity in the world of public safety. A U.S. Navy Veteran, Dr. Thornton has worked with numerous law enforcement agencies, focusing on improving individual health and its implications on recruiting and retention, risk management, and organizational behavior. List...

Join speaker, educator and podcaster Eric Chase of EMSIMPROV on Responder Resilience as he shares how improv can help first responders stay present, improve concentration, and sharpen focus. With his experience in Military, Law Enforcement, Fire Fighting, and EMS, Eric will guide you through the powerful tool of improv. Eric is dedicated to improving individual & organizational engagement in a...

Join us in this episode of Responder Resilience, as we hear from Jim Marshall, CEO and Cofounder of the 911 Training Institute. Jim specializes in providing science-driven training, tools, and resources that foster the optimal well-being of 9-1-1 professionals. With his expertise, 9-1-1 Professionals can confidently manage calls involving mental crises and suicide. Don't miss out on this insi...

Join us on the next episode of Responder Resilience as we talk with Paul Jockimo, a veteran of 35 years in the fire service and Coordinator of the Westchester-Putnam Peer Support Team and President, CISM Network of New York State. We'll discuss how to support our fellow responders who may be struggling with issues like health, family, depression, or self-harm. We'll also explore taking a...

Looking to enhance your well-being and job performance? Meet Wendy S. Hummell, a retired Detective, podcaster and Sheriff’s Office Wellness Coordinator who has been teaching yoga, mindfulness, and resilience to First Responders for the past six years.  Wendy’s area of expertise is officer wellness. She has been teaching yoga, mindfulness, and resilience to First Responders for the past six years....

Join us on Responder Resilience as we welcome former SWAT Operator Laura G. Hanson, who is the author of the memoir, Why I Went In, the CEO of Brain Bucket Coaching, and keynote speaker.  She's a former police officer and SWAT Team operator with the Virginia Beach Police Department- serving as the only female on the full-time SWAT Team for over 4 years.. While on SWAT, Hanson received the Sil...

First responders face many dangers on the job, including the risk of traumatic brain injury from assaults, vehicle crashes, falls, and explosive forced entry. Tune in to our latest episode, where we'll be discussing Second Impact Injury with former professional boxer Ray Ciancaglini and veteran Law Enforcement Officer Chris Belair. We discuss Concussion Awareness and Education, the importance...

In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Dr. Peter M. Antevy about managing mental health challenges at critical incidents, the story behind creating the Handtevy App, and how it saves lives and significantly reduces medication errors. Dr. Antevy speaks about his role at the Parkland shooting, the mental health challenges encountered, the battle scars and takeaways. We also explore the value o...

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 mental health clinicians. Most people view retirement as something to look forward...

In this two part mini-documentary, Responder Resilience does a 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 mental health clinicians. Most people view retirement as something to look forward to with joy and a...

We’re joined by Giovanni Rocco, retired LEO and FBI covert operative and author of the book “Giovanni’s Ring: My life Inside the Real Sopranos”. Giovanni talks about the toll the job takes, and the unwitting sacrifices our spouses and children make as a result of the first responder profession. Giovanni discussed how his “double life” as an FBI undercover agent inside the Italian-American mafia im...

In this episode, Stacy and David speak with Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of the Blue Wall Institute ( www.bw-institute.com ) about police officer suicide and The Fatal 10. We do a deep dive into the root causes of law enforcement officers taking their lives, and examine Dr. Johnson’s “Fatal 10” of suicide contributing factors. We discuss why we keep doing the same things over and over, expecting a...

We’re joined by retired police sergeant Donna Brown, one of only five female officers hired in 1979 by the Tallahassee Police Department. Donna is passionate about humanizing the badge and first responder mental health. Donna retired in 2006 after a 26-year career, and became an author. In this episode, she talks about her 3-volume, award winning Behind and Beyond the Badge book series. Her goal w...

In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Rodger Ruge, published author and Certified Life Coach about building resilience within the first responder community. Rodger is a retired police officer, survivor of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and 30-year mindfulness and resilience practitioner, trainer and coach. Rodger shares valuable nuggets of practical wisdom as he shares his journey,...

We’re joined by retired firefighter and Account Executive at O2X Human Performance, John Vargo, who shares his personal struggle with burnout, anxiety, anger, and dependence on alcohol during his honest and raw interview with Bonnie and David. John describes hitting bottom, and finding his way out of the darkness.  John’s organization, Turn In, helps first responders strengthen their minds through...

In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with Denise Beard, who began in EMS in 1992. In 2017 Denise decided to retire from her career as a medical assistant and move to Canada with her spouse. During her time in Canada, Denise began working with Provincial and National organizations for Peer Support.  We explore the pitfalls of burnout and compassion fatigue, what happens after you leave EMS, and...

We’re joined by 30 year law enforcement veteran and Law Enforcement Life Coach John Kelly, an expert on breaking the cycle of self destruction. John developed a wellness / leadership program called “Sometimes Heroes Need Help” that addresses the personal, professional, financial, physical and mental health of the first responder. John talks about what happens when crazy becomes the new normal, and...

We’re joined by Neil Gang, Chief of the Pinole, California Police Department since 2014, who has served in law enforcement for over 34 years.  Neil is the author of the Asher Model 7 Point Approach to a Culture of Wellness, and the host of the 6th Pillar Podcast. His innovative work as a law enforcement leader has been featured in several national Police magazines. We speak with Neil about showing...

Ever felt the rage of another driver who’s 20 feet away in another lane? Or walked into a house during an emergency call and instantly felt the anxiety and tension? First responders and trauma therapists are compassionate, empathetic people, constantly in situations with extreme trauma, anger, pain, hostility or violence. Compassionate and empathetic people tend to absorb others' emotions lik...

Our guest is Jonni Redick, a retired Assistant Chief with the California Highway Patrol, and a 29-year veteran of one of the largest police agencies in the country. Redick rose through the ranks in law enforcement to break through the “less-than-1%” ceiling for women of color in executive leadership. We discuss the barriers that exist for women in law enforcement, and the barriers we create for ou...

How can responders succeed in a world where we are often working multiple jobs, handling high call volumes, working under staffing shortages, or just trying to get through one shift at a time? We’re joined by Dr. Donnie Hutchinson, a Work-Life Balance instructor who works with firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders on self-care and work-life balance programs, to improve...