First Responder Wellness Podcast

https://feed.podbean.com/firstresponderfriday/feed.xml

21.3K

Downloads

Episodes

A podcast for first responders and the people who lead them. This show features conversations about mental health and wellness with leaders from the first responder community.

Episodes

20 hours ago

51 - How can I Overcome the Darkness? The Power of Faith and Authentic Leadership

20 hours ago

51 - How can I Overcome the Darkness? The Power of Faith and Authentic Leadership

In this conversation, Host, Conrad Weaver interviews Jason Sautel, a former firefighter, about his experiences and struggles with mental health in the first responder community. They also discuss the role of faith in healing and the need for support systems within the fire service. The conversation touches on topics such as the impact of childhood trauma, the challenges of being a first responder, and the importance of finding a community that understands and supports mental health. The conversation explores the themes of hope, connection, leadership, and support within the first responder community. It emphasizes the importance of planting seeds of hope and reaching out for help. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by first responders and the need for authentic leadership. The guest shares his personal journey of finding hope and healing through faith and encourages others to do the same. The conversation concludes with a discussion on off-gassing and the importance of finding joy and laughter in life.

TAKEAWAYS

First responders often join the fire service to hide or mask their own traumas and struggles.
The traumas of the job can amplify existing struggles and lead to mental health issues.
Faith-based support systems can provide healing and a sense of community for first responders.
There is a need for more programs and resources that address the mental health needs of first responders.
Finding a mentor or support group within the fire service can be beneficial for navigating the challenges of mental health.
Planting seeds of hope and reaching out for help are crucial for individuals struggling with darkness and emptiness.
Authentic leadership is needed within the first responder community, with leaders who are present, supportive, and willing to listen.
Finding hope and healing through faith can be a powerful journey for individuals in the first responder community.
Connecting with a local church and supportive community can provide a source of hope and guidance.
Off-gassing and finding joy and laughter in life are important for self-care and rejuvenation.

ABOUT OUR GUEST (In his own words)

I write, surf, pray, follow Jesus, and eat donuts.

I am passionate about helping anyone feeling hopeless see that you always have choices. I love walking alongside those who are hurting to give them the encouragement and hope they deserve—whether that’s face-to-face or online. I love my wife of sixteen years, Kristie, our four two-legged children, our two four-legged children, and appreciate God’s gifts of donuts, surfing, and Maui.

The simplicity and security of my Southern Californian childhood quickly came to a halt the day my parents divorced when I was eight. I was raised by my father, a Vietnam vet afflicted by the demons of his past.Being a father never came naturally to him, and to say my childhood years were rough would be an understatement.

Imagine the environment it would take for a ten-year-old child to consider suicide.

When I was a sophomore, the school system finally tossed me out. I finished my entire school career without reading a single book, completing a homework assignment, or making any true friends. An urge—what I now know was a calling—to serve people inspired me to join a local volunteer fire department. At age 18, I watched my class graduate and receive their diplomas. I was a seasonal firefighter, across the street on the back of a fire engine, hoping no one would recognize me or sense my shame.

One year later, I found myself in downtown Oakland, assigned to one of the toughest firehouses in the country. Despite my past, I excelled at my job. Against all odds, becoming a decorated firefighter saved my life, but it didn’t save my soul. I continued to walk in the dark, spiraling down into the pain of hopelessness. I was at the end of my rope when a girl entered this broken guy’s life and showed me something I had never seen or felt before.

I am a bruised and broken man who has been restored by God’s grace and I want to share it with the world! When I first started my Facebook page “Jesus. He is all we need” I never expected it to grow the way it has. It has been a total blessing. Being connected with hundreds of thousands of brothers and sisters is something very special. At some of their darkest hours, I’m so lucky to have been able to remind people of the love that Jesus has for them.

Learn more and find his books at https://jasonsautel.com

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GracefullyRescued/

+++++

FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST

Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Sep 11, 2024

50 - What's the Most Important Issue in Policing?

Wednesday Sep 11, 2024

50 - What's the Most Important Issue in Policing?

In this conversation, Chief Steve Dye discusses the challenges and importance of supporting and improving the wellness of police officers. He emphasizes the need for strong leadership, the impact of media portrayal on recruitment and retention, and the importance of self-responsibility and compliance in interactions with law enforcement. Chief Dye also highlights the role of community support in shaping the perception and effectiveness of police departments. The conversation explores the evolution of views on mental health and wellness in law enforcement over the years. It highlights the importance of addressing mental health and seeking help, even though it was once seen as a sign of weakness. The implementation of comprehensive wellness programs, including emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial support, is discussed. The role of leadership in modeling desired behaviors and creating a supportive environment is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the importance of relationships outside of law enforcement and provides advice for chiefs on implementing wellness initiatives within their departments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Strong leadership is crucial in supporting and protecting police officers.
Media portrayal of law enforcement can impact recruitment and retention.
Self-responsibility and compliance are important in interactions with police officers.
Community support plays a significant role in shaping the perception and effectiveness of police departments. Views on mental health and wellness in law enforcement have evolved over the years, with a shift towards recognizing the importance of addressing mental health and seeking help.
Comprehensive wellness programs that encompass emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial support are crucial for the well-being of law enforcement officers.
Leadership plays a vital role in creating a supportive environment and modeling desired behaviors for officers.
Building relationships outside of law enforcement is important for officers' well-being and provides a fresh perspective on life.
Chiefs can implement wellness initiatives by prioritizing care for their officers, forming chaplaincy programs and peer support groups, and establishing relationships with third-party counseling services.
Benchmarking the impact of wellness initiatives, such as reduced workers' comp claims and increased productivity, can help make a case for investing in wellness programs.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Steve Dye currently serves as the Chief of Police for the Allen Police Department, which is a community of 111,000 residents located in Collin County, Texas. Steve recently retired as the City Manager for the City of Grand Prairie where his responsibilities included oversight of the city’s operations and its 1,900 employees.

Steve is a lifelong Texan who received his Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University and his Master’s from Tarleton State University. He began his police career in 1984 as the Honor Graduate of Houston Police Department Class #122 and also served with the Arlington and Garland Police Departments in various assignments including Patrol, SWAT, Narcotics, Mounted Patrol, and in the Traffic Unit as a Motorcycle Officer. Steve was an Assistant Chief in Garland and Chief in Colleyville before being selected as the Chief of Police for
the Grand Prairie, Texas Police Department in July of 2011.

Steve is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police, LEMIT Command Staff Leadership Series, and the FBI’s Leadership in Counterterrorism program. He previously served on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Community Policing and Terrorism Committees, as well as Co-Chair of the Special Olympics Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee. Steve founded the UNIDOS, MotorCops for Kids, and GPPD Police Youth Boxing community programs and is a published author on community policing, leadership, and innovative crime control measures. The police departments he has led have twice been awarded the IACP Community Policing Award.

Steve is committed to employee wellness and the formation of stakeholder partnerships to help improve and maintain a high quality of life in Allen. Steve has been married for 33 years and he and he and his wife have two children.

ABOUT OUR HOST

Conrad Weaver is an Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker, Podcast Host, Speaker, Producer, and Director with a passion for telling stories that matter. Conrad has been telling stories through documentary films for more than ten years and his films and work have taken him from the slums of Guatemala and orphanages in Ukraine, to the halls of Congress on Capitol Hill, and everywhere in between. Whenever Conrad takes on a film project he dives deep into the culture to get to know the story and become an expert on the subject. His films have won many prestigious awards including a Regional EMMY Award. Whether it’s through his films or his podcast, Conrad’s goal is to inspire others to live a life of meaning and purpose. You can often find Conrad putting miles on his bicycle or spending time with his wife, Jodi.

CONNECT WITH CONRAD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conjostudios/

+++++

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024

49 - Can I Rewire my Brain? A Protocol for Healing the Hero

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024

49 - Can I Rewire my Brain? A Protocol for Healing the Hero

On this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Dan Jarvis discusses his work with Healing the Hero, a Christian faith-based ministry focused on healing PTSD, depression, and anxiety among first responders, veterans, and other individuals. He explains the protocol they use, which involves visual disassociation and rewiring the brain through neuroplasticity. Dan also discusses the importance of bringing faith into the healing process and the potential impact of their methods on conditions like dementia. He emphasizes the need for collaboration and partnerships with churches and other organizations to expand their reach and provide healing to more individuals.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
With over 15 years of experience in public speaking, coaching, and mental health performance upgrades, Dan is the company owner of Tactical Resiliency USA, a leading provider of non-clinical interventions for traumatic stress and negative emotions. He works with law enforcement agencies, fire departments, federal agencies, and other government entities to help them improve their retention, health and wellness, de-escalation, crisis interventions, and performance enhancement.

Dan is also the co-founder of Healing the Hero, a nonprofit Christian ministry that uses the Jesus Protocol or the Peer Rescue Protocol to heal the root injury of traumatic stress or negative emotions for veterans, active military, first responders, and their families. As an Army combat veteran, a former deputy sheriff, and a survivor of combat-related trauma and injury, Dan is passionate about bridging the gap between military and civilian healing, and empowering others to become the best version of themselves. He has multiple certifications in emotional regulation techniques and a Master of Science in Public Administration. Dan is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology.

Dan is also a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for my service and sacrifice.

https://tacticalresiliencyusa.com

https://healingthehero.org/

+++++

FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE

Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Aug 28, 2024

48 - How to Remember the Heroes Who Die by Suicide?

Wednesday Aug 28, 2024

48 - How to Remember the Heroes Who Die by Suicide? A monument for the Heroes.

Karen Solomon, the president of FirstHelp, discusses the organization's mission to support first responder families after a suicide and provide prevention and resilience training. She shares her personal connection to the issue and how it led her to start the organization. Karen explains the stigma surrounding suicide in the first responder community and the challenges in addressing mental health. She also talks about the trajectory of suicides among first responders and the importance of tracking and reporting them. Karen discusses the resources and support that FirstHelp offers to families of suicide and the upcoming Heroes Memorial project.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

FirstHelp supports first responder families after a suicide and offers prevention and resilience training.
There is a stigma surrounding mental health and suicide in the first responder community.
Tracking and reporting suicides among first responders is important for raising awareness and addressing the issue.
FirstHelp provides resources and support to families of suicide, including a social media group and memorial blankets.
The Heroes Memorial project aims to create a monument and wall of service to honor first responders lost to suicide.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Karen is the creator of www.1sthelp.org and the author of Hearts Beneath the Badge and The Price They Pay as well as many articles about law enforcement suicide. Her focus is the stories of the families who have lost an officer to suicide and the officers who suffer with the feeling that they have nowhere to turn. Karen was a member of the 2018 Officer Safety and Wellness Group Meeting, the co-Chair of the Data and Research Committee of the National Consortium on Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention and is currently on the FBI task force to implement the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act. Karen is also the wife of a police officer.

www.1sthelp.org

+++++

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Aug 21, 2024

47 - Investing in Spiritual Well-being with Chad Depew

Wednesday Aug 21, 2024

47 - Investing in Spiritual Well-being with Chad Depew

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Chad Depew, a police chief in Southwest Ohio, discusses the importance of investing in the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of first responders. He shares his personal journey in law enforcement and the challenges he faced in terms of mental health and wellness. Chad emphasizes the need for first responders to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. He also discusses the role of faith in coping with the traumas and stresses of the job. Chad highlights the cultural barriers and stigma that exist within the first responder community and the importance of leadership in promoting mental health and wellness. Chad, the co-founder of Heroic Deeds, shares the story behind the organization and its mission to support the wellness and resiliency of first responders through a faith-based approach. The conversation highlights the importance of including the family in the conversation about mental health and the challenges faced by first responders. Chad encourages first responders who are people of faith to invest in their spiritual well-being and find support within the Christian community. He also extends an invitation to those without faith to give it a try and explore the hope and fulfillment it can bring.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Chad Depew has been a police officer since 2001 and is currently the Chief of Police for a hospital system in Southwest Ohio. During his law enforcement career, he has served as a police officer, patrol sergeant, and a canine handler. Chad is a graduate of the 264th class of the FBI National Academy and has a master's degree in criminal justice administration as well as a master’s degree in business administration.

The titles Chad is most proud of are Christian, Husband and Father. He and his wife Kasidy have three children and believe that faith, family, and work should be prioritized in that order. He has a passion for the wellness of first responders and hopes that Heroic Deeds can be a ministry to lead them to mental and physical well-being and a relationship with Jesus Christ.

www.heroicdeeds.org

+++++

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Aug 14, 2024

46 - Coaching for Well-Being: A Proactive Approach for First Responders

Wednesday Aug 14, 2024

46 - Coaching for Well-Being: A Proactive Approach for First Responders

Jennifer Anderson, founder and CEO of First Responder Coaching, shares her personal experience as the spouse of a first responder who suffered a mental health break. She discusses the early signs she noticed and the challenges they faced in finding resources. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of proactive support and difficult conversations to prevent first responder suicide. She also explains the role of coaching in helping first responders improve their overall well-being and achieve their goals. Jennifer shares a powerful anecdote about a first responder who realized the need for support and made positive changes in his life. In this conversation, Jennifer Anderson discusses the importance of coaching for first responders and how it can help improve their well-being and performance. She shares stories of individuals who have benefited from coaching and emphasizes that coaching is for anyone at any stage of their career. Jennifer also explains the stress and wellbeing assessment tool used in coaching sessions and how it can help identify areas of stress and improve overall well-being. She concludes by encouraging first responders to take a moment to evaluate their level of satisfaction in life and consider reaching out to a coach.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jennifer Anderson is the visionary Founder and CEO of First Responder Coaching, dedicated to the health and well-being of first responders. With over two decades of experience in education and coaching, she established the company to address the unique challenges faced by emergency personnel. First Responder Coaching offers tailored services, including coaching, training, and wellness programs, aimed at building resilience, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.

Under Jennifer's leadership, the organization has gained a reputation for its innovative and proactive mental health approaches. A recognized thought leader, Jennifer frequently speaks at conferences and events, sharing her insights and strategies for supporting those on the front lines. Her empathetic approach and unwavering commitment continue to inspire and make a significant impact on the lives of first responders worldwide.

https://1strespondercoaching.org

+++++

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024

45 - Collaborative Healing: Creating a Supportive Environment for First Responders

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024

45 - Collaborative Healing: Creating a Supportive Environment for First Responders

Mark Bouchard, a Canadian police officer and current coordinator of the RCMP's National Tactical Medicine Program, discusses the importance of mental health support for first responders. He shares his personal journey of experiencing trauma and struggling with PTSD, and how he eventually sought help and took control of his healing process. Bouchard emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how mental health is addressed within the first responder community, including the normalization of healthy coping strategies and the reduction of self-stigma. He also highlights the impact of trauma on police misconduct and the importance of early intervention and support for new recruits. The conversation explores the importance of connection and support in overcoming trauma and substance abuse. It emphasizes the value of group counseling and the role of role models and accountability in the recovery process. The discussion also delves into the need for leadership support and resources for law enforcement and first responders, as well as the importance of changing the public perception of policing. The conversation concludes with advice on taking action and seeking help for mental health issues.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mark Bouchard has 17 years of law enforcement experience in Canada, where he has primarily worked patrol and SWAT. He has ten years on the Emergency Response Team (SWAT), where he was also an advanced care tactical medic. Mark recently accepted a promotion to help lead the RCMP's National Tactical Medicine Program. He also has many years of experience instructing mental health (R2MR), as a peer to peer support member, and as part of the proactive support response team.

Mark also recently completed a master’s degree from Royal Roads University in leadership, with a research project focused on police culture and police officer mental health. Mark has combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From an Injured Mind, which is available on Amazon. It is a combination of his experiences with his PTSD diagnosis, and the research that helped him to heal from his psychological injury. You can find a link to a free chapter from Mark's book on his website at:

https://markbouchard.ca/stigma/

+++++

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024

Are you taking care of yourself?

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024

We're on break, but in this episode, Host Conrad Weaver provides updates on the PTSD911 documentary and the First Responder Wellness Podcast. He announces the upcoming season of the podcast, featuring guests who are leaders in the First Responder community and are working on mental health and wellness initiatives. Conrad emphasizes the importance of self-care and encourages listeners to share their best practices for health and wellness. He also shares upcoming events where the documentary will be screened and offers the option for agencies to purchase the film for training purposes.

+++++

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Jul 24, 2024

From the Archives - Dr. Rita Brock

Wednesday Jul 24, 2024

From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows.

What is Moral Injury?
Today on the show we talk about the difference between moral injury and post traumatic stress disorder. And we learn about the things that first responders can do to help heal moral injuries.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Rita Nakashima Brock, Rel. M., M.A., Ph.D. is the Senior Vice President for Moral Injury Recovery Programs at Volunteers of America. She leads the organization’s efforts to deepen understanding about moral injury in the many populations who experience it. The center builds on Volunteers of America’s work, spanning more than a century, of helping veterans and others who live with this emotional trauma.

A noted theologian, Dr. Brock was the Founding Director of the Soul Repair Center at Brite Divinity School, at Texas Christian University, where she also was a Research Professor of Theology and Culture. She is co-author of Soul Repair: Recovering from Moral Injury after War and Proverbs of Ashes: Violence, Redemptive Suffering and the Search for What Saves Us. She is a leading national expert on moral injury in combat veterans and has offered trainings for VA mental health providers, for professional chaplains, and for veterans and their families. A few yeas ago Dr. Brock and her team also began working with first responders.

Today on the show we talk about the difference between moral injury and post traumatic stress disorder. And we learn about the things that first responders can do to help heal moral injuries.

Connect with Dr. Brock:
https://www.voa.org/moral-injury-resources/rita-nakashima-brock-ph-d/

Disclaimer: The views of guests on the First Responder Wellness Podcast are not necessarily the views of the producers and host of the show.

+++++

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024

From the Archives - Mark Meincke

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024

From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows.

Mark Meincke is the host of the popular Operation Tango Romeo podcast - The Trauma Recovery Podcast. Today he's my guest on the PTSD911 Presents Podcast; we talk in depth about trauma and it's effects on the human experience.

TRIGGER WARNING: Some of the dialogue on today's show may be troubling for some viewers/listeners. If you or a family member or friend are struggling with mental health issues such as PTSD, please reach out.

Here are a few numbers you can call these numbers:

IN THE USA: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988

IN CANADA: 1-833-456-4566ABOUT MARK (In his own words)

I was hesitant to attend in-person peer support. But, the fella who invited me was
persuasive, and I’m glad he was. In time, I became the Peer Support facilitator. The Canadian Department of National Defense provided me with the training to be certified, and my experience hosting workshops proved to be very useful. Group members wanted a way to preserve the lessons which we shared in Peer Support, so Operation Tango Romeo was born. Through the magic of Podcasting, Peer Support is now available to the world. Veterans, First-Responders, and their families often feel isolated and alone as a result of trauma injuries. By listening to this podcast, they are able to relate to the stories, which provides a valuable sense of connection. Feeling that you are not alone is healing in itself, but PTSD recovery is an activity, not an event. OP TR shares advice on which actions to take in order to heal. Resources on healing and coping through various modalities are shared by having practitioners as guests. It’s up to the individual to pick the modality which works for them, and to do the work required to heal.

CONNECT WITH MARK:

https://operationtraumarecovery.org/

+++++

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Episodes

I write, surf, pray, follow Jesus, and eat donuts.

Imagine the environment it would take for a ten-year-old child to consider suicide.

While working as a fireman, I began a downward spiral.