First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver

42 - Overcoming Trauma Together with Scott McPherson

42 - Overcoming Trauma Together with Scott McPherson
Scott McPherson shares his experience as a firefighter EMT and Army infantry officer and discusses the importance of addressing the soul wounds of first responders. He explains that soul wounds are perceived or actual actions that transgress deeply held moral values, and they can result from critical incidents with unfavorable outcomes, betrayal, or failure to meet performance standards. Scott emphasizes the need for open and honest conversations about these experiences and the importance of community support in the healing process. He also discusses the Reboot Recovery program, which combines the science of trauma recovery with scripturally based conversations to help first responders and their spouses find healing.
Key Takeaways
Soul wounds are perceived or actual actions that transgress deeply held moral values and can result in significant emotional and psychological impact on first responders.
Open and honest conversations about these experiences are crucial for healing and recovery.
Community support and connection play a vital role in the healing process for first responders and their spouses.
The Reboot Recovery program combines the science of trauma recovery with scripturally based conversations to provide a comprehensive approach to healing for first responders and their spouses.
ABOUT REBOOT RECOVERY
REBOOT is a national movement of peer-led, faith-based trauma recovery courses with over 400 locations across the US and 11 countries and over 23,000 graduates. 
REBOOT courses combine the science of trauma recovery with Scripturally based conversations to address the faith questions that trauma exposure often catalyzes. 
Our First Responder REBOOT curriculum (https://rebootrecovery.com/responders/), came from a program that was developed for US combat veterans and their spouses to help address both the post-traumatic stress injuries and the 'soul wounds' associated with their service experiences. 
Recognizing that critical incident stress, compassion fatigue and moral injury events also impact first responders and their spouses, we translated the course into their culture and language in 2018.
Since then, we have found the course meets the needs of responders (law enforcement, fire service, EMS, emergency communicators and corrections personnel) and their spouses in ways many other traditional post-traumatic stress approaches do not.  This is our answer to the epidemic of first responder mental health challenges.
Spouses are invited to participate to help rebuild lines of communication and understanding that so often break down, as well as to process their own secondary trauma.
The course meets over 12 weeks, with each week taking on a topic common to the first responder experience, such as forgiveness of self and others, processing grief and loss, identity, depression and suicide prevention and managing big emotions like anger.
Scott McPherson is a firefighter/EMT and recently started leading his 9th course rotation along with a co-leader who is a former LEO. He has also led the military version of the course for over a decade.  He says, "Each time we see healing and lives changed for participants - which is why we are so passionate about finding ways for more first responders to experience the course."
"We are actively seeking peer leaders who want to bring hope and healing to the responders of their communities.  We provide robust leader training, coaching along the way, and all needed online and printed course materials."
To learn more about Reboot Recovery, visit https://rebootrecovery.com/
+++++
Register for the Western Maryland First Responder Health and Wellness Conference here:
https://ptsd911movie.com/tickets/
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.

41 - Healing Invisible Wounds with Russ Hanes

41 - Healing Invisible Wounds with Russ Hanes
What do you do when you’re a first responder and you're struggling and making bad decisions at work and you realize this is not working out for you?  That’s where Russ Hanes was at after 17 years of working in law enforcement, corrections, and 911 dispatch. 
Fortunately for Russ, he was finally able eventually get his life together but it meant leaving the job he loved. 
But he still wanted to help people. So, he launched the Invisible Wounds Project, a non-profit that helps improve the lives and mental health of veterans, first responders and their families. 
Today we’ll hear a little about his story and about an innovative new initiative his nonprofit is launching this month!  Stay tuned for his story. 
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Russ Hanes is the Founder and Executive Director of the Invisible Wounds Project (IWP) a Minnesota-based nonprofit whose mission is to positively impact and enhance the lives of those who serve(d). IWP provides access to qualified therapy services, and other support services for military, police, fire, EMS, frontline medical staff, corrections, 911 dispatch, and their families related to PTSD, mental health and suicide issues. 
Russ spent 17 years working in the public safety field as a police officer, corrections officer, and 911 dispatcher. In 2016, Russ left public safety after silently battling PTSD. Since 2009 Russ has been involved in fundraising for veteran, and first responder causes. It was in 2016 as he battled his own inner demons, and after being told that he "didn't qualify for help" because he wasn't a veteran, that the Invisible Wounds Project was born. Russ recognized that many of his friends and colleagues were suffering from PTSD and cumulative stress but had nowhere to turn.
The Invisible Wounds Project which has annually served hundreds of individuals and families, just recently began construction of its IWP Support Center, which is a day-use therapeutic space meant to provide those they serve a place to go for connection and services. The IWP Support Center has a community lounge with recreation activities and a coffee bar. It also has a multi-use meeting and training space, a woodworking shop, art studio, offices, and more. With this facility, IWP can provide daily therapeutic activities, connection opportunities, mentoring, education, retreats, and much more.
CONNECT WITH RUSS
https://www.iwproject.org/
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.

40 - We are what we eat with Megan Lautz

40 - We are what we eat with Megan Lautz
Today on the First Responder Wellness podcast I have a conversation with a nutritionist who talks about how our diet impacts our mental health, and really everything else about us.
My guest is Megan Lautz. She is a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer on a mission to help first responders optimize performance, recover faster, and enjoy long, healthy retirements. In this episode we dive into all things nutrition. What you should eat, fad diets, and all the things that you’ve probably heard about but have been ignoring… So come along for this inspiring conversation.
 
ABOUT OUR GUEST...
Megan is a civilian Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer on a mission to help first responders optimize performance, recover faster, and enjoy long, healthy retirements. My background in wellness and graphic design has allowed me to lead engaging health campaigns for first responders.
First responders face unique challenges when it comes to health. These challenges have inspired me to create targeted, realistic solutions throughout the lifecycle of a first responder's career. Megan thrives on translating complicated health information into manageable lifestyle changes that fit into an unpredictable shift.
Her interest in a first responder's lifestyle has contributed to her success with CPAT participants, recruits, incumbents, and leadership. Megan's health coaching participants have lost an average of 14 pounds, up to 8% body fat, and up to a 30-point reduction in cholesterol. She has created a recruit nutrition curriculum that has effectively eliminated rhabdomyolysis and hydration-related injury in the past five recruit classes. 
Megan believes in a “boots on the ground” approach to wellness. She has trained for and passed CPAT, and am always up for a ride-along or a fitness challenge. Megan can often be found at a station or academy teaching nutrition, fitness, mobility, or just hanging out to learn more about firefighters. 
Megan is currently working full time with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in Virginia and provides freelance counseling, presentations, and is always interested in a challenge.
Reach out to meganlautz@gmail.com to connect! 
 
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
 
 
 

39 - Don't Forget Where you Came From with Marc Hill

39 - Don't Forget Where you Came From with Marc Hill
My guest today is Marc Hill  Marc is a seasoned firefighter and paramedic who is best known as the author of "Two Dark Thirty.” We talk about what fire departments do and don't do to prepare rookies for the traumas they will face. We also talk about the responsibilities that leaders have to take care of the rank and file firefighters - "Don't forget where you came from."
 
ABOUT THE GUEST
Marc Hill is a seasoned firefighter and paramedic who is best known as the author of "Two Dark Thirty." Marc is a highly sought-after educational consultant, lecturer, instructor, and mentor with more than 20 years of experience in both public school and emergency services. He has enjoyed a long career in public education, beginning as a social studies teacher and football coach in a high school before evolving into an administrator and college professor. Marc also climbed through the fire department's ranks to the position of full-time Chief, where he significantly impacted his departments. The Core Values Award, Teacher of the Year Award three times, and many more honors and accolades have been given to him personally. Marc has also written the companion workbook to go with "Two Dark Thirty".
 
CONNECT WITH MARC
https://twodarkthirty.com/book
 
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/toolkit
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.

38 - When Cancer Hits Home with Vickie Speed

38 - When Cancer Hits Home with Vickie Speed
Today is May 15th and its Peace Officers Memorial Day. So I think it’s appropriate that today’s podcast covers a topic that is sometimes not discussed among law enforcement and that is the subject of cancer. 
My guest today is Vickie Speed. As the CEO of Blue Cancer Connect, Vickie Speed is a dedicated advocate for law enforcement families affected by cancer. After losing her husband, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Detective Mitch Speed, to job-related cancer, Vickie has made it her mission to help other families navigate the complex world of departmental benefits, worker's comp, attorneys, and medical treatments.
With her author, peer support advocate, and public speaker background, Vickie brings a unique perspective to her work at Blue Cancer Connect. With 30+ years running multi-million dollar construction projects, she brings a wealth of business knowledge to the table. Her compassion and empathy for cancer patients and her strategic problem-solving skills make her an invaluable resource for law enforcement families in need throughout the nation.
Through Blue Cancer Connect, Vickie, in partnership with the City of Hope provides various services and support to help families affected by cancer, including emotional support, treatment options, education, screenings, Officer to officer support, hospice, and advocacy for policy changes. Her work has already significantly impacted the law enforcement community, and she continues to advocate for those in need.
Connect with Vickie:https://bluecancerconnect.org/
 
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
 
 

37 - Be the Calm in the Storm with AK Dozanti

37 - Be the Calm in the Storm with AK Dozanti
Being the calm in the storm is what first responders do. But when it comes to your own storm, that's another story!  Today on the First Responder Wellness Podcast I talk with AK Dozanti a former Deputy Sheriff who talks about her own journey through PTS and depression and what's she's doing now to help other first responders. 
 
ABOUT THE GUEST
As a former Deputy Sheriff, now First Responder Coach & Specialist, AK Dozanti helps First Responders learn how to manage chronic stress and regulate their nervous systems to prevent burnout and cultivate personal growth despite the pressures of work and home life. Having experienced burnout accompanied with depression, PTS, and adrenal fatigue it has become her life's mission to give back to all Life Savers.
She has blended her experience as a Deputy and Criminal Court Victim Advocate, graduate degree, yoga instructing and multiple other disciplines and modalities to create the Life Saver Academy. Now, coaching individuals, speaking and training at agencies and conferences, AK helps first responders regain their focus as they release the pressure that comes from the job so that they can start living the life they deserve.AK Dozanti, MAFirst Responder Wellness Coach & SpecialistLife Saver Wellness LLCwww.akdozanti.com
 
SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODEhttps://www.centralsquare.com
 
UPCOMING SCREENING EVENTS FOR PTSD911
May 15 – Gordon Center for Performing Arts – Owings Mills, MD – Hosted by Baltimore County PD – CLICK FOR TICKETSMay 21 – Kentucky First Responder Peer Support Team – Erlanger, KYMay 23 – College of Southern Maryland – La Plata, MD – Hosted by Charles County Sheriff’s Office – CLICK FOR TICKETSJune 7 – Wor Wic Community College – Salisbury, MD Sponsored by Behind the Line, Inc. CLICK FOR FREE TICKETSSept. 12 –  EMS World Expo– Las Vegas, NVOct. 8 – Stevens Point, WI – Details coming soon.
 
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/toolkit
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.

36 - Supporting Police Officers in Baltimore County with Sgt. John Haddaway

36 - Supporting Police Officers in Baltimore County with Sgt. John Haddaway
How does a large police department take care of its own? How do they make sure that officers are well, healthy and have the tools they need to thrive in their mental and physical well being?
Today on the podcast my guest is Sergeant John Haddaway he is a 24 year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department. He currently serves as the Department's Peer Support and Wellness Manager. We talk about how his team supports the officers within the Baltimore County Police Department and how this unit came to be.  So Stay tuned for this informative conversation! 
ABOUT THE GUESTSergeant John Haddaway is a 24 year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department. He currently serves as the Department's Peer Support and Wellness Manager, in addition to ad-hoc roles on the Dignitary Witness Protection Team and Special Response Team. Sgt. Haddaway is also a general, Taser, and firearms instructor. During his tenure Sgt. Haddaway has served in patrol, directed enforcement, investigations, homeland security, emergency management, intelligence, counter-terrorism, public-private partnership SHIELD Program manager, and as the planning chief of the Department's Incident Response Team during the COVID pandemic.
Sgt. Haddaway served in the Maryland Army National Guard for ten years as part of an infantry unit and in a recruiting and retention role. He was also federally activated for over a year with MDARNG as part of Operation Noble Eagle.
CONNECT WITH JOHN
https://www.baltimorepolice.org/transparency/bpd-policies/1711-peer-support-program
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-haddaway4603/
 
UPCOMING SCREENING EVENTS FOR PTSD911
May 4 – Chula Vista, CA EastLake Church CLICK FOR TICKETSMay 7 – CentralSquare ENGAGE 2024 Conference – Dallas, TXMay 15 – Gordon Center for Performing Arts – Owings Mills, MD – Hosted by Baltimore County PD – CLICK FOR TICKETSMay 21 – Kentucky First Responder Peer Support Team – Erlanger, KYMay 23 – College of Southern Maryland – La Plata, MD – Hosted by Charles County Sheriff’s Office – CLICK FOR TICKETSJune 7 – Wor Wic Community College – Salisbury, MD Sponsored by Behind the Line, Inc. CLICK FOR FREE TICKETSSept. 12 –  EMS World Expo– Las Vegas, NVOct. 8 – Stevens Point, WI – Details coming soon.
 
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/toolkit
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.

35 - How to Decontaminate the Brain with Kathleen Sullivan

Kathy Sullivan is an artist on a mission to help first responders de-contaminate their brains. She is the co-founder of Ashes 2 A.R.T. that refers to Mindful Decontamination which addresses the need to mindfully decontaminate from a shift just as one would be required to physically decontaminate. Kathy launched this program a few years ago with the help of a northern Virginia Fire captain. Listen to this compelling conversation and see how you can begin to de-contaminate your brain. 
 
ABOUT THE GUEST
Kathleen Sullivan, MAAT, ATR, SME, NORA Council Member, Executive Director Ashes2A.R.T.Kathy Sullivan is the co-founder of the Ashes2A.R.T. program and the Mindful Decon Initiative which have been providing preventative wellness techniques to First Responders since 2017. Incorporating the creative arts and self-regulating techniques, Ms. Sullivan has established a clear protocol to decrease cumulative and traumatic stress in the emergency services profession. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recruited Kathy as a council member to their sister organization,  National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) in 2021. Presentations and partnerships include: Critical Incident Stress Management World Congress, Recovery Centers of America, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Virginia EMS Symposium, National Association of Mental Illness, NIOSH, George Mason University, Inova Emergency General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Trauma Virtual Symposium, Missouri Department of Corrections,and George Washington University CE, and Revital Colorado. Previously published in the Journal of Clinical Social Work, Ms Sullivan is currently collaborating with George Mason University testing the physiological effects of specific wellness techniques on First Responder emotional health; currently in the process of being published. Ms. Sullivan has been trained in: CISM, Havening, EMDR (I), P.E.A.T., EFT, Reiki II, QiGong, Trauma Informed Nature Based Expressive Arts, and first level Hypnosis.
CONNECT WITH KATHYhttps://ashes2art.org/
Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us
https://a.co/d/hcTRQLj
 
 
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/toolkit
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
 
 

FDIC Review from Conrad Weaver

First Responder Wellness Podcast - Special Edition
Conrad Weaver, host of the First Responder Wellness Podcast gives his take on the 2024 FDIC convention and the "Wellness Center" at the Lucas Oil Stadium Experience at the conference. ...+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram:   / ptsd911movie  Facebook:   / ptsd911movie  YouTube:    / @wellnesschannel4first  
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/toolkit
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.

34 - Go Play in the Puddles with Ricardo Martinez

34 - Go Play in the Puddles with Ricardo Martinez
Ricardo Martinez II has one of the biggest 9-1-1 related podcasts out there. He's the founder of the #IAM911 movement and the host of the Dare to be Great virtual events for 911 professionals, plus he loves to play in puddles with his kids. He's my guest today on the podcast...
 
ABOUT THE GUEST
Ricardo Martinez II is a creative individual who is using his skills in writing, design, and podcasting to tell the stories of those he works with. For 13 years he has answered the call of a 9-1-1 dispatcher and recently accepted a new position with INdigital telecom as a 9-1-1 systems trainer and designer. Throughout his years in dispatch he was able to go to school where he received an Associate’s in web development through Baker College, a Bachelor’s in graphic design through Full Sail University as well as a Master’s in new media journalism in March of 2013.Before starting his Master’s program he launched Jabber Log, a blog about current events and his life stories. His personal blog posts became a hit with his audience and one such post even appeared on WordPress.com’s “Freshly Pressed” section on their main page. From there his blog opened doors that included promotions for businesses, artists and musicians. Once he started his Master’s program he began doing multimedia stories that can be found on his YouTube channel. Through this program he discovered podcasting. It spawned a series that tells the stories of those in the field of emergency services.He then created a podcast version of a segment on his blog called Within the Trenches, a section of writing based on his experience as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. He launched Kickstarter campaign to raise $1,500 for the equipment needed for a show that would feature the stories of 9-1-1 dispatchers. The campaign was funded and can now be found at www.thejabberlog.com. His goal is to tell the story of everyone he meets.“I believe that everyone has a story to tell. I want to do everything I can to bring that story to life.”  - Ricardo
Connect with Ricardo:  https://www.liinks.co/wttpodcast
Get the book:  Imagine Listening: Your worst day is our everyday (#IAM911)
 
 
+++++
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIEWeb 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://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/toolkit
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.