First Responder Wellness Podcast

A Buffet of Options with Todd Gyure

A BUFFET OF OPTIONSIn this first episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad talks with Garland, Texas Police Officer, Todd Gyure who heads up the wellness unit at Garland Police Department. Building a culture of wellness within a public safety agency is hard, especially when "Suck it up, buttercup" has been the motto for decades. Todd Gyure tells us how they did it at the Garland PD. Todd also talks about the Overwatch Peer Support (OPS) he founded along with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI*.) *NAMI was a sponsor for the PTSD911 documentary.
TODD GYURE - BIOTodd Gyure has worked at the Garland Police Department for over 21 years with the majority of that time spent on the street in Patrol. Todd is currently assigned to the Wellness Unit at the Garland Police Department. For the past 11 years Todd has also been a member of The Garland Police Departments S.W.A.T. team as a hostage negotiator. Todd is a TCOLE certified mental health officer, a Suicide and Crisis Center of North TX certified telephone crisis counselor, GPD TCOLE 1850 Crisis intervention training instructor, Department of Public Safety certified Officer Resilience Training Leader, FRCPI certified law enforcement suicide prevention trainer, IAFF behavioral health awareness peer support certified, member of Garland Police Departments Critical Incident Stress Management team, founder of The Law Enforcement Mental Health Alliance of North TX, Founder of the Overwatch Peer Support program for NAMI, founder of the North TX first responder wellness task force, Certified Police Field Training Officer, Mental Health First Aid certified instructor, and vehicle close quarters battle instructor. Todd is passionate about all things brain health for both the citizens he serves, and the law enforcement community at large. During his time with The Garland Police Department Todd has earned numerous awards and commendations to include: FOP’s Officer of the year, Garland Police Department’s 2019 Unit of the Year for his work in the mental health unit, Police Commendation Bar, Meritorious Conduct Bar, 2 Life Saving Bars, and several Officer of the Month certificates.
For more information about Overwatch Peer Support (OPS) https://www.naminorthtexas.org/frontline-wellness-1
OPS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Overwatch-Peer-Support-OPS/100093355954852/
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First Responder Wellness Podcast
Patreon Channel: https://www.patreon.com/FirstResponderWellnessPodcast
PTSD911 Documentary: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
 

First Responder Wellness Podcast Trailer

The First Responder Wellness Podcast
In a world where courage and dedication meet the toughest challenges, there are unsung heroes who answer the call without hesitation. They are the first responders - the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
But behind the badges and uniforms, they carry the weight of their experiences.
HI, My name is Conrad Weaver. I’m a filmmaker and the host of  the brand new 'First Responder Wellness Podcast' - a show dedicated to first responders and those who lead them.
Each episode features insightful discussions with first responder leaders as well as experts in the field of mental health, wellness, and resilience. We'll explore strategies to cope with stress and trauma. And discuss the importance of self-care and building support systems.
Join us as we follow the inspiring journeys of first responders who have overcome their struggles and found a path to healing.
Remember, you are never alone in this journey. Together, we'll conquer the challenges, prioritize our well-being, and emerge stronger than ever!
The First Responder Wellness Podcast - because the well-being of our heroes matters.
Subscribe now, and let's embark on this life-changing journey together!
 

Pushing the Pause Button

Conrad gives an update on the podcast and documentary film!
Subscribe to the E-Newsletter at https://ptsd911movie.com/subscribe/
 
Request information about film screenings here: https://ptsd911movie.com/screenings/
 
 
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LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:https://ptsd911movie.com/https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie
SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN and GET YOUR NAME IN THE CREDITS: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc
 
PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLCHost: Conrad WeaverCopyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC

”Pick your hard.” - Mark Meincke

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: 1-833-456-4566
 
ABOUT 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/
 
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LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:
https://ptsd911movie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie
SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN and GET YOUR NAME IN THE CREDITS: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc
PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Host: Conrad Weaver
Copyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC

If I could forget the trauma, my art would be different. - Dansun

"If I could forget the trauma, my art would be very different." - Daniel Sundahl
Today on the PTSD911 Presents Podcast: Paramedic/Artist, Daniel Sundahl
 
ABOUT DANIELDaniel was born in Alberta, Canada. Taking up a global residency as an English language teacher in Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia and Japan, he is now a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Leduc.
His love of photography began on his travels, and as his technique developed, he started to produce a blend of photography and graphic art, which he calls Photo Art.
The majority of Daniel’s work involves emergency services photography. It involves an emotional connection to the artist as most of his pieces are based on actual emergency calls he has attended as a paramedic and firefighter. He’s passionate about reducing the stigma of PTSD for first responders and he uses his art to raise awareness of occupational stress injuries worldwide.
He is a published artist and writer and has two art books produced of his works. Articles of his work have been featured in Canadian Paramedicine, Journal of Emergency Medicine (JEMS), Fire Rescue Magazine in Greece and EMS World Magazine. His art is recognized worldwide and he travels internationally speaking on his art and personal experiences with occupational stress injuries. He’s a pre hospital educator, a professional public speaker, photographer and photo editor.
Daniel enjoys combining the technical and artistic elements of his work. Each piece can take several days or weeks of processing until he feels it’s ready. He continues to travel often and gains inspiration for his art from his experiences.
CONNECT WITH DANIEL:
https://www.dansunphotos.com/
https://www.dansungallery.com
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LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:https://ptsd911movie.com/https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie
Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XB5g5GpR8C4
 
SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc
 
PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLCHost: Conrad Weaver
Copyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC
 

Jason Kern, CPE - President, APCO International

Today on the show I talk with current APCO International President, Jason Kern. We discuss the current state of 911 Communications, wellness for 911 professionals, and what the future holds in the 911 world. 
ABOUT JASONJason Kern began his career in public safety in 1991 and is currently serving as the Executive Director of Southeast Emergency Communications (SEECOM) in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
During nearly three decades as a tenured public safety professional, he has extensive experience in Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS, Emergency Management, and most notably 9-1-1 Communications. His notable certifications include APCO CPE, APCO RPL, NENA ENP and COM-L.
He began his APCO membership in 1997 and has been extremely active in both chapter and national activities. As a member of the Illinois Chapter, Jason held numerous board positions over a 13-year tenure including two terms as Chapter President and nearly six years on the Executive Council. Additionally, he spent time as the chair of the IL Emergency Medical Dispatch Committee, a member of the IL Historical Committee and currently sits as a long-term member of the Legislative Committee. Over the last several years, the Legislative Committee has been successful in obtaining two surcharge increases, a NG9-1-1 and consolidation cost recovery bill, and currently is working towards introducing training standards language. In 2011, Illinois APCO awarded him with the Chapter Senior and Chapter Life distinctions. On the national side, he has been involved in a number of committees over the past 14 years such as Historical, Member & Chapter Services, Professional Development Events, Leadership Development, Finance & Budget, and Investment. Jason served APCO from 2013 thru 2016 as a Group Leader and from 2016 to 2019 as a representative to the Board of Directors in the North Central Region. He was presented with Senior Membership in 2018.
Southeast Emergency Communications is a regional consolidated Emergency Communications Center located approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago in McHenry County. They provide police, fire and medical services to over a dozen agencies in the area covering more than 100 square miles with a residential population of nearly 215,000. SEECOM is a partner with NCMEC’s Missing Kids & 9-1-1 Readiness Project, an IAED Medical ACE Center and a two-time recipient of APCO’s Agency Training Program Certification (P33).
He is married to Miki-Kay and has a son Joseph. Away from the office Jason is an avid motorcycle rider, sports fan and travels extensively with the family.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:https://ptsd911movie.com/https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie
Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XB5g5GpR8C4
 
SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc
 
PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLCHost: Conrad Weaver
Copyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC
 

So You Want to be a Millionaire?

Host: Conrad WeaverGuest: Nick DaughertyToday's Episode: “So you want to be a millionaire”. 
About Nick:Nick Daugherty began his career with the Grand Prairie Police Department (GPPD) in 2003 serving as a patrol officer, school resource officer, and underage alcohol and drug task force officer. In 2012 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he served as a patrol sergeant, field training supervisor, fleet coordinator, and criminal intelligence unit sergeant. Additionally, Nick holds a Master Peace Officer certification and a TCOLE instructor’s certificate. He semi-retired in August of 2017 and continues to serve as a reserve officer for GPPD. During his career he was awarded numerous honors and commendations, including a lifesaving award, as well as being named officer of the month 4 times, Jim Thorne Officer of the year 2 times, and the Sergeant Gregory Hunter supervisor of the year award.
At a young age Nick did a lot of irresponsible things with money partaking in “stupid tax” purchases (the art of buying toys that you can’t afford using plastic). Before he knew it, he had accumulated over $80,000 in consumer debt, most of which was wrapped up in car stereo equipment, cars, and just plain ole stuff. He was tired! Tired of being in debt, and tired from being stuck in the overtime cycle just to keep afloat!
He quickly realized that he needed to educate himself on personal finances and work to get out of the hole he dug himself into. He was introduced to the Dave Ramsey show and became an avid listener, supporter, and believer of the Total Money Makeover Program’s 7 Baby Steps to financial freedom.
He worked over a thousand hours of overtime, and sold a bunch of stuff, to be able to scream out to the world “I’m debt free” on March 7th , 2007!  A graduate, and coordinator, of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, he is also a certified Ramsey Solutions master trained financial coach* and has coached hundreds of first responders through financial crisis.
In 2012 he created a revolutionary financial wellness class for GPPD, “Building Financial Strength in First Responder Families” that has been taught to over 10,000 first responders nationally.
Nick is also the president, and owner of FinancialCop LLC, a full-service financial firm for first responders, run by first responders as well as being a licensed life insurance agent. Additionally, he has completed classes through Ken Zahn’s Certified Financial Planning professional education program.
Nick also serves in various volunteer capacities nationally including the nonprofit www.serveprotect.org as an “A-Team” member as a financial wellness coordinator and crisis coach along with serving on the Texas Police Chief Association Officer Suicide Committee, focusing on the financial wellness impact in regards to officer suicide / PTSD.
https://www.financialcop.com+++++
LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:https://ptsd911movie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie
https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie
SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc
 

Push the Reset Button - Bev Perez

Host: Conrad WeaverGuest: Mirian “Bev” Perez
Today's Episode: Push the Reset Button
About Bev:Mirian “Bev” Perez is a retired police officer, motivational speaker and CEO/Founder of SHIELDUS Co., (Self Help In Every Law-Enforcement Department). SHIELDUS is a non-profit organization focused on breaking the stigma of mental health amongst First Responders, offering wellness retreats, peer-support training, and mindfulness groups. After her experience as a police officer and her educational background she has now dedicated her life to sharing her story of overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and depression. Her goal is to end the suicide epidemic. Bev is currently working in partnership with FHE Health’s Shatterproof program in Deerfield Beach, FL facilitating groups with First Responders.
Connect with Bev:https://www.shieldus.app/
Instagram: @shieldus.app
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LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:

https://ptsd911movie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/

https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie

https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie
SUPPORT THE FINISH THE FILM FUNDING CAMPAIGN

https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc

SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A tax-deductible DONATION: 

https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/ptsd911
 

David (Diem) Leath - Side Hustles for First Responders

Host: Conrad WeaverGuest: David (Diem) Leath
Today's Episode: Side Hustles for First Responders
About David:
David (Diem) Leath was 20 years into his career as a police officer when he saw a need to transition into business. While many first responders make decent salaries, most have never been trained how to manage their money or even start new businesses. According to David, most frontline heroes don’t know how to talk about their 20+ years of experience in a way that translates into money. David is the founder and Chief Visionary Officer at The Hero Coach and he is the host of the Hero Academy Podcast in addition to being a full time police officer!  On this episode of the PTSD911 Presents podcast  David tells his story and how he is turning his side hustle into a sustainable business that will carry him well into retirement. Stay tuned for this compelling conversation. 
https://www.davidleath.com

 
Other resources mentioned in this episode: MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHEShttps://www.youtube.com/c/LawofAttractionCoaching
 
HERO ON A MISSION - By Donald Millerhttps://amzn.to/3xPRKd5
+++++LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:

https://ptsd911movie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/

https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie

https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie
SUPPORT THE FINISH THE FILM FUNDING CAMPAIGN

https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc

SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A tax-deductible DONATION: 

https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/ptsd911
 
 

CLEAR! The Impact of Working in a Level One Trauma Unit - Dennis Blocker

On this episode of the PTSD911 Presents podcast, EMT and Author, Dennis Blocker II, talks about the personal toll of working in a level one trauma center. 
WARNING: THIS CONVERSATION CONTAINS SUBJECT MATTER THAT MAY BE TRIGGERING FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS. 
If you are having suicidal ideas, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. 
HOST: Conrad Weaver
GUEST: Dennis R. Blocker, ii
ABOUT DENNIS:Dennis R Blocker II was born into a military family and as such was always on the go. A cycle of military assignments led all over the globe; Iceland and Guam. From an early age Dennis had a desire to help people. In 1990 a 16-year-old Dennis spent a month in the jungles of Zaire, Africa conducting mission work. A personal accident in the old Congo gave Dennis a serious lesson on the importance of medical training.
Through the years Dennis has sought to help others who had suffered from the ravages of Mother Nature. Floods, hurricanes, fires and all sorts of mayhem would find Dennis right in the middle, lending a hand. Journal keeping was important to Dennis and those books proved to be a boon during the writing of his book CLEAR! which is based on his 23 years in Emergency Medicine.
Purchase CLEAR!:  https://amzn.to/3t3g608
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LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:
https://ptsd911movie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie
https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie
SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TOWARD OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN
https://bit.ly/3NjUSTC