Episodes
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Year-End Summary with Conrad Weaver
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Year-End Summary with Conrad Weaver
Podcast host and filmmaker, Conrad Weaver gives a year-end summary and a sneak peek at what's on tap for 2024.
Thank you to all who have been listening to the podcast, and a special thanks to all of the guests who've been on the show. I'm so grateful for everyone who has encouraged, supported, listened to, or shared this show. Let's go into the new year with renewed hope and anticipation of a great year!
Be well, take care of yourself and those around you.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Conrad Weaver
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
16 - What is a win? With Kenny Schroeder
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
16 - What is a win?
Join me on the podcast today as I chat with Kenny Schroeder, a firefighter and paramedic in Kentucky who is part of a regional peer support network. We delve into the importance of maintaining a healthy career as a first responder and what it means to achieve success in this field. While sports teams invest in their athletes to ensure victory, what is your agency doing to help you perform at your best? Let's explore how your life choices can impact your success as a first responder. Note: you can also WATCH this podcast on our YouTube channel. Search: PTSD911 Movie.
ABOUT KENNY SCHROEDER
Kenny Schroeder currently serves as a Firefighter Paramedic with the Fort Mitchell Fire Department in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Independence Fire District in September of 2022 after 26 years with the department. It was then that he faced the biggest challenge of his life as he quickly watched it spiral out of control overwhelmed by the chaos that PTSD and depression can create. After being connected to health and wellness for most of his career, Kenny did not recognize his own need for help. Fortunately his friends and family did as they sought the resources necessary to get Kenny into a program that not only saved his life, but changed it completely as he began his healing journey.
As part of his recovery, Kenny volunteers his time in various capacities throughout the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area including as Team Coordinator for the Kentucky First Responder Peer Support Team, Team Coordinator for the Pet Partners First Responder Pet Therapy Support Team, Board Member for the Tri State Peer Support Team, and Board Member for the Tri State FACE (Firefighters Attacking the Cancer Epidemic) Team. Serving in these roles, he is committed to building connections to get his peers the help they need while educating them on the importance of health and wellness.
Kenny is married and has four children ranging in ages 21 through 10. Time spent at home with family is a priority in his life along with traveling, exercising and health related activities, working on cars with his oldest son and training their Australian Labradoodles.
Connect with Kenny....
https://tsfirstresponderpst.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-schroeder-5919b3189/
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
15 - From Social Drinker to Problem Drinker with Tara Rivera
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
15 - From Social Drinker to Problem Drinker with Tara Rivera
This time of year can be especially stressful for many of us. And it’s sometimes easy to think that a drink will help us relax. But what do you do when that drink turns into a problem?
Tara Rivera has worked as a Treatment Advocate for almost 7 years and has helped countless people begin their recovery journey. Tara is also an adjunct professor of addiction studies at Anna Maria College. In 2018 she began recording podcasts and hosts a monthly recovery radio show on WPKZ. Tara serves on several boards for local non-profit health and human service organizations and is a person in long term recovery. January 2023, she celebrated 26 years of continued sobriety. Her life revolves around helping others and being a voice for the disenfranchised. She is passionate about breaking the stigma of addiction and educating others about the disease.
Connect with Tara:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-rivera-mba-984b8a60/
Banyan Treatment Centers: https://www.clearbrookinc.com/locations/massachusetts/
Radio Show: https://soundcloud.com/kzoneradio/12-5-23-clear-brook-road-to-recovery-radio-show-with-tara-rivera
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
14 - Wrist Lock with Jason Harney
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
14 - Wrist Lock with Jason Harney
Jason Harney, a Gulf War Veteran and retired Police Sergeant turned Documentary Filmmaker, Producer, Director, Editor, and Writer is my guest on the podcast today! We talk about his films, and about Wrist Lock in detail.
Wrist Lock is now included with the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit.
His company has produced seven feature documentary films - “Vinnisms: The Story of the Cop Comedian” (Coming in 2024) - “Is There Something Going On At Home?” (2023) - “Wrist Lock: The Martial Arts’ Influence on Police Use of Force” (2022) - “The Making of a Cheer Team” (2021), “Repeat Offender” (2019), “The Wounded Blue” (2019), & “The Basketball Family” (2017) as well as the Six Part Docuseries “Voices of the Blue” (2020) - and continues to focus on developing projects at the feature film level & series level.
Connect with Jason:
http://www.lightningdigitalentertainment.com/
Learn more about Wrist Lock: http://www.lightningdigitalentertainment.com/wrist-lock.html
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Special Edition: Wellness in Ohio with Steve Click
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Special Edition: Wellness in Ohio with Steve Click
How does Ohio treat its first responders?
Steve Click is the Director of the Office of First Responder Wellness at Ohio Department of Public Safety. Listen to my conversation with him as he talks about the program they offer for all first responders across the state.
ABOUT STEVE CLICK
Steven M. Click serves as the Director of First Responder Wellness for the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Services. Prior to his current position, he served as the First Responder Liaison for Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services. Steve is a retired lieutenant from the Ohio State Highway Patrol where he served for 36 years, completing his career assigned to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Office of Personnel / Ohio ASSIST program. Steve has been involved in peer support with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Member’s Assistance Team (MAT) since its inception in 2002 and previously served as the Operational Commander. Prior to retirement, he oversaw all aspects of the team including policies, activations and training.
He has been active in peer support since being CISM trained in 1993. He was deployed to New York City twice after the 9/11 attacks and worked with the NYPD peer support program, POPPA.
He helped bring the Post Critical Incident Seminars to Ohio. He has been utilized as a peer in South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas and Georgia, for their PCIS / STLS programs.
He serves as the lead trainer for several training programs offered by OCJS, having provided training to a number of public safety and civilian agencies across Ohio. Steve graduated from Franklin University, with honors, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Management with minors in leadership and public relations.
Steve is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Staff & Command.
Steve is trained in both group and individual peer support by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. He is also a certified QPR; Question, Pursued & Refer and Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Steve retired with 36 years of service with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and served in a number of assignments including; Commander of Cadet Training, the Patrol’s Motorcycle Unit, the Ohio Statehouse Detail as well as several field supervisory positions. In 1992, he received the Ohio Distinguished Law Enforcement Valor Award, the highest award for valor in Ohio.
Learn more about the program in Ohio.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Surviving Retirement with Dr. Medina Baumgart
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
13 - Surviving Retirement with Dr. Medina Baumgart
Today on the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Host, Conrad Weaver talks with Dr. Medina Baumgart about how retirement affects first responders and what to do about it.
Dr. Baumgart has extensive experience working with sworn and civilian personnel in correctional and law enforcement agency settings. Her areas of interest include officer resilience, peer support, critical incidents, post-traumatic stress injuries, suicide, and law enforcement retirement.
Her book, "Surviving Retirement: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment Beyond the Badge," combines real-life insights, professional expertise, and practical strategies to help retiring cops and their spouses prepare for and navigate the changes inherent in retirement from a law enforcement career.
She is married to a now-retired police officer and knows firsthand the challenges that officers and their spouses experience throughout a law enforcement career and into retirement. Dr. Baumgart shares her expertise with law enforcement officers, spouses, and retirees through presentations that are informed by her experience, research, and clinical practice.
CONNECT WITH DR. BAUMGART
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbaumgart/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dr_baumgart/
WEBSITE: https://www.drbaumgart.com/
BOOK: On Amazon.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Smashing the Stigma with Keith Hanks
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
12 - Smashing the Stigma with Keith Hanks
Keith Hanks is a Former Firefighter and EMT, who retired in 2017 after 21 years of service. He has been an Advocate for PTSD and Mental illness awareness, suicide prevention, and breaking the stigma since 2015. Keith is currently working on first book about his own life and experience with PTSD. He has been a National speaker/podcast guest on the subject of PTSD, mental illness, substance/alcohol abuse and suicide awareness. Keith has participated in a number of documentaries and training videos and he Currently lives in New Hampshire with wife and is a father to three amazing children.
Connect with Keith:
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-hanks-traumatic-strength-44218b229/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/keith.hanks.5
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Lesson’s from One Critical Incident with Mike Ming
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Lesson's from One Critical Incident
Learn how a critical incident in 1991 shaped Mike Ming's career as a fire fighter. What does it take to create a wellness program for 8,000+ employees? That's what Mike Ming was tasked to do a few years ago for Cal Fire, the agency where he spent most of his fire fighting career. Take a listen to my conversation with Mike on how he and his team developed a program that includes preparing new fire fighters at the academy for the traumas of the job.
ABOUT MIKE MING
Mike started his fire service career as a volunteer in hometown of Forestville, CA in 1991. He worked as seasonal firefighter (CDF then, CAL FIRE) from 1994 until 1998 and went full time in 1998. In 2000 he became a permanent employee where he worked operationally in All-Hazard response (wildland, structural, medical, hazmat, aviation, etc.) until 2014. In 2014 Mike was promoted to Battalion Chief in the Employee Support Services program (ESS) and in 2018 promoted to Deputy Chief program manager of ESS. As the Deputy Chief wrote a Budget Change Proposal (BCP) and submitted to legislature for approval and sought permanent funding and more positions. The proposal was successful and he grew the staff from 5 positions to 27 with a permanently funded budget. In 2020 Mike was promoted to Staff Chief program manager of the newly branded BHWP. Mike retired January of 2023, and he makes an appearance in the PTSD911 documentary. (Although you're not likely to recognize him.)
Mike lives in Sonoma County, CA with his partner Sequoia. They have 2 adult daughters. Mike and Sequoia love the wilderness, surfing, primitive survival skills, great food and traveling to new places.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Hashtag Buddycheck with Stephen Powers
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Hashtag Buddycheck with Stephen Powers
On the show today Stephen Powers talks about why he and his wife started the Hashtag Buddycheck movement. #BuddyCheck has been used on many social media posts to encourage first responders and others to check on each other. What motivated Stephen and his wife to start this? Listen in to this important conversation!
ABOUT OUR GUEST
During my 25 years as a first responder and the time served in the Marines, I was exposed to multiple critical incidents and was negatively impacted by vicarious trauma which affected both my professional and personal life. As an officer I was trained in Basic Crisis & Hostage Negotiating, Resources for Resilience, Veteran Trauma and Engagement, partnered with the Recast Program in Charlotte- all of which have helped me learn to address trauma and resilience. I also served as a member of the Charlotte Mayor’s Initiative for Suicide Prevention in Veterans as well as partners with local agencies to advocate for suicide prevention.
In the course of my time as a sworn officer and now in retirement, I serve as Crisis Intervention Team Instructor for Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Rowan, and Stanly Counties in NC and present on topics with a central focus on Vicarious Trauma: Officer Wellness and De-Escalation Techniques: Crisis Communication. Throughout my career I was trained federally and locally as a Peer Support Officer, and I am currently certified as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have also received certification in Crisis Incident Stress Management (CISM) through International Critical Incident Stress Foundation Inc. (ICISF) in Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention & Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention. I have also received certification in QPR, NC Certified WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) and completed the Professional Compassion Fatigue Counseling course & received a diploma issued through the CTAA (Complementary Therapists Accredited Association).
My wife and I founded Hashtag BuddyCheck, which is an approved 501c(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to provide proactive education, support and connections to vetted local and national resources for first responders and their spouses.
If you are struggling please #ReachOut to me if you feel comfortable or one of the quality organizations that exist for first responders specifically. If you know someone who may be struggling please #ReachIn as they may not be able to ask for help.
#BuddyCheck™️
Connect with Stephen: hashtagbuddycheck@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HashtagBuddyCheck
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
What is Moral Injury? - A Conversation with Dr. Rita Brock
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
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.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.