First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver

Friday Five with Conrad - October 3

🎙️ Friday Five with Conrad Weaver
A Short Podcast from the First Responder Wellness PodcastTM
Welcome to Friday Five with Conrad Weaver — a quick, five-minute boost to wrap up your week with inspiration, insight, and ideas. Each Friday, I’ll share things that are shaping my world:
    Projects I’m working on in film, podcasting, and first responder wellness
    Key lessons from books I’m reading
    Highlights from events and conferences I’ve attended
    Personal practices that keep me healthy and grounded
    And wisdom from leaders, thinkers, and first responders who are making an impact
Think of this as a behind-the-scenes look into my journey—delivered in bite-sized episodes that fit right into your Friday routine.
Whether you’re a first responder, a leader, or just someone who wants to live well and lead well, Friday Five is here to give you encouragement, practical takeaways, and a reminder that wellness isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Episodes drop every Friday. Tune in, take five, and start your weekend with clarity and purpose.
 
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram:   / ptsd911movie  Facebook:   / ptsd911movie  YouTube:    / @firstresponderwellnesspodcast  
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dL...
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 ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.

101 - Real Surgeons Don't Cry? - with Dr. Marvin Wayne

Schedule a call to host a screening: https://ptsd911movie.com/screenings
101 - Real Surgeons Don't Cry? - with Dr. Marvin Wayne
In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with Dr. Marvin Wayne, a trauma surgeon, Vietnam veteran, and internationally recognized EMS leader. Dr. Wayne shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Detroit, navigating rejection on his way to medical school, and serving as a combat surgeon in Vietnam, to becoming a pioneer in emergency medicine and a global advocate for EMS advancement.
Listeners will hear Dr. Wayne’s deeply personal reflections on loss, trauma, resilience, and the hidden scars of war, as well as his candid thoughts on today’s challenges facing EMS. He discusses the importance of wellness, the struggle to recruit and retain first responders, and why it’s okay for medical professionals to admit vulnerability.
This powerful conversation reminds us that while medicine saves lives, community and compassion sustain the healers.
Read about Dr. Wayne's amazing career: https://www.ems1.com/emt-ems-paramedic-jobs-and-careers/50-years-of-transformative-leadership-the-career-of-dr-marvin-wayne
 
 
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.
 

100 - Part 2: Finding Faith Healing and Purpose with Matty Fiorenza

Episode 100 – Part 2: Finding Faith Healing and Purpose with Matty Fiorenza
In part two of our 100th episode celebration, Conrad Weaver reconnects with firefighter Matthew (Matty) Fiorenza, one of the central voices from the documentary PTSD9-1-1.
Matty opens up about life since the film’s release—the ups and downs of recovery, his faith journey, breakthroughs in treatment (including the powerful impact of the Stellate Ganglion Block), and his new role supporting first responders through treatment programs, speaking, and mentorship.
He also shares the deeply personal story of how his healing journey not only transformed his mental health but also made way for new life—literally—with the birth of his daughter after treatment. Matty’s honesty, humility, and encouragement are a beacon of hope for first responders navigating their own storm.
 
Support Matty's Non-Profit: https://frprfoundation.com/
 
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.
If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to retired officer Desireé Palmer’s update on her inspiring journey from isolation to purpose. Together, these conversations mark a milestone in the podcast—and in the ongoing story of PTSD9-1-1.
 
 

100 - Part 1: Courage and Recovery with Desireé Palmer

Episode 100 – Part 1: Courage and Recovery with Desireé Palmer
In this milestone 100th episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver reconnects with retired police officer Desireé Palmer, whose powerful story was featured in the award-winning documentary PTSD9-1-1.
In the film, Desireé was shown in the middle of her struggle with PTSD, injuries, and isolation. In this conversation, she shares how far she has come since then—moving from darkness and isolation to rediscovering purpose, mentoring young people, reconnecting with community, and finding healing through therapy and service. Desiree speaks with honesty about forgiveness, overcoming guilt, the importance of connection, and how serving others has restored her joy.
This episode is part one of a special series celebrating the people behind PTSD9-1-1. Part two features firefighter Matthew Fiorenza, also from the film, and part three will include family members of dispatcher Nicole Ford.
And for listeners, Conrad shares the biggest discount ever offered: 30% off the PTSD9-1-1. film and educational toolkit for your agency. Listen to the end of the show for details.
 
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.

Friday Five with Conrad Weaver - Sept 19

🎙️ Friday Five with Conrad Weaver
A Short Podcast from the First Responder Wellness PodcastTM
Welcome to Friday Five with Conrad Weaver — a quick, five-minute boost to wrap up your week with inspiration, insight, and ideas. Each Friday, I’ll share five things that are shaping my world:
Projects I’m working on in film, podcasting, and first responder wellness
Key lessons from books I’m reading
Highlights from events and conferences I’ve attended
Personal practices that keep me healthy and grounded
And wisdom from leaders, thinkers, and first responders who are making an impact
Think of this as a behind-the-scenes look into my journey—delivered in bite-sized episodes that fit right into your Friday routine.
Whether you’re a first responder, a leader, or just someone who wants to live well and lead well, Friday Five is here to give you encouragement, practical takeaways, and a reminder that wellness isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Episodes drop every Friday. Tune in, take five, and start your weekend with clarity and purpose.
 
 
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.

99 - Resilience isn’t a Personality Trait - With Dr. Stephanie Conn

Episode Title: 99 - Resilience isn’t a Personality Trait - With Dr. Stephanie Conn
Guest: Dr. Stephanie Conn, PhD, ABPP – Psychologist, Author, Former Officer
Host: Conrad Weaver
Episode Overview:In this episode, Conrad speaks with Dr. Stephanie Conn, a former police officer and dispatcher turned board-certified psychologist. Dr. Conn shares her incredible journey into psychology after two traumatic line-of-duty deaths impacted her department. She now dedicates her work to helping first responders navigate trauma, strengthen resilience, and overcome stigma around mental health.
Topics Discussed:
How trauma impacts the brain—and how it can be healed
Techniques like EMDR and nervous system regulation
Why peer support must be well-trained to be effective
The importance of sleep hygiene and science-based wellness practices
Her books: Strengthening Your Mental Armor and her upcoming peer support manual
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Stephanie Conn’s Website: https://firstresponderpsychology.com
 
 
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.

98 - The God Shot with Dr. Eugene Lipov

Episode Title: The God Shot: How Dr. Eugene Lipov is Transforming PTSD Treatment
Episode Summary:In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with Dr. Eugene Lipov, an anesthesiologist, pain specialist, and internationally recognized pioneer in the treatment of post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Dr. Lipov explains how a simple five-minute procedure called the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)—sometimes referred to as “The God Shot”—has the potential to reset the body’s fight-or-flight response and provide rapid relief from symptoms of trauma.
Dr. Lipov shares remarkable stories, including that of firefighter Matty Fiorenza and his wife, who both experienced profound life changes following the procedure. He also describes the science behind SGB, its potential to reduce stigma by reframing PTSD as PTSI (an injury rather than a disorder), and his personal journey into this groundbreaking work.
Listeners will gain insight into:
What the Stellate Ganglion Block is and how it works
Why renaming PTSD to PTSI could save lives
Real-life transformations from first responders and veterans
The importance of addressing sleep, stigma, and suicide prevention
Dr. Lipov’s advocacy for broader access to this treatment
This episode is filled with hope, science, and practical steps toward healing for first responders, veterans, and anyone impacted by trauma.
Links Mentioned:
Stella Center: stellamentalhealth.com
Dr. Lipov’s work: dreugenelipov.com
The God Shot Book: https://thegodshotbook.com/
PTSI Survey: https://itsptsi.com/
 
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Take the quiz to find your perfect trainer and get 14 days of free training here: https://go.trainwell.net/FirstResponderWellness
 
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.
 

97 - Is Your Check Engine Light On? With Rob Wilson

In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver welcomes human performance coach Rob Wilson, whose upbringing in a first-responder family shaped his dedication to supporting law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS through wellness. They explore how first responders constantly operate on high-alert biologically, often without healthy recovery systems—leading to burnout, early illness, and mental fatigue.
Rob discusses his ‘Check Engine Light’ framework—designed to help first responders self-monitor stress and mental/physical health in actionable, sustainable ways. The conversation delves into key building blocks of wellness—resilience through jiu-jitsu, breathwork, sleep awareness, and everyday movement rituals like sun salutations—that help maintain focus, longevity, and mental sharpness amid job-related stress.
Key Takeaways:
Allostatic load and the armored mentality: staying alert comes at great personal cost.
Developing a self-dashboard: Simple practices and audits for mind, body, and chemistry.
Recovery-informed routines: Breathwork, jujitsu, movement practices, and sleep strategies that work within real first-responder schedules.
Your job is high-stakes; your self-care should be just as strategic.
Connect with Rob:
Book: Check Engine Light: Tuning Mind and Body for Performance & Longevity (available on Amazon)
Newsletter/Substack: Check Engine Light (checkenginelight.substack.com)
Instagram: @thecheckenginelight
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.

96-Using Augmented Reality to Heal PTSD with Dr. Arash Javanbakht

In this  episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver has a conversation with Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a leading psychiatrist and trauma researcher. Dr. Javanbakht explains the neurological and emotional roots of trauma and PTSD, particularly among first responders, and shares how cutting-edge augmented reality technology is offering real hope for healing. From redefining fear to walking alongside patients through digital recreations of triggering scenarios, Dr. Javanbakht’s work is revolutionizing trauma care.
Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of what trauma truly is, why it impacts people differently, and why recovery is not only possible—but probable.
 
Learn more about Dr. Javanbakht's work: https://ghrc.wayne.edu/faculty/arash-javanbhakt
Get his book: https://www.amazon.com/Afraid-Understanding-Purpose-Harnessing-Anxiety/dp/1538170388
 
 
 
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Take the quiz to find your perfect trainer and get 14 days of free training here: https://go.trainwell.net/FirstResponderWellness
 
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.

95 - How Dallas PD is Helping Their Officers - Joe King

In this episode, host Conrad Weaver has a conversation with Joe King, a 28-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department and one of the driving forces behind their Officer Wellness & Longevity Unit (OWL). Joe opens up about the trauma he experienced during the 2016 Dallas ambush that killed five officers, and how that tragedy became the turning point for his personal journey—and a catalyst for systemic change.
Joe shares the inside story of how Dallas PD shifted from a reactive, check-the-box approach to mental health to a proactive, peer-led model that’s changing lives and careers. From reshaping the stigma around seeking help to launching a bold new alcohol policy and leading a widely respected podcast (ATO Bridging the Divide), Joe speaks candidly about what it really takes to protect the people who protect others.
If you’re in leadership, on the front lines, or part of a department looking to do better—this episode will challenge and inspire you.
 
Check out the news story about the Dallas Officer Wellness & Longevity Unit (OWL)
 
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Take the quiz to find your perfect trainer and get 14 days of free training here: https://go.trainwell.net/FirstResponderWellness
 
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
 
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/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
 
Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.