First Responder Wellness Podcast

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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

Wednesday Mar 20, 2024

30 - Raw Thoughts that Transform with Makenzie Tiegs

Wednesday Mar 20, 2024

30 - Raw Thoughts that Transform with Makenzie Tiegs

MaKenzie Tiegs is a retired paramedic from Idaho and she’s the host of the raw thoughts podcast. Makenzie’s experience as a wildland firefighter/paramedic also played a role in her journey to where she is today. Join me in this deep and compelling conversation that I can only describe as raw… its kind of what you get when you’re talking with Makenzie. You’ll enjoy this conversation so stay tuned.

Connect with Makenzie:

https://rawthoughtspodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rawthoughts.podcast/

https://www.facebook.com/makenzie.tiegs208

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIQkzGm10CBfiqaOokJWygg

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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/
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

Wednesday Mar 13, 2024

29 - Finding Purpose in Pain with James Starlin

Wednesday Mar 13, 2024

29 - Finding Purpose in Pain with James Starlin

Jim Starlin is the CEO and founder of the Team Alpha Critical Incident Diffusion Unit  (C.I.D.U.). Jim has a diverse background in about every aspect of the 1st response community in the his 40 years of service. He has quite a resume of experience as a Fire Fighter /Medic/ 911 Dispatcher / Corrections Officer / Air Medical Telecommunicator / Regional Emergency Manager and Disaster Response Mobile Field Hospital Team Leader Jim is now retired from serving as a first responder but he has recently dedicated himself to care for the caregivers by focusing on their mental wellness. Stay tuned for this conversation as we talk about his idea for a Rapid Response Team who will provide Mental Health care on active scenes while the trauma is still fresh and manageable.

https://teamalphacidu.com/

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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

Wednesday Mar 06, 2024

28 - W.A.I.T. Why am I Talking? With David Nathanson

Wednesday Mar 06, 2024

28 - W.A.I.T. Why am I Talking? With David Nathanson

David Nathanson is a retired Marine who has commanded at every level, from platoon to regiment, including a combat logistics battalion during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He spent more than 30 years in the Marine Corps and we will hear how his life unraveled after his retirement, and how he’s working to put it back together AND help others who suffered in the same way.

David Currently serves as the Executive Director for Eagle Oak Retreat, a nonprofit organization that provides wellness services and post-traumatic growth training to combat veterans and first responders.

ABOUT DAVID
David “Nate” Nathanson was born, raised, and educated in New Jersey. An avid cyclist, outdoorsman, lifelong learner, lover of music, Harley enthusiast, Jeep owner, and Scuba Divemaster, David served as both an enlisted Marine and an officer of Marines. He has commanded at every level, from platoon to regiment, including a combat logistics battalion during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Additionally, he participated in many campaigns, operations, and humanitarian assistance missions during his more than 30-year career. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University, two Master's Degrees from the Marine Corps University, and one from the Naval War College. Currently serves as the Executive Director for Eagle Oak Retreat, a nonprofit organization that provides wellness services and post-traumatic growth training to combat veterans and first responders who dedicate their lives to serving others.

CONNECT WITH DAVID
https://www.eagleoakretreat.org/about-eor

https://www.linkedin.com/company/78820412/admin/feed/posts/

https://www.facebook.com/EagleOakRetreat/

https://www.instagram.com/eagleoakretreat/

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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

Monday Mar 04, 2024

27 - Behaviors and Mindsets become Contagious with Jason Mills

Monday Mar 04, 2024

27 - Behaviors and Mindsets become Contagious with Jason Mills

On this special edition of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Jason Mills talks about his career as a firefighter/paramedic and a flight medic in central Maine and how this work led him into what he's doing now: helping his fellow first responders.

Jason is also the founder and CEO of The Resilient Responder - training and consulting business designed to help teach our first responders how to build resiliency. His company also offers peer support trainings.

Connect with Jason:

https://theresilientresponder.com/

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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

Wednesday Feb 28, 2024

26 - I didn't want to be a "Banquet Chaplain" with Jeffery Gallagher

Wednesday Feb 28, 2024

26 - I didn't want to be a "Banquet Chaplain" with Jeffery Gallagher

Rev. Jeffery Gallagher is a Chaplain for the Tolland Fire Department in Connecticut and he is the Lead Chaplain for the Connecticut State Police. When he was first considering becoming a chaplain, he told the fire chief that he wanted to be more than just the "banquet chaplain" who prays over the Christmas banquet. With no prior experience working with first responders he knew he needed some training and was able to take classes in CISM, Mental Health First Aid, QPR (as a trainer), IAFF Peer Support, IAFF Behavioral Health Awareness, Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, he took the Federation of Fire Chaplains Essentials course as well as the National Fallen Firefighters Line of Duty Death course.

Today on the podcast we talk about his work as a Chaplain and how it has impacted him and those he works with.

ABOUT REV. JEFFERY GALLAGHER

I am an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and have served churches in Maine and Connecticut for over 20 years. I am currently the Senior Pastor of the United Congregational Church of Tolland, Connecticut. As part of my work beyond the church, I serve as the Chaplain of the Tolland Fire Department and the Lead Chaplain for the Connecticut State Police. I have been in both of these Chaplaincy roles for about 7 years.

In addition to my work as a Pastor and Chaplain, I am the Director of the Tolland TOPSoccer program (for children with special needs), a runner, and I have hiked 41 of the 48 mountains in New Hampshire's White Mountains that are over 4,000' tall (hoping to finish next year!). I am the author of the book "Wilderness Blessings: How Down Syndrome Reconstructed My Life and Faith" (2010). I have been married to my wife Kristen for almost 22 years and we have two children: Noah (18) and Jacob (15).

Listen to the previous episode: What is Law Enforcement Chaplaincy?

https://firstresponderfriday.podbean.com/e/24-what-is-law-enforcement-chaplaincy/

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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

Wednesday Feb 21, 2024

25 - FREE Mental Health Services for First Responders with Dr. Mildred Betancourt

Wednesday Feb 21, 2024

25 - FREE Mental Health Services for First Responders

How does your city or agency deal with first responders with mental health issues? Are there programs, resources in place to help those who are struggling? Do they treat mental health issues just like a physical health issue?

Dr. Mildred Betancourt saw an opportunity to make a difference for the first responders in the city of Irving, Texas. What she created should be a model for all cities to follow. Listen to this important conversation.

ABOUT DR. MILDRED BETANCOURT
Dr. Mildred Betancourt developed the Public Safety Wellness Unit for the City of Irving. As Senior Manager Irving Public Safety Wellness Unit she oversees and manages the day-to-day operation of the unit to promote safety, wellness, and resilience for all fire and police personnel. She received her Ph.D. degree in Counseling Psychology in 2010 from the Interamerican University in San Juan, PR. Her previous job experiences include working for the Irving Family Advocacy Center for 11 years with victims of crime, where she performed as Clinical Director for 5 years. Dr. Betancourt also worked with the Correctional Department in Puerto Rico. Additionally, she collaborated as an adjunct professor with the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD).

CONTACT DR. BETANCOURT

Mildred Betancourt, Ph.D.
Public Safety Wellness Unit Senior Manager

https://www.cityofirving.org/4036/Public-Safety-Wellness-Unit
P: (972) 438-9726
C: (469) 559-7688
Email

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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

Wednesday Feb 14, 2024

24-What is Law Enforcement Chaplaincy?

Wednesday Feb 14, 2024

24-What is Law Enforcement Chaplaincy?

According to the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), Chaplaincy offers one of the most impactful support available to law enforcement professionals. The ICPC raises the standard for training and supporting chaplains while they maintain an intentional focus on moral excellence, cutting-edge training, and effective communications to encourage every law enforcement agency to establish and maintain a powerful chaplaincy.

Today on the podcast I have the President of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, Chaplain Jim Bontrager, and the Assistant Director of Region Seven of the ICPC on the show to talk about what law enforcement chaplaincy does for an agency.

ABOUT JIM BONTRAGER
Jim is a United States Marine, former Reserve Officer and full time Chaplain with the Elkhart (IN) Police Department. He holds his Diplomate Chaplain credentials with the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) and serves as President of the organization. He is a recipient of the 2012 Wilbert A. Cunningham Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, a 2013 Excellence in Leadership Award from Pointman Leadership Institute, the 2016 recipient of the Richard S. Kassel Award, the 2017 recipient of the Pilsung Warrior Award, and a 2018 recipient of the John A. Price Excellence in Chaplaincy Award.

Jim was appointed a Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Mike Pence in 2015. He is author of the official law enforcement curriculum for the movie Courageous, is an Indiana State certified LE Instructor as well as an instructor with the ICPC. He is founder/ director of Warrior on the Wall which works to address law enforcement suicide, family breakdown, and the unique emotional/ spiritual challenges to the profession.

ICPC
PO Box 5033
Knoxville, TN 37928
United States of America

Email Address
icpc@icpc4cops.org

ABOUT KEN SCHLENKER
Chaplain Ken Schlenker is the Founder and Executive Director of RKM Crisis Team, dba CAREForce, a nonprofit 501(c)3 providing Crisis Training, Response, Organizational Development and coaching for community & first-responder organizations. He also serves as an Assistant Professor, Director and creator of the Chaplain Degree Programs at Grace School of Theology, a fully accredited (ATS and TRACS) seminary located in The Woodlands, TX. The degree programs at Grace range from undergraduate through doctorate and serve 38 countries in 8 different languages.

Ken graduated from Talbot School of Theology, BIOLA University with a M.Div. degree and from Southern Illinois University with a BA in Health Care Management. Ken served as a Corpsman (HM2) in the US Navy and has spent over 30 years in ministry--as a Care and Missions Pastor and Public Safety Chaplain providing crisis intervention services and training nationally.

Chaplain Schlenker is the author of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Law Enforcement Chaplain Curriculum in 2011 which was created as part of the POST Master Instructor Instructional Development Institute (MICC3) Training Program. He is a recognized national public speaker.

Ken currently serves as a trainer and Law Enforcement Chaplain with the Montgomery County Texas Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney Offices.

Connect with Ken at ken@careforce.us

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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

Wednesday Feb 07, 2024

23-All-in to help first responders. With Darren Purcell

Wednesday Feb 07, 2024

23-All in on helping first responders. With Darren Purcell

Some first responders go their entire career and don’t realize how the job is impacting them. That's what happened with Darren Purcell. About nine months into his retirement, after 35 years of being a fire fighter and paramedic, the trauma of the job caught up with him. But Darren got help.

Darren has turned his recovery into a personal mission to help as many first responders as he can. In 2023, with the help of his church, he launched a first responder support group. In fact he and his wife both help lead support groups at Saddleback Church. Darren’s wife, Jody helps lead the First Responder spouse support group.

Listen to his inspiring story.

ABOUT DARREN PURCELL
Darren served the Orange County Fire Authority for 35 years as a firefighter, paramedic, and captain. He worked all the busy stations and also involved in training, mentoring and helping young aspiring fire fighters. He never thought about PTSD while doing the job.

First Responders Wellness at Saddleback Church

This support group is like no other. This is a place for first responders and first responders only. We share a common bond and experience things in our work that are unique to our profession. The things we see affect every person differently. Some of us have no issues at all and some have major issues. The hours we work, the lack of sleep, and the different types of people we encounter all have effects on our well-being and if not addressed properly can come out in a variety of ways. Every single person has a different story and a different way this affects them, but we all get it. This is a place to share, listen, learn, and have a space to transform our behavior. It’s not impossible alone, but it’s not the best way to get better. It’s a fact that more first responders die from suicide each year than on duty. This is a place not only to get the help you need, but we will teach you how to take this hurt and use it to help others.

This support group meets in-person the first Tuesday of every month at the Saddleback Lake Forest campus and meets online the third Tuesday of every month.

https://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/first-responders-wellness/lake-forest?

Contact Darren

Darrenp1@att.net

949-233-6808

First Responders Spouse Support Group

Our first responder spouse support group is a community of individuals who share a common experience of being married to first responders such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel. The group is rooted in the belief that faith can provide strength, comfort, and support to spouses facing the unique challenges of being married to first responders.

The primary purpose of the group is to provide emotional and spiritual support to spouses of first responders. Members of the group share their experiences, concerns, and struggles with one another in a safe and confidential environment. The group provides a space for spouses to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community. Overall, the first responder spouse support group provides a space for spouses to come together, share their experiences, and find strength and support in their faith as they navigate the unique challenges of being married to a first responder.

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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

Wednesday Jan 31, 2024

22-Are you losing your religion? - Jeremy Wade

Wednesday Jan 31, 2024

22-Are you losing your religion? - Jeremy Wade

How do you reconcile your faith - whether you consider yourself a Christian or otherwise - and being a first responder? You’ve seen the darkest side of humanity, and have experienced loss within your own ranks with those who have given up hope.

That’s the very thing that Jeremy Wade struggled with while he was an officer with the Seattle police department.

Today on the podcast Jeremy talks about this struggle and how he was able to overcome this dichotomy. In his years at Seattle PD Jeremy helped launch a wellness program and in his last few years there he was the executive director of the Seattle Police Chaplains Association.

Today, Jeremy and his Wife Ketryna have launched a national first responder ministry called Mission First Alliance who’s mission is to encouraging ministries and engage the Church to equip our nation’s first responders and their families to live in Christ and on Mission.

ABOUT JEREMY WADE

Jeremy served for the Seattle Police Department for 13 years, but struggled with his identity in Christ vs his identity in the badge early in his career. After a few years on the department he fully surrendered his life to the Lord, which started an amazing journey that the Lord has been blessing along the way. While not free from challenges like the Seattle riots, and many critical incidents, Jeremy could see God’s hand in directing his paths.
On the Seattle PD, Jeremy was awarded Officer of the Year, and Medal of Valor. He worked in patrol, in the training unit, as a peer support coordinator, and assisted in developing the department’s first wellness unit. He co-founded the SPD Beds for Kids Program with Ryan Gallagher, that continues on today. Jeremy also served as the executive director of the Seattle Police Chaplains Association, and came alongside many other local and national first responder ministries.

In 2021, Jeremy, his wife Ketryna, and four kids, felt God calling them to move to Tennessee and step out in faith to do full time ministry, supporting first responders nationwide. This led to serving as the Training & Development Coordinator for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers- USA, until God started directing his path, and opening doors to start Mission First Alliance.

CONNECT WITH JEREMY

Mission First Alliance is building a gospel focused first responder alliance. We are uniting and equipping all who have a heart to reach our nation's first responders and their families for Christ. Together we can have a greater Kingdom impact.
www.MissionFirstAlliance.com

-Membership Application for Mission First Alliance attached. Membership is free. Everyone accepted before the end of the year will be our Charter Members. Completed forms can be emailed back to me.
Link: https://www.missionfirstalliance.com/join-now

Some Membership Benefits:
Two Facebook Groups (one private group for members only of Mission First Alliance (invite only), and one private alliance network group for ministry leaders and first responders to network (must be verified and accepted into this group). Here is the link to the alliance network group. Join. Share. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mfanetworkgroup)
Monthly Zoom for Mission First Alliance Members- First Wednesday of every month at 6pm PST/ 9pm EST.
3-4 Leaders Summit Retreats in 2024 around the country.
2024 Annual Conference for ALL who have a heart to reach our nation's first responders and their families for Christ.

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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

Wednesday Jan 24, 2024

21 - Chasing Curiosity with Cassie Sexton

Wednesday Jan 24, 2024

21 - Chasing Curiosity with Cassie Sexton

Cassie Sexton spent a number of years as a first responder, first as a jail officer in her southern California community, and finally as a 911 dispatcher. But the job took a toll on her life. Stay tuned for her compelling story and as she shares a few of the things she did to get her health and wellness back to what it should be.

ABOUT CASSIE SEXTON

Originating from Southern California, Cassie Sexton possesses an extensive background in Law Enforcement, with the majority of her career dedicated to serving in the 9-1-1 Center. Presently, she holds the position of an Account Executive at Mindbase, where her primary focus revolves around proactive wellness initiatives and resource provision for first responders through technological means. Cassie's desire for assisting first responders is deeply rooted in her personal journey of healing from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) through wellness practices, meditation, and recovery. Notably, she continues to actively contribute to the Regional Peer Support Team and holds a position on the APCO International Health and Wellness Committee.

Instagram: @Cassiegirl911
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassiesexton
http://www.getmindbase.com
Instagram: @_mindbase

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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

Episodes

CONTACT DR. BETANCOURTMildred Betancourt, Ph.D.Public Safety Wellness Unit Senior Manager

https://www.cityofirving.org/4036/Public-Safety-Wellness-UnitP: (972) 438-9726C: (469) 559-7688Email

ICPCPO Box 5033 Knoxville, TN 37928 United States of AmericaEmail Addressicpc@icpc4cops.org

First Responders Wellness at Saddleback Church

Contact Darren

CONTACT DR. BETANCOURT

Mildred Betancourt, Ph.D.
Public Safety Wellness Unit Senior Manager

https://www.cityofirving.org/4036/Public-Safety-Wellness-Unit
P: (972) 438-9726
C: (469) 559-7688
Email

ICPC
PO Box 5033
Knoxville, TN 37928
United States of America

Email Address
icpc@icpc4cops.org