First Responder Wellness Podcast
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.
First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver
The First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver is where mental health, resilience, and real solutions meet for police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and the families who support them.
No fluff. No corporate wellness speak. Just honest conversations with first responders, mental health professionals, and leaders who've lived it — covering burnout, PTSD, suicide awareness, peer support, shift work, marriage, and what it actually takes to have a long, healthy career in this profession. Every episode is designed to leave you with something you can actually use.
If you serve, lead people who serve, or love someone who does — this podcast was made for you.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Episode Title: I'm Going to Sit With YouGuest: Barb Bigalke, Founder of the Center for Suicide Awareness
Episode Summary:In this deeply impactful conversation, Conrad Weaver speaks with Barb Bigalke, the founder of the Center for Suicide Awareness, about breaking the stigma around suicide and supporting those who are grieving. Barb shares her journey from working at the Wisconsin Department of Justice to creating a safe space for people impacted by suicide. She explains why language matters, how stigma prevents compassion, and the importance of connection in preventing suicide.
Listeners will learn practical, compassionate ways to support someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, why asking about suicidal thoughts can be a life-saving act, and how small gestures—like sending a simple text—can make a profound difference. Barb also introduces the HOPELINE, a 24/7 emotional support text line, and shares how first responders and community members alike can get involved.
Key Takeaways:
Why saying “died by suicide” is more compassionate and reduces stigma.
How societal discomfort creates isolation for grieving families.
The epidemic of suicide as a public health issue—and why it demands urgent attention.
How connection, belonging, and purpose protect against suicide.
Practical tips for reaching out to someone in crisis or mourning.
The role of technology in both disconnecting and reconnecting us.
Resources Mentioned:
HOPELINE — Text “HOPELINE” to 741-741 for free, 24/7 emotional support.
Learn more or volunteer: Center for Suicide Awareness Website
https://www.centerforsuicideawareness.org
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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.
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
93 - Going Within to Heal with April Chavez
In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver has a conversation with April Chavez, a former deputy sheriff turned entrepreneur, educator, and wellness advocate. April shares her remarkable journey from serving in the remote mountains of Colorado with limited backup to becoming a leader in the world of personal growth and holistic wellness.
Their conversation explores:
The mental and emotional toll of working in law enforcement
How self-awareness and consistent training help manage high-stress environments
The challenges of transitioning from officer mode to personal life
The value of quiet, introspection, and meditation
The impact of supportive partners and communities
Practical steps for building resilience and healthy habits
This episode offers relatable, real-world advice for first responders and anyone seeking a grounded path to personal growth and emotional clarity.
Key Takeaways:
You don’t rise to the level of your courage — you fall to the level of your training
Inner work starts with creating time for silence and reflection
Emotional growth comes from observing how we respond — not just how we perform
Writing, journaling, and mental rehearsal are tools for daily alignment
Even small, consistent changes lead to lasting transformation
Resources Mentioned:
https://drivenlivin.com
The Drive Collective – April’s private wellness community
Insight Timer App – Guided meditations by April Chavez
Atomic Habits by James Clear
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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.
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with Neil Schoepp, a former New York City police officer and firefighter, to discuss how first responders—and anyone—can overcome hesitation and overthinking to live more intentionally and purposefully. Neil shares real-world stories from his time in uniform, the deadly consequences of hesitation, and how he translated first responder training into tools for civilian life.
This conversation dives into:
Why hesitation is more dangerous than we think
The AIR Method (Awareness, Interruption, Redirection) to reprogram your mindset
How visualization—used by first responders daily—can transform your personal decision-making
“Point and call” (Shisa Kanko) and other habits that improve present-moment awareness
Why routines matter: Are you building your future or maintaining your past?
Tools to stop automatic negative thoughts and rewrite the story you tell yourself
How collaboration, identity, and intentional choices lead to lasting transformation
Whether you're in the firehouse or the boardroom, Neil’s mindset tools can help you act with clarity, crush doubt, and live with confidence.
CONNECT WITH NEILNeilSchoepp.comTo learn more about 6 weeks of group coaching https://go.neilschoepp.com/results-over-excuses-coachingTo Download the Free Mental Reboot Manual https://go.neilschoepp.com/mental-reboot-manualEmail Neil@NeilSchoepp.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.
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
91 - Faith: A Foundation for Resilience - with Sgt. Jason Sery
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran police officer Jason Sery, who shares his 26-year journey in law enforcement, his unwavering Christian faith, and the hidden toll that comes with a life in service. Jason opens up about the emotional and psychological weight of his career — from experiencing trauma firsthand to carrying the burdens of others as a peer support officer and Bible study leader. He courageously reveals how his unprocessed pain and internalized stress led him to the brink of suicide during a family vacation in Hawaii.
With humility and grace, Jason shares how God's intervention, solid therapy, and the support of his faith community saved his life and re-anchored his purpose. He also discusses the challenges of being a Christian in a secular profession and offers guidance for officers struggling silently with their faith or mental wellness. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, Jason’s vulnerability and authenticity will leave a lasting impact.
CONNECT WITH JASONLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-sery-52ab69a5/
Mission First Alliance
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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.
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
90 - Caring for the Caregiver: Preventing Burnout in First Responders with Fran Graham
In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with crisis response expert and former police officer Fran Graham about trauma care for first responders and disaster survivors. Fran breaks down the essential differences between trauma, PTSD, and moral injury, and explains how psychological first aid plays a critical role in immediate crisis stabilization. She also shares practical advice for caregivers, chaplains, and responders on how to protect their own well-being while showing up for others.
Fran’s perspective is rooted in her own experiences as a police officer in the United Kingdom, and more recently in responding to disaster zones in the US and abroad. she delivers hard-earned wisdom with clarity and compassion.
ABOUT FRANFran Graham is an international chaplain, educator, emergency disaster relief responder, emotional and mental trauma interventionist and consultant, working globally with both governmental and non-government agencies for over 20 years. Her expertise is in establishing large scale emotional health intervention support systems in times of war, refugee crises and following natural disasters, as well as smaller scale local community incidents. As a published author, public speaker, and well-respected instructor in her field, she trains others to provide critical incident stress management support, education and emotional and spiritual care resources, to anyone in need.
WEBSITE: https://www.iacrt.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.
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
89 - Discovering Purpose in Trauma - The Craig DeMartino Story
You won’t believe this story: Craig DeMartino fell roughly 100 feet in the backcountry, suffered catastrophic injuries—and then amputated his own leg. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive the night.
Fast-forward 22 years, and Craig has not only climbed El Capitan five times, including as the first amputee to summit it in under 24 hours, but he also leads climbing expeditions that help veterans and people with disabilities reclaim their purpose and identity.
Episode Highlights:
Origins of the Accident
Craig fell ~100 feet while top-roping in Rocky Mountain National Park (July 2002). Miscommunication with partner led to premature release and catastrophic injuries including compound fractures, spinal injury, broken ribs/neck, punctured lungs. He survived and underwent an extensive rescue via backcountry, litter, helicopter, and hospital care.
The Road to Recovery
Multiple surgeries, ICU, rehab, two months in assisted living. After 18 months, he chose to amputate a non-healing right leg to reduce pain and regain function.
Mental Health Journey
Craig and his wife Cindy sought couple and individual therapy for PTSD, identity loss, and adapting to physical changes. Therapeutic strategies: breaking goals into manageable “chunks”—a mindset he learned from climbing.
Rebirth as an Adaptive Climber
Craig returned to climbing, conquered El Capitan five times—including becoming the first amputee to climb it in under a day (14 hours)—and led an all-disability ascent documented in Gimp Monkeys.
Giving Back Through Mentorship
He now co-leads Adaptive Adventures, guiding veterans and others with disabilities into climbing as a tool for healing, identity rebuilding, and community.
Daily Habits for Wellness
Movement, pain management, and self-compassion (“rest days are okay”) are key to sustaining physical and mental health post-trauma.
Facing Fear
Craig still acknowledges fear but manages it by “living with it” rather than trying to erase it—focusing on logical risk management, small incremental progress, and emotional self-regulation.
Finding Purpose
Surviving the accident propelled Craig to ask, “Why did I live?” His mission became turning adversity into opportunity, inspiring and empowering others.
What’s Next?
Upcoming adventure: rock climbing on Sardinia’s coastal cliffs with Cindy.
Listen and be inspired to face your own challenges—and maybe reach for a summit of your own.
CONNECT WITH CRAIGhttps://craigdemartino.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigdem/
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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.
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Show Notes – First Responder Wellness Podcast with Chief David Rhodes
Episode Title:The Calls Didn't Break Me: Toxic Leadership and It's Toll - with Chief David Rhodes
Episode Summary:In this episode, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Chief David Rhodes—veteran firefighter, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering Magazine, and VP of Clarion Fire & Rescue Group—about the often-unspoken toll of toxic leadership in the fire service. Drawing from over 36 years on the line and decades of national instruction, Rhodes shares why organizational culture can be just as damaging as traumatic calls—and why supportive leadership may be the strongest buffer against long-term psychological harm.
Chief Rhodes unpacks the viral keynote that caught fire online after FDIC 2023, where he named the real stressors firefighters often face: exclusion, favoritism, and lack of agency. He discusses why many departments still miss the mark on wellness, what peer support should really look like, and how leaders can move from “power and control” to true servant leadership.
Whether you're in command or just starting your career, this conversation will challenge how you think about mental health, organizational stress, and the responsibility of leadership in public safety.
Key Topics Covered:
Why poor leadership causes more stress than critical incidents
The lasting damage of organizational exclusion and favoritism
Why some firefighters survive trauma—and others don’t
The "legs of the stool" that support emotional resilience
Peer support: what works, what doesn’t, and where it’s going
The danger of over-regulating risk in the name of safety
Why strong leadership demands feedback from outside your circle
Notable Quotes:
“The calls didn’t break me. It was the daily grind of being told no—no to training, no to contributing, no to growth.”
“Leadership is lonely. And if you’re not actively asking, ‘Am I creating a healthy or a toxic culture?’—you already have a problem.”
Connect with Chief David Rhodes:📧 Email: david.rhodes@clarionevents.com📱 Social: @ChiefDavidRhodes on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
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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.
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Turning Tragedy Into Purpose: Regan Falk’s Story and the Legacy of Kevin Regan
Guest: Regan Falk – Founder, Kevin Regan Family Foundation
Summary:In this heartfelt and deeply emotional conversation, Conrad talks with Regan Falk, widow of Philadelphia police officer Kevin Regan. Regan shares her family's journey—beginning with Kevin’s dream of becoming a police officer, the toll of years on the force, and the trauma that ultimately led to his tragic suicide.
They discuss:
Kevin’s passion for policing and dedication to service
The warning signs Regan noticed, and the difficulty of recognizing mental health decline
The lack of support from the department in the aftermath
Regan’s decision to launch a foundation to help other law enforcement families
How the Kevin Regan Family Foundation offers financial aid, therapy support, and more for first responders and their loved ones
This episode is a call to action—for departments, officers, and communities—to address mental health before it’s too late.
Topics Covered:
Signs of PTSD and emotional burnout in first responders
Challenges faced by law enforcement families
Institutional shortcomings in addressing officer wellness
The impact of suicide on surviving family members
Regan’s mission to change the system and support other families
Resources:
Kevin Regan Family Foundation
First H.E.L.P. Organization
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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 and Save 20% through the month of June: 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.
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here and Save 20% through the month of June: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
86 - He Survived the Fire - She Fought to Heal the Wounds
In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Liz Bartholomew, founder of Responders Retreat in Wisconsin. Liz shares the deeply personal and emotional story of her husband Joe, a veteran firefighter whose life was forever changed by a traumatic call—and how the system meant to support him ultimately failed him.
From the haunting silence of unanswered radio calls to the crushing weight of stigma and betrayal, Liz walks us through the difficult road they both traveled as Joe battled severe PTSD. But out of that pain came purpose. Today, Liz leads a retreat in the Northwoods for first responders across the country—offering healing, connection, and hope in the heart of nature.
This is an episode about injury, injustice, and the incredible power of showing up for each other. Whether you’re a first responder, a family member, or someone who cares, you won’t want to miss a minute of this heartfelt conversation.
Connect with Liz, or sign up for a retreat: https://www.firstrespondersretreat.org/
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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 and Save 20% through the month of June: 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.
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
In Episode 85 of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker shares his 39-year journey through the fire service—and the emotional weight that comes with it. From handling fatal fire scenes to the heartbreaking loss of his beloved dogs, Don opens up about the quiet, often ignored toll of first responder work. But this episode isn't about despair—it's about hope, growth, and leading by example.
He speaks candidly about his own breakdown, the pivotal moment a roll of paper towels triggered a complete emotional collapse, and the internal shift that followed. Don also describes how a mindfulness class became the catalyst for transformation and how therapy—once unthinkable for him—became a tool for healing.
Don’s insights on leadership, culture change, and how to spark difficult conversations within departments offer tangible takeaways for chiefs, officers, and every first responder listening.
Connect with Don: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-a-brucker-5817157/
Take the quiz to find your perfect trainer and get 14 days of free training here: https://go.trainwell.net/FirstResponderWellness
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here and Save 20% through the month of June: 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.