In this episode of *Responder Resilience*, we sit down with Danielle Gustafson, the passionate Executive Director of the EMS FDNY Help Fund, a beacon of hope for New York City's Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. These first responders confront an array of obstacles—from the relentless pressures of their job to the barriers in accessing the care they desperately need. Danielle reveals the unseen struggles these rescue warriors face, shedding light on how the Help Fund steps i...

In this encore of our mini-documentary, Responder Resilience takes you on a profound journey into the heart of spirituality—a complex tapestry woven from the experiences of those who stand on the front lines of life and death: our First Responders and military personnel. They exist in a realm where courage meets chaos, and their harrowing encounters shape unique philosophies of resilience and meaning. Through their poignant stories, we witness the raw truth of trauma and the undeniable ...

In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the heart and soul of Autumn Schmidt, a former police officer whose journey from the front lines of law enforcement to the forefront of women's empowerment is nothing short of remarkable. Autumn’s story is rich with the kind of raw vulnerability that reveals the gritty reality of betrayal and adversity in a profession that often demands unwavering strength. She candidly shares her battles—both physical and emotional—that shaped her path, inclu...

We sit down with Lt. Andrew Masters of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, a man who has stared into the abyss. His raw, unfiltered journey takes us deep into the struggles of mental health within the first responder community, where the weight of despair nearly pushed him over the edge. Andrew opens up about his darkest moments, including his near-suicide experience, and the transformative power of resilience and support. As a passionate advocate for mental wellness, Lt. Masters discusses the criti...

Join us for an eye-opening episode featuring Erin Maccabee, a First Responder Integration Coach with deep insights into the world of first responders and their partners. Erin shares a roadmap for clinicians and first responders looking to navigate the intense emotional challenges of the job, and unveils the crucial “re-entry window,” a pivotal moment for transitioning from the high-pressure environment of the field to the safety of home. We’ll tackle the dark side of the “I’m fine” mask...

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the often-overlooked world of New York City’s Emergency Medical Services. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Anthony Almojera, a 20-year veteran Lieutenant and passionate advocate for EMS, as he sheds light on the harsh realities of a profession that battles for recognition alongside firefighters and police, exploring the mental health toll and alarming turnover rates that have surged in the wake of the pandemic. Anthony shares his ...

In this episode of Responder Resilience, we sit down with Erin Nugent, a former police officer turned First Responder Wellness Coach. Erin shares her journey from frontline service to civilian life, discussing the personal challenges she faced and the strategies that have worked for her. She aims to destigmatize mental health through open conversations on her radio show. We also explore Erin’s experiences as a firefighter’s spouse and how that relationship shapes her support approach during t...

In this compelling episode, we go deep into the transformative journey of trauma with clinical directors Bonnie Rumilly and Jennifer Spirito from the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team. Get ready to challenge your perceptions as we unravel how trauma isn't just a burden but a catalyst for profound change. Discover the hidden symptoms of trauma, the unexpected triggers, and how these experiences can fuel personal growth. We’ll unpack the concept of Posttraumatic Growth—what it is, how it ma...

In this episode, we sit down with Kwesi Millington—a former RCMP officer whose life changed forever after a high-profile incident and the mental health crisis that followed. Kwesi opens up about the pressures of policing in the public eye and what it really takes to rebuild after hitting rock bottom. Expect a candid, thought-provoking conversation that digs into the personal cost of the uniform, the journey toward healing, finding purpose after the job, and the bold ideas needed to become “un...

In this Clinicians' Guide Masterclass, we turn the spotlight on the often-overlooked world of mental health in disaster response. Join us as Joellen Rhyndress, a seasoned therapist, shares authentic stories from the front lines of crisis management, revealing what it's truly like to be an embedded clinician in the chaos. We’ll tackle the tricky balance of cultural competence and trust, and we’ll discuss resilience and misconceptions about responder mental health. Buckle up for a wild ride thr...

Join us for this compelling episode featuring retired police officers Ernest Stevens and Scott Medlin as they unpack their groundbreaking book, *101 Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Law Enforcement Officer*. We lean into eye-opening discussions that will challenge your perspective on a career in policing. Hear firsthand how this powerful toolkit is designed to prepare aspiring officers and their families for the realities of the job. From collaborative writing insights to practical ad...

Step into the world of RESPONDER RESILIENCE, an insightful podcast that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of firefighters, EMTs, 911, law enforcement professionals, clinicians and those who serve. Hear firsthand accounts from our community's finest as they discuss critical issues on the job and share their experiences with hosts Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.), Bonnie Rumilly LCSW/EMT and Dr. Stacy Raymond. Explore topics of mental and physical wellness with emergency services thought lea...

In this episode, we converse with Dr. Stephanie Conn, a leading expert in police psychology and resilience training for first responders. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Conn brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, especially from her newly updated book, "Increasing Resilience in Police & Emergency Personnel." We explore groundbreaking topics like nervous system regulation, innovative peer support practices, biohacks, and the latest in sleep science—all aimed at enha...

In this episode, we sit down with Sheriff Michelle Cook from the Clay County, Florida, Sheriff's Office for an eye-opening discussion about the ever-evolving landscape of law enforcement. Sheriff Cook shares her insights on the crucial topics of recruitment and retention within the force, diving deep into the challenges and opportunities that face law enforcement agencies today. Sheriff Cook’s journey as a leader—known for her integrity and compassionate approach—offers a unique perspective o...

Josh Bitsko was one of three officers who breached the suspect’s room during the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. That moment was not just a test of tactics; it was a critical examination of the emotional core of what it truly means to be a first responder. We hear from Josh about maintaining calm in high-stress situations like active shooter scenarios. He shares crucial strategies for self-regulating emotions and how slowing down mentally c...

In this engaging episode of Responder Resilience, Bonnie and David tackle the unspoken challenges faced by first responders dealing with perfectionism and relentless self-criticism. They dig into how the intense nature of their work and the trauma they encounter shape their beliefs and behaviors. It’s a raw look at the struggle to change those negative thought patterns, especially in the high-pressure world of public safety. They also break down some powerful therapeutic techniques like...

In this episode, we address the realities of mental health in high-stress professions, the impact of training, and the often-overlooked importance of creative outlets for healing with John Creamer, the Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Deputy Sheriff’s Association. With over 32 years in law enforcement and a wealth of experience in executive leadership, John reveals the harsh realities facing first responders today and the crucial need for effective training and resilience strategies. ...

In this episode, we hear from seven influential FDNY leaders who share their insights on effective leadership, resilience, and wellness: - Captain Frank Leto: Discusses the rapid formation of FDNY mental health resources after 9/11. - Lieutenant Drew Kane: Offers insights into the support provided by the FDNY Counseling Services Unit to over 16,000 members and their families. - Chief Frank Leeb: Highlights the importance of training and collaboration between FDNY leadership, unions, and peer...

Join us on this Clinician’s Guide masterclass as we speak with Dr. Nicole Navega, a pioneer in embedded EMS trauma care. When it comes to supporting first responders, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for clinicians. Through her insights into various clinical models, Dr. Navega reveals how the embedded clinician model stands out as the most impactful as it fosters unparalleled access, trust, and cultural comprehension. As we unpack the essential mindset required to effectively suppo...

Get ready to embark on the inspiring journey of Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, the groundbreaking former U.S. Fire Administrator. Join us as we explore the unique challenges she faced as a woman during her early career as a paramedic, shedding light on the game-changing initiatives she championed at the IAFF that have left a lasting impact on the fire service community. ​Dr. Moore-Merrell shares powerful insights on leveraging faith and solid relationships to build mental resilience in the trenches....