Responder Resilience

Fire Service / Fdny Episodes

Feb. 4, 2026

Visionary Leaders Masterclass: Chief Nick Marsan | S6 E5

In this episode of Responder Resilience's Visionary Leaders Masterclass, Fire Chief Nick Marsan from Westport, CT, shares his mantra: “Mission First, People Always.” This phrase isn’t just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle that can reshape leadership in the fire service.
Guest: Nick Marsan
Jan. 7, 2026

Breaking Barriers: The Journey Of A Trailblazer Guest Lillian Bonsignore | S6 E1

In this encore presentation of Responder Resilience, we revisit the compelling journey of retired FDNY EMS Chief Lillian Bonsignore, who recently took on the role of Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department.
Dec. 31, 2025

A Lifeline For NYC’s EMS with Guest Danielle Gustafson | S5 E53

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 ac…
Nov. 26, 2025

Condition Critical: The Crisis Within EMS with Guest Anthony Almojera | S5 E48

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 turnove…
Oct. 29, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Embedding in Disaster Responses | S5 E44

In this Clinicians' Guide Masterclass, we turn the spotlight on the often-overlooked world of mental health in disaster response.
Sept. 10, 2025

Lessons from the Leaders of FDNY | S5 E37

In this episode, we hear from seven influential FDNY leaders who share their insights on effective leadership, resilience, and wellness.
Aug. 27, 2025

Creating A Culture Of Resilience with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell | S5 E35

Get ready to embark on the inspiring journey of Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, the groundbreaking former U.S. Fire Administrator
Aug. 20, 2025

Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty with Lt. Tommy Bolin | S5 E34

We talk with Lt. Tommy Bolin, a firefighter and paramedic from Central Ohio, about the hidden mental health struggles first responders face, and drawing from his book, “Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty in a Life of Trauma and Sacrifice.”
Guest: Tommy Bolin
Aug. 6, 2025

Revolutionize Your Resilience with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux | S5 E32

We sit down with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux, the dynamic duo behind the Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference. From raw, personal stories to powerful insights about mental health, these two are on a mission to help first responders navigate the often-overlooked challenges they face.
July 9, 2025

Forging FDNY’s Mental Health Model | S5 E28

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Andrew Kane, a seasoned veteran of the FDNY with three decades of experience. Drew was on the front lines at Ground Zero during 9/11 and has committed his life to supporting firefighters and their families in navigating mental health and subst…
Guest: Andrew Kane
June 25, 2025

From Ashes To Insights: Untold Stories Of Fire Marshals | S5 E26

Join us in this smoldering episode as we sit down with Erik Mickelsen, a seasoned Investigator from the Franklin Township Fire Marshals Office and Somerset County Fire Investigation Unit.
June 18, 2025

Taking the Cape Off with Patrick J. Kenny | S5 E25

Join us for a powerful conversation with Retired Fire Chief Patrick J. Kenny, author of “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief, and Loss.” We peel back the layers of leadership in emergency services and what it truly means to lead with strength and vulnerabilit…
June 4, 2025

The Wake-Up Call: From Near-Death to Thriving with Guest Danny Smith | S5 E23

In this episode, we sit down with Lt. Danny Smith, a retired firefighter whose 18 years of service took an unexpected turn during a harrowing cardiac event in 2017. Danny shares his transformative journey of navigating the critical crossroads of health and well-being.
Guest: Danny Smith
May 21, 2025

Standing Strong: The Impact of NFFF and FRCE | S5 E21

We speak with Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the First Responder Center for Excellence. We’ll honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and discuss the vital mission of NFFF in supporting the mental health and wellness of responders.
April 30, 2025

Cancer Under Fire: Changing the Game to Reduce Risks | S5 E18

This critical episode explores a pressing issue affecting every firefighter: cancer prevention and detection. Join FDNY Battalion Chief John Haseney as we discuss vital steps being taken to overcome implementation barriers within the fire service.
Guest: John Haseney
April 23, 2025

Family First: Building Resilience at Home with Dr. Rachelle Zemlok | S5 E17

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, a first responder psychologist specializing in the unique challenges first responder families face. We explore the vital importance of family support in this demanding job.
April 16, 2025

Choosing Growth Over Grief with Guest Rick Cheatham | S5 E16

We sit down with Rick Cheatham, a seasoned Life and Career Transformation Coach and retired Fire Captain. Rick shares his profound journey of resilience, navigating personal challenges including overcoming addiction, coping with the murder of his son, and enduring a life-changing injury.
Guest: Rick Cheatham
March 19, 2025

Jason Patton—Saving Lives Through Connection and Comedy | S5 E12

In this encore episode, get ready to meet charismatic firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton, the creative force behind Fire Department Chronicles.
Guest: Jason Patton
Feb. 12, 2025

The Story Behind “Cycling for a Cause” | S5 E7

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Joe Matthews, retired Captain of the New York City Fire Department. As we explore his remarkable FDNY career, Joe shares how his experiences shaped his identity and resilience. Discover the transformative journey that led him to cycle coast to coast for ch…
Guest: Joe Matthews
Jan. 29, 2025

Addressing Retirement, Moral Injury and Suicide | S5 E5

In this episode, we chat with Jeff Dill, Founder and CEO of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). Jeff shares insights on moral injury, the cultural brainwashing that affects first responders, and the alarming statistics related to firefighter suicides.
Guest: Jeff Dill
Jan. 15, 2025

Frank Leto—Success Stories from FDNY’s Counseling Service Unit | S5 E3

Tune in for a candid conversation highlighting behavioral health's critical role in emergency services. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Frank Leto (Ret.), Captain and Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Service Unit (CSU), to discuss the profound impact of 9/11 on firefighter behavior…
Guest: Frank Leto
Jan. 8, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Working with Unique Fire And Law Populations | S5 E2

In this episode of our clinician masterclass series, we dive into the unique challenges faced by wildland firefighters and specialized law enforcement units like the Border Patrol, FBI, US Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. Join psychologist Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia as she share…
Dec. 18, 2024

Dena Ali—Finding “Hope Out of Darkness” | S4 E51

Join us for an enlightening episode as we speak with Battalion Chief Dena Ali, the Program Manager for Behavioral Health at the First Responder Center for Excellence. In this discussion, we explore her groundbreaking new book, *Hope Out of Darkness: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness*.
Guest: Dena Ali
Dec. 11, 2024

Kristina Moon—Coping with Loss in the Line of Duty | S4 E50

We welcome Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation, to discuss organ donation and its impact on first responders and their families. Kristina shares her journey through grief and how she found healing after the tragic loss of her husband, FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, II.
Guest: Kristina Moon