Responder Resilience

Resilience Tools Episodes

Becoming Unbreakable with Guest Kwesi Millington | S5 E45
Nov. 5, 2025

Becoming Unbreakable with Guest Kwesi Millington | S5 E45

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.
Guest: Kwesi Millington
The New Playbook for Increasing Resilience with Dr. Stephanie Conn | S5 E42
Oct. 15, 2025

The New Playbook for Increasing Resilience with Dr. Stephanie Conn | S5 E42

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 Po…
Guest: Stephanie M. Conn
Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control | S5 E40
Oct. 1, 2025

Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control | S5 E40

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 re…
Guest: Joshua Bitsko
When Perfectionism Becomes Toxic with Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT | S5 E39
Sept. 24, 2025

When Perfectionism Becomes Toxic with Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT | S5 E39

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.
Guest: Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT
Creating A Culture Of Resilience with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell | S5 E35
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
Guest: Lori Moore-Merrell
Revolutionize Your Resilience with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux | S5 E32
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.
Guests: Jim Burneka , Nick Magoteaux
Battling Burnout with Brainspotting and Sleep Strategies | S5 E30
July 23, 2025

Battling Burnout with Brainspotting and Sleep Strategies | S5 E30

What if the key to mental wellness lies not just in the mind but in the bed? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Leah Kaylor, the FBI's sleep expert helps to unravel the intricate relationship between sleep and resilience, exploring how addressing sleep issues can spark essential conversations about m…
Guest: Leah Kaylor
Nervous System Recalibration©: Finding Focus Under Pressure | S5 E29
July 16, 2025

Nervous System Recalibration©: Finding Focus Under Pressure | S5 E29

Join us for an insightful conversation with Doug Allen, the author of “An Operator's Guide to the Nervous System”. With a deep commitment to serving military personnel and the first responder community, Doug offers a fresh perspective on achieving peak performance through an innovative technique th…
Guest: Doug Allen
Modern Tools for Mental Mastery with Dr. Nolan Beise | S5 E27
July 2, 2025

Modern Tools for Mental Mastery with Dr. Nolan Beise | S5 E27

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nolan Beise, the visionary CEO of Circl Brain Health. Imagine a world where you can optimize your mental performance just as you would your physical fitness.
Guest: Nolan Beise
How FightCamp Shapes Resilience with Coach PJ Shirdan | S5 E24
June 11, 2025

How FightCamp Shapes Resilience with Coach PJ Shirdan | S5 E24

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of boxing with “Coach PJ” Shirdan from FightCamp, a cutting-edge at-home boxing and kickboxing training system. Discover how the art of boxing not only enhances physical fitness but also fosters discipline and resilience—crucial traits for those …
Guest: PJ Shirdan
The Wake-Up Call: From Near-Death to Thriving with Guest Danny Smith | S5 E23
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
Responder's Survival Guide: Stress Less, Forgive More with Dr. Fred Luskin | S5 E14
April 2, 2025

Responder's Survival Guide: Stress Less, Forgive More with Dr. Fred Luskin | S5 E14

Are you feeling overwhelmed by extreme stress or struggling with feelings of resentment? In this enlightening episode, we feature Dr. Frederic Luskin, the renowned director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects.
Guest: Fred Luskin
Dena Ali—Finding “Hope Out of Darkness” | S4 E51
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
Kristina Moon—Coping with Loss in the Line of Duty | S4 E50
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
Post-Traumatic Growth: A Journey with Guest Daniel Sundahl | S4 E40
Oct. 2, 2024

Post-Traumatic Growth: A Journey with Guest Daniel Sundahl | S4 E40

Daniel Sundahl, acclaimed artist and retired paramedic/firefighter, presents "Post-Traumatic Growth—Finding Benefits Within Challenges." He will take us on a visual narrative of resilience and transformation as we view and listen to his personal story of post-traumatic growth. Through a powerful n…
Guest: Daniel Sundahl
Ryan Dedmon—Shaping the Future of 911 | S4 E39
Sept. 25, 2024

Ryan Dedmon—Shaping the Future of 911 | S4 E39

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Dedmon, the dedicated Outreach Director for the 911 Training Institute and a retired police dispatcher from Southern California. Ryan is on a mission to help 911 professionals recover from and grow beyond post-traumatic stress. We investigate the pressing staf…
Guest: Ryan Dedmon
Eric Reynolds—KetoFiveO, Cops and Campers | S4 E36
Sept. 4, 2024

Eric Reynolds—KetoFiveO, Cops and Campers | S4 E36

Join us in this wide-ranging episode as we sit down with Eric Reynolds, a retired Boynton Beach police officer, sports nutritionist, and personal trainer, to explore his remarkable journey. We converse about Eric's transition from law enforcement to health and wellness advocacy. We explore the foun…
Guest: Eric Reynolds
Kristofor Healey—Stoic Strategies for Success | S4 E33
Aug. 14, 2024

Kristofor Healey—Stoic Strategies for Success | S4 E33

In this essential episode, we sit down with Kristofor Healey, a former Special Agent renowned for spearheading the largest tele-fraud case in U.S. history. We discuss Healey’s transition from law enforcement to motivational speaking, and how he intertwined his experiences with the timeless wisdom o…
Guest: Kristofor Healey
Dr. Rita Brock—Breaking the Chains of Moral Injury | S4 E26
June 26, 2024

Dr. Rita Brock—Breaking the Chains of Moral Injury | S4 E26

In this info-packed episode, we dive deep into the world of moral injury with the brilliant Dr. Rita Brock, Director of the Volunteers of America Shay Moral Injury Center. Her program extends its life-saving support to first responders, healthcare providers, social workers, and others facing the ha…
Guest: Rita Brock
Dr. Olivia Johnson—Fatal 10: Deadly Factors Behind Officer Suicides | S4 E24
June 13, 2024

Dr. Olivia Johnson—Fatal 10: Deadly Factors Behind Officer Suicides | S4 E24

In this dynamic episode encore, Stacy and David sit down with the remarkable Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of the Blue Wall Institute. They dive into one of the most pressing issues in law enforcement today: police officer suicide. The conversation catapults into the deep, dark waters of why so many …
Guest: Dr. Olivia Johnson
Voices from the Frontline of EMS | S4 E18
May 1, 2024

Voices from the Frontline of EMS | S4 E18

This exclusive episode highlights powerful stories and innovations from emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. It includes insights from Daniel Sundahl, Jason Patton, Bryony Gilbey, Eric Chase, Derek O. Hanley, Dr. Peter Antevy and MaKenzie Tiegs emphasizing teamwork, mental health support…
Guests: Peter Antevy, MD , Eric Chase , Daniel Sundahl , MaKenzie Tiegs , Bryony Gilbey , Derek O. Hanley , Jason Patton
This Too Shall Pass?? Real Talk on Stress vs Serenity | S4 E11
March 14, 2024

This Too Shall Pass?? Real Talk on Stress vs Serenity | S4 E11

In this special episode, Officer Pete Elste (Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator), Firefighter Pete Nichio, Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW-EMT, and Scott Alvord, LCSW (Crisis Intervention Clinician), come together for Real Talk: Stress vs Serenity. Under the theme of "This too shall pass," they explore stre…
Guests: Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT , Peter Elste , Scott Alvord, LCSW , Pete Nichio
Bonnie & Stacy: What Do The Shrinks Think? | S4 E4
Jan. 24, 2024

Bonnie & Stacy: What Do The Shrinks Think? | S4 E4

In the latest episode of Responder Resilience, trauma therapists Dr. Stacy Raymond and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT, dive deep into the crucial aspects of first responder mental health.
Guests: Stacy Raymond , Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT
Todd Donovan—From Silence to Strength | S4 E3
Jan. 17, 2024

Todd Donovan—From Silence to Strength | S4 E3

🎙️Join us for an emotional and inspiring episode featuring retired Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Todd Donovan. 🚒 We dive deep into his journey, exploring what triggered his depression and suicidal thoughts. We'll explore the groundbreaking world of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and discover T…
Guest: Todd Donovan