Responder Resilience

Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

Dec. 10, 2025

Beyond Cultural Competence: Real Talk from the Trenches with Guest Drew Masters | S5 E50

Lt. Masters discusses the critical need for culturally competent clinicians who understand the unique pressures faced by those on the front lines. With his boots on the ground, he shares firsthand insights on how appropriate training can bridge the gap between responders and mental health professio…
The player is loading ...
Beyond Cultural Competence: Real Talk from the Trenches with Guest Drew Masters | S5 E50
Dec. 3, 2025

S5 E49 From Chaos To Connection: Healing The Responder Relationship with Guest Erin Maccabee

Erin Maccabee shares a roadmap for clinicians and first responders navigating 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.
Guest: Erin Maccabee
The player is loading ...
S5 E49 From Chaos To Connection: Healing The Responder Relationship with Guest Erin Maccabee
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…
The player is loading ...
Condition Critical: The Crisis Within EMS with Guest Anthony Almojera | S5 E48
Nov. 19, 2025

S5 E47 Embracing Life Beyond The Badge with Guest Erin Nugent

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…
Guest: Erin Nugent
The player is loading ...
S5 E47 Embracing Life Beyond The Badge with Guest Erin Nugent
Nov. 12, 2025

Post-Traumatic Growth: Turn Your Pain Into Power with Guests Bonnie Rumilly and Jennifer Spirito | S5 E46

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.
The player is loading ...
Post-Traumatic Growth: Turn Your Pain Into Power with Guests Bonnie Rumilly and Jennifer Spirito | S5 E46
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.
The player is loading ...
Becoming Unbreakable with Guest Kwesi Millington | S5 E45
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.
The player is loading ...
Clinician’s Guide to Embedding in Disaster Responses | S5 E44
Oct. 22, 2025

101 Questions To Ask Before Becoming A Law Enforcement Officer with Guests Ernie Stevens and Scott Medlin | S5 E43

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 …
The player is loading ...
101 Questions To Ask Before Becoming A Law Enforcement Officer with Guests Ernie Stevens and Scott Medlin | S5 E43
Oct. 8, 2025

Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership with Sheriff Michelle Cook | S5 E41

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 de…
Guest: Michelle Cook
The player is loading ...
Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership with Sheriff Michelle Cook | S5 E41
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
The player is loading ...
Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control | S5 E40
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.
The player is loading ...
When Perfectionism Becomes Toxic with Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT | S5 E39
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.
The player is loading ...
Lessons from the Leaders of FDNY | S5 E37
Sept. 3, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Living the Embedded Clinician Role with Dr. Nicole Navega | S5 E36

Join us on this Clinician’s Guide masterclass as we speak with Dr. Nicole Navega, a pioneer in embedded EMS trauma care.
Guest: Nicole Navega
The player is loading ...
Clinician’s Guide to Living the Embedded Clinician Role with Dr. Nicole Navega | S5 E36
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
The player is loading ...
Creating A Culture Of Resilience with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell | S5 E35
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
The player is loading ...
Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty with Lt. Tommy Bolin | S5 E34
Aug. 13, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Structuring a Practice That Works | S5 E33

Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMTB, and Stacy Raymond, PsyD, share their expertise on building a practice tailored for clinicians working with First Responders in this engaging episode.
The player is loading ...
Clinician’s Guide to Structuring a Practice That Works | S5 E33
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.
The player is loading ...
Revolutionize Your Resilience with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux | S5 E32
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
The player is loading ...
Battling Burnout with Brainspotting and Sleep Strategies | S5 E30
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
The player is loading ...
Nervous System Recalibration©: Finding Focus Under Pressure | S5 E29
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
The player is loading ...
Forging FDNY’s Mental Health Model | S5 E28
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
The player is loading ...
Modern Tools for Mental Mastery with Dr. Nolan Beise | S5 E27
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.
The player is loading ...
From Ashes To Insights: Untold Stories Of Fire Marshals | S5 E26
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…
The player is loading ...
Taking the Cape Off with Patrick J. Kenny | S5 E25
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 player is loading ...
How FightCamp Shapes Resilience with Coach PJ Shirdan | S5 E24