Paul Conway is a third-generation firefighter having served 31 years in the field, retiring as the Chief of Operations for Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2012. During his time as Chief, he worked in conjunction with federal, state and local agencies in the Southwest Threat Analysis Center. Chief Conway also partnered with other local fire departments in d…

Keep the Truth Tellers Around You with Dr. Jennifer Prohaska This isn’t your typical feel-good chat about mental health. In this brutally honest and refreshingly grounded episode, Dr. Jennifer Prohaska cuts through the fluff with a clear message: we’re focusing on the wrong end of the problem when it comes to wellness in public safety. Dr. Jen expl…

"I began my journey in the fitness industry over 15 years ago as a personal trainer. From walking the gym floor to earning a degree in Sports Science, I ultimately joined the Royal Marines. There, I specialised as a Royal Marines Physical Training and Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor. After nearly a decade in the Marines, it has become my mission…

Anthony Longo is a U.S. Marine Corps Combat Veteran who served multiple deployments in Fallujah, Iraq, as an Infantry Communication Specialist. After his military service, he pursued a career in Fire Rescue, earning a degree in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP). His dedication to protecti…

Dr Michael Greger is a physician, author and internationally recognized nutrition expert. We discuss the causes of chronic disease, plant based diet, carcinogens, disease reversal and much more. Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized professional speaker on a number of important …

Jeff Nichols has been a strength coach for over 20 years working with athletes of all ages in amateur and professional athletics. Jeff is certified through the NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Facilitator both with distinction. Jeff began his career as a graduate assistant at Troy University under Richard Schaughnessy CS…

In this episode of the First Responder Wellness podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Mark Pattison, a former NFL wide receiver turned extreme mountaineer and Sports Illustrated executive. While Mark may not be a first responder in the traditional sense, his life journey is filled with parallels — perseverance, grit, mental toughness, and the …

Steve Wolf's passion for science and engineering, and his 35-year career in stunts and pyrotechnics have given major Hollywood directors the ability to create and control all manner of fires. Now he's redirecting his skills to give the same abilities to firefighters. Wolf has hosted Discovery TV shows on science on engineering, and holds a B.A. fro…

Dr. Erik Won is President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, Inc; a biotechnology company that has innovated breakthrough technologies called Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) and Synchronized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS). These technologies utilize computational neuroanalytics and brain imaging to customize treatment pro…

Ellizabeth Pol is a current Police Officer of 21 years and the Founder/CEO of Resilient Heroes to present first responders and military personnel with psychoeducation on Trauma and Suicide. We discuss her journey into law enforcement, the first responder mental health crisis, suicide autopsies, forensic psychology, canine therapy and much more. "As…

Alastair McGregor is the Co-Founder of STEALTH®: A de-escalation tool using Lego® Serious Play®. A preventative tool which stops people dying. It works and it lasts. And it uses Lego® Al is a Preventative Psychologist specialising in subconscious communication. He has researched and worked with personnel from the SBS & Royal Marines through to ball…

Episode Summary In Episode 79, Conrad Weaver welcomes back Jeremy Wade, former Seattle Police Officer and current founder of Mission First Alliance, a national faith-based organization supporting first responders. This episode features an inspiring and deeply moving conversation about the challenges and victories of living out Christian faith in th…

Blayne Smith is a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and highly effective business leader across a variety of industries and capacities. For over 25 years, Blayne has built teams and communities through a deep understanding of, and focus on, culture and leadership. Whether serving in corporate, small business, or nonprofit roles, his focus has…

Terry, Joe and Dickie were my crew on Truck 1 in California, a true example of a band of brothers. We've helped each other through epic fires, gruesome extrications, divorce, back surgery, COVID and PTSD. This episode gives an insight into the reality of a cohesive team. in the fire service. We discussed everything from creating great leadership, d…

Russell Foster is a professor of circadian neuroscience at the University of Oxford, where he also heads the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute. Foster’s research focuses on both visual and circadian neurobiology, and mainly on the mechanisms whereby light regulates circadian rhythms in humans an…

Kona Oliveira is a federal firefighter, professional MMA fighter and big wave surfer who recently went viral for shredding a monster swell at Peahi off Maui. We discuss his childhood in Hawaii, growing up in a martial arts family, his MMA journey, the paradox of surfing and competition, becoming a firefighter and much more.…

🎙️ Episode Overview In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Rachael Belcher, a seasoned paramedic from Baltimore County with over 25 years of experience in emergency services. Rachael opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of the job, recounting her early …

Matson Browning is an internationally recognized authority on the inner workings of white supremacy groups. As an undercover detective for more than two decades in Arizona, he thought he knew what hate looked like, that is, until he got a front row seat. For more than 25 years, Browning has been infiltrating, documenting, and disrupting White supre…

LtCol Gregson is the Director for the Marine Corps Center for Learning and Faculty Development at TECOM and Kelsie is the High-Intensity Tactical Training Coordinator for Marine Corps Base Quantico. Chris Hinshaw is the founder of Aerobic Capacity and is widely considered one of the top endurance coaches in the world. In this conversation, we discu…

Dyana Alexander is a Fire Captain and Paramedic. We discuss her journey into the fire service, death notifications, cardiac arrests, moral injury, pickleball and so much more. Dyana is a dedicated professional with nearly 18 years of experience with Orange County Fire Rescue. Currently serving as a field Captain in Battalion 3/A, she covers a vast …

Jason Vale aka "The Juice Master" is an author, filmmaker and creator of the Juicy Retreats. We discuss childhood trauma, owning your history, how he reclaimed his health, disease reversal, addiction, forging resilience and much more. Jason Vale – also known as “the Juice Master” – is a man on a mission to “juice the world!” He is the best-selling …

77 - Norman Rocked my World with Tim Eggebraaten 📄 Episode Summary In this compelling episode, Tim Eggebraaten—former police chief, storyteller, and advocate for first responder mental health—joins the show to reflect on his transformative journey through law enforcement. Tim opens up about the deep emotional toll that policing took on his well-bei…

Daniel Higuera is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Santa Ana College Department of Fire Technology. Currently, he provides health and wellness services to over 20 fire and police departments in southern California. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into the impact of shift work on firefighter health and performance. Previously, Higu…

Brian Sanders is a recently retired homicide lieutenant, gang expert, and presenter. During his career, he served on various proactive units, to include Gang Suppression Unit, homicide unit as a detective and later as a sergeant, intel sergeant, and other units. He is known for developing sources, actionable gang intelligence, motivating others to …

Eric Stevens is a collegiate and NFL football player turned firefighter. Eric was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) earlier this year. We discuss their athletic careers, how they met, being given a terminal diagnosis, how a potential cure is being withheld, how you the listener can help and much more. “The average life expectancy of ALS dia…

Thaer Ahmad, MD is a board-certified emergency medicine physician working at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Ahmad is the assistant program director for the emergency medicine residency program. He serves as both the global health director and medical ethics director for the emergency department at Advocate Christ. Dr. Ahmad is also …

He's not an #$$hole, He's Symptomatic - Erin Maccabee & Cinnamon Reiheld Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver is joined by Erin Maccabee and Cinnamon Reiheld for a powerful conversation about the mental health challenges faced by first responders. They explore how trauma, desensitization, and h…

Joseph Bonanno is a 21 year veteran of the FDNY, fitness trainer and award winning chef. We discuss his journey into the fire service, firefighter fitness, his powerful 9/11 story, the community of 9/12, how nutrition led him to host a cooking show and so much more. FDNY VETERAN FIREFIGHTER Graduate Award Winning Chef Fitness Trainer/Nutritionist A…

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime. Col. Grossman is a former West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science, and an Army Ranger who has combined his exper…

Erik Paulson is a former Shooto world champion and renowned catch wrestling coach. We discuss his journey into the martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, weapons, training the tactical professions, his time in the stunt industry, coaching the older martial artist and so much more. Sensei Erik Paulson has trained fighters such as Josh Barnett, Ken Shamrock, Re…

Lionel Crowther is a 27 year veteran of the fire service, LODD survivor and mental health advocate. Steve Farina is a 30 year fire service veteran, a VP for the BC Professional Firefighters Association and is the vice-chair of the BCPFFA’s Mental Health Committee, as well as their Occupational Health & Safety Committee. In this second conversation,…

Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver talks with Ashley Jones — a seasoned police officer and empowerment coach — as she shares her deeply personal journey through law enforcement and mental health challenges faced by first responders. Ashley opens up about the illusion of brotherhood in the field, t…

Chloe Brennan is a British Strongwoman currently transitioning from the U64kg weight class to U73kg. As a lightweight athlete Chloe broke two World Records (U64kg car walk and open record for the Rogue Replica Dinnie Stones), gained the title of 2019 England’s Strongest Woman and placed top 5 at every World Championship she competed in, most recent…

Anthony “Tony” Marquez is a soon to be retired CMSgt in the Air National Guard and a Fire Captain. Tony served 23 years in the Air Force, 13 years active duty and 10 years in the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard. He has been in the fire service since 2005 serving as a volunteer fire fighter in New Jersey, Air Force firefighter, and current…

🧠 Episode Summary In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast LIVE, host Conrad Weaver is joined by Dr. Heather Twedell, widely known as “Dr. T,” a leading psychologist specializing in first responder mental health and wellness. Dr. T shares her deeply personal connection to the first responder community, …

Shane Taylor is an actor, ambassador and the man who portrayed Army Medic Doc Roe in "Band of Brothers". We discuss his journey into drama, Captain Dale Dye's movie boot camp, forging camaraderie, the real men of Easy Company, horse riding, mental health and so much more.

Brandon Young - Brandon is a former U.S. Army Ranger and current business leader who leads with passion and integrity. He has spent over 25 years building and leading teams to achieve mission and business objectives in complex environments. In this conversation, we discuss his journey into the military, Ranger selection, the horrors of war, leaders…

📝 Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Allen Williford to discuss Paddling for Pennies, an inspiring initiative that raises funds for first responders and their families. Allen shares the origins of this 193-mile endurance paddle and the mental and physical challenges it brings. …

My name is Joey Scrivani I’m 34 years old and a happily married father of two young boys. I am offering this course as a way to give back and teach skills I wish I would’ve had when I started my fire service career. After 10 years in the fire service, I was diagnosed with PTSD. My symptoms included panic attacks, disassociation, suicidal ideations,…

Since 2019, Mark has worked for the FBI as an Instructor while a Time Solutions LLC (Chenega) employee, specializing in Human Intelligence. Before, Mark was an Atlanta FBI Agent from 1997 – 2017, spending his career investigating violent criminal organizations, such as the LCN and both street and motorcycle gangs. Simultaneously, Mark was the Stole…

This week's guest is Dr Joseph Ibrahim, trauma director for ORMC and part of the surgical team that treated the victims of the Pulse shootings. We talk prehospital trauma, lessons learned from Pulse, emergency interventions in the field and much more. Joseph Ibrahim, M.D. currently serves as trauma medical director at Orlando Regional Medical Cente…

Kathryn Walker is the CEO of Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness (CSE: CALM) (OTCQB: RVLWF) (FSE: 4DO) which serves as a leading mental health and wellness company lead by a comprehensive team of speciality providers. Kathryn worked at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tennessee for 9 years before attending anesthesia school at the University of North Carol…

Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran officer Tony Godwin from the Garland Police Department. With over 31 years of experience, Tony specializes in internet crimes against children, working tirelessly to protect vulnerable populations. They discuss: The challenges of inves…

During his 23 year career in the Army, Oak McCulloch held numerous leadership positions in the Infantry and Armor branches. He assisted in disaster relief operations for Hurricane HUGO in Charleston, SC and Hurricane ANDREW in south Florida. Oak's operational deployments include: Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq as a Ge…

Corley Moore is a motivational speaker and instructor, specializing in the topics of leadership and culture. Author of the book Challenge Your Leadership. He is the founder of Firehouse Vigilance and its “Never Ending Fight Against Complacency”. Creator of the Vigilant Creed with members in all fifty states and seven countries. Host of The Weekly S…

Greg Jackson is a world renowned MMA coach, combatives instructor to the law enforcement and military communities and member of the DeliverFund team. We discuss his journey into combat, martial arts vs fighting, overtraining, mental health, human trafficking and much more. Coach Greg Jackson is a mixed martial arts trainer who co-owns Jackson Wink …

Colonel Matthew F. Coleman is the Director of Safety for Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. AFDW Safety provides Major Command-level management and oversight of occupation, weapons, and flight safety programs for Homeland Security Operations in the National Capital Region, Joint Operations, and A…

72 - Turning Tragedy into Hope for First Responders with Linda Kokoros Episode Summary: In this deeply moving episode, Linda Kokoros shares her personal journey as a first responder family member navigating grief after the tragic loss of her son, Alex, to suicide. She sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by first responders, the lack o…

Phyllis O. Rogers is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the State of Washington. Phyllis holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science, Family Systems Counseling, from the Leadership Institute of Seattle, Bastyr University. She has been a family therapist since 1998, serving hundreds of clients. In 2010, Phyllis opened inLife Clin…

Sean Lake is a former professional snowboarder, extreme sports manager and the co-founder of BUBS Naturals. In this second conversation we discuss the ripple effect of losing his lifelong friend and Navy SEAL Glen Doherty in Benghazi, the pursuit of the Congressional Gold Medal, moral courage, fighting for death benefits for future operators, how G…