Step into the world of real-life rescuers with RESPONDER RESILIENCE, an insightful podcast that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of firefighters, EMTs, police, 911 professionals and clinicians. 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. You’ll hear powerful discussions on leadership and wellness brought to life by top ...
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S5 E18 Cancer Under Fire: Changing The Game To Reduce Risks with Guest John Haseney
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42:36This 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. Discover the innovative efforts of the FDNY Contamination Reduction Workgroup and learn how they promo…
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S5 E17 Family First: Building Resilience At Home with Guest Dr. Rachelle Zemlok
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41:11In 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. Dr. Zemlok shares invaluable insights and practical strategies to help families thrive amidst the stresses of first responder wo…
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S5 E16 Choosing Growth Over Grief with Guest Rick Cheatham
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50:57In this inspiring episode, 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. Discover how he transformed pain i…
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S5 E15 Clinician's Guide To Wellness Programs And Internships with Guest Wendy Hummell
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44:27In this Clinician’s Guide for mental health professionals and savvy first responders, we sit down with Wendy Hummell, a retired detective turned health and wellness manager. We’ll dive into the challenges of introducing wellness to Law enforcement culture, the need for supportive internship programs, and how first responders can transition into sec…
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S5 E14 Responder's Survival Guide: Stress Less, Forgive More with Guest Dr. Fred Luskin
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44:42
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44:42Are 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. Discover how embracing forgiveness can uplift your spirit and help you regain a sense of peace and fulfillment. We explore the t…
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S5 E13 Building The Bulletproof Mind with Guest Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
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58:06Tune in for a compelling episode featuring Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a distinguished former Army Ranger and leading expert on combat psychology and resilience. This engaging conversation reveals essential techniques for cultivating mental toughness and effectively managing trauma responses in the high-pressure environments confronted by first respond…
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S5 E12 Saving Lives Through Connection And Comedy with Guest Jason Patton
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40:02In this encore episode, get ready to meet charismatic firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton, the creative force behind Fire Department Chronicles. In this episode, we dive into crucial conversations about mental health and wellness for first responders while enjoying Jason's signature humor. Discover how a good laugh can enhance firefighter retention …
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S5 E11 Clinician’s Guide To Building Trust With Law Enforcement with Dr. Medina Baumgart
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41:46This episode explores the vital connection between mental health and law enforcement. Dr. Medina Baumgart shares insights on the critical role of embedded clinicians, the mental health challenges retired officers face, and the importance of peer support programs. Discover effective strategies for building trust between clinicians and police personn…
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S5 E10 Clinician's Guide To Peer Support And Officer Wellness with Guest Capt. Mike Fumiatti
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38:46Join us for a compelling dialogue for clinicians and savvy first responders, with Captain Mike Fumiatti of the New Haven Police Department as we dig into the importance of police peer support in law enforcement. We explore the vital role of peer support in promoting officer wellbeing. Discover effective strategies for clinicians to collaborate with…
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S5 E9 Clinician’s Guide To Crisis Mental Health K9s with Guest Brad Cole
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43:42In this episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we speak with Brad Cole, Executive Director of K9 First Responders, Inc. We explore the four categories of Crisis Mental Health Canines and what sets each apart. Brad shares insights on how these incredible dogs provide support during crises, discusses potential unintended consequences of t…
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S5 E8 Confronting Vicarious Trauma: A Self-Care Guide with Guest Dr. Falisa Asberry
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42:59In this episode, we welcome Dr. Falisa Asberry, a retired law enforcement veteran and Peacock Training & Consulting Group CEO. Together, we explore the vital concept of vicarious trauma and its effects on first responders and organizations. Dr. Falisa highlights the importance of the Four Domains of resilience and shares effective self-care routine…
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S5 E7 The Story Behind “Cycling For A Cause” with Guest Joe Matthews
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59:12Join 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 charitable causes, and hear firsthand about the chall…
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S5 E6 Clinician’s Guide To In-Patient Treatment Facilities with Guest Patrick Fitzgibbons
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44:20In this Clinician's Guide episode, we sit down with Patrick Fitzgibbons, retired police commander and Shatterproof Community Liaison Lead at FHE Health. We explore the essential topic of specialized addiction and mental health treatment programs designed for first responders. Patrick discusses the key differences between various in-patient treatmen…
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S5 E5 Addressing Retirement, Moral Injury And Suicide with Guest Jeff Dill
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49:05In 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. With a focus on firefighter behavioral health awareness, he explains the importance…
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S5 E4 EMDR For EMS: Healing Off-Duty Trauma with Guest Frank Glowski
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55:47In this impactful episode, we address the vital mental health challenges faced by EMS and first responders, including post-traumatic stress and the effects of "buffing" calls—responding to emergencies off-duty. Join us for an insightful conversation with Emergency Medical Technician Frank Glowski, as he shares his personal struggles after traumatic…
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S5 E3 Success Stories From FDNY’s Counseling Service Unit with Guest Frank Leto
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45:08Tune 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 behavioral health. Join us as we delve into the challenges …
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S5 E2 Clinician’s Guide To Working With Unique Fire And Law Populations with Guest Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia
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49:50In 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 shares essential strategies and techniques for addressin…
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S5 E 1 Encore Episode: Responder Retirement—Navigating Life 2.0 Part 2
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59:28By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! In the second part of this mini-documentary, Responder Resilience continues the deep dive into the topic of first responder retirement. We are joined by a panel of twenty-one retired or active first responders and resilience experts, representing law enforcement, th…
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S4 E52 Encore Episode: Responder Retirement—Navigating Life 2.0 Part 1
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57:56
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57:56By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! In Part 1 of this two-part mini-documentary, Responder Resilience delves into the pivotal topic of first responder retirement. With insights from a distinguished panel of 21 retired or active first responders and resilience experts, we examine the unique challenges …
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S4 E51 Finding “Hope Out Of Darkness” with Guest Dena Ali
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1:02:40Join 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*. Chief Ali shares her personal experiences and professio…
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S4 E50 Coping With Loss In The Line Of Duty with Guest Kristina Moon
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40:56In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation, to discuss the vital topic of organ donation and its impact on first responders and their families. Kristina shares her personal journey through grief and how she found healing after the tragic loss of her husband, FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, II. Kristina …
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S4 E49 Cracking The Code: Force Science Explained with Guest Nicole Florisi
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48:49In this insightful episode, we engage with Nicole Florisi, M.S., Director of Content and Curriculum at Force Science, to explore the intricacies of human performance and force science in law enforcement. We discuss the nuances of optimizing responder resilience through practical, cutting-edge research on human factors and use-of-force incidents. Ho…
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S4 E48 The Art Of Making A Difference with Guest Paul Combs
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56:57Join us for an insightful conversation on Responder Resilience, featuring Paul Combs, an acclaimed illustrator, cartoonist, and firefighter/EMT. Paul's unique blend of artistry and emergency service expertise offers a distinctive perspective on the critical issues faced by first responders. We'll explore Paul's journey in the fire service, his appr…
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S4 E47 Clinician’s Guide To Enhancing Your Practice
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44:30In this essential installment of the Clinician's Guide Masterclass, we focus on strategies for clinicians to work effectively with first responders. We will hear from four mental health therapists who have successfully developed practices centered on serving emergency services. Kurt Fuchs, LCSW, Kristin Lewis, LMFT, Bonnie Luft, LPC and Jennifer Sp…
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S4 E46 Commanding Chaos With Confidence with Chief Tom Dunne
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50:55In this episode, Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne (FDNY, Ret.) unravels the stressors that grip firefighters and fireground officers on critical calls. Chief Dunne shares secrets to maintaining command presence, and for those stepping into the shoes of Incident Commander, he offers wisdom to lead with confidence. Discover practical tips on making split-se…
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S4 E45 Clinician’s Guide To Psychological Autopsies with Elizabeth Pol
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43:06In this episode of our Clinician Masterclass Series, we explore the sensitive topic of Suicide Psychological Autopsies with Elizabeth Pol, M.A., founder of Resilient Heroes, NFP, and a Chicago Police Officer. Elizabeth discusses the methodologies involved in conducting psychological autopsies, emphasizing the importance of privacy and dignity for t…
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S4 E44 Clinician's Guide To Working With Special Forces with Guest Christopher Ostrander, PhD
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45:20In this edition of our Clinicians Guide Masterclass, we shine a spotlight on the world of mental health counseling within the Special Operations Forces community. We sit down with Christopher Ostrander, PhD, the visionary Founder and President of SOF Network, the nation's first and only clinical directory of licensed mental health providers who spe…
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S4 E43 Lessons From "30 Fires" with Frank Leeb and Billy Goldfeder
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57:59
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57:59Join us for a special episode as we sit down with Chiefs Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, authors of the groundbreaking book, 30 Fires You Must Know. We revisit one of the most pivotal incidents featured in their book: the 1975 New York Telephone Fire, a landmark event that underscores the severe consequences of occupational exposure to toxic smoke.…
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S4 E42 The Modern Fire Officer with Guest Captain Jared Vermeulen
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51:31In this timely episode, we sit down with Captain Jared Vermeulen of Boca Raton Fire Rescue to unpack the critical components of effective leadership and management within the fire service. Captain Vermeulen shares insights from his book, The Modern Fire Officer, offering a roadmap for cultivating a thriving, supportive environment for both fire off…
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S4 E41 Law, Order, and Laughter with Guest Vinnie Montez
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41:48In this episode, we talk with Vinnie Montez, a retired Colorado Sheriff's Office commander and current Public Information Officer who has made a name for himself as a nationally touring stand-up comedian. Vinnie shares stories from his dual career paths, illustrating how humor has been a valuable tool in law enforcement. We delve into his documenta…
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S4 E40 Post-Traumatic Growth: A Journey with Guest Daniel Sundahl
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1:11:34Daniel 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 narrative interwoven with his unique photo art, Dan…
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S4 E39 Shaping The Future Of 911 with Guest Ryan Dedmon
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47:16In 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 staffing crisis affecting 911 centers across the nation…
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S4 E38 Pt. 2 Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters with Guest Dr. Kristen Wheldon
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57:57We continue our deep dive for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders into "Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters" with Part 2 featuring Dr. Kristen Wheldon. As the President and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association, Dr. Wheldon brings a wealth of experience and passion for enhancing the behavioral health of firef…
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S4 E37 Redefining EMS Leadership In New York with Guest Lillian Bonsignore
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56:19Join us for an enlightening conversation with retired Chief Lillian Bonsignore, a trailblazing 31-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who served as the FDNY Chief of EMS Operations from 2019-2022, a period that encompassed the harrowing COVID-19 pandemic. As the highest-ranking Officer in the EMS command and the first female to a…
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S4 E36 KetoFiveO, Cops And Campers with Guest Eric Reynolds
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44:55Join 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. Growing up in Miami, Eric was profoundly influenced by his mother, Sgt. June Hawkins of the Miami Dade Police, which fueled his dedication to law enforcement. F…
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S4 E35 Clinician’s Guide To Police Wellness with Guest Dr. John Violanti
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41:40In this information-packed masterclass episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we sit down with Dr. John M. Violanti, PhD, a Full Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Violanti brings a wealth of knowledge from his 23-year tenure with the New York State Police…
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S4 E34 Pt. 1 Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters with Guest Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia
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56:55In this installment of our masterclass series for clinicians and savvy first responders, we examine the fine points of working with firefighters. Our guest, Robbie Adler-Tapia, Ph.D., Psychologist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant/Certified Therapist, will guide us through the unique challenges and stresses that firefighters face in their line of work…
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S4 E33 Stoic Strategies for Success with Guest Kristofor Healey
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45:16In 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 of Stoicism. We explore the practical applications o…
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S4 E32 Clinician’s Guide to Working with Veterans with Guest Stacy Raymond, PsyD
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54:17In this masterclass episode for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders, we examine the dynamics of mental health and therapy for military veterans who have transitioned into roles as first responders. Joining us is our resident EMDR trauma therapist Stacy Raymond, PsyD, an expert in mental health for this extraordinary group. The daugh…
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S4 E31 The Science of Operational Stress with Guest Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski
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1:06:04In this episode, we invite you to join us for a profound conversation with Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the visionary Founder of the First Responder Project. Dr. Hejmanowski brings a wealth of experience from her work consulting with multiple Florida Sheriff’s Offices, the Air Force’s Ready Firefighter Program, and th…
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S4 E30 Clinician’s Guide to Working with Police with Guests Sonny Provetto and Dr. Stacy Raymond
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57:35In this episode, we’re diving into what mental health clinicians and therapists need to know about treating law enforcement officers. It's a world where culture, stigma, and trust collide in a high-stakes environment. With us is Sonny Provetto, a powerhouse in the field. He's a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Consultant, and the f…
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S4 E29 Clinician's Guide to Working with EMS and 911 Personnel with Guests Dr. Nicole Navega and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW
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59:40On this special edition of Responder Resilience, we invite you to join an enlightening masterclass tailored for clinicians, featuring trauma therapists Dr. Nicole Navega, PhD, LCSW, and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT. With their extensive backgrounds in providing therapy to EMS and 911 emergency professionals, Nicole and Bonnie bring a wealth of knowled…
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S4 E28 Legal Lifeline for LEOs with Guest Bridget Truxillo
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44:22We invite you to join our insightful conversation with Bridget Truxillo, JD, the CEO and Founder of Lady Law Shield Law Firm. Bridget’s journey is not only inspiring but deeply rooted in her experiences as a former Deputy Sheriff, where she served in Patrol, Undercover Narcotics, and the SWAT Team. Her unique perspective sheds light on the challeng…
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S4 E27 CRACKYL's Crusader for Firefighter Wellness with Guest Kory Pearn
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53:56In this compelling episode, we dive into the heart of firefighter wellness with Kory Pearn—Publisher, Editor-In-Chief, and CEO of CRACKYL Media Inc. Kory is a 20-year veteran firefighter, industry author, and keynote speaker. His mission? To shine a light on the wellness challenges that come with the territory and to teach others how to thrive, not…
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S4 E26 Breaking the Chains of Moral Injury with Guest Dr. Rita Brock
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46:23In 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 harrowing effects of moral distress. Join us as we un…
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S4 E25 Fierce Female Firefighters Ignite Dreams with Guest Lt. Tina Guiler
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39:44In this episode, we make a push into the flames with Lt. Tina Guiler, a fire Lieutenant and fire inspector who joined the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in 1999. But her story doesn't stop there. Tina is also the Owner and CEO of Triple F - Fierce Female Firefighters, an initiative that sparked the creation of the Triple F Dolls. These dolls are more than …
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S4 E24 Fatal 10: Deadly Factors Behind Officer Suicides with Guest Dr. Olivia Johnson
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57:08In this dynamic episode, 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. Dr. Johnson, with a master's in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a doctorate in…
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S4 E23 Leadership From the Bottom Up! with Guest Dr. Candace Ashby, Battalion Chief Indianapolis FD
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52:49This week's episode is a wild ride into the heart of leadership with Dr. Candace Ashby, Battalion Chief of the Indianapolis Fire Department. Dr. Ashby dives deep into the essence of "Bottom Up" leadership, revealing how the rank and file can make a difference. Have you ever wondered why fire organizations feel so disconnected? Dr. Ashby explains it…
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S4 E22 Wildlife Warriors: A Tale of Two ACOs with Guests Gina Gambino and Jennifer Merenda, Animal Control Officers
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55:19Join us as we reveal the raw, unfiltered look at the human side of animal control with Jennifer Merenda, Chief Animal Control Officer, City of Bridgeport, CT, and Gina Gambino, Head Animal Control Officer for Monroe, CT. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the careers of these seasoned professionals and gain a deeper understanding of their vital rol…
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S4 E21 Shrinks Unwrapped—The Inside Scoop on Responder Therapy with Guests Dr. Stacy Raymond and Bonnie Rumilly LCSW/EMT
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55:07Today, we’re not just breaking down doors; we're breaking the stigmas. The sirens fade, all units are returning to quarters, and the streets are safe again - but what happens to those who just calmed the chaos? This episode cuts through the silence that often shadows frontline personnel, diving directly into the unspoken truths of first responder m…
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