Episoder
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142 - Beautifully Broken: How One Officer's Suicide Sparked a Movement of Hope | Jared Buchanan & Daniel Herzog
What happens when unimaginable loss becomes a mission to save lives?
When police officer Paul Buchanan died by suicide, he left behind a heartbreaking note explaining that he wanted help—but feared asking for it would cost him his badge, his gun, and his career. That fear cost him everything.
His son, Jared Buchanan, refused to let his father's story end there.
In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Jared Buchanan—Marine Corps veteran, licensed psychotherapist, suicide prevention advocate, and ultramarathon runner—and filmmaker Daniel Herzog, director of the documentary Beautifully Broken.
Together they explore how grief can become purpose, why movement can be a powerful tool for healing trauma, and how one family's tragedy is helping first responders across the country begin conversations that save lives.
If you are a police officer, firefighter, EMT, dispatcher, corrections officer, veteran, family member, or leader responsible for first responder wellness, this is an episode you won't forget.
In This Episode You'll LearnWhy Officer Paul Buchanan believed asking for help would end his career
How Jared transformed grief into purpose by running ultramarathons—including a 304-mile race across Arizona
Why physical movement can play an important role in processing trauma
The connection between endurance sports, resilience, and post-traumatic growth
How filmmaker Daniel Herzog spent three years documenting this remarkable journey
The healing power of vulnerability, forgiveness, and honest conversations
The story behind Believe 208, the nonprofit honoring Officer Paul Buchanan's legacy
Why changing the culture around mental health in first responder organizations starts with leadership
Key Takeaways✔ Mental health stigma continues to prevent many first responders from seeking help.
✔ Healing doesn't come from ignoring pain—it comes from moving through it with purpose.
✔ Physical activity can become a healthy outlet for processing grief and trauma.
✔ Storytelling has the power to save lives by opening conversations that otherwise never happen.
✔ Connection—not isolation—is one of the greatest protective factors against suicide.
About Our GuestsJared BuchananJared Buchanan is a Marine Corps veteran, licensed psychotherapist, suicide prevention advocate, motivational speaker, and ultramarathon runner. After losing his father, Officer Paul Buchanan, to suicide in 2013, Jared dedicated his life to helping first responders and others find healing through purpose, resilience, and meaningful connection.
Daniel HerzogDaniel Herzog is an award-winning filmmaker, creative director, and journalist whose work focuses on the first responder and veteran communities. He directed the feature documentary Beautifully Broken, chronicling Jared's extraordinary journey from tragedy to hope.
Resources MentionedBeautifully Broken Documentary
Believe 208
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Viktor Frankl and Logotherapy
Carl Jung
Alfred Adler
PTSD911
First Responder Wellness Solutions
Who Should Listen?This episode is valuable for:
Police officers
Sheriff's deputies
Firefighters
EMS professionals
Dispatchers
Corrections officers
Military veterans
Chaplains
Mental health professionals
Agency leaders
First responder families
Anyone grieving the loss of a loved one
Help Start the Wellness ConversationOne conversation can change—or even save—a life.
If this episode encouraged you, please:
Subscribe to the First Responder Wellness Podcast
Leave a 5-star review
Share this episode with someone in your department
Start a conversation about mental health and resilience
If your agency, organization, college, or community would benefit from hosting a screening of Beautifully Broken or PTSD911, we'd love to help you begin the wellness conversation.
Connect with Our GuestsBeautifully Broken Documentaryhttps://www.beautifullybrokendocumentary.com
Facebook: Beautifully Broken Documentary
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Need Help? We have a list of resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
Book a PTSD911 screening event: contact [email protected] site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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141 - Shot in the line of Duty - with Hali Bradford
She arrived at the hospital with 30 seconds of life and a 99.99% chance of not surviving. Her surgeon was moments from calling her time of death. And then — without medical explanation — the bleeding stopped.
This week on the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Hali Bradford, a Louisiana National Guard MP veteran and police officer who was shot and nearly killed in the line of duty on August 5, 2023. What followed was not only a fight for physical survival — it became a fight for her identity, her career, her mental health, and her will to live. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Hali recounts the moment she found herself looking down the barrel of a rifle during a domestic disturbance call — and how her CrossFit-built physical strength allowed her to drag herself out of the house, paralyzed from the waist down, to reach the partner who helped save her life. She was shot with a .223 round that entered her side and exploded into her abdomen, leaving bullet fragments across her pelvis, a fractured hip, nerve damage, and a permanently paralyzed left foot. But the physical injuries were only part of the story.
In this episode, Hali opens up about: - The profound lack of support she received from her department after the shooting - Being terminated and stripped of her badge — a badge she nearly died for - Living with no medical insurance, no benefits, and no workers' comp settlement while legally barred from working - Navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, and dark intrusive thoughts in the aftermath - The trial of the man who shot her, which forced her to relive every detail - How faith, discovered one year after the shooting, gave her a foundation to stand on - The healing power of first responder wellness retreats and the sisterhood she found there - Mission trips to Costa Rica and Africa that have reconnected her to her lifelong calling to serve .
This episode is for every first responder, veteran, and family member who has ever been left to navigate trauma alone. It is for anyone who has wondered whether help is really worth reaching for. And it is for anyone who needs to be reminded that survival — real survival — looks like choosing to get up one more time.
Hali Bradford chose to get up. And she is still getting up.
Connect with Hali on Instagram: @paralyzed_to_purpose
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Need Help? We have a list of resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
Book a PTSD911 screening event: contact [email protected] site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Mangler du episoder?
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140 - How is Filing a Complaint a Mental Health Tool - with Bridget Truxillo
Most first responders think of complaints as paperwork, politics, or career-ending decisions—not something connected to wellness. But what if staying silent is actually what does the most damage?
In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with attorney and former law enforcement officer Bridget Truxillo to explore the hidden psychological cost of toxic leadership, workplace discrimination, and the fear of speaking up.
Early in her career, Bridget became the only female member of her agency's SWAT team and served in undercover narcotics. But years of discrimination and a hostile work environment eventually drove her from the profession she loved. She never filed a complaint. She simply resigned—and the agency lost a dedicated officer it had invested years training.
Today, Bridget is the founder of Lady Law Shield, a law firm dedicated exclusively to protecting first responders. Drawing from both her experience behind the badge and in the courtroom, she explains why unresolved workplace conflict doesn't just affect careers—it affects mental health, families, and entire agency cultures.
Conrad and Bridget discuss:
Why toxic leadership can be as damaging as traumatic callsThe mental health consequences of remaining silentWhen filing a complaint is appropriate—and why it can be an act of self-preservationFear of retaliation and how to navigate itWorkers' compensation, Brady/Giglio concerns, and other legal realities every first responder should understandHow leaders can create cultures where accountability strengthens trust instead of destroying itWhether you're a police officer, firefighter, dispatcher, corrections officer, EMS professional, or agency leader, this conversation offers practical legal insight while challenging the belief that speaking up is a sign of weakness.
Sometimes protecting your mental health isn't about walking away.
Sometimes it's about finding the courage to make your voice heard.
https://ladylawshield.com/
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Need Help? We have a list of resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
Book a PTSD911 screening event: contact [email protected] site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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139 - What Happens After the Diagnosis? With Suzanne Stone
Executive Episode SummaryFor many people, cancer is something that happens to someone else. Until suddenly it doesn't.
In this powerful conversation, Conrad sits down with Suzanne Stone, CEO of the Livestrong Foundation, to explore what happens after a cancer diagnosis turns life upside down. While most conversations focus on treatment, Suzanne shines a light on the challenges few people talk about: strained marriages, overwhelmed caregivers, financial uncertainty, fertility decisions, and the emotional toll carried by entire families.
Suzanne shares how Livestrong has spent nearly three decades helping people navigate not just cancer treatment, but survivorship. From helping young adults preserve their ability to have children someday to supporting caregivers who are quietly struggling in isolation, her work reveals the hidden realities many families face.
The conversation takes a critical turn toward first responders, who face significantly higher rates of cancer due to occupational exposure. Suzanne discusses the unique barriers firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, and their families face when navigating a diagnosis while continuing to serve their communities.
Listeners will also hear about Livestrong's ambitious effort to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through a 343-mile cycling event connecting Boston and New York City, bringing awareness to the thousands of first responders who have developed cancer and other illnesses since that tragic day.
This episode is about more than cancer. It's about resilience, caregiving, advocacy, family, and what it means to support people when life changes overnight.
Learn more about Livestrong
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Need Help? We have a list of resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
Book a screening event: contact [email protected] site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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138 - Mental Warefare is Part of the Path - Doc Springer
Episode DescriptionWhat if some of the things we've been taught about trauma, resilience, and suicide prevention are actually making the problem worse?
In this powerful conversation, Conrad Weaver sits down with Dr. Shauna "Doc" Springer—psychologist, author, speaker, and one of the leading voices in military and first responder mental health—to explore the realities of what she calls "mental warfare."
Drawing from decades of experience working alongside military operators, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and peer support teams, Doc Springer challenges some of the most common assumptions surrounding trauma, healing, and wellness.
Together, Conrad and Doc discuss why peer support programs succeed or fail, what qualities make an effective peer supporter, and why command staff often carry invisible burdens with few safe places to turn. They also examine the growing need for innovative approaches to wellness and why leaders must move beyond simply checking boxes when it comes to supporting their people.
Doc shares insights from her new book, Fallout: 10 Common Beliefs That Are Killing Our Bravest and the Truth That Can Save Them, including why awareness alone isn't enough to reduce suicide risk and why post-traumatic stress should not automatically be viewed as a lifelong sentence.
The conversation also explores the role of treatments like the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), the importance of combining biological and psychological healing, and why recovery always requires more than a quick fix.
Perhaps most importantly, Doc introduces a concept that may reshape how first responders think about wellness: elasticity. Rather than simply "bouncing back," elasticity is the ability to adapt, recover, and move between life's challenges without losing yourself in the process.
If you're a first responder, leader, peer supporter, clinician, or family member, this episode offers practical wisdom, hope, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to thrive in a profession where the pressures are real and the stakes are high.
Because mental warfare isn't a sign of weakness.
It's part of the path.
Connect with Doc Springer: https://thinlineadvisory.com/
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Need Help? We have a list of resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
Book a screening event: contact [email protected] site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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137 - Hiding in Plain Sight: When the Helper Needs Help with Paramedic Brad Lawson
For nearly 27 years, Brad Lawson served his community as a paramedic, responding to tragedies, accidents, overdoses, and some of life's darkest moments.
Like many first responders, Brad learned to suppress emotions, push through pain, and wear the mask of strength. To everyone around him, he appeared to have it all together.
But beneath the surface, years of unresolved trauma, addiction, emotional exhaustion, and a lack of support were taking their toll.
In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Brad shares his personal journey from darkness to healing. He opens up about the cultural pressures that keep first responders silent, the challenges of seeking help, and the lessons he learned through therapy, recovery, and rebuilding his support system.
Brad also discusses his book, Dancing With Darkness: A First Responder's Fight for Light, and the work he's doing through the Pierce Foundation to bring mental wellness resources, education, and hope to first responders across the country.
You'll hear an honest discussion about leadership, organizational culture, burnout, resilience, and what it truly means to prioritize wellness in high-stress professions.
Whether you're a first responder, leader, spouse, healthcare worker, or someone supporting those who serve others, this conversation offers practical insights and powerful encouragement.
If you've ever wondered whether you're carrying too much alone, this episode is for you.
Listen in and discover why healing begins when we stop pretending we're okay.
Connect with Brad: piercefoundation.org
Book: Dancing with Darkness https://a.co/d/0eJKQyTb
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Need Help? We have a list of resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
Book a screening event: contact [email protected] site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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136 - The Full Bucket: Hidden Trauma, Childhood Wounds and Healing for First Responders with Dr. Stacy Raymond
EPISODE SUMMARYWhat if the trauma first responders carry didn’t start on the job?
In this powerful conversation, psychologist and trauma specialist Dr. Stacy Raymond explores the hidden roots of trauma in policing and public safety — and why some first responders struggle to seek help, even when their bucket is overflowing.
Drawing from her new book Dump the Bucket: Healing Trauma in Police with EMDR, Dr. Raymond shares groundbreaking insights into adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment wounds, organizational stress, and the accumulated weight of bad calls, betrayal, and moral injury.
She explains why some officers become masters of compartmentalization… why “handling it alone” can become a survival strategy… and why those same adaptations can later fuel isolation, burnout, excessive force, addiction, or suicide risk.
You’ll also learn about EMDR therapy, how it helps traumatic memories finally get “filed away,” and why coping and healing are not the same thing.
This episode is honest, challenging, and deeply hopeful for first responders, leaders, clinicians, and anyone carrying more than they realize.
Connect with Dr. Raymond: https://www.drstacyraymond.com/
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Need Help? We have a list of resources at www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
Book a screening event: contact [email protected] site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need Help? Check out our resource page at https://firstresponderwellness.co/resources/
Great Leaders Empower the Team - with Steve Vincent
What does real leadership look like when lives, missions, and impossible decisions are on the line?
In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver sits down with former U.S. Navy commanding officer Steve Vincent for a powerful conversation about leadership, trust, culture, and command in high-risk environments.
Steve shares lessons learned leading sailors aboard Navy ships during deployments, crisis operations, and high-pressure missions — including a dramatic nighttime recovery operation in the Persian Gulf that tested everything he believed about leadership.
This conversation challenges the idea that leaders must always be the smartest person in the room. Instead, Steve explores the power of teamwork, humility, psychological safety, and creating cultures where people at every level are empowered to speak up.
Whether you're leading in law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, the military, or business, this episode offers practical and hard-earned leadership wisdom that can strengthen your team and your culture.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:✓ Why great leaders don’t need to know everything✓ The difference between command and true leadership✓ How trust and psychological safety impact team performance✓ What first responders can learn from military leadership culture✓ Why empowering junior team members can prevent catastrophe✓ The power of debriefing — even when things go well✓ How humility and accountability build stronger organizations
Key Takeaways“You don’t have to know how to fix the pump. Your job is to make sure your people have what they need to fix it.”
“When everything goes right, it’s WE. When things go wrong, it’s ME.”
“Leadership isn’t about controlling everything. It’s about creating a culture where people can speak up before mistakes become disasters.”
About Steve VincentSteve Vincent is a former U.S. Navy commanding officer with decades of leadership experience in military operations, organizational leadership, wellness, and high-performance team environments. Drawing from years of command at sea, Steve brings practical insight into trust, culture, leadership development, and human performance in high-stakes professions.
Connect / Learn More+++++
Join the First Responder Leadership Mastermind - Sessions begin June 3.
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need Help? Check out our resource page at https://firstresponderwellness.co/resources/ The Ripple Effect of Saving a Life | Brad Newbury
What does it really mean to save a life?
In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran firefighter-paramedic, EMS educator, entrepreneur, and author Brad Newbury for a deeply human conversation about mental health, resilience, leadership, and the long-lasting impact of first responder work.
With more than 40 years in fire and EMS, Brad has seen the best and worst days imaginable. He shares stories from the street, lessons from decades of leadership, and honest reflections on the emotional realities of being the helper when everyone else is falling apart.
Together, Conrad and Brad unpack the old “suck it up” culture of first response, how mental health support has evolved, the challenges leaders face when trying to get their people help, and why staying connected to your “why” matters more than ever.
Brad also shares the inspiring story behind his upcoming book, The Saved Effect, exploring how one call, one intervention, and one act of care can change generations.
This episode is a reminder that first responders don’t just answer calls — they become part of people’s stories forever.
Connect with Brad: https://bradnewbury.com/
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Join the First Responder Leadership Mastermind - Sessions begin June 3.
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Donate to Marchelle's Fundraiser for Copline https://www.facebook.com/donate/847531208377644/1299883602026213/
https://www.copline.org/
Walking Through Grief: Healing After First Responder Suicide.
In this deeply emotional episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Marchelle Farmer, widow of retired police sergeant Scott Farmer, to talk about love, trauma, loss, and healing after first responder suicide.
Scott was a highly respected law enforcement officer — a SWAT operator, K9 handler, field training officer, and mentor to many younger officers. But behind the badge, he quietly carried the cumulative weight of trauma, sleeplessness, alcohol struggles, and emotional pain that eventually led to tragedy.
Marchelle courageously shares the story of the night she lost Scott, the challenges of navigating grief in the public eye, and the difficult questions that follow suicide loss. She also opens up about her own darkest moments — including a life-changing call to CopLine, a confidential peer-support hotline staffed by retired officers that became a lifeline when she felt completely alone.
Now, nearly one year after Scott’s death, Marchelle is walking nearly 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago to honor his memory, raise awareness about first responder mental health, and support CopLine through a special fundraiser.
This conversation is raw, honest, heartbreaking, and hopeful — a reminder that healing is possible and no one has to suffer in silence.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.
Join our Mastermind Series: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/
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132 - Lead Anyway, Even When Leadership is Broken - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
Everyone talks about bad leadership.
But very few people take responsibility for becoming better leaders themselves.
In Part 2 of this conversation, Conrad continues with Dave Grossman to explore what leadership really looks like inside first responder culture—and why so many organizations struggle with it.
Grossman makes it clear: leadership is not about rank. It’s about self-control, service, and consistency.
They unpack the reality of toxic leadership, why it’s not a new problem, and how pressure, poor selection, and lack of development contribute to it. But more importantly, they focus on what individuals can do—right now—to lead, regardless of their position.
This episode is a direct challenge to anyone waiting for someone else to fix the culture.
Because leadership doesn’t start when you get promoted.
It starts the moment you decide to show up differently.
If you’ve ever felt stuck under poor leadership, this conversation will give you a new lens—and a new level of responsibility.
Key Topics CoveredWhy toxic leadership is so commonLeadership vs positional authorityLeading up, down, and acrossThe role of self-control in leadership effectivenessServant leadership in high-stress environmentsHow to influence culture without rankEncouragement, recognition, and building trustKey TakeawaysLeadership is a daily practice, not a positionYou don’t need rank to influence cultureThe best leaders serve, not commandRecognition and encouragement are powerful leadership toolsYou can lead—even in a broken systemNotable Quotes“Nobody respects your temper tantrum. They respect your calm.”“To be a better leader, you have to be a better person.”“Your job as a leader is to help them do their job better.”“Be the leader you wish you had.”Resources MentionedGrossman’s leadership and training materialsLeadership development principles rooted in behavioral scienceMastermind CTAIf this episode challenged you to step up in your leadership, this is exactly what we’re building inside the First Responder Leadership Mastermind, launching June 3.
This is where we take these concepts and actually apply them—together, in a group of leaders committed to raising the standard.
👉 Learn more: firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind
Final Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone on your team.
Because culture doesn’t change from the top down.
It changes when leaders—at every level—decide to lead differently.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.
Level up your leadership: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/
131 - You're Not Broken, You're Leveling Up - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
What if the very thing you’ve been told is breaking you… is actually making you stronger?
In this conversation, Conrad sits down with Dave Grossman to unpack what really happens inside the mind and body under stress. From the physiological effects of high-pressure situations to the misunderstood nature of PTSD, this episode challenges one of the most common narratives in first responder culture.
Grossman introduces the concept of post-traumatic growth—the idea that adversity, when processed correctly, doesn’t weaken us… it strengthens us. He explains why elevated heart rate, anxiety, and mental replay aren’t necessarily signs of damage, but signals that the body is adapting and preparing.
You’ll walk away with practical tools to manage stress in real time—simple, actionable techniques like controlled breathing and even something as basic as drinking water to regulate the nervous system.
More importantly, this episode reframes how leaders should guide their teams through trauma—not by dismissing it, but by helping them understand it.
This is not just about surviving stress.
It’s about learning how to grow through it.
Key Topics CoveredThe difference between PTSD and post-traumatic growthWhat’s actually happening in your body under stressWhy perception determines performanceTools to regulate the nervous system in real timeHow leaders should guide others through high-stress experiencesEMDR and separating memory from emotionWhy most people are more resilient than they thinkKey TakeawaysStress responses are not always signs of damage—they can be signs of adaptationLeaders play a critical role in how trauma is processedCalm is trained, not automaticThe body can be brought under control with simple, repeatable techniquesGrowth is possible—even after intense experiencesNotable Quotes“This is not PTSD… this is what it feels like to level up.”“Two people can feel the same thing—one thinks they’re broken, the other wants to do it forever.”“Breathing is a leash on the nervous system.”“The worse it gets, the calmer the leader needs to become.”Resources MentionedEMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)Grossman’s books and training materialsCall to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone on your team.
And make sure you’re subscribed—because in Part 2, we shift from managing stress… to what leadership actually looks like inside real organizations.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.
CODE RED Fundraiser: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lightningdigital/code-red-a-cardiac-wake-up-call
Join our Mastermind Series: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/
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130 - Mental Warfare is Part of the Path - with Rob Magao
This conversation begins with a hard truth: most people will experience a handful of high-stress emergencies in their lifetime… but first responders live inside that stress—day after day.
In this conversation, Rob Magao pulls back the curtain on what repeated exposure to use-of-force situations actually does to an officer’s mind. It’s not just the moment—it’s the aftermath. The second-guessing. The weight. The accumulation of stress that quietly builds until something breaks.
But the deeper insight isn’t just about trauma—it’s about preparation.
Rob makes a compelling case that the real issue isn’t just the danger officers face… it’s the lack of consistent, realistic training to meet that danger. When training is sporadic, scripted, or insufficient, officers are forced to rely on instinct in moments where instinct isn’t enough.
And that’s where everything changes.
Because confidence—real confidence—is built through repetition, pressure, and consistency. It’s what allows an officer to stay calm, act decisively, and ultimately de-escalate situations that could otherwise spiral.
This episode challenges leaders and officers alike to rethink responsibility:What are you doing daily to prepare for someone else’s worst day?
Connect with Rob: https://officersurvivalseries.com
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.
CODE RED Fundraiser: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lightningdigital/code-red-a-cardiac-wake-up-call
129 - The Emotional Toll of Life in the Trauma Unit with Dr. Alicia Mangram
What happens when the people trusted to save lives have nowhere safe to process their own pain? In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with trauma surgeon Dr. Alicia Mangram about burnout inside hospital systems, the emotional toll of caring for the sick and dying, and why wellness in medicine has to become more than a buzzword. Together, they explore leadership, culture, work-life balance, COVID’s lasting impact, and Dr. Mangram’s vision for changing healthcare from the inside out. This episode will resonate with healthcare workers, first responders, leaders, and anyone who has ever carried the weight of caring for others while quietly neglecting themselves.
ABOUT DR. MANGRAM
Dr. Alicia Mangram is an accomplished trauma surgeon and critical care physician with more than 25 years of experience serving in high-stress hospital environments. Her work has placed her at the center of life-and-death care, where she has witnessed firsthand the emotional burden carried not only by physicians, but also by nurses, pharmacists, environmental staff, trainees, and every member of the clinical team. That experience has shaped her growing commitment to wellness, leadership, and long-term sustainability in medicine.
Driven by a desire to change the culture of healthcare, Dr. Mangram created Compassionate Gift, a program designed to support surgeons, physicians, residents, advanced practice providers, and medical students in building what she calls “lifelong durability.” Through her GET Theory—God, Emotions, and Trust—she is working to create safe spaces where healthcare professionals can process hardship, reject stigma, and learn to stay whole while continuing to serve others. Her message is simple but profound: healthcare workers are gifted healers, but they also need healing communities of their own.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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"Better sleep often starts with a better environment." - Taylor Montey
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
or Dial 988 for immediate help.
SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles with Taylor Montey
In part two of this conversation, Conrad Weaver and Taylor Montey get practical about sleep in the first responder world. They talk about how to create a better sleep environment in bunk rooms and at home, how alarms and abrupt wake-ups affect the body, whether sleep trackers help or hurt, how alcohol impacts recovery, when naps can be useful, and why even late-night phone scrolling can disrupt rest. This episode is full of realistic, actionable insight for first responders, leaders, spouses, and anyone trying to build healthier rhythms in a career that constantly disrupts them.
CONNECT WITH TAYLOR:
Instagram: mindset.repsFacebook: mindsetreps
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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To Support the Code Red Documentary, Click HereSpecial Edition - Code Red: A Cardiac Wake Up Call with Dr. Jonathan Sheinberg
In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with Dr. Jon Sheinberg for a powerful conversation about one of the most overlooked threats to first responders: heart disease. What makes this discussion especially compelling is Dr. Sheinberg’s rare perspective. He has spent decades both as a physician and as a sworn law enforcement officer, giving him firsthand insight into the physical and physiological toll the job takes.
Together, Conrad and Dr. Sheinberg unpack why heart disease affects first responders at disproportionately high rates, why police officers often suffer heart attacks younger than the general population, and how chronic stress, adrenaline spikes, poor sleep, shift work, and diet all combine into a dangerous pattern. They also discuss why traditional cardiac screening often misses the problem and what more proactive screening can look like.
The conversation also introduces Code Red, the upcoming documentary project designed to shine a light on this crisis and help save lives through awareness, education, and early intervention.
Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
or Dial 988 for immediate help.
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CODE RED: a Cardiac Wake Up Call is now funding on Kickstarter. Please show your support.
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
or Dial 988 for immediate help.
127 - SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles (Part 1 of 2)
In part one of this two-part conversation, Conrad Weaver sits down with firefighter, lieutenant, counselor, and sleep specialist Taylor Montey to talk about one of the most overlooked issues in first responder wellness: sleep. But this episode goes far beyond bedtime habits. Together, they unpack the connection between sleep, trauma, mental health, shift work, stress, and recovery — and why broken sleep may be quietly shaping everything from memory and emotional regulation to long-term health. This conversation is especially important for first responders, leaders, spouses, and anyone who wants to better understand the hidden toll of chronic exhaustion in the people who serve.
CONNECT WITH TAYLOR:
Instagram: mindset.repsFacebook: mindsetreps
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
or Dial 988 for immediate help.
126 - The Hidden Injury Behind the Anger with Jeff Casselman
What happens when the trauma isn’t just emotional — but neurological? In this powerful episode, Conrad Weaver talks with retired police officer and Army veteran Jeff Casselman about the devastating intersection of PTSD, cumulative concussions, and traumatic brain injury. Jeff opens up about blackout rage, memory loss, seizures, personality changes, and the painful impact those injuries had on his career, marriage, and identity. This is an honest conversation about what policing can cost when injuries go unseen, symptoms get misread, and officers keep pushing through. If you serve in law enforcement, lead first responders, support officer wellness, or love someone in the job, this episode is a wake-up call you need to hear.
CONNECT WITH JEFFBook: A Survival Guide for Cops with TBI & PTSD: Accountability, Moral Injury, and the Cost at Home
Order here: https://a.co/d/0c2d9zqn
LinkedIn
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Book a call with Peer Connect: https://firstresponderwellness.co/peerconnect
SPECIAL EDITION: A Proactive Peer Support System First Responders Can Trust
What if peer support in your agency didn’t depend on chance, availability, or who happened to answer the phone? In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver talks with Nik Fiorito of Peer Connect about a system designed to make peer support more proactive, more confidential, and more sustainable for first responder agencies. They discuss how Peer Connect helps responders connect with trusted peers, how supervisors can initiate support without crossing confidentiality lines, and why this matters especially for small, rural, and understaffed departments. Nik also explains how agencies are using Peer Connect to reduce burnout among peer supporters, improve follow-up, and create a more consistent support process for their teams. If your department has a peer support team, wants to build one, or is looking for a better way to care for its people after difficult calls, this conversation is worth your time.
Book a call with Peer Connect: https://firstresponderwellness.co/peerconnect
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources
or Dial 988 for immediate help.
125 - You Can't Fix Your Family Until You Fix Yourself - Gregory Seibert
What happens when a career built on strength, control, and service slowly hardens your heart? In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with former law enforcement officer and criminal justice instructor Greg Seibert for a raw conversation about trauma, anger, marriage, faith, and healing. Greg shares how years of exposure to darkness nearly cost him everything — and how therapy, honest reflection, faith, and community helped him begin to change. This episode is for first responders, spouses, leaders, and anyone trying to understand what happens when survival mode follows you home.
CONNECT WITH GREG
Spiritual Resources
YouVersion Bible AppA strong everyday tool for reading Scripture, listening to audio Bibles, and following Bible plans. Great for responders with irregular schedules.
BibleProjectExcellent for understanding the big picture of the Bible and how to read it well. Their “How to Read the Bible” resources are especially useful for people who are new to serious Bible study.
Prayers and Promises for First RespondersPrayers & Promises for First Responders is the perfect encouraging resource for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and everyone behind the scenes. Arranged by theme, this book contains inspirational Scriptures, powerful prayers, and thought-provoking questions to help readers draw closer to God and find strength and peace.Trials and hardship are sure to come, but you can stand proudly on the foundation of God’s Word that lasts forever.
The ChosenNot a substitute for Scripture, but a helpful visual way for many people to engage with the life and ministry of Jesus. It’s available free through its app and website.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC
Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.
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