In this gripping and eye-opening episode of Strategies for Living Radio, hosts Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome paramedic, author, and mental health advocate Joanna Sokol, author of A Real Emergency: Stories from the Ambulance. Joanna shares raw, heartfelt, and at times darkly humorous insights from a decade on the front lines as a 911 first responder.

From the adrenaline-fueled highs of emergency calls to the emotional toll of burnout, staffing shortages, and COVID-19, this conversation dives deep into the human side of EMT work. Joanna also reflects on the resilience, trauma, and spiritual lessons that emerge from life-and-death moments—and what she believes can be done to heal a broken emergency care system.

Listeners will walk away with a newfound respect for first responders and practical strategies for compassion, self-care, and systemic change.

Original Airdate: 6/24/2025