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Get buckled up because this episode is a big one. We’re kicking off a two-part series with the one and only Sean McCallum, and let’s just say—this guy gets it.
Sean isn’t your average firefighter. Sure, he’s spent 22+ years in the fire service and serves as an operational watch manager with the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in the UK. But beyond that? He’s a veteran, crisis intervention specialist, trauma consultant, and children’s author who’s developed innovative mental health frameworks like the Crisis Psychological First Aid Model and the COPE Stress Management Model (aka the CPR for Stress). Oh, and he also wrote The Joy Thief, a book teaching kids about trauma—because he’s just that next-level.
We knew this conversation was going to be good. We didn’t know we’d be sitting there with our jaws on the floor half the time. Sean breaks down the concept of identity transition—why it’s crucial for first responders to shift from work mode to home mode if they want to keep their relationships (and their sanity) intact. He also delivers a mic-drop moment on trauma, explaining that it’s not actually about the event itself—it’s about the intention you couldn’t fulfill in that moment. Let that one sink in.
We also dive into his COPE Stress Management Model, which gives first responders practical steps to manage stress before, during, and after a critical incident. And we can’t forget The Joy Thief—the book he wrote to help kids understand trauma, inspired by his own daughters and their innocent but wildly insightful view on emotions.
Somewhere in the middle of all this, we also get a crash course in British slang, a deep dive into the psychology of trauma, and the realization that we’re all just trying to complete unfinished business from our past. No big deal.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your trauma, lost without your job title, or like you’re still trying to “fix” something from 10 years ago, this episode is for you. And if you’re a firefighter, cop, medic, dispatcher, or literally anyone trying to balance who you are at work vs. who you are at home, you’re about to get some serious perspective shifts.
🚨 And don’t forget—this is just Part 1. Next week, we go even deeper with Sean (and yeah, things get even more intense). Make sure you hit subscribe so you don’t miss it!
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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Alright folks, buckle up because today Erin and Cinnamon are calling out that sneaky, progress-blocking beast: self-sabotage. We all do it. We all have that little voice that says, "Why even try?" or "You're just gonna fail anyway." Well, guess what? That voice is full of crap.
In this episode, we break down why we sabotage ourselves, how fear plays the biggest role in keeping us stuck, and most importantly, how one tiny word— yet— can shut that nonsense down. That’s right. The difference between "I can’t do this" and "I can’t do this… yet" is a game-changer.
If you’ve ever found yourself procrastinating, stuck in perfectionism, or talking yourself out of success, this episode is for you. Get ready to reframe your mindset, challenge that inner critic, and learn how to keep moving forward, even when self-doubt comes knocking.
What You'll Learn:
Challenge of the Week:
The next time you catch yourself in a self-doubt spiral, tack on "yet" to the end of the sentence. "I’m not good at this… yet." "I haven’t figured this out… yet." Pay attention to how that one little word shifts your mindset, and let us know how it goes! Tag us on social media or drop us a message—we love hearing from you!
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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Taking things personally can strain relationships, yet so many of us struggle to step back and give others the space they need. In this episode of After the Tones Drop, Cinnamon and Erin dive into why we internalize others' emotions and reactions—and how to break that habit. Drawing from The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz, they explore why resisting the urge to “fix” someone’s feelings can actually strengthen relationships and prevent unnecessary conflict.
They discuss why we tend to take things personally, how pushing for answers or solutions can backfire, what happens when we try to "fix" our loved ones, and how to give people space to process without making it about our own discomfort. Erin even puts herself on blast, admitting how much this lesson applies in her own marriage, while Cinnamon confesses to rewriting the Laverne & Shirley theme song in her head. It’s real talk, a little tough love, and a lot of laughs.
If you've ever found yourself demanding answers, defending yourself when emotions run high, or assuming someone’s mood is about you, this episode is for you. The challenge of the week is to resist the urge to pry when someone you care about is upset but doesn’t want to talk. Let them come to you, and when they do, just listen. Don’t react, don’t take it personally, and see what happens.
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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In this powerful episode of After the Tones Drop, we sit down with Captain Ed Monroe, a 16-year veteran of the LA County Fire Department, whose life and leadership were forever changed by a tragic critical incident within his department in 2021. Ed opens up about the unimaginable day when a colleague took the life of one of their brothers, shot another and permanently wounded him, then took his life—and the lasting ripple effects on the entire agency.
From navigating grief and leadership under extreme pressure to the long-term impact of trauma on the fire service, Ed shares his journey of vulnerability, resilience, and the hard lessons learned. He candidly discusses his shift from skepticism about mental health support to becoming an advocate for therapy and peer support.
Tune in to hear how Ed's personal story is a testament to the importance of mental health in first responder communities, the cultural shifts happening in peer support, and the relentless pursuit of breaking down stigmas.
What You'll Learn:
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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Grief is one of those things that hits everyone differently, and let’s be honest—most of us suck at knowing what to say when someone we care about is going through it. Whether it's at a funeral, in a sympathy card, or just a well-meaning text, people often default to the same old clichés that do more harm than good. Today, Erin and Cinnamon dive deep into what NOT to say when supporting someone who’s grieving—because while words can’t fix grief, they sure as hell can make it worse.
From the classic “They’re in a better place” to the infuriating “Everything happens for a reason”, they’re breaking down why these phrases can feel dismissive, invalidating, or just plain annoying. More importantly, they offer real alternatives—the things that may help when someone is drowning in loss. Spoiler: it’s less about what you say and more about how you show up.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Call to Action:
Next time you’re supporting someone through grief, take a second to pause before you speak. What’s actually helpful? What might make them feel worse? And remember—sometimes, just sitting in silence with someone says more than words ever could.
Grief doesn’t come with an expiration date, and neither should your support. Check in, show up, and be the kind of person you’d want in your corner.
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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Ever heard of the fight-or-flight response? Of course you have. But what about the other F words—freeze, fawn, and faint? No, we’re not kidding. In this episode of After the Tones Drop, Erin and Cinnamon take a hilarious yet insightful dive into the often-overlooked stress responses that make up our brain’s survival playbook. This conversation will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about how we handle stress and high-pressure moments.
From breaking down what each response looks like to sharing real-world examples and personal anecdotes (yes, goats made the cut), Erin and Cinnamon explore how these F words show up in everyday life, on the job, and in relationships. They also tackle why recognizing these responses can help you manage stress better—and how they’re not signs of weakness, but your body’s way of trying to protect you.
Key Takeaways:
Erin & Cinnamon’s Challenge:
The next time you’re stressed, stop for a moment and ask yourself: Which F word am I using? Is it freeze, fawn, faint, fight, or flight? Naming it is the first step to managing it. And hey, if you can’t figure it out, send a message to Erin and Cinnamon on the hotline—they’ve got your back.
Join the Conversation:
Got a question about stress responses? Want help figuring out which F word you’re rocking this week? Leave us a voicemail on the hotline at AfterTheTonesDrop.com. It’s anonymous unless you want to tell us who you are, and we’d love to hear from you!
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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Let’s talk about the impossible balancing act of being a firefighter, running a business, and still managing to take care of yourself. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Jon Vought, is doing. Jon is a 15-year veteran firefighter and the founder of Rescue One CBD, a company dedicated to helping first responders improve their sleep, manage stress, and reduce inflammation—all without risking their careers. After struggling with his own recovery from surgery and dealing with the ripple effects of poor sleep, Jon decided enough was enough. He went all-in on creating a product that would work for people like him, navigating long shifts, relentless stress, and the stigma around wellness in the fire service.
During our conversation, Jon gets real about what it’s like to juggle two demanding lives—firefighter by day, wellness entrepreneur by... well, also by day (and night, and whatever hours he can grab). He opens up about the struggles of maintaining boundaries, the trial-and-error process of developing a CBD product that’s truly safe for first responders, and the ridiculous hurdles he’s faced to make it happen. Seriously, did you know he had to hire scientists in Denver to ensure his product had zero THC? We’re talking microscopic precision here, people.
We also dive into the science behind CBD and why it’s a game-changer for recovery. Jon explains how CBD promotes REM sleep, reduces inflammation, and even supports mental health. And no, it’s not all buzzwords—he backs it up with research (and a personal stash of studies he calls his "CBD Bible"). He also tackles common misconceptions, like whether you can use CBD on-duty or how to handle concerns about drug tests. Spoiler: Jon’s CBD is the only firefighter-specific product that guarantees zero THC, so you don’t have to choose between better sleep and keeping your job.
But this episode isn’t just about the technical stuff. It’s about the heart of the fire service. Jon reminds us that taking care of yourself isn’t weak—it’s essential if you want to keep doing the job you love. Whether you’re running calls at 3 a.m. or trying to stay awake while your kids get off the bus, recovery matters. And self-care? It’s not all pedicures and spa days. Sometimes, it’s the hard decision to shut the laptop at 9 p.m. or say no to one more task.
If you’ve ever felt like “toughing it out” is the only way to survive the job, Jon’s story will inspire you to rethink that mindset. His message is clear: You can take care of yourself and be great at your job. In fact, you’ll be better for it.
Resources:
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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This episode, we're unpacking a concept that's been a game changer for us and many others: the idea that relationships don't need to be 50/50 all the time but should rather aim for 100% collectively, however that splits. Inspired by Brene Brown's insights on vulnerability and support, we're talking about how sometimes, you might only have 20% to give, and that's perfectly okay—as long as the people in your life are ready to step up and fill in the rest.
We're also sharing our harrowing week battling an epic Ohio snowstorm, making every commute an adventure. Plus, our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in California. We had the chance to chat with a LA County firefighter just days before the fires erupted, and the stories of bravery and resilience are nothing short of inspiring.
So, whether you're giving 10% or 90% today, remember, it's about finding balance, communication, and mutual support. We've seen relationships transform through this understanding and hope you can take away something that helps you look at your interactions a little differently.
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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It’s not easy to admit you’re struggling, especially when you’re supposed to be the strong one. Brad Savage, a 15-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, knows this better than most. From serving in Canada’s largest cities to its most remote communities, Brad has seen and endured more than many can imagine. But his story isn’t just about the job; it’s about the unspoken struggles and silent battles so many first responders face—and the courage it takes to confront them.
In this episode, Brad opens up about his trauma, loss, and resilience journey. From his officer-involved shooting to personal tragedies, he shares how he once believed he had to carry it all alone. But finding Save a Warrior changed everything. Brad explains how diving deep into his past helped him understand that the job wasn’t the root of his struggles—it was the unhealed trauma from long before. He talks about the tools that helped him heal, including the surprising impact of meditation, which gave him space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with his family.
Brad’s story is a raw and honest look at the reality of life as a first responder. He doesn’t shy away from the hard truths like the cultural tendency to avoid vulnerability or the toll secondary trauma can take on families and coworkers. Yet, his message is one of hope. He shares why he’s passionate about peer support, how he’s breaking the stigma of mental health in policing, and why learning to “share your experience without sharing your trauma” is a game-changer for first responders everywhere. This episode is packed with insight, humanity, and practical advice for anyone navigating trauma. Brad’s reflections remind us that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s where true strength begins.
Learn more about Save a Warrior
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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In today's New Year episode, Erin and Cinnamon warmly welcome listeners back after their holiday break, refreshed and ready to jump into the new year. They initiate a thoughtful dialogue on why setting intentions surpasses making resolutions, advocating for thoughtful, daily choices that significantly influence our personal journeys. Throughout the episode, they reflect deeply on the outcomes and learnings from 2024, emphasizing the importance of being intentional and holding oneself accountable. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional resolutions that often set people up for disappointment, contrasting them with the power of setting realistic, supportive intentions that foster growth and personal accountability.
Erin and Cinnamon share their personal anecdotes and lessons about self-compassion, highlighting how actions that build self-esteem can transform our self-perception and interpersonal relationships. They encourage listeners to engage with the community by sharing their intentions, thereby building a supportive network that echoes the podcast’s themes of growth and mutual aid.
The hosts challenge their audience to make meaningful impacts in others' lives as the year begins, emphasizing that each small act of kindness can ripple outwards to create substantial change. As the episode closes, they impart heartfelt New Year wishes to their listeners, inviting everyone to approach 2025 with an open heart, ready to embrace each day’s opportunities and challenges with grace and determination. This episode not only sets the tone for a year of intentional living but also strengthens the bond between the hosts and their community, paving the way for a year of transformation and collective support.
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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Embark on a journey that goes beyond sirens and flashing lights After The Tones Drop Podcast provides a safe haven to explore, demystify, and destigmatize mental health and wellness for first…
Join Cinnamon and her guests as they pull back the curtain, sharing powerful stories and expert insights that resonate with the heartbeat of those who run towards danger when others step back. It's more than just a podcast; it's a lifeline for the ones who dedicate their lives to saving others.
In each episode, stories get unraveled and struggles behind the badges are shared, showcasing the human side of heroism. Discover the strength in vulnerability and the power in sharing. It's more than a conversation; it's a revolution—a revolution in mental health care for our first responders.
So, tune in for candid conversations, practical strategies, and a sprinkle of humor—because healing begins with understanding, and understanding starts here.
Let's break down the barriers, one episode at a time. Because after the tones drop, the real conversation begins, and we're here to make sure it's heard loud and clear.