Some wounds bleed. Others stay hidden for years.

In this episode of Built By Fire, David Burnell sits down with longtime friend Jeffrey Denning — veteran, former law enforcement officer, federal operator, and trauma-informed mental health professional — for a deeply honest conversation about critical incidents, cumulative trauma, and the invisible wounds carried by first responders, warriors, and ordinary people.

Together they explore the weight of secondary and tertiary trauma, the emotional aftermath of violence, the danger of isolation, and the practical habits that help people heal: sleep, nutrition, movement, gratitude, faith, connection, and service.

This episode is not about weakness.

It is about reality.

It is about the unseen cost of service, the burden carried by those who run toward crisis, and the reminder that healing is possible — but it takes intention, honesty, and people who care enough to knock on the door.

If you’ve ever carried pain you couldn’t explain, or loved someone who has, this conversation is for you.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidburnell.substack.com/subscribe