This special episode of Defining You, is close to Kathy’s heart.  In this heartfelt conversation with Kathy’s brother Sean, a fire chief and EMT, and her son Anthony, a firefighter and police officer. They discuss the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by first responders, including PTSD and theemotional toll of their work. The hope of having this conversation is to help break the stigma surrounding mental health, the need for support systems, and the personal journeys many face.  

A great conversation on coping mechanisms, the impact of trauma on personal lives, and the generational differences in addressing mental health issues within the first respondercommunity.

📌Some Helpful Resources

If you or someone you love is a first responder strugglingwith PTSD, please know You’re not alone. Help is out there. Healing ispossible. Below are hotlines, peer programs, and practical tools—to help youfind the support you need.

🚨 Immediate Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 (24/7,confidential support for anyone in distress).

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with atrained counselor.

👮‍♂️ FirstResponder–Specific Support

First Responder Support Network (FRSN) – www.frsn.org | Peersupport, retreats, and programs for first responders and their families.

Code Green Campaign – www.codegreencampaign.org | Mentalhealth advocacy and resources specifically for EMS, firefighters, dispatchers,and law enforcement.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) – EveryoneGoes Home® Program – www.everyonegoeshome.com | Emotional support andresilience resources for firefighters.

Blue H.E.L.P. – www.bluehelp.org | Honoring officers lost tosuicide and providing resources for law enforcement families.

🧠 Mental Health &PTSD Resources

National Center for PTSD (VA) – www.ptsd.va.gov | Education,self-help tools, and treatment options.

SAMHSA Treatment Locator – findtreatment.gov | Search forlocal mental health and substance use treatment providers.

ResponderStrong – www.responderstrong.org | Resources forresilience and mental health for first responders.

📚 Recommended Reads &Tools

“Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement” by Dr. KevinGilmartin

“The Body Keeps the Score” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

First Responder Wellness App (free in app stores, offersmindfulness, peer support, and self-care tools).

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questions

you want to hear answered or have topic ideas for future episodes,please send an email to: [email protected]

 Let us know you are listening! Leave us a comment &follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1⁠⁠

In this episode, Kathy and Nikki discuss the significance ofperspective in personal growth and relationships.

Kathy and Nikki share personal experiences and lessons, they discuss the importance of empathy, and emphasize the need for open-mindedness in understanding others. They highlight that changing one's perspective can lead to growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

Plus , hear about what Kathy’s building and Nikki’s love hate for the dentist!

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questions

you want to hear answered or have topic ideas for futureepisodes, please send an email to: [email protected]

 Let us know you are listening! Leave us a comment& Follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1⁠⁠

In this episode of Defining You, Kathy and Nikki have another amazing guest, Cornelius (Con) Sheehan. Con is here to talk about Attachment Theory and how our different attachment styles affect our relationships. You’ll find out what those attachment styles are, how they show up and what you can do to change these tendencies and move into a more secure attachment style. Con also explains the differences between an insecure attachment style and personality disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Listen for a deep dive into attachment theory and how Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help improve your relationships. 

You can find Con at his practice: Individual and Relationship Counseling Associates.

https://csheehanjr.com/Find EFT therapists here:www.iceeft.com

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questions

you want to hear answered or have topic ideas for futureepisodes, please send an email to: [email protected]

 Let us know you are listening! Leave us a comment& Follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1⁠⁠

Are you ready to start living a life defined by you – not by stress, expectations, or old patterns? 

Defining You: Inside and Out – Wellness Coaching is more than just advice — it’s support on a journey to reconnect with your mind, body, and purpose.

Through mindset shifts, personal development, and real self-care (with a side effect of confidence + weight loss!), we’ll find your balance — from the inside out. 

In this video, I’m sharing my passion for helping others.

 Understanding your situation and meeting you where you're at. 

What it really means to find balance

How working together helps you feel in control, clear, and calm again 

If you’ve been feeling stuck, stressed, or just know there’s more to life — this is your invitation to take the first step. 

This is your time. Let’s define it.

 Watch now + send an email to [email protected] to talk about your journey and work towards a life defined by you. 

#DefiningYou #insideandout #WellnessCoach #support #MindBodyBalance #PersonalDevelopment #ConfidenceFromWithin 

This week Kathy and Nikki have a very special guest! Mary Ellen Loranger joins the pod to share her health & wellness story. These ladies energy, vulnerability and authenticity in this episode is admirable!

Mary Ellen is an amazing motivational health coach, a hustling entrepreneur, a mother, a wife, a leader in her community and the author of an amazon bestselling book "Win Today A Jersey Girls Guide to Living Your Best Life!" Click the link here to get your copy!

https://a.co/d/87IOFrB

 If you are looking for motivation, support and empowerment you will not want to miss this episode! Listen as these ladies discuss how everyone’s journeys may be different but the importance of health and wellness is the same for us all.

Thanks for listening!

Links to this week’s favorites:

MaryEllen’s favorite:

Essential Amino Acid Blend Orange Mango

https://optaviamedia.com/pdf/product/OPTAVIA_ACTIVE-EAA_Brochure.pdf

Kathy’s Favorite:

25 Minute Speed Train | Weightlifting workouts that don't take all day ⁠https://share.google/MZwebnEQxegC4wVB9

 Nikki's Favorite:

Puff Pastry Fruit Tarts-

1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed -Fruit such as plums, peaches, pears or nectarines thinly sliced-Granulated sugar-Honey-Course salt

Preheat oven to 350’ F. Lay parchment paper out on baking sheet. Roll out pastry and cut into 9 even pieces and place on parchment paper evenly spaced. Lay 3-4 slices of fruit on each piece, sprinkle with about a teaspoon of sugar. Bake until puffy and golden, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool then drizzle with honey and sprinkle salt on top. 

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questions

you want to hear answered or have topic ideas for future episodes, please send an email to: [email protected]

 Let us know you are listening! Leave us a comment & Follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1⁠⁠

Did you know accountability manifests in various ways, bothinternally and externally?

In this episode, Kathy and Nikki discuss the importance ofvulnerability and humility in taking responsibility for one's actions, thedifferent types of accountabilities (internal vs. external), and the dynamicsof team accountability. They talk about the role effective communication playsand the necessity of genuine apologies.

 Listen to hear moreabout the personal growth that comes from acknowledging one's shortcomings.

Thanks for listening!

Links to this week’s favorites:

Kathy’s Favorite:

https://www.rarebeauty.com/products/find-comfort-bouncy-body-creamy’sFavorite:

Nikki’s favorite:

https://a.co/d/cI6cfO4

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questions

you want to hear answered or have topic ideas for futureepisodes, please send an email to: [email protected]

 Let us know you are listening! Leave us a comment& Follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1⁠⁠

Happy 4th of July!!

In this week’s episode of Defining You, Kathy and Nikki discuss the concept of love languages. They also discuss their favorites of the week, and the love languages they think should be considered for the list and…you might even hear something about writing a book!?!

They also have a favor to ask… as you listen to them expand on the traditional five love languages and explore additional aspects such as vulnerability, accountability, communication and personal growth, Kathy and Nikki encourage you to reflect on your own love languages and let them know your thoughts on the importance of open communication in fostering healthy relationships and any others you think should be included.

Thanks for listening!

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questions

you want to hear answered or have topic ideas for future episodes, please send an email to: [email protected]

Nikki's Favorite this week:https://a.co/d/f5sCllQ

Kathy's Favorite this week:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1517112209258583/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

 Let us know you are listening! Leave us a comment& Follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1

Welcome back for part 2 of Effective Communication!

In this episode, Kathy and Nikki pick back up from last weekand delve into the nuances of effective communication, exploring various styles including passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive communication.They share personal anecdotes, discuss the importance of body language and facial expressions, and even recommend an engaging book.

They really emphasize how much they have learned about the significance of kindness and understanding in fostering healthy communication in relationships.

Thanks for listening!

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questions

you want to hear answered or have topic ideas for future episodes, please send an email to: [email protected]

Links to this week’s favorites:

• Kathy’s Favorite:

“The Housemaid”

 https://a.co/d/4ERRbpO

• Nikki will report back next week with a new favorite! ;)

 Let us know you are listening! Leave us a comment& Follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1⁠⁠

The frustration of not feeling understood is something we all face and effective communication is the answer to avoiding most misunderstandings and arguments.

In this part 1 of 2 episode, Kathy and Nikki discuss what healthy and unhealthy communication looks like. Listen as they share what they have learned works and doesn’t work when communicating in their daily relationships.

Be sure to tune in next week for part 2 as they discuss how the types of communication and body language also play a key part in effectively communicating.

Thanks for listening!

Links to this week’s favorites:

Kathy’s Favorite:

COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073CWSQ51?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Nikki’s Favorite :

https://www.sephora.com/product/P463959

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questionsyou want to hear answered or have topic ideas for future episodes, please send an email to: [email protected]

 Let us know you are listening! Leave us a comment & Follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1⁠⁠

We lighten it up this week with a FUN episode taking a walk down memory lane. In this episode Kathy and Nikki reminisce about growing up Gen X and despite being from opposite coasts , surprisingly very similar!

We hope you enjoy this episode !

Links to this week's favorite items:

Nikki’s favorite this week:

https://a.co/d/ef9CUdf

This extra-large towel warmer fits oversized towels,bathrobes, and more, with safety features and ETL certification. Check it out on Amazon - you won't regret it!

Kathy’s favorite this week:

Muchpow Women's V Neck Sleeveless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPCHHHZY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

If you would like to be a guest on the pod, have questions you want to hear answered or have topic ideas for future episodes, please send an email to: [email protected]

Follow us on our socials!

https://www.instagram.com/defining__you/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094557259741

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@defining.you?_t=8rtN78iGSTe&_r=1⁠⁠