Finding Strength Podcast

In this episode, Matt and Brindy sit down with firefighter Dave Allsup to talk about courage, vulnerability, and the life-changing decision to seek treatment. Dave shares how his wife helped him take the step toward getting support through Deer Hollow and how that choice changed the direction of his life. Today, Dave uses his own story to encourage other first responders to get the support they need and deserve. His honesty, strength, and willingness to be vulnerable are a powerful reminder that healing is not weakness. It is one of the bravest things a person can do.

In this deeply human episode, Matt and Brindy sit down with therapists Deana Charter, LPC (AZ), and Jennifer Koch, PsyD (WA), to explore the inner world of the healer. Each shares their own story of becoming who they are today—and the personal transformations that shaped their path. Together they dive into what it’s really like to work with trauma, especially among first responders, and how therapy changes both the client and the clinician. From EMDR to emotional exhaustion, from coping to connection, this episode reveals the heart of healing: learning to move beyond survival and live fully alive.

If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out, their is support and it works.
Call Deer Hollow Recovery & Wellness Centers at (801) 516-3135 to talk with someone who understands and can help you take the next step toward healing.

In this powerful and emotional episode, Battalion Chief John Gallup shares his deeply personal story of battling alcoholism and finding recovery. With honesty and vulnerability, he takes us inside the struggles many first responders face but rarely talk about, showing how resilience, peer support, and community can spark real healing. Beyond his personal journey, John reflects on his work as co-chair of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Behavioral Health Committee and his mission to create a culture where firefighters can find strength, connection, and hope.

Hey friends! In this short bonus episode of the Finding Strength Podcast, I explore the critical topic of trauma-informed research, how we can ethically study trauma without causing harm. As a 4th-year PhD student at National University, I’m currently taking a course titled Research Ethics in Trauma and Disaster Response, and this episode is part of an academic assignment. In the episode we discuss the prevalence of trauma, the six principles of trauma-informed care, and best practices for conducting research that prioritizes participant safety, trust, and empowerment. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, or someone passionate about ethical trauma work, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the complexities of studying trauma responsibly.

In this special episode of Finding Strength, our host becomes the guest once again! Matt had the privilege of sitting down with Podcast Host Chris Littrell, alongside his incredible speaking partners—Tim Sears, John Gallup, Greg Rudiger—and his good friend, the one and only, Jordan Lee.

This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s the launchpad for something truly powerful. We’re kicking off the Resilience in Action Training Tour, a statewide initiative bringing world-class speakers and transformative training to firefighters, first responders, and their families across Washington over the next year.

Resilience in Action isn’t just for firefighters—it’s for anyone involved in first responder work who wants to strengthen their mental health, build resilience, and find practical tools to navigate the unique challenges of this profession. This tour is designed to educate, inspire, and provide real solutions for those who serve our communities every day.

Beyond the training, this episode offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Matt’s deep emotional connection to the work he does with First Responders. From powerful insights to heartfelt moments, this conversation captures the passion, vulnerability, and dedication that drive Matt’s mission.

In this episode, we also deep dive into why this training is so needed, what attendees can expect, and how this tour will make a lasting impact. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it.

You won’t want to miss this one. Tune in and get ready to take action!

In this powerful episode of Finding Strength, we sit down with Keri Seymore, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of experience as an ER nurse. Keri shares her firsthand perspective on the trauma that nurses endure, the emotional toll of working on the frontlines.

We also dive into the ways healthcare professionals cope with trauma, including an important conversation on the use of substances to numb emotional pain. Keri provides insight into the differences between alcohol and marijuana, discussing the potential drawbacks of using marijuana to manage anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, she sheds light on the stigma surrounding therapy and mental health treatment for nurses—a barrier that often prevents healing and leaves many struggling in silence.

Beyond her professional expertise, Keri opens up about her personal journey of loss and resilience. She shares the heartbreaking story of losing her husband, Scott, to heart disease at just 41 years old and how she navigated grief, eventually finding meaning and purpose again. Through her experience, we explore the importance of talking about loss and how open conversations are a vital part of the healing process.

This episode is a raw and honest conversation about trauma, grief, and the power of resilience. Whether you're a healthcare worker, someone coping with loss, or just looking for insight into overcoming life’s hardships, Keri’s story will leave you feeling seen, heard, and inspired.

In this special episode of Finding Strength, Matt, Brindy, and their 17-year-old son, Ezra, dive into an open and honest conversation about parenting, family dynamics, and the inner world of teenagers.

Together, they explore what it’s like to navigate the teenage years from both the parent and teen perspectives, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. They discuss therapy from a teen’s point of view, the pressure to make good decisions, and what parents don’t realize about their kids' inner worlds. Ezra shares insights on friendships, decision-making, and the importance of time—our most precious resource.

Most importantly, this episode offers parents valuable tools for guiding their teens through tough choices while fostering deeper relationships built on trust, understanding, and connection. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on in your teenager’s mind, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Listen now and gain a fresh perspective on parenting—straight from a teen who’s living it.

Jim Miguel is nothing short of a hero. Like so many in his field, he embodies humility, strength, and an unwavering dedication to serving others. His story offers a profound glimpse into the daily realities faced by firefighters and will inspire you to see their work—and your own life—in a new light.

As we celebrate the 100th episode of the Finding Strength Podcast, it’s only fitting that we honor this milestone with a guest as remarkable as Chief Miguel. A 40 year veteran of the fire service, now retired, he brings immense wisdom and a unique perspective to the conversation.

In this episode, Chief Miguel shares the transformative journey of implementing the 1st Watch Wellness program within his department. He recounts how this pioneering initiative reshaped the stigma surrounding mental health, saving lives and fostering a culture of support and resilience.

Chief Miguel details the measurable success of the 1st Watch program, explaining why mental health support is a critical resource for first responders everywhere. Whether you’re a first responder, a supporter, or someone seeking insights into mental health advocacy, this special episode will leave you informed, inspired, and equipped to make a difference.

Here’s to 100 episodes of Finding Strength—and to the incredible stories that continue to inspire hope and change.

In this episode, we are joined by Retired Sergeant David Sorenson of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. Dave is also the founder of Keep’n Safe, a powerful non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of first responders. With 43 years of experience in law enforcement, including 10 years as a Reserve Officer and 33 years as a full-time Deputy and Sergeant, Dave is a passionate advocate who has been a leading voice in the first responder community for many years. He was an early advocate for seeking counseling and therapy, recognizing the importance of mental health and receiving therapy himself. Through Keep’n Safe, Dave has helped countless responders and their families navigate the challenges of coping with trauma by providing resources to access the help they need.

The mission of Keep’n Safe is twofold: first, to assist first responders struggling with the mental and emotional toll of traumatic events by offering vital resources for treatment, and second, to reduce gun violence—both intentional and accidental. The organization plays a critical role in educating first responders about the resources available to treat and survive PTSD, and it also helps fund treatment-related expenses, including insurance co-pays and travel costs for those who need to seek treatment at specialized facilities.

In addition to his advocacy work, Dave shares his fascinating experiences as a hostage negotiator, offering gripping stories from his time in the field. Tune in to hear about Dave’s dedication to mental health, the impact of Keep’n Safe, and the powerful lessons learned throughout his remarkable career.

To learn more about Dave's work check out: https://keepnsafe.com/

To learn more about Deer Hollow go to: https://deerhollowrecovery.com/

To learn more about 1st Watch Wellness go to: https://1stwatchwellness.com/

If you or someone you know needs help please reach out. We at Finding Strength are passionate about healing and have may resources for anyone who needs it.

In this powerful episode of the Finding Strength Podcast, we sit down with Chris Sutherland, a former Police Officer with the Marysville Police Department. Chris shares his story as the School Resource Officer during the tragic 2014 Marysville-Pilchuck High School shooting in Washington. He opens up about that harrowing day, revealing his raw emotions, the immediate response, and his challenging road to PTSD recovery. Chris discusses his transformative journey through Deer Hollow Recovery and his inspiration for founding the Brothers in Healing foundation, a resource dedicated to helping first responders access the support and treatment they need for PTSD. Tune in for an honest and deeply moving conversation that underscores resilience, recovery, and the power of community.