By Conrad Weaver
5
1212 ratings
The podcast currently has 102 episodes available.
53 - Where are all the good leaders?
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Today, my guest is Morgan Englund. He's a former actor turned paramedic and firefighter, and shares his experiences and insights on the challenges faced by first responders in terms of mental health and wellness. He discusses the toxic culture within the first responder community and the lack of support for mental health issues. Englund emphasizes the importance of peer support and vulnerability in changing this culture. He also shares his personal journey of healing, including his exploration of sound meditation and psychedelics. Englund calls for a shift in the culture of first responders to prioritize mental health and create a supportive environment.
The conversation focuses on the need for better leadership in the fire department and the impact it has on the mental health and well-being of firefighters. The guest, Morgan Englund, shares personal experiences of mistreatment and lack of support from captains and supervisors. He emphasizes the importance of training captains to be leaders and creating a culture of support and vulnerability within the department. The conversation also touches on the need for change in the fire service as a whole and the role of frontline firefighters in driving that change.
TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Morgan Englund, a raw and dynamic speaker, draws every word from the depths of his being. Beginning his professional journey as a celebrated actor in the vibrant realm of New York television and theater, Morgan's life took a profound turn when faced with the challenge of providing a stable and loving home for his two young children amidst a failing marriage. Transitioning into the roles of a paramedic and firefighter, Morgan found solace in a stable career that also offered him the chance to selflessly aid strangers daily.
CONNECT WITH MORGAN
https://morganenglund.com/
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
In this episode, Adam Davis, a former law enforcement officer, shares his journey of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and suicidal thoughts to find healing and purpose. He has written several books and speaks to first responders about finding hope and healing. His message of love and grace resonates with many, as he receives numerous messages and testimonials about the impact of his work. Adam continues to write and speak because he sees the fruit of his efforts and wants to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Adam Davis shares his mission to bring healing and hope to first responders and their families. He emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the importance of acknowledging and dealing with pain. Davis believes that by renewing the mind and cultivating love, individuals can experience transformation and live in abundance. He encourages readers to read and meditate on scripture to change their thinking and behavior patterns. Davis's ultimate goal is to impact lives and create a ripple effect of love and healing.
TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Adam Davis has inspired lives around the globe with his powerful words. His books have not only topped bestseller lists but have also transformed countless lives. His work in personal development, leadership, and first responder advocacy is a beacon of practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement, inspiring his audience to Live Unconquered.
As a captivating speaker, Adam electrifies audiences with his unique blend of raw honesty, compelling storytelling, and actionable insights. His speaking engagements, which have taken him to prestigious platforms nationally, are transformative experiences. Whether addressing intimate gatherings or commanding large audiences, Adam's magnetic presence and thought-provoking messages leave a lasting impact on his listeners, engaging them and inspiring them to take action.
Adam draws from his background as a former law enforcement officer and infuses his work with a rare authenticity and depth. His experiences bring unparalleled authenticity to his writing and speaking.
His influence extends far beyond the written page and speaking stage. As the founder and executive director of the Live Unconquered Foundation, he channels his passion into tangible support for first responder wellness. His expertise and inspiring message have garnered attention from major media outlets, including Good Morning America, Fox News, Entrepreneur Magazine, Law Enforcement Today, PoliceOne, Reuters, and many more.
An alumnus of Troy University, Adam is also a devoted husband and a loving father to their three children. His commitment to these roles, balanced with his professional success, showcases his dedication and balance in life.
Adam continues to write, speak, and advocate, touching lives and fostering positive change on a global scale.
CONNECT WITH ADAM
http://theadamdavis.com/
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
In this conversation, Matthew (Matty) Fiorenza discusses his journey of recovery after the release of the PTSD911 documentary, his daily practices that support his mental health, and the launch of his nonprofit foundation aimed at helping first responders. He reflects on the importance of spiritual connection in his recovery and shares insights on the incremental changes that have led to his current state of well-being. The conversation highlights the significance of community support and the need for dedicated resources for first responders and their families.
ABOUT MATTHEW
Matthew “Matty” Fiorenza is a retired Anaheim Firefighter Paramedic. After 22 years of service Matty had to make a very tough decision. The decision to leave the career early on a medical retirement.
Matty’s struggles with PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcoholism and other physical injuries lead him on the fight for his life. After a suicide attempt, Matty attended a trauma retreat that opened his heart and mind, and gave him a road map to recovery. Shortly after that retreat, Matty began his sobriety journey, and went back to that retreat to volunteer for the next 3 1/3 years. Being in that space with some incredible mentors, Matty began to carry a message born in the Veteran Community to his brothers and sisters in the First Responder Community.
Meditation, Equine therapy, 12-step programs, Stella Ganglion Block, EMDR therapy, Nerofeedback, TMS, Spec Scans from the Amen Clinic, and First Responder Support groups were all vital to Mattys recovery. He understood the value and saw the positive results of all these different modalities of treatment and wanted to share with is community. He was taught that you have to give it away to keep it and he didn’t want any other First Responder to suffer as he did.
A portion of Matty's story is featured in the award-winning documentary film, PTSD911 available for individual/personal use on Amazon Prime Video. The film is also available for public safety agencies to use as training. See the links below.
LINKS
https://www.facebook.com/frprfoundation
https://www.instagram.com/frprfoundation
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
51 - How can I Overcome the Darkness? The Power of Faith and Authentic Leadership
In this conversation, Host, Conrad Weaver interviews Jason Sautel, a former firefighter, about his experiences and struggles with mental health in the first responder community. They also discuss the role of faith in healing and the need for support systems within the fire service. The conversation touches on topics such as the impact of childhood trauma, the challenges of being a first responder, and the importance of finding a community that understands and supports mental health. The conversation explores the themes of hope, connection, leadership, and support within the first responder community. It emphasizes the importance of planting seeds of hope and reaching out for help. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by first responders and the need for authentic leadership. The guest shares his personal journey of finding hope and healing through faith and encourages others to do the same. The conversation concludes with a discussion on off-gassing and the importance of finding joy and laughter in life.
TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT OUR GUEST (In his own words)
I am passionate about helping anyone feeling hopeless see that you always have choices. I love walking alongside those who are hurting to give them the encouragement and hope they deserve—whether that’s face-to-face or online. I love my wife of sixteen years, Kristie, our four two-legged children, our two four-legged children, and appreciate God’s gifts of donuts, surfing, and Maui.
The simplicity and security of my Southern Californian childhood quickly came to a halt the day my parents divorced when I was eight. I was raised by my father, a Vietnam vet afflicted by the demons of his past.Being a father never came naturally to him, and to say my childhood years were rough would be an understatement.
When I was a sophomore, the school system finally tossed me out. I finished my entire school career without reading a single book, completing a homework assignment, or making any true friends. An urge—what I now know was a calling—to serve people inspired me to join a local volunteer fire department. At age 18, I watched my class graduate and receive their diplomas. I was a seasonal firefighter, across the street on the back of a fire engine, hoping no one would recognize me or sense my shame.
One year later, I found myself in downtown Oakland, assigned to one of the toughest firehouses in the country. Despite my past, I excelled at my job. Against all odds, becoming a decorated firefighter saved my life, but it didn’t save my soul. I continued to walk in the dark, spiraling down into the pain of hopelessness. I was at the end of my rope when a girl entered this broken guy’s life and showed me something I had never seen or felt before.
I am a bruised and broken man who has been restored by God’s grace and I want to share it with the world! When I first started my Facebook page “Jesus. He is all we need” I never expected it to grow the way it has. It has been a total blessing. Being connected with hundreds of thousands of brothers and sisters is something very special. At some of their darkest hours, I’m so lucky to have been able to remind people of the love that Jesus has for them.
Learn more and find his books at https://jasonsautel.com
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GracefullyRescued/
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
50 - What's the Most Important Issue in Policing?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Steve is a lifelong Texan who received his Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University and his Master’s from Tarleton State University. He began his police career in 1984 as the Honor Graduate of Houston Police Department Class #122 and also served with the Arlington and Garland Police Departments in various assignments including Patrol, SWAT, Narcotics, Mounted Patrol, and in the Traffic Unit as a Motorcycle Officer. Steve was an Assistant Chief in Garland and Chief in Colleyville before being selected as the Chief of Police for
Steve is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police, LEMIT Command Staff Leadership Series, and the FBI’s Leadership in Counterterrorism program. He previously served on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Community Policing and Terrorism Committees, as well as Co-Chair of the Special Olympics Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee. Steve founded the UNIDOS, MotorCops for Kids, and GPPD Police Youth Boxing community programs and is a published author on community policing, leadership, and innovative crime control measures. The police departments he has led have twice been awarded the IACP Community Policing Award.
Steve is committed to employee wellness and the formation of stakeholder partnerships to help improve and maintain a high quality of life in Allen. Steve has been married for 33 years and he and he and his wife have two children.
ABOUT OUR HOST
Conrad Weaver is an Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker, Podcast Host, Speaker, Producer, and Director with a passion for telling stories that matter. Conrad has been telling stories through documentary films for more than ten years and his films and work have taken him from the slums of Guatemala and orphanages in Ukraine, to the halls of Congress on Capitol Hill, and everywhere in between. Whenever Conrad takes on a film project he dives deep into the culture to get to know the story and become an expert on the subject. His films have won many prestigious awards including a Regional EMMY Award. Whether it’s through his films or his podcast, Conrad’s goal is to inspire others to live a life of meaning and purpose. You can often find Conrad putting miles on his bicycle or spending time with his wife, Jodi.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
49 - Can I Rewire my Brain? A Protocol for Healing the Hero
On this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Dan Jarvis discusses his work with Healing the Hero, a Christian faith-based ministry focused on healing PTSD, depression, and anxiety among first responders, veterans, and other individuals. He explains the protocol they use, which involves visual disassociation and rewiring the brain through neuroplasticity. Dan also discusses the importance of bringing faith into the healing process and the potential impact of their methods on conditions like dementia. He emphasizes the need for collaboration and partnerships with churches and other organizations to expand their reach and provide healing to more individuals.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Dan is also a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for my service and sacrifice.
https://tacticalresiliencyusa.com
https://healingthehero.org/
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
48 - How to Remember the Heroes Who Die by Suicide? A monument for the Heroes.
Karen Solomon, the president of FirstHelp, discusses the organization's mission to support first responder families after a suicide and provide prevention and resilience training. She shares her personal connection to the issue and how it led her to start the organization. Karen explains the stigma surrounding suicide in the first responder community and the challenges in addressing mental health. She also talks about the trajectory of suicides among first responders and the importance of tracking and reporting them. Karen discusses the resources and support that FirstHelp offers to families of suicide and the upcoming Heroes Memorial project.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT OUR GUEST
www.1sthelp.org
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
47 - Investing in Spiritual Well-being with Chad Depew
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
ABOUT THE GUEST
Chad Depew has been a police officer since 2001 and is currently the Chief of Police for a hospital system in Southwest Ohio. During his law enforcement career, he has served as a police officer, patrol sergeant, and a canine handler. Chad is a graduate of the 264th class of the FBI National Academy and has a master's degree in criminal justice administration as well as a master’s degree in business administration.
www.heroicdeeds.org
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
46 - Coaching for Well-Being: A Proactive Approach for First Responders
Jennifer Anderson, founder and CEO of First Responder Coaching, shares her personal experience as the spouse of a first responder who suffered a mental health break. She discusses the early signs she noticed and the challenges they faced in finding resources. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of proactive support and difficult conversations to prevent first responder suicide. She also explains the role of coaching in helping first responders improve their overall well-being and achieve their goals. Jennifer shares a powerful anecdote about a first responder who realized the need for support and made positive changes in his life. In this conversation, Jennifer Anderson discusses the importance of coaching for first responders and how it can help improve their well-being and performance. She shares stories of individuals who have benefited from coaching and emphasizes that coaching is for anyone at any stage of their career. Jennifer also explains the stress and wellbeing assessment tool used in coaching sessions and how it can help identify areas of stress and improve overall well-being. She concludes by encouraging first responders to take a moment to evaluate their level of satisfaction in life and consider reaching out to a coach.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Jennifer Anderson is the visionary Founder and CEO of First Responder Coaching, dedicated to the health and well-being of first responders. With over two decades of experience in education and coaching, she established the company to address the unique challenges faced by emergency personnel. First Responder Coaching offers tailored services, including coaching, training, and wellness programs, aimed at building resilience, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Under Jennifer's leadership, the organization has gained a reputation for its innovative and proactive mental health approaches. A recognized thought leader, Jennifer frequently speaks at conferences and events, sharing her insights and strategies for supporting those on the front lines. Her empathetic approach and unwavering commitment continue to inspire and make a significant impact on the lives of first responders worldwide.
https://1strespondercoaching.org
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
45 - Collaborative Healing: Creating a Supportive Environment for First Responders
Mark Bouchard, a Canadian police officer and current coordinator of the RCMP's National Tactical Medicine Program, discusses the importance of mental health support for first responders. He shares his personal journey of experiencing trauma and struggling with PTSD, and how he eventually sought help and took control of his healing process. Bouchard emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how mental health is addressed within the first responder community, including the normalization of healthy coping strategies and the reduction of self-stigma. He also highlights the impact of trauma on police misconduct and the importance of early intervention and support for new recruits. The conversation explores the importance of connection and support in overcoming trauma and substance abuse. It emphasizes the value of group counseling and the role of role models and accountability in the recovery process. The discussion also delves into the need for leadership support and resources for law enforcement and first responders, as well as the importance of changing the public perception of policing. The conversation concludes with advice on taking action and seeking help for mental health issues.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Mark Bouchard has 17 years of law enforcement experience in Canada, where he has primarily worked patrol and SWAT. He has ten years on the Emergency Response Team (SWAT), where he was also an advanced care tactical medic. Mark recently accepted a promotion to help lead the RCMP's National Tactical Medicine Program. He also has many years of experience instructing mental health (R2MR), as a peer to peer support member, and as part of the proactive support response team.
Mark also recently completed a master’s degree from Royal Roads University in leadership, with a research project focused on police culture and police officer mental health. Mark has combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From an Injured Mind, which is available on Amazon. It is a combination of his experiences with his PTSD diagnosis, and the research that helped him to heal from his psychological injury. You can find a link to a free chapter from Mark's book on his website at:
https://markbouchard.ca/stigma/
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
The podcast currently has 102 episodes available.
34,196 Listeners