In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Jake sits down with Dr. Brittany Miskowiec, a nationally recognized suicidologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to unpack the complex and often stigmatized topics of suicide prevention, PTSD, and mental health in emergency services. Brittany shares her unconventional journey into this work, key insights from years of supporting veterans and first responders, and practical advice on how to approach these critical conversations—with others and within ourselves.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

- Wellness That Fits – https://www.wellnessthatfits.com

- LivingWorks – https://www.livingworks.net

- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

- Mental Health First Aid – https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

- Dr. Nadine Burke Harris TED Talk – https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime

SEGMENT BREAKDOWN & TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – 1:22 | Introduction

1:23 – 2:59 | The Wheel of Stupid Questions

3:00 – 7:00 | Brittany’s Path to Suicide Prevention

7:01 – 11:18 | Suicide Awareness vs. Increasing Rates

11:19 – 14:22 | ACEs, Trauma, and Long-Term Health

14:23 – 20:16 | PTSD: Overdiagnosed or Misunderstood?

20:17 – 27:22 | Talking About Suicide: How to Approach the Conversation

27:23 – 31:00 | The Reality of First Responder Trauma

31:01 – 34:00 | Reforming Mental Health Training

34:01 – 36:11 | Who is Fit for This Work?

36:12 – 38:08 | Breaking the Stigma

38:09 – 40:38 | Resources and Final Thoughts