In this episode of the Stronger Families Podcast, host Noel Meador interviews Nick, a police officer from Washington, who shares his powerful journey of healing and hope. Nick recounts his experiences of enduring trauma on the job and the toll it took on his mental health and relationships. He opens up about his struggle with suicidal thoughts and how a timely phone call from his sergeant saved his life. Seeking help, Nick joined the First Responder Wellness Center and underwent a transformative in-patient program, addressing childhood traumas and learning healthy coping mechanisms. He emphasizes the significance of aftercare and the support of loved ones in the healing process. Nick's story is a testament to resilience and the importance of seeking assistance, proving that no one should face their struggles alone.

With suicide being a topic that embodies darkness and despair, it is natural to want to avoid talking about it. It is a subject so heavy with statistics that your brain and your heart will try to stiff-arm it at every corner. Suicide is not something that is brought up at a dinner party or a company picnic yet in the proper setting, it can launch a conversation so deep that it can instill a purpose. Hear from Dana Jackson as she retells her widow’s story of watching her husband’s light dim over time until it would eventually extinguish. Listen to Dana’s journey of walking alongside her late husband Erik as he struggled with physical pain leading to mental strain and his loss of identity at work and at home. Understand the role that PTSD had in their marriage and why, as a society, we do not speak up more to let our inner circle know that we are not ok. Gain insight on how to take the smallest of steps in accepting help through resources that are geared toward your profession.

The story follows Brandon's journey from his abusive upbringing to his fast track into the military after high school. His family and military service became closely intertwined as he experienced significant life events such as the 9/11 attacks, his marriage, and the birth of his first child. He became a "war commuter," spending little time at home due to extended tours of service. Eventually, after 11 years of service, he retired from the military, but faced new challenges such as learning to take off layers of armor and seeking help for unresolved behavioral health issues, which went undiagnosed for six years. He eventually found faith through conversations with other veterans and joined a church with his wife. Brandon's journey shows the power of surrender and seeking help to overcome challenges and become a better person.

Matt Quackenbush is one of the leading voices on trauma and post traumatic stress. In this episode, he opens up and shares about the personal stories, clinical research, and his background as a therapist on how to treat PTSD/I.

Noel & Keni interview Donovan and Tina about what he walked through from being shot while off duty and the long road of recovery both physically and emotionally. The episode details the attack, the impact on their marriage, and how they were able to walk through this horrific event.

Interviewing 2 Counselors: Renee & Tiffany

Noel chats with Renee & Tiffany. Both are professional counselors, embedded within Peer Support teams in the Pacific Northwest. Tiffany is also in Law Enforcement. These guests provide a peak behind the curtain of the counselor world so you – the First Responder or Military member – have more confidence in choosing a counselor that can help you navigate the challenges you’re encountering.

Betrayal, Trauma, and Rebuilding a Relationship (Part II)

Interviewing Susan and her husband, Scott, in Part II on how to rebuild a broken relationship.

Noel & Keni focus on Susan and the steps she took once she learned her husband had been unfaithful. She sheds light on how couples can walk through the stages of betrayal and make it to the other side.

Interviewing long-time Police Officer Scott and his wife Susan.

Noel & Keni chat with Scott and Susan. Scott is a Marine Vet and Police Officer who shares about the choices and internal battles that resulted in an affair and a broken relationship at home. He’s joined by his wife, Susan, and they share how couples can fight for their relationship and make it to the other side of betrayal.

Interviewing Veteran and Police Officer Pete & his wife CJ

Noel & Keni chat with Pete and his wife CJ. Peter is a Marine Vet who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and went on to become a Police Officer in the Pacific Northwest. Together they have learned that PTS is a dragon that you can fight together. They talk about some of the tools they use to help them keep their relationship and family strong amidst the battle.

Interviewing the Gaglianos - Mike, Retired Seattle Fire Captain & Anne, author of "Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage."

Noel & Keni chat with Mike & Anne Gagliano, a firefighter couple who has literally written the book on overcoming Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage. This conversation will help you navigate the inevitable challenges that come after tough shifts and deployments.