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In this episode of After the Tones Drop, Erin and Cinnamon sit down with Keith Hanks, a retired firefighter and EMT who’s seen more chaos and tragedy than most of us can even imagine. Keith doesn't hold back. We're talking childhood trauma, losing his first wife, 21 years on the frontlines as a firefighter and EMT, and getting slammed with a diagnosis of complex PTSD. The guy’s been through hell, and he’s still standing, fighting to break the stigma around mental health, addiction, and suicide in the first responder world.

Keith lays it all out—how the trauma he buried deep in his childhood started to surface when he was working the job. He opens up about the guilt and shame that haunted him for years, the pain that no one saw, and how all of it pushed him toward six suicide attempts. But instead of letting that be the end of his story, Keith turned it into fuel for change. He’s made it his mission to let other first responders know they don’t have to suffer in silence.

Keith talks about his organization, Traumatic Strength, and how he’s out there giving first responders the tools to get real about their mental health. His new book, Allen—named after his own "alter ego," the part of him that fought through the worst of it—dives into his journey and reminds people that it’s okay to ask for help. Keith's a big, tough guy who’s not afraid to say, "Yeah, I went through some dark shit, but I’m still here."

The conversation also hits on the importance of self-compassion and getting your head right. Keith’s big on mindfulness, therapy, and just doing the daily work. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about staying alive and finding a way to thrive. He’s even teaching his five-year-old daughter how to breathe through big emotions because, yeah, she’s gonna need those skills in this crazy world.

This episode is a reality check for anyone thinking they can tough it out alone. Keith’s story proves that no matter how strong you think you are, you can’t outrun trauma. But you can face it, deal with it, and come out stronger. Check out Keith’s book Allen (it’s on Amazon, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble) and keep an eye out for more from his organization, Traumatic Strength.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
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• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
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