Minds on the Frontline Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Mary Morreale, psycho-oncologist and cancer survivor. Joining us as a guest co-host is Larry Gambotto, a firefighter and cancer survivor who is also the State Director of the Michigan Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. During this episode, we delve into the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis on first responders and their families, the strength it takes to accept help, and how we can truly support those fighting these battles. We discuss practical support, survivor’s guilt, end-of-life planning, and why vulnerability may be our greatest strength.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis—whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges—reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

YouTube: @frontlinestrongtogether2346

Facebook: @Minds on the Frontline

Instagram: @FrontlinePodcast

LinkedIn: @Minds on the Frontline Podcast

X: @FrontlineMinds

In this episode, Michael “Mr. G” Gillespie and David Roberts from Mind Body Reconnect (www.mindbodyreconnect.org) discuss how somatic skills (simple, body-based techniques) can help shift the nervous system from stress to balance. With backgrounds in clinical care and lived experience, they explore evidence-based practices that enhance resilience, especially for frontline workers.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast 

In Episode 52, we sat down with Scott Stockinger and his kids, who gave us an honest glimpse into what it’s like growing up with a firefighter dad.  Today, Scott returns with his wife, Tracy, to discuss marriage, maydays, and how they’ve made it work through 28 years of shifts, stress, and sacrifice. From reentry struggles to trust, communication, and raising kids under pressure, this episode delves into the real-life dynamics of a first responder marriage.  

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast 

In this episode, Dr. Arash Javanbakht returns to explore the science of trauma, its impact on the brain and body, and innovative treatments like augmented reality exposure therapy. We break down the difference between stress and trauma, the risks of unresolved experiences, and practical strategies for healing—especially for first responders.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast 

For 25 years, Ryan Fessenden served as a 911 dispatcher for the City of Warren.  Answering life-or-death calls from both strangers and loved ones. In this episode, he shares how a detour turned into a lifelong mission in public safety, the emotional weight dispatchers carry, and the moment a call involving his close friend and now co-host changed everything.  Now retired, Ryan serves as Administrative Coordinator for the FST5 Program, connecting Michigan’s first responders and their families to the support they need. 

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast 

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Vaibhav Diwadkar, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Wayne State University. Dr. Diwadkar worked directly with Wim Hof, the world-famous figure known for enduring extreme cold and pushing human limits. His research explored how the Wim Hof Method—combining breathwork, cold exposure, and focused mental training—impacts the brain. The findings show it improves emotional regulation, lowers anxiety, and reshapes how the brain responds to stress. This effect is known as a hormetic response: a controlled dose of stress that builds resilience over time. For first responders, this method offers a practical way to train mental toughness and stay calm under pressure. It’s like a safe microdose of adversity that prepares the mind and body to stay focused when it matters most.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast 

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rebecca Sripada, a leading clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr. Sripada is also a Research Scientist at the VA Center for Clinical Management Research and has spent over 20 years specializing in PTSD treatment and recovery. Her research focuses on improving access to effective PTSD treatments for veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers.  Today, we dive into the PRIME Study, which stands for PTSD Recovery Implementation in Employee Assistance Programs.  This study aims to bring effective PTSD treatment directly into Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for first responders and healthcare workers, making care more accessible where they might seek support. 

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast 

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Stockinger, a professional firefighter and paramedic with the Dearborn Fire Department, and his two children, Cole and Amber.  During the COVID lockdown, a conversation at home changed everything. Scott’s children opened up about their experiences growing up with a firefighter father, revealing fears, worries, and emotions he had never fully realized. This discussion provides a rare look into the unseen burdens carried by first responder families.  The episode explores how a first responder’s career impacts their loved ones, when childhood admiration shifts to concern, and how parents in emergency services can balance honesty with protection. 

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast 

Detroit firefighter Matt Dunaj knows firsthand how the weight of life and the job can push someone to the brink. In August 2024, overwhelmed by stress and addiction, he sat alone in his basement, gun in hand, ready to end it all, until his Goldendoodle, Mia, interrupted him with a simple act of love that saved his life. That moment set him on a path to recovery, leading him to the IAFF Center of Excellence for help with his mental health and substance use. But healing wasn’t linear. Matt returned to rehab multiple times before finding stability. In this episode, he shares his journey, the stigma of seeking help, the challenges of staying on track, and how he went from feeling isolated to advocating for better mental health resources in the fire service. His story is a powerful reminder that recovery takes time, but it’s always possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation offers hope, insight, and a path forward.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast 

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Dave Ledgerwood, a professor at Wayne State University and a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ledgerwood breaks down how addiction, whether to nicotine, gambling, or other substances, affects the brain and why first responders are at higher risk. We explore the impact of trauma, shift work, and sleep deprivation, as well as the connection between PTSD and addiction. Dr. Ledgerwood also shares practical strategies for treatment and recovery, emphasizing the importance of peer support and available resources. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the hidden struggles of frontline workers and the real solutions that can help.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.  

• Link to YouTube episode:  https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout:  https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube:  frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram:  mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn:  Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast