Minds on the Frontline Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Michigan State Representative Mike Harris of the 52nd District.  Mike is a retired police officer who brings firsthand insight into the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by frontline workers. Rep. Harris shares how his background in law enforcement shapes his policy approach, his advocacy for first responders, and his vision for expanding access to mental health resources. Join us as he discusses current and future legislative efforts aimed at supporting the well-being of Michigan’s frontline workers and emphasizes the importance of including their voices in policy decisions.

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 Jim Marshall, co-founder and CEO of the 911 Training Institute (www.911training.net) and author of The Resilient 911 Professional. A licensed mental health professional, Jim has dedicated his career to supporting the well-being of 911 dispatchers and emergency telecommunicators. He has developed science-driven training programs to equip dispatchers with tools to handle high-stress crisis situations, including mental health and suicide calls. In our conversation, Jim shares his insights on overcoming the hidden challenges of this work, addressing harmful “core cognitions,” and building resilience. He emphasizes the importance of peer support, debunks the "tough it out" mentality, and provides actionable advice for those struggling with mental health. This episode offers both hope and practical strategies for resilience on the frontline of emergency response.

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, Brett Key, co-founder and executive director of Warrior’s Rest Foundation (www.warriorsrestfoundation.org), shares insights from his 26-year law enforcement career and his mission to support first responders' mental health. Warrior’s Rest Foundation, rooted in peer support and specialized training, provides essential mental and emotional care to frontline workers across Oklahoma and beyond. Brett discusses the collaborative efforts between Warrior’s Rest and FST5 to improve access to mental health resources, highlighting the shared commitment to building resilient networks that empower frontline workers to confront the unique pressures of their roles.

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 Brandon Evans, a firefighter, researcher, and founder of Fire to Light. Drawing from over a decade of frontline experience, Brandon shares his journey of addressing mental health challenges in the firefighting community. Through his international study, "Heroes Are Also Human," he highlights gaps in awareness, stigma, and the need for proactive support. Brandon’s work advocates for a cultural shift, prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical health in all frontline agencies.

Visit www.firetolight.org for more information about the Heroes Are Also Human Study.  

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 Joe Tate, Michigan’s Speaker of the House and State Representative for the 10th District. Speaker Tate’s story is one of service, resilience, and leadership, shaped by his experiences as the son of a Detroit firefighter, a professional athlete, a Marine, and a public servant.  We explore how his background influenced his understanding of the mental health challenges faced by frontline workers, and discuss his military service, family legacy, and the critical importance of mental health resources for those in high-stress professions. Tate also shares his insights on legislative efforts in Michigan to expand mental health services for frontline workers, including screening initiatives and support for long-term resilience.

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 

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedicating episodes to addressing the urgent issue of suicide among frontline workers.  

During this episode, we dive deep into what happens after a frontline worker completes suicide. Mike and Manisha will guide us through the critical steps and immediate actions that need to be taken. We discuss the importance of timely notification, the complexities of managing emotions, and the necessity of planning for preemptive support systems.   Whether it’s the challenging logistics of taking crews out of service or the delicate task of informing an entire department, this conversation highlights the practical strategies and emotional intelligence needed to navigate the aftermath of such a tragic event.

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 back Manisha Leary, the FST5 Program Manager and a clinical psychotherapist specializing in trauma. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedicating episodes to addressing the urgent issue of suicide among frontline workers.  Throughout this episode, Mike, Manisha, and I continue our crucial conversation on suicide prevention, providing key insights on how to recognize behavioral changes and verbal cues that may signal suicidal thoughts. We also discuss how to approach and communicate with someone who might be experiencing these thoughts, sharing best practices and highlighting what to avoid in these challenging conversations.  Finally, we provide actionable steps that can be taken to support suicide prevention efforts within your community, emphasizing the crucial role that family, friends, and available resources play in reducing stigma and encourage seeking help.   

After the interview, we delve into three deeply personal stories that underscore the real-life impact of suicide and the importance of seeking help.

Kristie Buruse - Retired 911 Dispatcher - Survivor of Suicidal Ideation:  Kristie Buruse shares her journey from suicidal ideation to finding hope through therapy and peer support.

Steve Dluzynski - Police Officer - Best Friend and Fellow Officer Completed Suicide:  Officer Steve recounts the devastating loss of a close colleague to suicide, highlighting the importance of having difficult conversations and the lasting impact on those left behind.

Ashley Freeman - EMT - Father Completed Suicide:  Ashley Freeman reflects on the pain of losing her father to suicide and the challenges of navigating life without him. 

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 speak with Annabelle Sharp, a firefighter and paramedic, who shares her deeply personal journey through the grief that followed her father’s suicide in 2016. Annabelle turned to music as a lifeline, using songwriting to express her emotions and find healing. Her latest album, "Beyond Bishop," is a heartfelt tribute to her father and others lost too soon, embodying the pain and hope she’s experienced.

Annabelle discusses how music became a crucial outlet for her emotions and offers valuable insights for frontline leaders on supporting the mental and behavioral health of their teams. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the incredible power of music to heal even the deepest wounds.

You can find Annabelle’s album, "Beyond Bishop," on all major platforms, and connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Social Media:

• Instagram: @annabellesharp_music & @annabelle__sharp
• TikTok: @Annabelle.sharp
• YouTube: Annabellesharpmusic

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 Steve Perna, a retired firefighter and paramedic who served 25 years with the City of Warren. Steve shares his journey through the emotional challenges of a career in the fire service, from intense call volumes to the pressures of transitioning to an administrative role. He discusses the pivotal moment when he realized it was time to retire and how seeking therapy helped him prepare for a healthier transition into retirement. Steve’s story highlights the importance of mental health support throughout your career, emphasizing that retirement preparation isn’t just about finances. It is also about being emotionally ready for the next chapter.  

Be sure to check out Steve’s woodcraft on Instagram and at pernawoodcraftdesign.com.

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 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and not medical advice; consult a healthcare provider for personal health concerns.

In this episode, we explore the growing interest in psilocybin-assisted therapy, a promising treatment for frontline workers with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We discuss clinical studies and legislative initiatives examining the controlled use of psilocybin in therapeutic settings, combined with professional counseling.  Our guests, Tess Burzynski, mycologist and Co-founder of NOVEL Health, and Hosam Issa, Director of Clinical Operations at NOVEL Health, share insights on integrating psilocybin into therapy, supporting trauma and PTSD treatment, and fostering public dialogue about alternative mental health treatments.  During this episode, we discuss the rising interest in fungi within the health and wellness industry and the application of psilocybin in treating mental and behavioral health disorders.  Visit www.novel-health.com for more information.  

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