Minds on the Frontline Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Audra and Chelsi from the Dear Chiefs Podcast.  Once upon a time in the middle of a pandemic, two fire wives and complete strangers met on the internet and decided to start a podcast for first responders and their families. Three years later the Dear Chiefs podcast is still running strong with a weekly show and tons of great social media content.  Through their podcast, Audra, and Chelsi hope to help families understand, support, and build stronger relationships with their first responders, while also finding community and appreciation for themselves.  We are also joined by Amy Ramsden, a nurse, and the wife of a law enforcement officer. 

All three guests have been married to and built families with first responders.  During this episode, they’ll lean on their experiences to discuss the hurdles and challenges frontline workers and their families may encounter, as well as how they can manage or avoid them. 

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guests - Audra and Chelsi, Dear Chiefs Podcast, Dearchiefs.com, @dearchiefspodcast on all social media

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 and introduce you to Michele Potter.  Manisha Leary is a trained psychotherapist with a focus on trauma.  Manisha is also the Manager of the FST5 Program.  Michele Potter is a clinical therapist and owner of MRP Counseling in Plymouth, Michigan. Michele is also the Clinical Director for the Dearborn Fire Department Peer Support Team.  Manisha and Michele are both culturally competent clinicians that each have a great deal of experience working with frontline workers.  During this episode, Manisha and Michele will help us express what it means for a clinician to be culturally competent and why it matters. 

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - Manisha Leary, LMSW ([email protected]), Program Manager, Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. 

Guest – Michele Potter, LMSW ([email protected]), Owner/Clinician, MRP Counseling LLC.  

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 Dr. Ali Amisadri and Manisha Leary. Dr. Ali Amirsadri is the Associate Department Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences Services at Wayne State University School of Medicine located in Detroit, Michigan. Manisha Leary is a trained psychotherapist with a focus on trauma. Manisha is also the Manager of the FST5 Program.

Dr. A and Manisha have a long history and vast experience in the world of mental and behavioral health. This episode covers a heavy topic, suicide in the frontline community. Specifically, we discuss suicidal thoughts and ideation. We also talk about what to look for if you think someone you know or work with may be suicidal, as well as how to approach that person and have that hard conversation.

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - Manisha Leary LMSW ([email protected]) Frontline Strong Together (FST5) Program Manager

Guest - Ali Amirsadri MD ([email protected]) Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Psychiatry & Associate Chair for Clinical Services, Wayne State University &Associate Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine 

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 Mike Milner and Ron Curaba.  Mike Milner is a well-known retired firefighter from the FDNY that spent many years on the highly respected Rescue 4.  Since retirement, Mike has become a mental health advocate for all first responders, and he spends a lot of time sharing his experiences and how he was able to get help when he needed it most.  Ron Curaba is also retired from the FDNY and finished his career as a LT on 107 Truck.  Ron is currently Peer Support Team Member with the FDNY Clinical Service Unit (CSU) where he works with firefighters that need help with their mental health.  Both Mike and Ron have been featured on the ‘Gettin Salty Podcast.’

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - Mike Milner, FDNY - Retired, Mental health advocate

Guest - Ron Curaba, FDNY - Retired, FDNY Clinical Services Unit (CSU) Peer Support Team Member

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 

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

In this episode, we welcome James Wade and Don Gephart.  James is a police officer with the Dearborn Police Department, as well as a member of his departments peer support team. Don Gephart is a dispatcher for Dearborn Police and Fire.  James and Don were invited to the show to have a real, honest, and raw conversation about the realities of the stress that frontline workers face. 

During this episode, we talk about PTSD and the impact on first responders.  Then, we talk about the value of culturally competent clinicians that understand the job.  Finally, we close out the conversation by discussing the value of normalizing the impact of trauma on frontline workers and letting our colleagues know that “it’s ok that it’s not ok,” and treatment is available. 

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - James Wade ([email protected]), Dearborn Police Department

Guest - Don Gephart ([email protected]), Dearborn Fire and Police Dispatch

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 will introduce you Dr. Arash Javanbakht, who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine.  In addition, Dr. Arash is the Director of Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic, or STARC.  Dr. Javanbakht has vast experience studying and treating people with PTSD, as well as many other mental and behavioral health disorders. In addition, he has been one of the driving forces behind the frontline strong together five program, or FST5. 

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - Arash Javanbakht, MD ([email protected]), Associate Professor, Wayne State University School of Medicine.  Director of Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC). 

Guest - Manisha Leary, LMSW ([email protected]) Frontline Strong Together (FST5) Program Manager 

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 

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges. 

In this episode, Dr. A will Describe how our developmental experiences determine how we function socially, professionally, and personally throughout our lives.  Then, doc will help us appreciate the spectrum of emotions and reactions that can manifest from a perceived stress.  During this episode, Dr. A will Describe how our developmental experiences determine how we function socially, professionally, and personally throughout our lives.  Then, doc will help us appreciate the spectrum of emotions and reactions that can manifest from a perceived stress. 

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - Manisha Leary LMSW ([email protected]) Frontline Strong Together (FST5) Program Manager 

Guest - Ali Amirsadri MD ([email protected]) Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Psychiatry & Associate Chair for Clinical Services, Wayne State University &Associate Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine

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 

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

In this episode, we will introduce you to Lyf Johnson and Pam Dooley.  Lyf is a 911 dispatcher with Dearborn Police and Fire and Pam is a dispatcher for the Oakland County Sheriff Department.   As long-time dispatchers, Lyf and Pam are aware of the work-related challenges faced by their fellow first responders.  Unfortunately, it is common for frontline workers to not get the care that they need to prevent or alleviate stress, PSTD, anxiety, depression, or mental and behavioral health challenges. 

During this episode, we have an open and honest dialogue about various barriers that prevent first responders from getting the help that they need.  Specifically, in this episode we will focus on stigma, avoidance, repercussions, as well as the cost and availability of care. 

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - Lyf Johnson Dearborn Police and Fire Dispatch

Guest - Pam Dooley Oakland County Sheriff Dispatch

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 

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program in collaboration with the Michigan Crisis and Access Line.  In this first episode, we will introduce you to Manisha Leary, the FST5 Program Manager who oversees operations of the program.  In addition, we’re joined by Jim Peyton who is the MiCAL administrator who oversees the central call center for the FST5 Program. During this episode, our guests will provide an overview of the Front Line Strong Together 5 (FST5) Program.  In addition, Jim and Manisha will describe what first responders can expect when contacting FST5 for help.

Frontline Strong Together, or FST5, provides streamlined access to behavioral health resources, as well as increased access to crisis services to Michigan’s front line five, which includes all professional, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers.  The Michigan Crisis and Access Line, or MiCAL, serves as the central call center for the FST5 Program.  

NEED HELP NOW? If you are experiencing any crisis - work related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, financial, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to www.FST5.org for more information.

Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - Manisha Leary ([email protected]), LMSW, Frontline Strong Together (FST5), Program Manager

Guest - Jim Peyton ([email protected]), Paramedic, MiCAL Strong Administrator

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