Silence The Shame podcast

When you dial 911, someone on the other end answers with calm, care, and urgency. But what happens to them after they hang up?

In this episode, we talk with Lead Communications Officer/Certified Peer Support Counselor and Henry County's E-911 Leader, Rashawn Brown, about the emotional toll of being “first on the line” and why the mental health of dispatchers and first responders can’t be an afterthought.

Together, Shanti and Rashawn explore

1. The emotional toll of helping and what cumulative trauma really looks like

2. A message for 911 operators and dispatchers: you matter, your feelings are valid

3. Why “charging your own battery first” isn’t selfish—it’s essential

4. How first responders can start therapy and what to look for in the right therapist

5. The power of peer support and community when you’re burned out or overwhelmed

🧠 If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or call/text your local crisis line. CALL | TEXT | CHAT 988 in the U.S.

🔔 Subscribe to Silence the Shame for more real conversations on mental health, healing, and hope.

👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to help us break the silence and end the stigma—especially for first responder families.

📌 Follow Silence the Shame:

Instagram: @silencetheshame

LinkedIn: Silence the Shame

Facebook: Silence the Shame

Website: www.silencetheshame.com

In this episode, Shanti Das sits down with 911 Communications Director Desiree Arnold for a powerful and eye‑opening conversation about the people who answer our most urgent calls for help.

We often hear about the bravery of police, fire, and EMS in the field—but rarely do we talk about the emotional weight carried by the voices on the other end of the 911 line. Desiree pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to be a dispatcher and a leader in emergency communications: the traumatic calls that stay with you, the pressure of making split-second decisions, and the silent toll this work can take on mental health.

Together, Shanti and Desiree explore:

1. The human side of 911 and why operators are often the “first” first responders

2. How repeated exposure to crisis and trauma impacts emotional wellbeing

3. The stigma that still surrounds mental health conversations in public safety

4. Practical ways agencies can better support their dispatch teams

5. What friends, family, and the public can do to better understand and care for 911 professionals

Desiree also shares her personal journey, the coping tools that have helped her and her team, and why creating space for honest dialogue about mental wellness is critical for anyone working in emergency response.

🧠 If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or call/text your local crisis line. CALL | TEXT | CHAT 988 in the U.S.

🔔 Subscribe to Silence the Shame for more real conversations on mental health, healing, and hope.

👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to help us break the silence and end the stigma—especially for first responder families.

📌 Follow Silence the Shame:

Instagram: @silencetheshame

LinkedIn: Silence the Shame

Facebook: Silence the Shame

Website: www.silencetheshame.com

In this powerful episode of Silence of Shame, host Shanti Das sits down with Fire Captain Harold Arnold to talk openly about the mental health challenges faced by firefighters and first responders.

From the outside, we see the uniform, the courage, and the heroism. But behind the scenes, many first responders carry the invisible weight of trauma, loss, and constant pressure to “be strong.” Harold shares his journey in the fire service, the emotional toll of answering some of the hardest calls, and the culture of silence that often surrounds mental health in firehouses and first responder communities.

Together, Shanti and Harold dig into:

1. The unique mental health challenges firefighters and first responders face

2. How stigma and “tough it out” culture keep people from getting help

3. The importance of peer support programs and checking in on one another

4. How leaders and captains can create safer, more supportive spaces at work

5. What families and loved ones should know about supporting first responders

6. Resources and steps to take if you or someone you love is struggling

Whether you’re a first responder, a spouse or partner, a surviving family member, or someone who cares about the people behind the badge, this episode offers honesty, compassion, and hope.

🧠 If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or call/text your local crisis line. CALL | TEXT | CHAT 988 in the U.S.

🔔 Subscribe to Silence the Shame for more real conversations on mental health, healing, and hope.

👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to help us break the silence and end the stigma—especially for first responder families.

📌 Follow Silence the Shame:

Instagram: @silencetheshame

LinkedIn: Silence the Shame

Facebook: Silence the Shame

Website: www.silencetheshame.com

In this powerful episode of the Silence the Shame podcast, Shanti Das sits down with Keshia Johnson—Atlanta realtor, community builder, and widow of Atlanta Police Sgt. Darrell “DD” Johnson — for a deeply moving conversation about grief, resilience, and mental wellness for first responder families.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

1. The layered grief of losing a spouse in law enforcement while parenting a young child

2. How depression, faith, stigma, and support systems all showed up in her mental health journey

3. The gaps in support for law enforcement families then, and what meaningful wellness and grief support should look like now

4. Practical guidance for spouses and families of first responders on protecting their own mental health

Whether you’re a first responder, a spouse or partner, a surviving family member, or someone who cares about the people behind the badge, this episode offers honesty, compassion, and hope.

🧠 If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.

Reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or call/text your local crisis line.

CALL | TEXT | CHAT 988 in the U.S.

🔔 Subscribe to Silence the Shame for more real conversations on mental health, healing, and hope.

👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to help us break the silence and end the stigma—especially for first responder families.

📌 Follow Silence the Shame:

Instagram: @silencetheshame

LinkedIn: Silence the Shame

Facebook: Silence the Shame

Website: www.silencetheshame.com

#SilenceTheShame #MentalHealthMatters #FirstResponders #LawEnforcement #PoliceFamilies #GriefJourney #KeshaJohnson #ShantiDas #Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Silence the Shame podcast, Shanti Das sits down with Major Fred Watson, a seasoned law enforcement leader, for an honest, unfiltered conversation about mental health in law enforcement.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

1. The emotional and psychological toll of serving as a police officer

2. How repeated exposure to trauma affects officers, their families, and communities

3. Why stigma and culture still keep many in uniform from asking for help

4. The role of leadership, policy, and peer support in changing the system

5. What real mental health support for first responders should look like

Whether you’re in law enforcement, a first responder, a family member, or a concerned community member, this episode offers insight, compassion, and real solutions.

🧠 If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.

Reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or call/text your local crisis line. CALL | TEXT | CHAT 988!

🔔 Subscribe to Silence the Shame for more real conversations on mental health, healing, and hope.

👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to help us break the silence and end the stigma.

📌 Follow Silence the Shame:

Instagram: @silencetheshame

LinkedIn: Silence the Shame

Facebook: Silence the Shame

Website: www.silencetheshame.com

#SilenceTheShame #MentalHealthMatters #FirstResponders #LawEnforcement #FredWatson #ShantiDas #Podcast

In this powerful episode, Shanti Das sits down with Dr. Carla Moore, a dedicated psychologist serving first responders in the Atlanta area. From firefighters and police officers to EMTs and dispatchers, Dr. Moore opens up about the real mental health challenges these everyday heroes face behind the scenes.

They discuss how chronic exposure to trauma, long hours, and high-pressure situations can lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD, burnout, substance use, and strained relationships. Dr. Moore also shares what’s working on the ground right now to better support first responders and why prevention, early intervention, and culture change are critical.

Whether you’re a first responder, love someone who is, or simply want to better understand what our frontline heroes carry, this conversation will inform, validate, and inspire you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. The unique mental health challenges first responders face that most people never see

2. How repeated trauma and “tough it out” culture impact the brain, body, and relationships

3. Why stigma and silence keep so many first responders from asking for help

4. Practical self-care and coping strategies first responders can use right now

5. How leaders and departments can create safer, more supportive environments

6. Signs it’s time to reach out for professional mental health support

Key Takeaways:

1. You can’t pour from an empty cup: mental health care is part of the job, not extra.

2. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

3. Small, consistent self-care habits can reduce burnout and secondary trauma.

4. Departments and communities must share responsibility for supporting those who serve.

If this episode resonates with you, please like, comment, and share to help us continue to break the silence and the stigma around mental health.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mental wellness and healing.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about first responder mental health?

#SilenceTheShame #FirstResponders #MentalHealth #PTSD #TraumaInformedCare

Welcome to "Healing Connections," a podcast series by the STS Youth & Young Adult Advisory Council (YAC).

YAC is dedicated to reducing mental health stigma and supporting Black and Latinx youth (ages 13–26) through education, suicide prevention, youth advocacy, and connecting young people to valuable resources.

In Episode 3, "Keep in Touch: Building Connection After the Conversation," YAC members discuss the importance of following up and maintaining long-term relationships for mental health. This episode highlights testimonials about lasting mentorships and friendships.

Tune in to be educated, inspired, and connected to practical mental health resources and peer support strategies. Don’t miss the start of this important three-part series!

Thank you to our speakers:

Omoteleola "Tele" Joshua - Moderator

Kayla Pierce - Guest Speaker

Produced by: @SpellzProductionsLLC ​

Welcome to "Healing Connections," a podcast series by the STS Youth & Young Adult Advisory Council (YAC).

YAC is dedicated to reducing mental health stigma and supporting Black and Latinx youth (ages 13–26) through education, suicide prevention, youth advocacy, and connecting young people to valuable resources.

In Episode 2, "Support: The Power of Showing Up," YAC members share practical ways to support friends, peers, and family members. This episode features youth advocacy stories and step-by-step guidance on offering nonjudgmental support during tough times.

Tune in to be educated, inspired, and connected to practical mental health resources and peer support strategies. Don’t miss the start of this important three-part series!

Thank you to our speakers:

Savannah Elahee - Moderator

Bre’Asia Williams - Guest Speaker

Produced by: @SpellzProductionsLLC ​

Welcome to "Healing Connections," a podcast series by the STS Youth & Young Adult Advisory Council (YAC).

YAC is dedicated to reducing mental health stigma and supporting Black and Latinx youth (ages 13–26) through education, suicide prevention, youth advocacy, and connecting young people to valuable resources.

In Episode 1: "Acknowledge: Breaking the Silence," council members open up about the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health and tackling stigma head-on. You'll hear powerful personal stories from youth in underserved communities, along with expert advice on building self-awareness and recognizing emotions.

Tune in to be educated, inspired, and connected to practical mental health resources and peer support strategies. Don’t miss the start of this important three-part series!

Thank you to our speakers:

Elle Newbury - Moderator

Savannah Elehee - Guest Speaker

Produced by: @SpellzProductionsLLC ​

In this three-part series, members of Silence the Shame University (STSU) Unpack powerful topics shaping the college experience—faith, mental health among Black men, and navigating relationships in college. Each episode explores these themes through real conversations with students, professionals, and experts who share personal stories and practical insights.

Part THREE features a STSU Ambassador William Cox leading us through a conversation with Ca'Miyah King (Spelman Student) and Aria Armstead (Spelman Student). Together, they explore the challenges and dynamics of dating in college, focusing on balancing relationships with personal goals, the risks of hookup culture, recognizing red flags, and the importance of mental health in maintaining healthy relationships. It also emphasizes the need for self-awareness, setting boundaries, and seeking support when navigating romantic connections.

Key themes in this episode:

1.College relationships require balancing personal goals and love lives. Hookup culture can lead to unfulfilling experiences, especially if individuals haven't healed from past relationships.

2. It's important to prioritize personal happiness and recognize red flags like poor communication. Setting clear boundaries from the start is essential.

3. Mental health plays a major role in relationships. Setting boundaries, recognizing triggers, and seeking support through therapy are crucial for healthy partnerships.

Check out more about Silence the Shame University and how to get involved by visiting www.silencetheshame.com.

Special Thanks to our funders, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), and to our partners Boss Studios for hosting us.

Produced by Spellz Productions