First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver

Conrad gives an update on the podcast and documentary film! Subscribe to the E-Newsletter at  https://ptsd911movie.com/subscribe/   Request information about film screenings here:  https://ptsd911movie.com/screenings/     +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN and GET YOUR NAME IN THE CREDITS:  https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc   PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC Host: Conrad Weaver Copyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC

Mark Meincke is the host of the popular Operation Tango Romeo podcast - The Trauma Recovery Podcast. Today he's my guest on the PTSD911 Presents Podcast; we talk in depth about trauma and it's effects on the human experience. TRIGGER WARNING: Some of the dialogue on today's show may be troubling for some viewers/listeners. If you or a family member or friend are struggling with mental health issues such as PTSD, please reach out. Here are a few numbers you can call these numbers: IN THE USA: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988 IN CANADA: 1-833-456-4566   ABOUT MARK (In his own words) I was hesitant to attend in-person peer support. But, the fella who invited me was persuasive, and I’m glad he was. In time, I became the Peer Support facilitator. The Canadian Department of National Defense provided me with the training to be certified, and my experience hosting workshops proved to be very useful. Group members wanted a way to preserve the lessons which we shared in Peer Support, so Operation Tango Romeo was born. Through the magic of Podcasting, Peer Support is now available to the world. Veterans, First-Responders, and their families often feel isolated and alone as a result of trauma injuries. By listening to this podcast, they are able to relate to the stories, which provides a valuable sense of connection. Feeling that you are not alone is healing in itself, but PTSD recovery is an activity, not an event. OP TR shares advice on which actions to take in order to heal. Resources on healing and coping through various modalities are shared by having practitioners as guests. It’s up to the individual to pick the modality which works for them, and to do the work required to heal. CONNECT WITH MARK: https://operationtraumarecovery.org/   +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN and GET YOUR NAME IN THE CREDITS: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC Host: Conrad Weaver Copyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC

"If I could forget the trauma, my art would be very different." - Daniel Sundahl Today on the PTSD911 Presents Podcast: Paramedic/Artist, Daniel Sundahl   ABOUT DANIEL Daniel was born in Alberta, Canada. Taking up a global residency as an English language teacher in Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia and Japan, he is now a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Leduc. His love of photography began on his travels, and as his technique developed, he started to produce a blend of photography and graphic art, which he calls Photo Art. The majority of Daniel’s work involves emergency services photography. It involves an emotional connection to the artist as most of his pieces are based on actual emergency calls he has attended as a paramedic and firefighter. He’s passionate about reducing the stigma of PTSD for first responders and he uses his art to raise awareness of occupational stress injuries worldwide. He is a published artist and writer and has two art books produced of his works. Articles of his work have been featured in Canadian Paramedicine, Journal of Emergency Medicine (JEMS), Fire Rescue Magazine in Greece and EMS World Magazine. His art is recognized worldwide and he travels internationally speaking on his art and personal experiences with occupational stress injuries. He’s a pre hospital educator, a professional public speaker, photographer and photo editor. Daniel enjoys combining the technical and artistic elements of his work. Each piece can take several days or weeks of processing until he feels it’s ready. He continues to travel often and gains inspiration for his art from his experiences. CONNECT WITH DANIEL: https://www.dansunphotos.com/ https://www.dansungallery.com +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XB5g5GpR8C4   SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN:  https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc   PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC Host: Conrad Weaver Copyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC  

Today on the show I talk with current APCO International President, Jason Kern. We discuss the current state of 911 Communications, wellness for 911 professionals, and what the future holds in the 911 world.  ABOUT JASON Jason Kern began his career in public safety in 1991 and is currently serving as the Executive Director of Southeast Emergency Communications (SEECOM) in Crystal Lake, Illinois. During nearly three decades as a tenured public safety professional, he has extensive experience in Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS, Emergency Management, and most notably 9-1-1 Communications. His notable certifications include APCO CPE, APCO RPL, NENA ENP and COM-L. He began his APCO membership in 1997 and has been extremely active in both chapter and national activities. As a member of the Illinois Chapter, Jason held numerous board positions over a 13-year tenure including two terms as Chapter President and nearly six years on the Executive Council. Additionally, he spent time as the chair of the IL Emergency Medical Dispatch Committee, a member of the IL Historical Committee and currently sits as a long-term member of the Legislative Committee. Over the last several years, the Legislative Committee has been successful in obtaining two surcharge increases, a NG9-1-1 and consolidation cost recovery bill, and currently is working towards introducing training standards language. In 2011, Illinois APCO awarded him with the Chapter Senior and Chapter Life distinctions. On the national side, he has been involved in a number of committees over the past 14 years such as Historical, Member & Chapter Services, Professional Development Events, Leadership Development, Finance & Budget, and Investment. Jason served APCO from 2013 thru 2016 as a Group Leader and from 2016 to 2019 as a representative to the Board of Directors in the North Central Region. He was presented with Senior Membership in 2018. Southeast Emergency Communications is a regional consolidated Emergency Communications Center located approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago in McHenry County. They provide police, fire and medical services to over a dozen agencies in the area covering more than 100 square miles with a residential population of nearly 215,000. SEECOM is a partner with NCMEC’s Missing Kids & 9-1-1 Readiness Project, an IAED Medical ACE Center and a two-time recipient of APCO’s Agency Training Program Certification (P33). He is married to Miki-Kay and has a son Joseph. Away from the office Jason is an avid motorcycle rider, sports fan and travels extensively with the family. +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XB5g5GpR8C4   SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN:  https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc   PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC Host: Conrad Weaver Copyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC  

Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: Nick Daugherty Today's Episode: “So you want to be a millionaire”.  About Nick: Nick Daugherty began his career with the Grand Prairie Police Department (GPPD) in 2003 serving as a patrol officer, school resource officer, and underage alcohol and drug task force officer. In 2012 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he served as a patrol sergeant, field training supervisor, fleet coordinator, and criminal intelligence unit sergeant. Additionally, Nick holds a Master Peace Officer certification and a TCOLE instructor’s certificate. He semi-retired in August of 2017 and continues to serve as a reserve officer for GPPD. During his career he was awarded numerous honors and commendations, including a lifesaving award, as well as being named officer of the month 4 times, Jim Thorne Officer of the year 2 times, and the Sergeant Gregory Hunter supervisor of the year award. At a young age Nick did a lot of irresponsible things with money partaking in “stupid tax” purchases (the art of buying toys that you can’t afford using plastic). Before he knew it, he had accumulated over $80,000 in consumer debt, most of which was wrapped up in car stereo equipment, cars, and just plain ole stuff. He was tired! Tired of being in debt, and tired from being stuck in the overtime cycle just to keep afloat! He quickly realized that he needed to educate himself on personal finances and work to get out of the hole he dug himself into. He was introduced to the Dave Ramsey show and became an avid listener, supporter, and believer of the Total Money Makeover Program’s 7 Baby Steps to financial freedom. He worked over a thousand hours of overtime, and sold a bunch of stuff, to be able to scream out to the world “I’m debt free” on March 7th , 2007!  A graduate, and coordinator, of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, he is also a certified Ramsey Solutions master trained financial coach* and has coached hundreds of first responders through financial crisis. In 2012 he created a revolutionary financial wellness class for GPPD, “Building Financial Strength in First Responder Families” that has been taught to over 10,000 first responders nationally. Nick is also the president, and owner of FinancialCop LLC, a full-service financial firm for first responders, run by first responders as well as being a licensed life insurance agent. Additionally, he has completed classes through Ken Zahn’s Certified Financial Planning professional education program. Nick also serves in various volunteer capacities nationally including the nonprofit www.serveprotect.org as an “A-Team” member as a financial wellness coordinator and crisis coach along with serving on the Texas Police Chief Association Officer Suicide Committee, focusing on the financial wellness impact in regards to officer suicide / PTSD. https://www.financialcop.com +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TO OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN:  https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/ptsd911-documentary-finishing-funds-apgixc  

Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: Mirian “Bev” Perez 
Today's Episode: Push the Reset Button About Bev: Mirian “Bev” Perez is a retired police officer, motivational speaker and CEO/Founder of SHIELDUS Co., (Self Help In Every Law-Enforcement Department). SHIELDUS is a non-profit organization focused on breaking the stigma of mental health amongst First Responders, offering wellness retreats, peer-support training, and mindfulness groups. After her experience as a police officer and her educational background she has now dedicated her life to sharing her story of overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and depression. Her goal is to end the suicide epidemic. Bev is currently working in partnership with FHE Health’s Shatterproof program in Deerfield Beach, FL facilitating groups with First Responders. Connect with Bev: https://www.shieldus.app/ Instagram: @shieldus.app +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:
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Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: David (Diem) Leath 
Today's Episode: Side Hustles for First Responders About David: David (Diem) Leath was 20 years into his career as a police officer when he saw a need to transition into business. While many first responders make decent salaries, most have never been trained how to manage their money or even start new businesses. According to David, most frontline heroes don’t know how to talk about their 20+ years of experience in a way that translates into money. David is the founder and Chief Visionary Officer at The Hero Coach and he is the host of the Hero Academy Podcast in addition to being a full time police officer!  On this episode of the PTSD911 Presents podcast  David tells his story and how he is turning his side hustle into a sustainable business that will carry him well into retirement. Stay tuned for this compelling conversation.  https://www.davidleath.com
   Other resources mentioned in this episode: MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHES https://www.youtube.com/c/LawofAttractionCoaching   HERO ON A MISSION - By Donald Miller https://amzn.to/3xPRKd5 +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:
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On this episode of the PTSD911 Presents podcast, EMT and Author, Dennis Blocker II, talks about the personal toll of working in a level one trauma center.  WARNING: THIS CONVERSATION CONTAINS SUBJECT MATTER THAT MAY BE TRIGGERING FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.  If you are having suicidal ideas, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  HOST: Conrad Weaver GUEST: Dennis R. Blocker, ii ABOUT DENNIS: Dennis R Blocker II was born into a military family and as such was always on the go. A cycle of military assignments led all over the globe; Iceland and Guam. From an early age Dennis had a desire to help people. In 1990 a 16-year-old Dennis spent a month in the jungles of Zaire, Africa conducting mission work. A personal accident in the old Congo gave Dennis a serious lesson on the importance of medical training. Through the years Dennis has sought to help others who had suffered from the ravages of Mother Nature. Floods, hurricanes, fires and all sorts of mayhem would find Dennis right in the middle, lending a hand. Journal keeping was important to Dennis and those books proved to be a boon during the writing of his book CLEAR! which is based on his 23 years in Emergency Medicine. Purchase CLEAR!:  https://amzn.to/3t3g608 +++++ +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION TOWARD OUR FINISHING FUNDS CAMPAIGN https://bit.ly/3NjUSTC

Jeff Dill joins Host, Conrad Weaver to talk about firefighter wellness.   PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SHOW AND THE FILM:  https://bit.ly/3NjUSTC PTSD911 Podcast is for first responders and those who support first responders.  HOST: Conrad Weaver GUEST: Jeff Dill TODAY'S EPISODE: Wellness for firefighters ABOUT JEFF:  Jeff Dill founded Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) in 2011. He travels the United States and Canada holding workshops to teach firefighters about behavioral health awareness and suicide prevention. FBHA is the only known organization that collects and validates data on firefighter and EMT suicides across the United States. In addition, FBHA holds classes for counselors/chaplains, family members, and those preparing for retirement. Jeff holds a master’s degree in counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a retired captain, and he’s currently with the Las Vegas Fire Department in Las Vegas Nevada.  CONNECT WITH JEFF: https://www.ffbha.org   +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION:  https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org

Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: ShaRonda Young-Calderon Today's Episode: Surviving Suicide About ShaRonda: ShaRonda Young Calderon is a mental health advocate that lives in the DFW Metroplex with her three children.  In June of 2018, ShaRonda lost her husband, Deputy Homero Calderon, to suicide.  Homero, an 18yr veteran of the Dallas County Sheriff Dept, suffered with PTSI.  ShaRonda has used the traumatic loss of her husband as a catalyst to educate and spread awareness of mental health and suicide prevention within the law enforcement community.  She joined the organization Blue H.E.L.P., which focuses on breaking the stigma of mental health as well as providing comfort to the families left behind after the loss from a suicide.  She quickly became a guest, as well as served on the committee of several mental wellness workshops and conferences.  She has volunteered with organizations such as the National Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the One Tribe Foundation.  ShaRonda has coordinated awareness walks, fundraising events, and is currently working on Blue H.E.L.P.'s first camp for the children of Police Officer suicides. ShaRonda has a degree in Criminal Justice from Dallas Baptist University.  The loss of her husband has ignited a passion in her to be an advocate for mental health, which has currently led her to pursue advanced studies in psychology.  It is now her life's mission to continuously educate herself, as well as others.  ShaRonda understands the difficulties living with mental health issues, suicide, the affect it has on families and the stigma surrounding it. www.nami.org https://www.naminorthtexas.org/ https://www.copline.org/ National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Line for Law Enforcement: 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463)   +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION:  https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org

LINK TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN FIRST RESPONDERS:  https://bit.ly/3KUT6qV   PTSD911 PRESENTS HOST: Conrad Weaver GUEST: Jennifer White ABOUT JENNIFER WHITE Jennifer White, ENP, is the 9-1-1 Director of the Loudon County (TN) Emergency Communications District and the current President of the National Emergency Number Association. She and the rest of the 2021-2022 Board of Directors were sworn in on July 28 at the NENA 2021 Conference and Expo in Columbus, OH. White now leads the organization’s more than 17,000 members in advancing NENA’s mission to improve 9-1-1 through research, standards development, training, education, outreach, and advocacy. In remarks to the conference, Ms. White emphasized the need for 9-1-1 professionals to invest in themselves and in the association. “Give something of yourself and see the improvement in your own life, in the lives of those around you, in our profession, and in our association,” she said. White also underscored the importance of education and active engagement in the 9-1-1 community, stating that, “When you participate, you’re not only growing as a 9-1-1 professional, but also ensuring that the public will get the best help possible when they need us.” She continued, “Find your voice and be heard! We all have something to share that can benefit our peers.” White has been a public-safety professional for more than 23 years. Active on both the local and national levels, she served three times as the President of Tennessee NENA, and she chaired the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board. She has held multiple positions, including President, on the NENA Institute Board, the body responsible for overseeing the association’s Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification program.   www.nena.org   +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION:  https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/ptsd911

On the program today, Dr. Heather Twedell, "Dr. T" talks about her work with first responders through her practice, F1RST (First Responder Stress & Trauma) in the North Texas area. She says first responders are elite athletes and should be trained as such. ABOUT "Dr. T" Dr. Heather Twedell received her doctorate in forensic psychology from Alliant University in 2011; she is a licensed psychologist in the states of Texas and California. Dr. Twedell's work with first responders, along with her family ties to law enforcement, gives her a strong appreciation and understanding of the culture and stressors specific to first responders. She has developed a diverse and unique set of skills working in various clinical settings, including emergency departments, outpatient hospital programs, neuropsychology rehabilitation centers, corrections, and with law enforcement and fire departments. During her time with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Dr. Twedell provided critical incident debriefs, individual, couples and family therapy for sworn and civilian employees, co-developed and provided trainings, conducted inter-Department research, provided consultations and training for the Department's Peer Support Program and consulted with various bureaus including the Special Victims Bureau. Certifications include FBI Crisis Negotiations, Peace Officer Standard & Training, Institute of Criminal Investigation Instructors Course, and as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Dr. Twedell takes great pride in treating individuals with respect and compassion while providing therapeutic tools that are relevant and effective. Through her practice, F1RST (First Responder Stress & Trauma) Dr. Twedell's current treatment services include individual, couples, and family therapy, group therapy, critical incident debriefing, psychological crisis intervention, trainings, program development, research, and consultations for both police and fire departments. She also provides support to two non-profit organizations in North Texas as a trauma-focused psychologist for a comprehensive outpatient program for first responders and is part of a team providing equine assisted resiliency training for first responders and their families at a horse ranch. She is dedicated in her efforts to ensure first responders are provided the education, training, and support that is critical for occupational and personal resiliency. Learn more at https://www.htwedell.org/ +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION:  https://ptsd911movie.square.site/

Courageously Broken - DA Michaels tells her story Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: D.A. Michaels   ABOUT D.A. MICHAELS Donna Michaels has had a distinguished career which began by serving in the U.S. Navy and followed by 21 years in law enforcement which she is now retired from. She is a proud mom of a teenage daughter and enjoys her time with their three hysterically funny dogs. After being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2017, she began a journey to find answers to questions she had struggled with for years. In the course of doing so, she started to journal and before she knew it, she had written a book. Her discoveries not only allowed her to find the answers she was seeking, but in choosing to share her story she realized she could help others as well. She credits the strength of her “Never Quit” mentality to the three years she spent working alongside the Navy SEALs. There she established enduring friendships that would eventually save her life.  Donna spent much of the past two decades in law enforcement helping others in crisis, from various mental health problems. She is a Crisis Intervention Officer, Critical Incident Stress Management member and is all too familiar with how traumatic events can affect anyone.  Even the bravest and strongest among us.  In an effort to erase the stigma of PTSD, Donna hopes to not only encourage those to get help who battle their own invisible wounds, but also help the general public gain a better understanding of PTSD and not to fear those who have it.   Donna’s book, Courageously Broken, may be purchased on her website and online bookstores. www.courageouslybroken.com +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION:  https://ptsd911movie.square.site/ #firstresponders #ptsd #mentalhealth #documentary #resilience #resiliency

LEFT OF BANG Host: Conrad Weaver, PTSD911 Documentary Director Guest: Dr. Phil Baquie, CEO of Alpha 6 Tactical Solutions and owner of Wellness Centers USA. Doc teaches warriors left of bang tactics to combat traumatic stress.  ABOUT DR. BAQUIE Originally from Australia, Dr. Phil "Doc" Baquie is a licensed mental health professional with a unique set of skills. Doc is a highly experienced communicator who specializes in training law enforcement and military personnel. Part of his passion to work with sheepdogs comes from his own background in the military, law enforcement, and private security contracting professions. In addition to holding a master's degree in counseling and a doctor of psychology, he is a law enforcement firearms instructor, certified in high-risk global protective operations, and a trained hostage/crisis negotiator.   Doc is the founder and CEO of Alpha 6 Tactical Solutions, a private security contracting and training company, primarily operating overseas protecting US-based companies and training developing nation law enforcement. In addition to Alpha 6, he is the owner and founder of Wellness Centers USA, a large private multi-location mental health practice. Doc serves as a division-wide clinician and trainer for a federal 3 letter agency and spends the majority of his time consulting and training first responders and military personnel. https://www.wellnessoxford.net/   +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION:  https://ptsd911movie.square.site/ #firstresponders #ptsd #mentalhealth #documentary #resilience #resiliency

Host: Conrad Weaver, PTSD911 Documentary Director Guest: Keith Hanks, Director Of Business Development at First Responder Coaching ABOUT KEITH HANKS Former Firefighter/EMT, retired 2017 after 21 years. Advocate for PTSD and Mental illness awareness, suicide prevention, and breaking the stigma since 2015. Author, currently working on first book about own life and experience with PTSD. First Responder Peer Support group member. Public speaker on the the subject of PTSD, mental illness, substance/alcohol abuse and suicide awareness. Currently working towards being certified as a Life Coach specifically aimed at the First Responder world. https://1strespondercoaching.org/ +++++ LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY: https://ptsd911movie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie https://twitter.com/ptsd911movie SUPPORT THE FILM, MAKE A DONATION:  https://ptsd911movie.square.site/ #firstresponders #ptsd #mentalhealth #documentary #resilience #resiliency

Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.   Click here to take the Leadership Assessment: http://firstresponderwellness.co/assessment   120 - You Don't Have to be Falling Apart to Need Healing - Kemmi Sadler In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad sits down with Kemmi Saddler, a former local law enforcement officer who went from dispatch to patrol—and then into a 20-year career with the Diplomatic Security Service, protecting people and places most of us will never see. Her story turns on a hinge: her last day in local policing was September 10, 2001—then, hours later, 9/11 reshaped everything. From Kuwait to Iraq, she describes the slow, invisible accumulation of stress: the “duck and cover” alarms you stop reacting to, the hypervigilance that becomes normal, and the body keeping score in ways you don’t immediately recognize (TMJ, clenched teeth, numbing, alcohol as relief). What makes this conversation land is the honesty about what happens after the career—when the identity fades and the grief, guilt, and unresolved moments finally speak up. Kemmi shares how a podcast mention of ayahuasca sparked a two-year healing journey, not as a miracle cure, but as a door that required courage, surrender, and real integration work. The takeaway is simple and heavy: you don’t have to be “falling apart” to need healing. If silence feels impossible, that might be the point.   ABOUT KEMMI SADLER Kemmi Sadler is a retired U.S. Diplomat and Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. Over a 26-year career as a sworn law enforcement officer and federal agent, she served in high-threat assignments across Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda, Mexico, and El Salvador, where she received multiple Superior Honor Awards for leadership and crisis response. She began her law enforcement career as a police officer in St. Augustine, Florida. In April, Kemmi will walk 780 kms along the Camino de Santiago with her dog, Nona, in a pilgrimage called Nona’s Way, continuing her commitment to service beyond the badge while raising awareness surrounding the need for mental health and trauma recovery in the first responder community. Kemmi is also the author of From the Badge to the Vine, a reflective memoir exploring moral injury, identity, and the long work of healing after a life shaped by service. Drawing from her lived experience, the book examines what it takes to carry insight into everyday life once the badge is turned in. klsadler.com  Nona’s Way Campaign nonasway.com / INSTAGRAM: @Nonas_Way_    +++++   FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.  

Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.   The Moment We Arrive On Scene, We Become a Part of Their Story - Lt. Sarah Shendy Some people wear the uniform and slowly disappear inside it—hardened, exhausted, running on fumes. Sarah Shendy is the opposite. Nearly 18 years into law enforcement, she still talks about the job with the kind of awe most people lose after year one. And in this conversation, she explains why. Sarah’s story starts with an unexpected invitation from a professor at Kent State University—and turns into a career built on compassion, discipline, and an almost stubborn refusal to become numb. She calls it what it is: an addiction to trauma and chaos. But instead of letting that addiction hollow her out, she’s learned to counter it with grounding routines, self-leadership, and the daily choice to show up with steady energy—because when an officer arrives on scene, they don’t just respond to a call… they become part of someone’s story. Together, Conrad and Sarah unpack what healthy policing actually looks like: weekly one-on-ones, leaders who build family-level connection, hiring for character, and real mental-health support—licensed clinicians on staff, debriefs after critical incidents, and even therapy dogs. This episode is a blueprint for any department that wants to recruit well, retain well, and protect its people without losing its soul. ABOUT LT. SHENDY Sarah Shendy is a law-enforcement leader and trainer with nearly 18 years of experience. As a lieutenant overseeing training and professional standards, she’s passionate about building healthy agency culture, developing disciplined leaders, and helping officers stay grounded, connected, and human on the job.   https://www.kent.edu/magazine/force-good   +++++   FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.   EPISODE 118: Bulletproof: Staying Human on the Job with Dan Willis What happens to a good heart after years of walking into the worst moments of other people’s lives? In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with retired Captain Dan Willis, a 30-year veteran of the La Mesa Police Department (San Diego area), to talk about the quiet transformation that happens in first responder work—often long before anyone calls it “burnout.” Dan describes becoming “emotionally dead inside” just a few years into the job: shorter sentences, less connection at home, more isolation, and a growing numbness that felt like survival… until it became a warning sign. Then the conversation turns. Dan shares the moment that changed his trajectory—studying emotional survival and wellness at the FBI National Academy—and the ideas that became his book Bulletproof Spirit. He reframes post-traumatic stress not as a life sentence, but as an injury that can heal, especially when leaders stop treating wellness like a program and start treating it like a philosophy. The biggest takeaway is surprisingly simple: the “little” acts of service aren’t little at all. They can protect the spirit, restore purpose, and help first responders come home as themselves again.   ABOUT DAN WILLIS Dan Willis is a retired police captain who served 30 years with the La Mesa Police Department in the San Diego area. He now trains and speaks on first responder wellness, resilience, peer support, and emotional survival, and is the author of Bulletproof Spirit. Web site: www.firstresponderwellness.com   +++++   FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.   I Built My Recovery Like an Investigation - with Craig Semple Craig Semple served 25 years as a detective in the New South Wales, Australia Police Force—homicides, drug squads, outlaw motorcycle gangs, the kind of work that runs on adrenaline and silence. But behind the scenes, PTSD and burnout were stacking up: sleepless nights, heavy drinking, and a culture that treated suffering like weakness. After being medically retired, Craig entered a dark three-year spiral that culminated in a suicide attempt—then made a decision that changed everything: he built a recovery plan the way he used to run investigations. In this episode, Craig and Conrad unpack what first responders miss most—identity loss, the “helper who won’t ask for help,” the family as the canary in the coal mine, and the everyday practices that keep you well enough to finish strong.   ABOUT CRAIG SEMPLE Craig Semple was a career Detective within the NSW Police Force for 25 years. Much of Craig’s career was invested in `high risk’ law enforcement including drug investigation, the investigation of outlaw motorcycle gangs and homicides. The environment within which Craig led professional people for much of his career was one that exposed employees to high levels of stress, high workloads, occupational burnout, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. As a leader he developed a clear and practical understanding of workplace mental health and its relevance to workplace health and safety, occupational health and safety legislation, productivity, personal wellbeing and resilience. Craig’s retirement from the Police Force was as a result of his own personal battle with workplace Psychological Injury. From that `lived experience’ he has developed a rare personal insight into the causes, symptoms, treatment, recovery strategies and the impact of mental illness in the workplace. CRAIG'S BOOKS: The Cop Who Fell to Earth Getting Back Up Again     +++++   FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.  

Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.   You Can't Heal What Stays Locked in the Dark - Dr. Cherylynn Lee In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with police psychologist Dr. Cherylynn Lee to explore what really happens when trauma goes unspoken inside law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch. Dr. Lee works inside a California sheriff’s office, deploying to SWAT callouts, supporting officer-involved shootings, and overseeing peer support—while also treating first responders in private practice. In this conversation, she explains why avoidance is one of the most dangerous and misunderstood responses to trauma, and why healing only begins when people are able to tell the full story of what they’ve lived through. Together, Conrad and Dr. Lee unpack the growing debate around embedded clinicians, the importance of trust and cultural competence, and why dispatchers must be included in critical-incident debriefs. They also discuss how first responders get trapped in a cycle of self-blame and moral injury—and how reframing the story can change everything. This episode is a candid, deeply human look at why so many in public safety suffer in silence, and what it takes to finally bring what’s been buried into the light. If you’ve ever struggled with something you couldn’t put into words, this conversation offers both clarity and hope. ABOUT DR. CHERYLYNN LEE Dr. Cherylynn Lee is a police psychologist specializing in law enforcement wellness, critical incident response, and trauma care for first responders. She works full-time inside a California sheriff’s office in an operational leadership role while also running a private practice serving first responders exclusively. She teaches and publishes widely, including work with Lexipol/Police1 and training support for the FBI.   +++++   FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Register for the First Responder Leadership Mastermind here: https://firstresponderwellness.co/masterclass/ Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.