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Clearing the MindField
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Clearing the MindField

Author: Brannon Hicks

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Clearing the Mind Field is a space where the stories behind the uniform can be shared honestly, openly, and on their own terms. This podcast brings you face-to-face with combat veterans, SWAT operators, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs who have served in high-stakes environments, made difficult decisions, and carried experiences long after the moment has passed. These are individuals who answered the call to serve and are now navigating what comes next.

 

Here, they speak in their own words. No scripts. No expectations. Just real conversations.

Some of these stories may challenge you. Some may resonate deeply. All of them matter.

 

Each episode explores:

  • Why they chose a life of service 
  • What they experienced on the job 
  • How those experiences followed them home 
  • The impact on identity, relationships, and sense of self 
  • And most importantly how they found a way forward 

 

Because this isn’t just about what was carried.
It’s about recovery, resilience, and rebuilding a life worth living.

 

You’ll hear what healing can actually look like from those who have lived it. Honest conversations about what helps, what doesn’t, and what it takes to move forward after trauma and critical incidents.

 

Clearing the Mind Field exists for two reasons:

  1. To reduce stigma around mental health in military and first responder communities by creating space for real, human conversations 
  2. To offer connection and hope for those still navigating their own path wherever they are in the journey 

 

If you’ve ever served…
If you’ve ever carried something hard to explain…
If you’re trying to find your way forward…

 

This is your space.

 

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to carry it by yourself.

 

11 Episodes
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Doctor Tracy Hejmanowski (don't worry, pronunciation included) is a Veteran, a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder of the First Responder Projects, which serves First Responders & their families via therapeutic retreats. She also serves active duty First Responders struggling with CPTSD, Moral Injury, Compassion Fatigue and all that comes with that. Doc H brings a very interesting and compelling insight into the world of Veterans & First Responders. Mental Health matters, and we know that Veterans and First Responders are strong, healthy resilient people. Doc H talks with me about how to make them even stronger.
Commander Randi Glossman Rose through the ranks of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to lead the Wellness Section. Her feels that her many years of experience on Patrol, Investigations etc. led her to a firm understanding of what the men and women she serves need to help them find a way forward. Police Officers deal with a staggering number of critical incidents in a career, and in days past were left to carry those burdens alone. Can leadership be a part of the cultural change needed to help carry those burdens? Randi has some powerful ideas for changes, as she strives to lead the way for a large and complex Sheriff's Office. Lots to learn in this one.
The Broken Responder

The Broken Responder

2026-06-0901:30:19

The podcast episode features Richard Burns, a former police officer and Navy veteran, who shares his journey from childhood to law enforcement and military service. He discusses critical incidents, mental health struggles, and the impact on his well-being. Richard's experience highlights the importance of seeking therapy and developing emotional intelligence to navigate trauma and mental health challenges. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by first responders in dealing with mental health struggles and the lack of support from their colleagues and organizations. It highlights the need for a cultural shift and a national mental health initiative to address these issues and provide better support for first responders.TakeawaysImportance of seeking therapy for mental health supportDevelopment of emotional intelligence to navigate trauma and mental health challenges Mental health struggles are often overlooked and misunderstood in the first responder community.A cultural shift and a national mental health initiative are crucial to address the challenges faced by first responders and provide better support.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Clearing the Mine Field05:06 Joining the Military and Law Enforcement16:01 Transition to the Navy and Deployment29:07 Impact of Critical Incidents and Mental Health Struggles42:36 Seeking Therapy and Emotional Intelligence47:45 Divine Intervention53:44 Struggles with Workman's Comp58:55 Coping with Loss01:05:15 Adjusting to Life After Retirement01:23:17 Creating a Mental Health Initiative
Chris "Chappy" Cottle experiences all of the struggles, vicarious and direct trauma that other Firefighters experience, but his own struggles didn't stop him from answering the call to serve those who serve others.Support comes in many forms, and recovery takes many different paths, walked by many different people, and the Chaplaincy has been a staple in Military & First Responder Communities. Chappy shares his own lived experience with us today.
Boats

Boats

2026-05-2642:57

Amber "Boats" Cage faced adversity, disillusionment and setbacks while serving her people around the world at sea. One dark night, when things look hopeless, a chance intervention kept her connected to the world.Amber didn't just move on. She proved that helped people help people, and she has spent her life since continuing her own journey while helping others heal.Check out this conversation with our Here Tomorrow teammate.
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