In this powerful episode of Echo Valor, David Burnell sits down with longtime friend and seasoned law enforcement officer, federal agent, military veteran, and mental health professional Jeffrey Denning. Together, they unpack the realities of crisis response, the cumulative toll of trauma, and the tools needed to stay grounded in the face of overwhelming events.

From frontline experiences in Iraq to critical incident stress debriefings after officer-involved shootings, Jeffrey shares practical strategies for pre-incident preparation, managing acute stress, and long-term self-care. The discussion covers primary, secondary, and tertiary trauma, how first responders and families are impacted by tragedy, and why sleep, exercise, connection, and gratitude are essential for healing.

Whether you are in law enforcement, EMS, the military, or simply navigating today’s chaotic world, this episode offers wisdom, actionable insights, and hope. Learn why “healing hurts, but helping heals”—and how to prevent isolation, find community, and keep your mental armor strong.

Where to stream the Echo Valor Podcast?

Get full access to Echo Valor: Stories of Service, Sacrifice & the Human Spirit at echovalor.substack.com/subscribe