Firefighter Episodes

In this powerful episode of After the Tones Drop , we sit down with Captain Ed Monroe, a 16-year veteran of the LA County Fire Department, whose life and leadership were forever changed by a tragic critical incident within his department in 2021. Ed opens up about the unimaginable day when a colleague took the life of one of their brothers, shot another and permanently wounded him, then took his life—and the lasting ripple effects on the entire agency. From navigating grief and leadership under ...

Let’s talk about the impossible balancing act of being a firefighter, running a business, and still managing to take care of yourself. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Jon Vought, is doing. Jon is a 15-year veteran firefighter and the founder of Rescue One CBD , a company dedicated to helping first responders improve their sleep, manage stress, and reduce inflammation—all without risking their careers. After struggling with his own recovery from surgery and dealing with the ripple effects of p...

In this episode of After the Tones Drop , we share the powerful story of Chris, a deputy chief with over 30 years in the fire service, and his wife Tara, an educator with a 25-year career. Their journey has been marked by the challenges of a demanding career, mental health struggles, and the strength needed to maintain their marriage and family. Chris’s mental health struggles peaked in 2021 when he found himself on the brink of suicide. An unexpected comment from Tara and an intervention by the...

In this episode of After the Tones Drop , Erin and Cinnamon sit down with Keith Hanks, a retired firefighter and EMT who’s seen more chaos and tragedy than most of us can even imagine. Keith doesn't hold back. We're talking childhood trauma, losing his first wife, 21 years on the frontlines as a firefighter and EMT, and getting slammed with a diagnosis of complex PTSD. The guy’s been through hell, and he’s still standing, fighting to break the stigma around mental health, addiction, and suicide ...

In this special episode, "After the Tones Drop" is delighted to feature Episode 008: Time to go Home from Operation Yellow Tape Podcast, hosted by the exceptionally articulate Kenny Mitchell. Kenny challenges first responders to prioritize action over excuses, emphasizing that if first responders are still suffering, no excuse is valid. Kenny, known for both his potent advocacy and his tech tips (he even taught our hosts a few iPhone tricks!), delivers invaluable guidance on how first respond...

While Erin and Cinnamon are taking a break trying to train their pet goldfish to sing the national anthem, they've put together a special bonus episode on After the Tones Drop, featuring Episode 18 : SPREAD HOPE NOT DARKNESS of the The Mindfulness Medic Podcast with the incredible Jason Warn. He was a guest on ATTD last winter on Episode 35, and the gems he dropped left them speechless multiple times. Imagine that level of wisdom packed into every episode of "The Mindfulness Medic." Jason knows ...

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Kenny Mitchell, a battle-tested firefighter and the force behind Operation Yellow Tape , tackles the tough topic of mental health in the first responder community with a Denis Leary-like straight talk. Kenny doesn't sugarcoat the reality; he shares gripping personal stories to spotlight the dire need for mental health support among those who face danger daily. With a fervor that commands attention, he urges his comrades to seek help boldly and smash the stigma...

In our latest episode of Erin and Cinnamon kick things off with a real-life snippet of gallows humor so perfectly timed, it could only come from a place of deep understanding and shared experience. But don't worry, the details are our little secret. As we unpack the topic, it's clear that gallows humor sits in a unique spot—it's like walking a tightrope between what helps us cope and what might just be a band-aid on a bullet wound. They delve into the heart of why this kind of humor isn't just a...

It is such a demanding world for first responders, who confront a lot of physical and mental challenges, the need for holistic health and performance optimization is essential in every scenario they encounter. A physical therapist and the founder of Bell Performance Therapy, Dr. Brandon Bellman, joined us in today's episode. Dr. Bellman's journey began following the encounter of two injuries, which our guest got from being a high school athlete and having to experience both excellent and poor me...

You are about to embark on an uplifting journey with our extraordinary podcast guest, Jason Warn. Jason is a Firefighter Paramedic with 11 years of invaluable experience in the realm of Fire/EMS. Hailing from the distinguished career department of New Hampshire, his wealth of knowledge and unwavering resilience is set to ignite inspiration within every listener. But this leader extends beyond the confines of firefighting, emerging as the visionary owner of Mindfulness Medic—a dynamic lifestyle a...

Desensitization is an unconscious psychological process that occurs when individuals are repeatedly exposed to traumatic or distressing events. For first responders, who encounter death and traumatic incidents on a regular basis, desensitization becomes a coping mechanism. It allows them to compartmentalize their emotions and focus on the tasks at hand, ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved. Desensitization often leads to compassion fatigue, a state where individuals feel emotiona...

Tommy Bolin, a 28 year veteran in the fire service in Columbus, Ohio. Tommy currently holds the rank of Lieutenant. Tommy joins ATTD to talk about his experience in turning his "mess into a message." Tommy's journey is like so many others, but he has come through the other side and believes in the importance of sharing his story with the hope of letting others know they are not alone. That there are so many people out there suffering alone. Tommy remains steadfast and passionate about the ne...

Tim Sears, 44 year veteran of the fire service joins us again to discuss the tools he has been using to overcome PTSD and his work with Stronger Families. Tim Sears joined Stronger Families with 44 years in the fire service, having served in 4 different fire departments. Tim was actively involved in water rescue, tillered ladder truck ops, safety committee, fire investigator, hazmat, PEER support, board member on KFFBA Benevolent Fund and active in his IAFF Union Local 2545. Tim retired in 2021 ...

"Tall" Tim, a 44 year veteran in the fire service, started as a volunteer in Toppenish on the Yakima Indian Nation Reservation at the age of 16. 40 years from the start if his career in 2018, he began waking with horrible night sweats, then nightmares. Soon his sleep was effected, unable to sleep 4 nights out of the week...then the thoughts of being "Done" for good began to consume him. Tim's wife, who he still lovingly calls has "bride" begged him to retire believing it would help his symptoms....