Mental Health Recovery Resource Episodes

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...

It’s not easy to admit you’re struggling, especially when you’re supposed to be the strong one. Brad Savage, a 15-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, knows this better than most. From serving in Canada’s largest cities to its most remote communities, Brad has seen and endured more than many can imagine. But his story isn’t just about the job; it’s about the unspoken struggles and silent battles so many first responders face—and the courage it takes to confront them. In this episod...

Ever been in a situation where you expected someone to react a certain way, and when they didn’t, you found yourself ready to go into fight mode? Yeah, that’s biological rudeness for you. It’s your autonomic nervous system flipping the switch to defense mode when your expectations aren’t met, and it’s a surefire way to create misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships. But here’s the kicker—understanding this can help you override those automatic responses and communicate more effectively....

Gear up for a stellar episode of After the Tones Drop where we're hanging out with Ryan Dedmon. Ryan isn't just any guy; he's a retired police dispatcher turned big-time educator at the 911 Training Institute. Back in 2012, he snagged the title of “Telecommunicator of the Year,” and since then, he's been all about teaching first responders how to handle the rough stuff that comes with the job. Ryan's got some serious creds with a Master's in Forensic Psychology, and he's out there teaching at Go...

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...

Dive into our latest episode where we get into the nuts and bolts of Behavior Chain Analysis. Think of it as the ultimate detective work for figuring out how a simple event can send us spiraling into a whirlwind of emotions without any clue how we got there. It's all about peeling back the layers of our reactions, from that knee-jerk "I don't know" to the deeper, sometimes hidden reasons behind our behaviors, feelings and actions. We share stories from our own journeys of self-discovery, talking...

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of corrections with none other than William Young, a seasoned pro who's been navigating the complex corridors of correctional facilities since way back in 2005. Imagine working everywhere from the sanitation details to the tense atmosphere of segregation - William's done it all. But that's not where his story ends. He's on a new mission these days, shaping up to be the go-to guy for Wellness and Retention within his agency. Yeah, you heard that right, he'...

Today's episode is a must-listen. We're talking with Larry Turner, a man whose life reads like an adventure novel. After serving in the U.S. Army and the Columbus Division of Police, Larry faced a turning point with the loss of a close friend. But instead of letting it defeat him, he channeled his grief into action. Larry's now the proud owner of Killbuck Creek Distillery, where every bottle tells a story of honor and remembrance. His journey took a transformative turn with Save A Warrior, an ex...

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...

Guest Molly Jones joins your ATTD hosts to share her insights, expertise and experience as the clinical outreach coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems and the Center of Excellence. Molly is the IAFF 9th District Peer Support Team Clinical Coordinator as well as assists first responders and their family members with accessing and navigating vetted first responder treatment providers across the United States and Canada. Molly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Life Education with a focus...