Mental Health Tools Episodes

Ever heard of the fight-or-flight response? Of course you have. But what about the other F words—freeze, fawn, and faint? No, we’re not kidding. In this episode of After the Tones Drop , Erin and Cinnamon take a hilarious yet insightful dive into the often-overlooked stress responses that make up our brain’s survival playbook. This conversation will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about how we handle stress and high-pressure moments. From breaking down what each response look...

This episode, we're unpacking a concept that's been a game changer for us and many others: the idea that relationships don't need to be 50/50 all the time but should rather aim for 100% collectively, however that splits. Inspired by Brene Brown's insights on vulnerability and support, we're talking about how sometimes, you might only have 20% to give, and that's perfectly okay—as long as the people in your life are ready to step up and fill in the rest. We're also sharing our harrowing week batt...

In this episode, Cinnamon takes us through a concept that’s as frustrating as it is relatable: foreboding joy . Ever had a moment of real happiness, only to be hit with a gut-punch of worry about when it’s all going to come crashing down? Yeah, that’s what we’re talking about. Dr. Brené Brown coined the term, and Cinnamon’s here to break it down for all the first responders out there who know the dance all too well. For first responders, foreboding joy is almost second nature. You finally get a ...

Welcome back to another episode of After the Tones Drop! Today, we’re revisiting and re-releasing our second ever episode because, unfortunately, even after two years, the myths surrounding therapy are still holding on strong. Erin and Cinnamon dive deep into these misconceptions, especially within the first responder community. If you still think therapy is all about lying on a couch while a therapist silently nods, it’s time to bust that myth wide open. In this episode, we’re getting real abou...

In this solo episode of After the Tones Drop , Cinnamon takes the mic to talk about a topic that might seem simple on the surface but is a huge issue for first responders—sleep. We all know sleep is important, but as Cinnamon explains, for those in the service, the lack of quality sleep goes far beyond just feeling tired. Sleep affects everything from mental health to decision-making and even physical recovery after those long, grueling shifts. Cinnamon dives deep into the mental health effects ...

Welcome to the fast lane of trauma recovery, where we're not just talking about any old therapy—we're spotlighting Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and believe me, it's as revolutionary as it sounds. Picture a therapy that's the Tesla of mental health: sleek, speedy, and effective, cutting through the noise without dragging you through the mud of your past again and again. ART is changing the game, and your hosts Erin and Cinnamon are ready to break it all down for you. Today's episode isn'...

This episode is for anyone who’s faced the darkness and found the courage to seek the light. It’s for the warriors, the wounded, and anyone who believes in the power of second chances. Today’s guest is the ultimate comeback kid, Rocco Besednjak—a retired cop and Navy vet who stared down the barrel of despair and came out the other side swinging. Rocco’s story isn’t just a tale of survival; it’s a saga of transformation. After being medically retired due to severe injuries, Rocco faced the gut-wr...

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....

In this special solo episode, Cinnamon takes over the podcast, bringing energy and heartfelt insights. Reflecting on a whirlwind 2024 of travel and engagements, she shares the wisdom she's gathered. Cinnamon expresses initial nervousness but quickly finds her groove, enjoying the comfort of home and life's little joys. The episode centers on Cinnamon's top 25 life lessons, each a golden nugget of wisdom. She discusses the courage to quit when necessary, the peace in letting people do what they n...

Okay, folks, strap in. We've got AK Dozanti on the show, a former Deputy Sheriff turned First Responder Coach & Specialist. AK's been through the ringer—burnout, depression, PTSD, adrenal fatigue—you name it. Now she's on a mission to help first responders not just cope with chronic stress but actually prevent burnout. That's right, PREVENT it. AK's done it all. She’s been a Deputy, a Criminal Court Victim Advocate, and even a yoga instructor. Yeah, yoga. Because first responders need something ...

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...

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...

This week, we're diving back into the deep end with Part Two of our attachment styles saga. If you missed the last episode, hit pause, scoot back, and catch up. We're zoning in on our first responder and how those deep-rooted attachment styles play out under the neon lights and sirens. It's all about the love, the leadership, and the life-saving in between. Attachment Styles 101: A Quick Recap Remember, folks, we've got secure (the cool, calm, collected type), anxious (the 'please text back' squ...

Get ready for this episode where we're diving deep into a topic that's been high on your request list: attachment styles. Following our chats on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and boundaries, we're thrilled to tackle how attachment styles tie into these themes. Attachment styles? What are they exactly? Well, they're basically the emotional blueprints we pick up early on in life from our main caregivers. We'll take you back to the roots of attachment theory, pioneered by folks like Bowlby a...

Get ready for a real talk in this episode as hosts Cinnamon and Erin dive into the world of boundaries—a topic that you all can't seem to get enough of! From figuring out what the heck our boundaries are to actually telling people about them, the struggle is real. Erin kicks things off by pointing out how we often expect others to magically respect our boundaries without taking a good look in the mirror about enforcing them ourselves. They chat about the breakdown in communication that happens w...

This episode offers an insightful exploration of the dynamic world of peer support. The hosts shed light on the distinction between peers in a workplace setting and the unique role of peer support—individuals who have weathered life's challenges, gained valuable insights, and emerged as compassionate pillars of support. The peer support landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, boasting comprehensive programs at both state and organizational levels. From certifications to mental healt...

In an unprecedented move, the hosts break new ground by incorporating recorded phone conversations with four different individuals. These raw and unfiltered discussions revolve around the central theme: "Do we have control of the things in our lives?" Listeners are treated to diverse perspectives, personal anecdotes, and moments of revelation as real people grapple with the complexities of control in their own lives. Brace yourself for a groundbreaking episode of self-discovery and revelations a...

We're often in this zone of anxiety, thinking it's just the norm. But guess what? It's possible that we're actually super hypersensitive and on high alert most of the time and aren't even aware of how it's affecting us. Cinnamon shares her discoveries on a recent vacation that turned into a crash course in self-awareness. Erin chimes in, talking about all that woo-woo stuff like meditation and energy vibes, but hey, it's real. Now, here's the real kicker—they had this wild experience a while bac...

Today, we embark on a journey to wrap up the vital criteria we've explored over the past five months. As we delve into the world of PTSD, we revisit Episode 3, where we confronted the stark reality of Direct Exposure to trauma. We encountered the haunting specter of witnessing the trauma, learning of its impact on loved ones, and the heavy burden carried by first responders and medics who indirectly experience its adverse details. The word "Intrusion" took center stage, echoing like an unwelcome...

In the realm of outdoor adventures and hunting, the image that often comes to mind is rugged, macho, and testosterone-driven. But what happens when someone not only challenges these stereotypes but thrives in a world where masculinity reigns supreme? Enter Zach Ferenbaugh, a remarkable individual associated with The Hunting Public. In this episode, we will explore the challenges Zach faces to find balance in a career that pulls him every which way while doing his best to maintain healthy relatio...

So, let's dive in, again, to this whole PTSD thing, specifically Criterion E. It may feel like you're on the rollercoaster in your mind, and suddenly, boom! You're hit with a wild loop-de-loop of symptoms. Your mind is like a super-sensitive car alarm, triggered by the smallest things. That's hyperarousal and reactivity for you. It's like they're on a hair-trigger, ready to fight or flee at a moment's notice. You might jump at sudden noises or get irritable out of the blue. It's like the inter...

Imagine you're in a high-pressure situation, making split-second decisions. Wouldn't it be nice to hone a tool that encourages you to recognize any negative thoughts that might be clouding your judgment? These could be thoughts like "I can't handle this" or "Everything is going to go wrong." The first step is to identify them. Then comes the powerful part – challenging those thoughts. It's like assessing the evidence at a crime scene. You look for alternative explanations and realistic viewpoint...

On this episode of ATTD your host, Erin, delivers various tools and emphasizes the importance of practicing being present. We all know that first responders have incredibly demanding jobs. You face high-stress situations day in and day out, and it's crucial for you to find moments of peace amidst the chaos. That's where a mindfulness routine comes in. It's like a mental oasis in the midst of a storm. One of the key benefits of a mindfulness routine is stress reduction. It's no secret that stress...

Negative alterations in your mind and mood are par for the course when you're a human begin. A lot of us know that these experiences will pass as quickly as they came. Unless these alterations are a direct result of experiencing a stressful life experience. After experiencing a traumatic event, these alterations may exist like a storm that brews inside your head, messing with your emotions and how you see the world. In this episode the ATTD hosts discuss Criterion D of the PTSD criteria which is...