Mindfulness Episodes

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 ...

Imagine swapping handcuffs for yoga mats—that's exactly what Vance Rowe did. From tackling law enforcement's high-pressure cooker to embracing the zen of yoga, Vance's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He gets real with us about his battle with alcohol, a moment caught on video that jolted him awake to the need for change. It's all about hitting rock bottom and finding that ladder to climb out. Vance dives into the deep end, talking about the importance of looking after your mental and phys...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Note: This episode is in memory and honor of Captain Brian Durbin, EOW 11/19/2023. In this intriguing episode, a caller reaches out around, grappling with the mystery of why they've held onto a newspaper article about the recovery of a daughter and father's bodies for so many years. Despite attempts to discard it, the caller is unable to part with the clipping, and even their spouse questions its presence. The caller, currently seeking professional help, opens up about the article's lack of emot...

In this episode, our hosts delve into the societal pressures surrounding the holidays, particularly the expectation to conform to a picture-perfect celebration. One of our hosts shares their experience of feeling immense pressure and the toll it takes on mental health, highlighting the anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and the shadow of seasonal depression that often looms over the festive season. Shifting gears, our dynamic duo explores the true essence of Thanksgiving—gratitude. They humorously...

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...

Over the course of these two episodes, we hope we've done a sufficient job in helping our listeners understand what Adverse Childhood Experiences are, how they impact our developing brain and how our childhood experiences affect our now with the nesting doll concept. In this final episode for our ACES series, we're really going to talk about, what to do about it now. Just because we've done these certain behaviors or reacted this way does not mean that we can't learn something new. We can adapt ...

Today we're diving deep into the twisted maze of our past, like we're untangling a bunch of Russian nesting dolls. You know, those dolls that hide one inside the other, like a secret within a secret. It's a metaphor that's so on point because life is like that—layer upon layer, each one representing a version of you from a different time. So, picture this: you're building up layers around yourself, just like those dolls, and why? 'Cause life throws crap at you, especially in your early years. Th...

In this episode, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate web of childhood trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Delving into the long-reaching effects on first responders' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we shed light on a crucial aspect often overlooked. Not all wounds wear visible scars. We discuss how some may deny having ACEs, highlighting the significance of recognizing and acknowledging these experiences. The covert influence of unresolved childhood trauma can silentl...

"I don't want any other first responders to feel that they have to be stuck in that darkness and that there is hope that you can get out of that and get help." Grappled with a range of challenges, including addiction, mental health issues, trauma, and even contemplating suicide. Monica's chaotic journey and its impact on her personal and professional life reached to a point of her seeking help. Tune in to discover how she draws from her journey to inspire others and advocate for mental health an...

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...

In the realm of first responders, bravery is valuable, and fortitude is required. As we embark on the compelling journey of his victory over post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), one resounding message reverberates: the ghost of childhood trauma, often shrouded in silence, casts a formidable shadow over those who rush to our aid in times of crisis. Today, we have Michael Sugrue, a former law enforcement officer and co-author of the book "Relentless Courage," who shared his personal journey of ove...

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...