Peer Support Episodes

Welcome back to the show where we dive deep into the unseen world of 911 dispatchers with none other than Ricardo Martinez II, the storyteller and force behind 'Within the Trenches' and the #IAM911 movement. Today, Ricardo joins us to shed light on his 13 years on the front lines as a dispatcher and supervisor, his ongoing efforts to highlight the critical role of dispatchers through his podcast, and the global impact of the #IAM911 movement. Ricardo passionately discusses the necessity of recla...

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...

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 episode, we sit down with Jonathan Hickory, a police sergeant who's spent over 20 years on the force, diving deep into his own struggles with addiction and trauma. Jonathan rose out of the dark and emerged a published author of a book turned movie entitled "Break Every Chain." Jonathan doesn't hold back on the tough stuff, emphasizing how vital mental wellness, resilience, and suicide prevention are for folks like him in law enforcement. Teaching a class at a regional academy, Jonathan u...

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 the hosts of After the Tones Drop are on their season break, they are excited to feature a compelling episode from the Just Corrections Podcast EP001 " Zombie Brain" with host William Young and his guest Sue Radcliffe. This episode dives deep into the complex world of trauma and its impact on correctional officers. Guest Spotlight: Joining the conversation is Susan Radcliffe, LCSW-C, RYT 200, a mental health therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience. Sue's professional journey h...

In a special feature during their season break, After the Tones Drop presents an insightful episode from "The Next Shift Podcast" entitled "YOU ARE NOT ALONE," hosted by Jess Flores. This episode delves into the complex emotions and experiences that many first responders face when transitioning out of active service. Jess, drawing from her personal journey of leaving law enforcement 7.5 years ago, shares the profound sense of isolation she encountered—an experience echoed by her former colleague...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Welcome to "Today's Story Hour with Cinnamon" – where real-life experiences take center stage! In this episode, Cinnamon takes us on a trip down memory lane, back to her very first ride along. Picture this: December 20th, 2017 – the date that sparked the beginning of Cinnamon's journey onto a medic unit. As she reminisces about that fateful day, you'll get a firsthand account of the unexpected turns and eye-opening moments that unfolded during her very first ride along. In a recent episode, the ...

Many first responders find themselves forced to retire or leave their careers due to injury or other circumstances, and this can lead to feelings of uncertainty and a lack of purpose. Jess, however, took her own experience of losing her job and turned it into an opportunity to help others in similar situations. Our guest, Jess Flores started her career in law enforcement at the young age of 21, but just ten years later, her career was abruptly taken away due to an injury. Uncovering a story that...

Allow us to introduce Jessica Wiederhold, a dedicated professional who has been making a significant impact in the field of emergency services and dispatch management. In this episode, Jessica offers a raw and vulnerable reality check pulling back the curtain of a day in the life of a dispatcher and the various hurdles they face. Jessica currently serves as the Director of the Clermont County 9-1-1 Center, a role she has held for a brief yet impactful 8 months. Her journey within the center bega...

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...

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...

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...

Guest, Sean Woods has dabbled in various opportunities in the law enforcement world. He joins our show to share in the steps and successes of creating a wellness program within his department. This program has helped many of his fellow officers and he bestows its successes to the many hands involved and the nature of the program remaining a trusting and confidential atmosphere. Raised in Long Island, his current position as FOP Chaplain requires he continue to arm himself with that blunt New Yo...

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....

Cinnamon and Erin are coming off the heels of attending 1st Responder Conferences in South Bend, Indiana. Fired up and motivated, your hosts share why conferences are so important and what's available by attending. Attending mental health conferences is crucial in today's world, where mental health issues, especially for first responders are becoming increasingly prevalent. These conferences provide a platform for mental health professionals, peer support, fellow first responders and advocates t...