PTSD Episodes

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...

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 ...

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'...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

You might think avoidance is your brain’s way of protecting you from the horrors of a traumatic experience. It's like your brain is saying, "Nope, not dealing with that nightmare again." But guess what? This so-called protective shield? It can actually blow up in your face. Avoidance can make you feel detached, numb, and even crankier than a caffeine-deprived cop on a Monday morning. So, here's the deal: after something traumatic happens, your brain goes into survival mode, trying to keep you fr...

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....

An all too common thing for a First Responder to experience are nightmares, intrusive memories and at times, flashbacks. These intrusive symptoms can be highly distressing, as they intrude upon the individual's daily life, disrupt their thoughts, and evoke intense feelings of fear, anger, or sadness. The person may find it challenging to concentrate, experience irritability, or engage in avoidance behaviors to prevent triggering these distressing memories or reminders. In this episode ATTD hosts...