Substance Recovery Episodes

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, 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...

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 the often unseen shadows of law enforcement, a weight is shouldered by officers — a weight composed of responsibility, sacrifice, and the silent battles waged within. Meet Davin, a seasoned 33-year law enforcement veteran, whose extraordinary journey is a testament to resilience and redemption. From the rigorous roles of K9 Handler to SWAT team member, Davin has not only witnessed but personally weathered the profound psychological toll that policing extracts. His narrative takes an unexpecte...

"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...

Sometimes, asking for help can be one of the hardest things a person will do. It requires a certain level of vulnerability, surrender and trust. However, that’s just what Marine Corps veteran and retired law enforcement officer, Brian Gillespie did. Brian, born and raised in Jersey City, came to terms with his own struggles with substance abuse more than eight years ago and hasn't looked back. Brian has been involved in the first responder world since 1982, when he joined the US Marine Corps fr...