Your Episodes

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 unexpect...

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 ...

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 heal...

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, th...

It is such a demanding world for first responders, who confront a lot of physical and mental challenges, the need for holistic health and performance optimization is essential in every scenario they encounter. A physical therapist and the founder of Bell Performance Therapy, Dr. Brandon Bellman, joined us in today's episode. Dr. Bellman's journey began following the encounter of two injuries, which our guest got from being a high school athlete and having to experience both excellent and poor m...

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 tha...

It all began with a vision—a vision that woke us up with a sense of urgency, a vision that turned into a podcast that has left an indelible mark on our work. Step into the heart of our year-end celebration, where passion meets purpose, and stories unfold. Join us as we playback the teasers and acknowledge the guests who bravely stepped into the spotlight, sharing their journeys on our show. Our episodes have become more than just conversations; they are lifelines, tools that first responders hav...

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 ...

Meet Edward Curtis, the law enforcement veteran with two decades of street smarts. Currently rocking the title of Corporal, he's the guy in charge on the patrol beat, answering calls and keeping the community vibe strong. But wait, there's more. Edward is no rookie when it comes to training. Certified by the Municipal Police Officers Training Commission, he's the brains behind the statewide police officer certification classes. And if that's not enough, he's also dropping knowledge bombs as an ...

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 ...

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 emo...

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 humorousl...

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 ba...

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 beg...

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. T...

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 silent...

"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 a...

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...

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...

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 o...

In a world where first responders are often celebrated for their bravery and sacrifice, there is a group of heroes who often go unnoticed and unappreciated – dispatchers. These unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes, handling emergency calls and coordinating the response of police, fire, and medical personnel. They are the calm voices on the other end of the line, providing critical support during times of crisis. However, their role and the trauma they experience are often minimized or...

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 interna...