Your Episodes

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 ...

Grab your headphones and get comfy—Erin and Cinnamon are dishing all the deets in this season finale of "After the Tones Drop." They kick things off chatting about how they dove into podcasting without a clue and ended up with a hit show! They're super grateful for all the awesome peeps who've joined their podcast fam and the amazing changes they’ve seen. Highlights: Challenges & Growth: Jumping into podcasting was like hopping on a wild rollercoaster—lots of ups and downs but oh-so rewarding. I...

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 ...

Welcome to today's episode where we explore the lives of Samie and Ryan, a couple who both serve as first responders, balancing their demanding careers with raising a young family. They share their story from how they met and got engaged, to the conscious decision to prioritize their relationship and family life above all else. Communication, trust, and understanding play pivotal roles in their relationship, especially given the unpredictable nature of shift work and the intense demands of their...

Strap in for a whirlwind tour of the ADHD universe, where every day is an adventure and executive dysfunction is just the tip of the iceberg. This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of living with ADHD, from the thrill of hyperfocus to the challenges of rejection sensitivity dysphoria and everything in between. Imagine your brain constantly flipping channels at breakneck speed – welcome to the ADHD experience. Your guides on this journey debunk myths left and right, revealing ADHD as the comple...

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...

Dive into our latest episode where we get into the nuts and bolts of Behavior Chain Analysis. Think of it as the ultimate detective work for figuring out how a simple event can send us spiraling into a whirlwind of emotions without any clue how we got there. It's all about peeling back the layers of our reactions, from that knee-jerk "I don't know" to the deeper, sometimes hidden reasons behind our behaviors, feelings and actions. We share stories from our own journeys of self-discovery, talking...

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 deep dive into the world of corrections with none other than William Young, a seasoned pro who's been navigating the complex corridors of correctional facilities since way back in 2005. Imagine working everywhere from the sanitation details to the tense atmosphere of segregation - William's done it all. But that's not where his story ends. He's on a new mission these days, shaping up to be the go-to guy for Wellness and Retention within his agency. Yeah, you heard that right, he'...

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 week, we're diving back into the deep end with Part Two of our attachment styles saga. If you missed the last episode, hit pause, scoot back, and catch up. We're zoning in on our first responder and how those deep-rooted attachment styles play out under the neon lights and sirens. It's all about the love, the leadership, and the life-saving in between. Attachment Styles 101: A Quick Recap Remember, folks, we've got secure (the cool, calm, collected type), anxious (the 'please text back' squ...

Get ready for this episode where we're diving deep into a topic that's been high on your request list: attachment styles. Following our chats on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and boundaries, we're thrilled to tackle how attachment styles tie into these themes. Attachment styles? What are they exactly? Well, they're basically the emotional blueprints we pick up early on in life from our main caregivers. We'll take you back to the roots of attachment theory, pioneered by folks like Bowlby a...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 me...

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...

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 a...

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 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...