Your Episodes

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 emot...

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 humorously...

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 bac...

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...

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...

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 ove...

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 inter...

Imagine you're in a high-pressure situation, making split-second decisions. Wouldn't it be nice to hone a tool that encourages you to recognize any negative thoughts that might be clouding your judgment? These could be thoughts like "I can't handle this" or "Everything is going to go wrong." The first step is to identify them. Then comes the powerful part – challenging those thoughts. It's like assessing the evidence at a crime scene. You look for alternative explanations and realistic viewpoint...

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...

On this episode of ATTD your host, Erin, delivers various tools and emphasizes the importance of practicing being present. We all know that first responders have incredibly demanding jobs. You face high-stress situations day in and day out, and it's crucial for you to find moments of peace amidst the chaos. That's where a mindfulness routine comes in. It's like a mental oasis in the midst of a storm. One of the key benefits of a mindfulness routine is stress reduction. It's no secret that stress...

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...

Kerrie understands the culture of first responders from her upbringing as a daughter of a firefighter, and growing up with first responders. Kerrie’s brother was also a firefighter for 11 years before his death in 2012. Kerrie’s personal and professional experience allows her to offer understanding and compassion in her therapist role. Kerrie Murphy, LMSW has been a social worker for over 20 years and has a wide variety of experience in working with emergency services and the first responder pop...

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...

You start out as an eager rookie, ready to save lives and make a difference. You got the shiny badge, the uniform that fits just right, and you feel like a damn hero. People look up to you, trust you with their lives, and it's a rush. But somewhere along the line, it starts to change. See, when you're a first responder, the job becomes your life. It's not just a 9 to 5 gig where you punch in and punch out. It's 24/7, no days off, and the weight of the world on your shoulders. You're constantly o...

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 ...