From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows. What is Moral Injury? Today on the show we talk about the difference between moral injury and post traumatic stress disorder. And we learn about the things that first responders can do to help heal moral injuries.  ABOUT OUR GUEST Rita Nakashima Brock, Rel. M., M.A., Ph.D. is the Senior Vice President for Moral Injury Recovery Programs at Volunteers of America. She leads the organization’s efforts to deepen understanding about moral injury in the many populatio ..read more

From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows.   Mark Meincke is the host of the popular Operation Tango Romeo podcast - The Trauma Recovery Podcast. Today he's my guest on the PTSD911 Presents Podcast; we talk in depth about trauma and it's effects on the human experience. TRIGGER WARNING: Some of the dialogue on today's show may be troubling for some viewers/listeners. If you or a family member or friend are struggling with mental health issues such as PTSD, please reach out. Here are a few numbers you ca ..read more

From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows. 22-Are you losing your religion? - Jeremy Wade Jeremy Wade, a former police officer, shares his journey of finding faith and wellness in the midst of the challenges of being a first responder. He discusses the early experiences that tested his resolve and faith, the toll it took on his mental health and relationships, and the importance of prioritizing faith and family. Jeremy also highlights the need for support and resources for first responders, including spiritu ..read more

From the Archives is our Summer Break Series of Podcasts that highlight some of the most listened to content from previous shows. Today we have Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman on the show. The episode first aired LIVE on YouTube on December 1, 2021. About Lt. Col. Dave Grossman Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime.   Col. Grossman is a former West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science, and an Army Ran ..read more

44 - Do it Like it's Your Last Shot with Brenda Lee In this conversation, Brenda Lee discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and self-care for first responders and high-level executives. She shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma and the need for self-reflection. Brenda emphasizes the significance of taking time for oneself and creating a morning routine. She also highlights the importance of operating at peak performance and managing emotions for overall health and well-being. In this conversation, Brenda Lee discusses the importance of finding alignment and purpose in li ..read more

43 - Real Leadership Comes from Courage with Brandon Evans Brandon Evans, a firefighter and entrepreneur, shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma and burnout in the fire service. He discusses the challenges faced by first responders in terms of mental health and the lack of adequate training and support. Brandon conducted an international research study on the state of mental health within the fire service, highlighting the need for prevention and support to prevent suicides and PTSD leaves. He emphasizes the importance of trust, understanding, and humanity in addressing mental health ..read more

42 - Overcoming Trauma Together with Scott McPherson Scott McPherson shares his experience as a firefighter EMT and Army infantry officer and discusses the importance of addressing the soul wounds of first responders. He explains that soul wounds are perceived or actual actions that transgress deeply held moral values, and they can result from critical incidents with unfavorable outcomes, betrayal, or failure to meet performance standards. Scott emphasizes the need for open and honest conversations about these experiences and the importance of community support in the healing process. He also ..read more

41 - Healing Invisible Wounds with Russ Hanes What do you do when you’re a first responder and you're struggling and making bad decisions at work and you realize this is not working out for you?  That’s where Russ Hanes was at after 17 years of working in law enforcement, corrections, and 911 dispatch.  Fortunately for Russ, he was finally able eventually get his life together but it meant leaving the job he loved.  But he still wanted to help people. So, he launched the Invisible Wounds Project, a non-profit that helps improve the lives and mental health of veterans, first resp ..read more

40 - We are what we eat with Megan Lautz Today on the First Responder Wellness podcast I have a conversation with a nutritionist who talks about how our diet impacts our mental health, and really everything else about us. My guest is Megan Lautz. She is a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer on a mission to help first responders optimize performance, recover faster, and enjoy long, healthy retirements. In this episode we dive into all things nutrition. What you should eat, fad diets, and all the things that you’ve probably heard about but have been ignoring… So come along for this inspiri ..read more

39 - Don't Forget Where you Came From with Marc Hill My guest today is Marc Hill  Marc is a seasoned firefighter and paramedic who is best known as the author of "Two Dark Thirty.” We talk about what fire departments do and don't do to prepare rookies for the traumas they will face. We also talk about the responsibilities that leaders have to take care of the rank and file firefighters - "Don't forget where you came from."   ABOUT THE GUEST Marc Hill is a seasoned firefighter and paramedic who is best known as the author of "Two Dark Thirty." Marc is a highly sought-after educational ..read more