Responder Resilience

Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

April 23, 2025

Family First: Building Resilience at Home with Dr. Rachelle Zemlok | S5 E17

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, a first responder psychologist specializing in the unique challenges first responder families face. We explore the vital importance of family support in this demanding job.
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Family First: Building Resilience at Home with Dr. Rachelle Zemlok | S5 E17
April 16, 2025

Choosing Growth Over Grief with Guest Rick Cheatham | S5 E16

We sit down with Rick Cheatham, a seasoned Life and Career Transformation Coach and retired Fire Captain. Rick shares his profound journey of resilience, navigating personal challenges including overcoming addiction, coping with the murder of his son, and enduring a life-changing injury.
Guest: Rick Cheatham
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Choosing Growth Over Grief with Guest Rick Cheatham  | S5 E16
March 19, 2025

Jason Patton—Saving Lives Through Connection and Comedy | S5 E12

In this encore episode, get ready to meet charismatic firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton, the creative force behind Fire Department Chronicles.
Guest: Jason Patton
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Jason Patton—Saving Lives Through Connection and Comedy | S5 E12
Feb. 12, 2025

The Story Behind “Cycling for a Cause” | S5 E7

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Joe Matthews, retired Captain of the New York City Fire Department. As we explore his remarkable FDNY career, Joe shares how his experiences shaped his identity and resilience. Discover the transformative journey that led him to cycle coast to coast for ch…
Guest: Joe Matthews
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The Story Behind “Cycling for a Cause” | S5 E7
Jan. 29, 2025

Addressing Retirement, Moral Injury and Suicide | S5 E5

In this episode, we chat with Jeff Dill, Founder and CEO of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). Jeff shares insights on moral injury, the cultural brainwashing that affects first responders, and the alarming statistics related to firefighter suicides.
Guest: Jeff Dill
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Addressing Retirement, Moral Injury and Suicide | S5 E5
Jan. 15, 2025

Frank Leto—Success Stories from FDNY’s Counseling Service Unit | S5 E3

Tune in for a candid conversation highlighting behavioral health's critical role in emergency services. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Frank Leto (Ret.), Captain and Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Service Unit (CSU), to discuss the profound impact of 9/11 on firefighter behavior…
Guest: Frank Leto
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Frank Leto—Success Stories from FDNY’s Counseling Service Unit | S5 E3
Jan. 8, 2025

Clinician’s Guide to Working with Unique Fire And Law Populations | S5 E2

In this episode of our clinician masterclass series, we dive into the unique challenges faced by wildland firefighters and specialized law enforcement units like the Border Patrol, FBI, US Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. Join psychologist Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia as she share…
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Clinician’s Guide to Working with Unique Fire And Law Populations | S5 E2
Dec. 18, 2024

Dena Ali—Finding “Hope Out of Darkness” | S4 E51

Join us for an enlightening episode as we speak with Battalion Chief Dena Ali, the Program Manager for Behavioral Health at the First Responder Center for Excellence. In this discussion, we explore her groundbreaking new book, *Hope Out of Darkness: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness*.
Guest: Dena Ali
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Dena Ali—Finding “Hope Out of Darkness” | S4 E51
Dec. 11, 2024

Kristina Moon—Coping with Loss in the Line of Duty | S4 E50

We welcome Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation, to discuss organ donation and its impact on first responders and their families. Kristina shares her journey through grief and how she found healing after the tragic loss of her husband, FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, II.
Guest: Kristina Moon
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Kristina Moon—Coping with Loss in the Line of Duty | S4 E50
Nov. 27, 2024

Paul Combs—The Art of Making a Difference | S4 E48

Join us for an insightful conversation featuring Paul Combs, an acclaimed illustrator, cartoonist, and firefighter/EMT. Paul's unique blend of artistry and emergency service expertise offers a distinctive perspective on the critical issues faced by first responders. We'll explore Paul's journey in …
Guest: Paul Combs
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Paul Combs—The Art of Making a Difference | S4 E48
Nov. 13, 2024

Chief Tom Dunne—Commanding Chaos with Confidence | S4 E46

In this episode, Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne (FDNY, Ret.) unravels the stressors that grip firefighters and fireground officers on critical calls. Chief Dunne shares secrets to maintaining command presence, and for those stepping into the shoes of Incident Commander, he offers wisdom to lead with con…
Guest: Thomas Dunne
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Chief Tom Dunne—Commanding Chaos with Confidence | S4 E46
Oct. 23, 2024

Frank Leeb and Billy Goldfeder—Lessons from "30 Fires" | S4 E43

Join us for a special episode as we sit down with Chiefs Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, authors of the groundbreaking book, 30 Fires You Must Know. We revisit one of the most pivotal incidents featured in their book: the 1975 New York Telephone Fire, a landmark event that underscores the severe co…
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Frank Leeb and Billy Goldfeder—Lessons from
Oct. 16, 2024

Jared Vermeulen—The Modern Fire Officer | S4 E42

We sit down with Captain Jared Vermeulen of Boca Raton Fire Rescue to unpack critical components of effective leadership and management within the fire service. Captain Vermeulen shares insights from his book, The Modern Fire Officer, offering a roadmap for cultivating a thriving, supportive enviro…
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Jared Vermeulen—The Modern Fire Officer | S4 E42
Sept. 18, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters (Pt. 2) | S4 E38

We continue our deep dive for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders into "Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters" with Part 2 featuring Dr. Kristen Wheldon. As the President and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association, Dr. Wheldon brings a wealth of experience and …
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Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters (Pt. 2) | S4 E38
Sept. 12, 2024

Lillian Bonsignore—Redefining EMS Leadership in New York | S4 E37

Join us for an enlightening conversation with retired Chief Lillian Bonsignore, a trailblazing 31-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who served as the FDNY Chief of EMS Operations from 2019-2022, a period that encompassed the harrowing COVID-19 pandemic. As the highest-ranking O…
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Lillian Bonsignore—Redefining EMS Leadership in New York | S4 E37