Have you ever stood at life's crossroads, wondering how to weave emotional intelligence into the fabric of your leadership? Today, I sit down with Gene Reed, the mastermind behind Reed Training Solutions and author of "Police Leadership Redefined: The EQ Advantage," who embodies the transformation from a seasoned police veteran to a trailblazer in the realm of emotional intelligence for first responders. Our conversation is a deep dive into the heart of leadership, mapping out the...

When JR Martinez, a man of indomitable spirit whose life unfolds like an epic novel, graced our podcast, we knew the conversation would be anything but ordinary. From his life-altering injury at 19 to his triumphs as an author, actor, motivational speaker, and veteran, JR embodies what it means to be a cycle breaker. His candid reflections on personal transformation and the power of looking back to foster growth will leave you inspired and introspective. We navigated the complexities of...

Have you ever considered the profound impact that sharing a story can have on healing a heart marked by trauma? This is the central theme of my heartfelt conversation with Stephen Leapley, a ghostwriter whose life has been dedicated to serving those in the military and emergency services community. Through his words, we uncover how the act of storytelling can be a lifeline for individuals grappling with PTSD, providing a pathway to preserve legacies and foster connections that run...

Discover the transformative realm of psychedelics as Paul Austin, the visionary behind Third Wave, joins us to unveil the intricacies of using these powerful substances responsibly for healing and personal growth. Through Paul's narrative, we traverse his evolution from conventional roots to becoming a pioneer in the psychedelic community, highlighting his profound experiences with cannabis, LSD, and psilocybin mushrooms. Delving into the societal shift towards acceptance, as reflected by...

Navigating a life woven into the fabric of the military, Victoria Kelly opens her heart to us, recounting tales of resilience and adaptation. Each move, each deployment, she's faced head-on, not just as a military spouse, but as a creative beacon, illuminating the nuanced existence of those who love a service member. From a hurricane-induced home restoration with her daughters to finding harmonious frequencies with her current husband, a former Marine sniper, Victoria's narrative isn't just...

Join me, Jerry Dean Lund, as I sit down with Brooke Bartlett, an esteemed clinical psychologist with an unwavering commitment to the mental health of our first responders and military heroes. Brooke's expertise shines as we tackle the stigma that clouds the judgment of those in dire need of psychological support, and how dispelling these myths can create a pathway to healing. In a candid conversation, we reveal the nuances of selecting a mental health provider with the right cultural insight,...

When the sirens fade and the trucks are back in the bay, what lingers in the minds of those who fight fires? Robert Absteck, a retired battalion chief, writer, and advocate from the Chesterfield Virginia Fire and EMS department, brings his expertise to our latest episode, revealing the silent battles waged within the fire service. As a member of the Fire Service Psychology Association, Absteck draws back the curtain on the mental health challenges firefighters face, from the haunting uptick...

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the tough exterior of a law enforcement officer? Join me, Jerry Dean Lund, as I sit down with Ashley Jones, an experienced officer and a mental and physical growth expert, for a candid discussion about the personal battles faced by those who protect and serve. We peel back the layers of the expected stoic facade to reveal the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and adaptability in policing. Navigating the complexities of mental health within the...

When the uniform comes off, and the badge is set aside, what's next for our first responders? Brian Livingston joins me in unraveling this question, sharing his evolution from police officer to retiree. Our conversation uncovers the seldom-spoken challenges encountered when transitioning from a life of service to the civilian world, delving into the emotional, psychological, and logistical hurdles that stand in the way. Departing from a career as a first responder isn't merely a job...

When the crackle of a firefighter's radio signals another mission, Captain Jeremy Norton of the Minneapolis Fire Department knows the dance with unpredictability begins anew. Our latest episode welcomes Jeremy, offering nearly 24 years of stories that reveal the courage and vulnerability behind the uniform. His journey—shifting from the strategic role of a battalion chief to the fiery intensity of frontline service—sheds light on the adaptability needed in emergency response. Jeremy's candid...

When Kristen Linton began sharing her life as a police wife through Instagram reels, little did she know she'd become a beacon of light for law enforcement families everywhere. On this episode, I sit down with Kristin, who brings laughter and deep insight through her books aimed at both adults and children within the police community. Her stories, like "Boots by the Door," illustrate the emotional landscape of families who wait at home, blending humor with the raw truth of loving someone...

When a decorated officer's life spirals out of control, it's a stark reminder that beneath the badge beats the heart of a human being. Former San Francisco Police Officer Davin lays his soul bare, sharing his harrowing descent into opioid addiction following a cocktail of trauma and chronic pain that came with the job. The gripping tales of his first shift, where danger lurked behind every decision, set the stage for what becomes a life-altering struggle. Imagine carrying the weight of...

How do you provide effective mental health support to first responders? That's the question we tackle head-on as we sit down with Dr. Pam Arnell, executive director 2020. This trailblazing program offers a non-invasive, non-clinical approach to therapy. Dr. Arnell opens up about her passionate commitment to the cause and shares her personal experiences with 2020, providing a firsthand account of how this unique program positively impacts first responders. In our exploration of mental health,...

Have you ever wondered about the potential of psychedelic psychotherapy in treating mental health? Please tune into our enlightening exchange with Dr. Marisha Chilcott, a dedicated family physician with a heart for improving mental health in society, especially among first responders. Dr. Chilcott's rich experiences span her time on an urban search-and-rescue team to partnering with a firefighter. She brings the issue of mental health in high-stress professions to the forefront, underlining...

What if you could combat the compassion fatigue that often plagues first responders and service providers? Join me, Jerry Dean Lund, alongside Dr. Finneran, a licensed mental health counselor, as we delve into this critical issue and offer tangible strategies to prevent and recover from it. We shed light on the aftermath of the pandemic, emphasizing the need for self-care and recuperation for those who tirelessly care for others. Imagine acknowledging the trauma of being a first responder...

Ever wondered what it's like to be on the front lines of wildland firefighting? Ever pondered the mental hurdles faced by these brave souls and their loved ones? Join us as we delve into the raw, unfiltered realm of wildland firefighting with our esteemed guests, Rachel, Seth, and Robin. They offer profound insights into the mental health challenges, the pressure of securing seasonal positions, and the sheer isolation that follows a grueling fire season. Rachel encapsulates the struggle of...

Discover the gripping story of Marine Corps veteran Matt Spaid in our conversation as we traverse through his life in combat zones and the battles he endured long after. With a career spanning across Iraq and Afghanistan, Matt's journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and strength. He shares his experiences with the Marines, the challenges he faced transitioning back into civilian life, and his ongoing fight with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Matt's tale offers a...

Ever wonder how first responders manage their nutritional needs amidst their demanding jobs? Good news! We've got Megan Lautz joining us for an enlightening discussion. Megan, a registered dietitian and an expert in the world of first responders' nutrition, throws light on how she tailors evidence-based diet routines fitting into the unpredictable lifestyles of busy police officers and firefighters. She even shares her experiences of taking the CPAT and doing 24-hour shifts, giving us a...

Picture this: a woman bravely stepping into a profession dominated by men, facing discrimination, personal attacks, and the stress of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. That woman is Lynnette Fritshaw, our remarkable guest for today's episode. A retired firefighter, Lynette's story is a tale of resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset in the face of adversity.  Our conversation traverses the rough terrain of Lynette's experiences in the fire service, her...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work on the frontlines of the homeless crisis, grappling with the challenges of addiction, mental illness, and missing persons? An eye-opening conversation with Eric Hofstein, a retired law enforcement officer, might give you the answers. With 27 years of experience under his belt, Eric takes us through his journey in law enforcement, the inspiration behind his book "What Doesn't Kill You," and his transformative perspective over the years. Ever been...

Have you ever wondered how law enforcement officers handle the physical and psychological trauma they often face? Join us as we sit down with Deven, a ten-year veteran in law enforcement and the creative mind behind Resilience Through Fitness. Listen to his awe-inspiring journey of recovery after a traumatic on-duty incident. Discover the role fitness played in helping him regain his strength and mental resilience. His insightful experiences provide a unique perspective that's seldom shared,...

Can poetry, music, and art help combat PTSD?" Struggling with PTSD himself, our guest, Edmund Dalo, co-founder of the Authentic Abstraction First Responder Foundation, has an intriguing answer to this question. An experienced first responder, Edmund talks about his journey from a PTSD diagnosis to finding a new way to heal and cope through outlets of creativity. He provides a refreshing perspective on navigating mental health issues, drawing inspiration from his experiences to help others...

Today's special guest is the compelling Dan Joseph, an honorably discharged military veteran and the author of the thought-provoking book, "Backpack to Rucksack." This episode is a deep dive into the crucial topic of mental health maintenance among our service members, an issue Dan passionately advocates for from his personal experiences. We journey through Dan's military tenure, learning about his unique leadership style, the role of vulnerability in healing, and the impact of mental health...

As your host, it was a genuine privilege to sit down with our two special guests, who shared gripping recounts from Ground Zero and the inspiring journey of an admirable non-profit, Building Homes for Heroes. Founded by our guest, Andy, the organization is about to drastically change the life of Purple Heart recipient. This conversation is a profound exploration of the lasting impact of 9-11 on our lives and the constant reminders that continue to persist.  This episode is an in-depth...