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 passion for enhancing the behavioral health of firefighters and their families.

Join us as we explore critical topics such as the definition and development of cultural competency in the fire service, and the unique challenges clinicians face when working with this population. Dr. Wheldon shares insights on common biases that clinicians may encounter and the differences in therapeutic approaches needed for firefighters compared to the general public.

Episode Sponsor Fire Service Psychology Association:
Website: https://www.firepsychology.org/


Contact Dr. Kristen Wheldon:
Website: http://www.firepsychology.org/

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
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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 Officer in the EMS command and the first female to achieve a 4-star rank in the history of FDNY, Chief Bonsignore's career is a testament to resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.


Episode Sponsor Fire Service Psychology Association:
Website: https://www.firepsychology.org/


Contact Lillian Bonsignore:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lillian-bonsignore

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respondertv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

Join us in this wide-ranging episode as we sit down with Eric Reynolds, a retired Boynton Beach police officer, sports nutritionist, and personal trainer, to explore his remarkable journey. Growing up in Miami, Eric was profoundly influenced by his mother, Sgt. June Hawkins of the Miami Dade Police, which fueled his dedication to law enforcement. From 2001 to 2019, Eric served with distinction, earning numerous accolades. However, his career came with significant challenges, including heart disease and PTSD. These hardships prompted Eric to embrace a ketogenic lifestyle, leading to an astounding 80-pound weight loss and successful management of his conditions.

In this episode, we converse about Eric's transition from law enforcement to health and wellness advocacy. How did his career and personal battles shape his commitment to promoting metabolic health among first responders? We explore the founding of KetoFiveO and Cops and Campers, two initiatives Eric launched to address the unique needs of first responders. What inspired these ventures, and how do they make a difference?

Eric also shares his insights on the science behind the ketogenic diet and its transformative impact on his physical and mental health. As we navigate through his story, we discuss the strategies he believes are most effective in building resilience among law enforcement and emergency personnel. Finally, we gaze into the future of wellness programs for first responders, contemplating the role of diet and mental health. How can these programs evolve to better support those who dedicate their lives to serving others?

Reflect on your own wellness journey as we uncover Eric Reynolds' inspiring story and the powerful lessons he's learned along the way.

Episode Sponsor Fire Service Psychology Association:
Website: https://www.firepsychology.org/


Contact Eric Reynolds:
Website: https://ketofiveo.com
Website: https://copsandcampers.com

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respondertv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this information-packed masterclass episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we sit down with Dr. John M. Violanti, PhD, a Full Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Violanti brings a wealth of knowledge from his 23-year tenure with the New York State Police, where he served in various capacities including trooper, criminal investigator, and coordinator of the State Police Psychological Assistance Program (EAP). His distinguished career in law enforcement is matched by his prolific academic contributions, having authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles and penned or edited twenty books on stress, trauma, and suicide.

We discuss the pressing issue of health among police officers in America, exploring why the incidence of police suicides surpasses line-of-duty deaths (LODD) annually. What systemic and individual factors contribute to this alarming trend? Dr. Violanti's insights offer a deep dive into the psychological toll of policing, examining both the immediate and long-term impacts of stress and trauma on officers' mental well-being.

Additionally, we discuss the findings from Dr. Violanti’s pivotal 2021 article on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and police mental health, which reveals that police officers have higher ACE scores compared to civilians. What are the implications of this disparity for recruitment, training, and support within law enforcement agencies? Dr. Violanti provides a comprehensive analysis and suggests evidence-based strategies for mitigating these risks, underscoring the importance of a proactive and informed approach to mental health in policing. This episode is essential listening for anyone invested in the health and safety of our frontline officers.

Episode Sponsor Lightning Digital Entertainment:
Website: http://www.lightningdigitalentertainment.com/is-there-something-going-on.html

Episode Sponsor Shepherds and Sheepdogs:
Website: https://www.shepherdsandsheepdogs.com/

Episode Sponsor Fire Service Psychology Association:
Website: https://www.firepsychology.org/



Contact Dr. John Violanti
Email: violanti@buffalo.edu

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respondertv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this installment of our masterclass series for clinicians and savvy first responders, we examine the fine points of working with firefighters. Our guest, Robbie Adler-Tapia, Ph.D., Psychologist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant/Certified Therapist, will guide us through the unique challenges and stresses that firefighters face in their line of work. We will explore cultural competence and key strategies therapists can use to effectively address trauma and stress experienced by fire service personnel. Tune in for an insightful discussion on supporting this unique profession and culture.



Episode Sponsor Momentum Lifestyle Consulting:
Website: https://www.momentumlifestyleconsulting.com/

Episode Sponsor Shepherds and Sheepdogs:
Website: https://www.shepherdsandsheepdogs.com/

Episode Sponsor Fire Service Psychology Association:
Website: https://www.firepsychology.org/



Contact Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia:
Website: https://www.drrobbie.org/

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respondertv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this essential episode, we sit down with Kristofor Healey, a former Special Agent renowned for spearheading the largest tele-fraud case in U.S. history. We discuss Healey’s transition from law enforcement to motivational speaking, and how he intertwined his experiences with the timeless wisdom of Stoicism. We explore the practical applications of Stoic philosophy in high-stress environments guided by Kristofor’s expertise and real-world experiences.


Episode Sponsor Momentum Lifestyle Consulting:
Website: https://www.momentumlifestyleconsulting.com/

Episode Sponsor Shepherds and Sheepdogs:
Website: https://www.shepherdsandsheepdogs.com/

Episode Sponsor Lightning Digital Entertainment:
Website: http://www.lightningdigitalentertainment.com/



Contact Kristofor Healey:
Website: https://www.kristoforhealey.com/

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respondertv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this masterclass episode for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders, we examine the dynamics of mental health and therapy for military veterans who have transitioned into roles as first responders. Joining us is our resident EMDR trauma therapist Stacy Raymond, PsyD, an expert in mental health for this extraordinary group. The daughter of a retired police officer and US Marine, Stacy brings a wealth of personal and professional insight to the table.

Dr. Raymond shares invaluable pro tips that every clinician and agency leader needs to know to effectively support veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress and other job-related issues. We explore pressing questions such as: What are some of the most common mental health issues that veterans face when working as first responders? How critical is trauma-informed care in treating this specific population? Moreover, Dr. Raymond identifies the most effective strategies and therapeutic techniques for addressing PTSI and other trauma-related conditions in veteran first responders.

We dive into the nuances of building trust and rapport with clients who have a military background, considering the potential for stigma and reluctance to seek help. Dr. Raymond provides a step-by-step approach that clinicians can adopt to create a safe and supportive environment for their clients. Tune in to gain expert insights and practical strategies that can make a significant difference in the lives of veteran first responders.

Episode Sponsor Momentum Lifestyle Consulting:
Website: https://www.momentumlifestyleconsulting.com/

Episode Sponsor Shepherds and Sheepdogs:
Website: https://www.shepherdsandsheepdogs.com/

Episode Sponsor Lightning Digital Entertainment:
Website: http://www.lightningdigitalentertainment.com/



Contact Dr. Stacy Raymond, PsyD:
Website: https://www.drstacyraymond.com/

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respondertv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode, we invite you to join us for a profound conversation with Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the visionary Founder of the First Responder Project. Dr. Hejmanowski brings a wealth of experience from her work consulting with multiple Florida Sheriff’s Offices, the Air Force’s Ready Firefighter Program, and the Navy. Together, we will explore powerful concepts such as "Stress Inoculation," the "Path of Least Resistance," and the "Exposure Catalog"—all of which play crucial roles in maintaining the mental health and operational readiness of first responders.


Contact Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski:
Website: www.FirstResponderProject.org

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respondertv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/