Mental Health Episodes

In this episode, Nick Wyborn shares his diverse experiences across policing, firefighting, emergency response, and mental health advocacy. Discover insights on resilience, mental health support, and how first responders can better care for themselves and each other. Frontline Collective Website

In this episode, retired law enforcement officer Sgt. Packy Dempsey shares his harrowing experience of a critical incident involving a canine, the aftermath, and lessons on resilience, leadership, and mental health for first responders. https://www.fastest4seconds.com/

In this episode, filmmaker Michael Gier shares the inspiring stories behind his documentary, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 narrated by Gary Sinise, focusing on heroism, resiliency, and the importance of unity. Discover how these stories can motivate us to appreciate first responders and rebuild a sense of community. the911film.com

Join us as Jason Siegel, a seasoned paramedic rescue specialist with over 20 years of experience, shares his journey from growing up with a paramedic father to working in oil and gas, hyperbaric medicine, and aviation rescue. Discover the diverse venues of medicine, the importance of calmness in high-stakes situations, and insights into helicopter rescue operations.⁠

In this episode, Brandon shares his remarkable journey from Coast Guard service to EMS leadership, exploring his faith, leadership principles, and the importance of service. Discover how his diverse experiences and personal growth have shaped his approach to mentoring, honor guard participation, and community impact.

In this episode, Kayla shares her journey from volunteer firefighter to paramedic, wildland medic, and eventually law enforcement officer with the Airway Heights Police Department. We talk about the reality of crisis calls, trauma-informed policing, peer support, and the growing need for stronger partnerships between public safety and mental health professionals. We also discuss her work on the West Plains Crisis Response Team and alongside Crisis Response K9 Tonks, helping create calmer, mor...

A listener from Germany sent us a letter, a challenge coin, and a story that led to one of the most personal conversations we’ve had on the podcast. In this episode, we talk about honor guard, brotherhood, 9/11 remembrance, EMS culture, leadership, and the moments that stay with you long after the ceremony ends. Tony also shares more about his journey in honor guard and the mission behind the United National Honor Guard.

In this episode, Richard shares what that kind of exposure actually does to you over time. From fatal scenes to the responsibility of reconstructing how and why they happened, this conversation goes beyond the job—it’s about the accumulation, the weight, and the things you don’t leave behind when the shift ends. We talk about the reality of trauma in first responders, the culture around mental health, and the gaps that still exist in support systems. Richard also speaks on his role in helping...

Jesse Torres has spent over two decades as a voice in the Dalhart community—but nothing prepared him for the loss of his son, firefighter Brendan Torres, in the line of duty on October 4, 2022. In this episode, Jesse shares what grief really looks like after the funeral ends, and how that loss reshaped his purpose. From advocating for stronger grief support to using his platform to serve first responders and the community, this conversation goes beyond remembrance—it’s about responsibility, l...

In this episode, we sit down with Brandi Carswell, an EMS veteran with over 21 years on the front lines. This conversation goes beyond the job. We talk about the calls that stay with you, the mental toll that builds over time, and the reality of carrying trauma long after the shift ends. She opens up about her own struggles, what she’s learned along the way, and why supporting the mental health of first responders matters now more than ever. This is an honest look at what this job really t...