Responder Resilience Podcast

08/16/2025

[Our Approach to Mental Health Is Not Working] Despite all of our efforts nationally, locally and within agencies, we continue to see the number of su***des among first responders climb.

Learn how fire and EMS professionals face rising su***de rates and what data-driven solutions can change that trend.

08/15/2025

[Preventing Burnout: Practical Readiness Strategies for Long-Term Public Safety Careers] The urgent radio dispatch and the unwavering commitment to community safety are hallmarks of a career in public safety. Yet, beneath the surface of heroism lies a significant challenge: the insidious creep of burnout.

Combat burnout in public safety careers with practical readiness strategies. Learn effective stress management techniques for long-term well-being and sustained performance.

08/14/2025

[The Importance of Culturally Competent Therapy for First Responders] Cultural competence refers to a therapist's ability to understand, respect, and effectively work with individuals from a specific cultural background.

First responders, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, dispatchers, and others on the front lines carry a unique burden. The trauma, stress, and pressure they face day in and day out are unlike those in most professions. While therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and resilience, not every ther...

08/12/2025

👁️‍🗨️ Premiere Weds. 8/13 at 7 pm ET—⫸ Replay anytime after
Join our very own Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMTB, and Stacy Raymond, PsyD, in this engaging episode as they share their expertise on building a practice tailored for clinicians working with First Responders. They will offer effective strategies for integrating support networks, managing insurance and payment hurdles, and fostering a therapeutic environment that respects the unique mindset of First Responders. Additionally, they'll address the recognition of burnout signs and emphasize the essential role of clinician self-care. Tune in for invaluable insights that will enhance both your practice and well-being in this challenging field.

Coming September 2025!! Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness, a new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. To get a FREE sample Chapter and Book Launch Invite, go to helpingthehelpers.me for Early Access when you sign up!

Get ready for the EMS & FIRE PRO EXPO, September 24th to 27th, 2025, at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut! Connect with over 2,500 fellow first responders, learn from 90+ world-class speakers, and explore 300+ continuing education opportunities designed just for you! Register now at EMSPro.org and be part of this transformational experience.

Thanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddachinger/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/responder-resilience/id1606791260
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Ya38lJn9YAaDHkSwZmX18
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/

08/11/2025

Get ready for the EMS & FIRE PRO Expo, September 24th to 27th, 2025, at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut! Connect with over 2,500 fellow first responders, learn from 90+ world-class speakers, and explore 300+ continuing education opportunities designed just for you! Register now at EMSPro.org and be part of this transformational experience.

08/09/2025

[How Community Education Supports First Responders] If your organization is looking to make a difference, consider investing in or hosting community education programs. It’s one of the most impactful ways to honor and empower those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe.

Community education helps create a network of trust, resilience, and preparedness that makes first responders jobs easier. Learn more

08/08/2025

🚨 Attention First Responders! 🚒🌟

Join First Responder Project for a FREE 3-day retreat at beautiful Camp W**d, Live Oak, FL, from Sept 26-28 or Oct 10-12, 2026. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, recharge, and gain deeper insights into how your work impacts you and your loved ones. Enjoy lodging, meals, activities, and snacks—all included at no cost.

Bring your primary support person and take this step toward restoration and understanding.

Spaces are limited, so sign up now at https://book.firstresponderproject.org/retreat-booking-page

08/08/2025

[Who is your who? Building your personal support network] We all need someone to rely on during the difficult — as well as not-so-difficult — times.

We all need someone to rely on during the difficult — as well as not-so-difficult — times

08/07/2025

[Emotional Regulation on the Job: Tools for Managing Strong Reactions in Real Time] First responders regularly face emotionally charged situations—from anger and fear to grief and frustration. Learning to regulate your emotions in the moment is essential for staying effective, safe, and professional under pressure.
https://www.lighthousehw.org/news/emotional-regulation-on-the-job-tools-for-managing-strong-reactions-in-real-time/

08/06/2025

In this dynamic episode, join us as we sit down with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux, the dynamic duo behind the Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference. From raw, personal stories to powerful insights about mental health, these two are on a mission to help first responders navigate the often-overlooked challenges they face. We'll dive into their unique conference setup—they’ve had a wrestling ring on stage!—and explore the evolution of support for firefighters impacting everything from cancer awareness to thriving in retirement. Tune in and discover the brotherhood that’s changing lives, one conversation at a time.

Coming September 2025!! **Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness**, a new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. To get a FREE sample Chapter and Book Launch Invite, go to http://helpingthehelpers.me for Early Access when you sign up!

Thanks to our resource partner, Circl Brain. Because the toughest battles deserve the sharpest minds. Go to https://www.circlbrain.com/ or contact [email protected]

Thanks also to our resource partner, the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org

Thanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddachinger/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/responder-resilience/id1606791260
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Ya38lJn9YAaDHkSwZmX18
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/

08/05/2025

👁️‍🗨️ Premiere Weds. 8/6 at 7 pm ET—⫸ Replay anytime after
In this dynamic episode, join us as we sit down with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux, the dynamic duo behind the Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference. From raw, personal stories to powerful insights about mental health, these two are on a mission to help first responders navigate the often-overlooked challenges they face. We'll dive into their unique conference setup—they’ve had a wrestling ring on stage!—and explore the evolution of support for firefighters impacting everything from cancer awareness to thriving in retirement. Tune in and discover the brotherhood that’s changing lives, one conversation at a time.

Coming September 2025!! Helping the Helpers: A Clinician’s Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness, a new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. To get a FREE sample Chapter and Book Launch Invite, go to helpingthehelpers.me for Early Access when you sign up!

Thanks to our resource partner, Circl Brain. Because the toughest battles deserve the sharpest minds. Go to https://www.circlbrain.com/ or contact [email protected]

Thanks also to our resource partner, the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org

Thanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddachinger/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/responder-resilience/id1606791260
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Ya38lJn9YAaDHkSwZmX18
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/

08/02/2025

[What Death Teaches Those Who Serve — and How It Can Teach Us to Live Better] The constant presence of death in a first responder’s life brings a kind of dual awareness: of how fragile life truly is, and of how quickly it can change.

Examining death and first responders, with emphasis on how confronting mortality can inspire more intentional living.