Responder Resilience Podcast

02/13/2025

New Episode! "Shrinks Unwrapped with Guest Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT"

Join us for a compelling episode as EMDR trauma therapist Bonnie Rumilly pulls back the curtain on the often misunderstood world of therapy. Ever curious about what really happens behind closed doors of a therapist's office? ...

Join us for a compelling episode as EMDR trauma therapist Bonnie Rumilly pulls back the curtain on the often misunderstood world of therapy. Ever curious about what…

02/13/2025

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 charitable causes, and hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.

Joe also reflects on the emotional impacts of recent global events, drawing parallels to 9/11, and discusses his motivations behind his book, "Cycling for a Cause - A Cross-Country Adventure." Don’t miss this captivating conversation about perseverance, purpose, and making a difference.

This episode is made possible by the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org

Thank you to our new resource partner, FightCamp
https://joinfightcamp.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/

02/11/2025

👁️‍🗨️ Premieres Weds. 2/12 at 7 pm ET—⫸ Replays anytime after

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 charitable causes, and hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.

Joe also reflects on the emotional impacts of recent global events, drawing parallels to 9/11, and discusses his motivations behind his book, "Cycling for a Cause - A Cross-Country Adventure." Don’t miss this captivating conversation about perseverance, purpose, and making a difference.

This episode is made possible by the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org
Thank you to our new resource partner, FightCamp
https://joinfightcamp.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/

02/08/2025

[Addressing trauma with virtual reality therapy] To truly prioritize officer mental health requires innovative new approaches.

To truly prioritize officer mental health requires innovative new approaches

02/07/2025

[Grief On the Front Line: Managing Our Hidden Wounds] First responders cannot avoid exposure to traumatic and stressful events; however, we can mitigate the cumulative effects of these experiences through regular mental hygiene and resiliency practices.

Understanding duty-bound grief is much like understanding first responders themselves—it’s complicated.

02/06/2025

[6 Steps To Building Mental Resilience as a First Responder] Resilience isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s a skill, one you can nurture and build over time.

Being a first responder is not for the faint of heart. Day in and day out, you're the person rushing in when everyone else is rushing out. You see things most people couldn’t begin to imagine, and on top of that, you're expected to stay calm, focused, and ready to do it all over again tomorrow.But...

02/06/2025

In this Clinician's Guide episode, we sit down with Patrick Fitzgibbons, retired police commander and Shatterproof Community Liaison Lead at FHE Health. We explore the essential topic of specialized addiction and mental health treatment programs designed for first responders.

Patrick discusses the key differences between various in-patient treatment facilities, what clinicians should seek when recommending a program, and how interdisciplinary teams collaborate within these environments. Additionally, we discuss effective strategies for engaging patients in their recovery journey and how FHE prioritizes cultural competence in its treatment practices. Tune in for an insightful conversation on supporting those who serve our communities.

� Premieres Weds. 2/5 at 7 pm ET—⫸ Watch replays anytime after

This episode is made possible by the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org

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/

02/04/2025

👁️‍🗨️ Premiere Weds. 2/5 at 7 pm ET—⫸ Replay anytime after
In this Clinician's Guide episode, we sit down with Patrick Fitzgibbons, retired police commander and Shatterproof Community Liaison Lead at FHE Health. We explore the essential topic of specialized addiction and mental health treatment programs designed for first responders.

Patrick discusses the key differences between various in-patient treatment facilities, what clinicians should seek when recommending a program, and how interdisciplinary teams collaborate within these environments. Additionally, we discuss effective strategies for engaging patients in their recovery journey and how FHE prioritizes cultural competence in its treatment practices. Tune in for an insightful conversation on supporting those who serve our communities.

This episode is made possible by the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org

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/

02/01/2025

A discussion with colleagues highlighted the importance of Crisis Mental Health Supports following recent mass casualty events. There was a shared sense of confusion regarding the differences between PFA (Psychological First Aid) and SPR (Skills for Psychological Recovery). Understanding these distinctions is crucial in providing effective support during challenging times.

The 2025 Comfort Dogs in Public Safety Conference, scheduled for March 24th and 25th at UMass Boston, will explore these two key facets of Crisis Mental Health Support alongside seven other common modalities.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts (SME) about the role of specially trained crisis dog teams in improving trauma response and fostering connections during critical situations when traditional methods may not suffice.

This distinctive conference provides two days of essential learning opportunities and hands-on tabletop activities. Participants will leave with implementable strategies and enhanced skill sets.

https://2025cdipsconference.eventbrite.com/

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02/01/2025

[First Responders & Mental Health: Who is protecting the ones who protect us?] A group of firefighters formed the Kitchen Table Foundation, a monthly meet-up where first responders can share their experiences.
https://katv.com/news/local/first-responders-mental-health-kitchen-table-foundation-intergrative-counseling-center-firefighter-police-emt-lawenforcement-bryant-little-rock-spivery-adams-acosta-warren

01/31/2025

Don't miss the 2nd Annual Conference on "Comfort Dogs in Public Safety" at UMass Boston hosted by K9 First Responders

March 24th and 25th - Mark Your Calendars!

Join us for the 2nd Annual Conference on "Comfort Dogs in Public Safety" at UMass Boston.

This event is designed for individuals and organizations considering or currently utilizing comfort or crisis dogs for mental health support during crises.

Participants include public safety and private sector dog handlers, crisis and school counselors, stakeholders in crisis mental health support, municipal officials, and public safety command staff.

Subject Matter Experts (SME) from various fields, including police, fire, emergency medical services, departments of corrections, educational institutions, and mental health professionals, will share valuable insights and experiences in developing and enhancing comfort dog programs.

Registration will commence on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Hope to see you there!

01/31/2025

[Mental health counsellor for military and first responders has one goal: Put himself out of business] "I look for answers to the fundamental questions – ‘what does this person need?’ and ‘what is shutting him or her down?’. If we can find that out, then we can customize a treatment."

Freddy Benjamin is a larger-than-life personality at Recovery Centers of American Raritan Bay in South Amboy, where he works as primary therapist. The RCA facility is an alcohol and substance abuse treatment center, and it offers a treatment program targeted specifically to military and first respon...

01/30/2025

[An Unlikely Hero Stopped Detroit Firefighter's Su***de Attempt] Hearing a gun being loaded, Mia, Detroit Firefighter Matt Dunaj's dog, ran and licked his face.

Hearing a gun being loaded, Mia, Detroit Firefighter Matt Dunaj's dog, ran and licked his face.

01/30/2025

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 su***des. With a focus on firefighter behavioral health awareness, he explains the importance of accurate su***de data collection and how relationship issues can exacerbate retirement challenges. We dive into the significant mental health hurdles faced by retirees, and Jeff provides actionable strategies for coping with identity loss after leaving the profession. Additionally, we explore how family members can play a pivotal role in supporting retired firefighters as they navigate their new lives. Tune in for an informative conversation that addresses the urgent need for awareness and support within the first responder community.

� Premieres Weds. 1/29 at 7 pm ET—⫸ Watch replays anytime after

This episode is made possible by the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org

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/

***dePrevention

01/28/2025

👁️‍🗨️ Premiere Weds. 1/29 at 7 pm ET—⫸ Replay anytime after

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 su***des. We dive into the significant mental health hurdles faced by retirees, and Jeff provides actionable strategies for coping with identity loss after leaving the profession. Tune in for an informative conversation that addresses the urgent need for awareness and support within the first responder community.

This episode is made possible by the First Responder Center for Excellence, https://firstrespondercenter.org

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/

***dePrevention