Join us for this week’s episode of the First Responder Healthcast as we have a heartfelt conversation with Father John Canorro, a dedicated priest and community servant. A native of East Syracuse, Father John was ordained on June 2, 2001, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In addition to his spiritual duties, he has proudly served as a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years, showcasing his commitment to both faith and community.

In this episode, we continue our exploration of spiritual wellness, focusing on the powerful theme of forgiveness. Tune in as Father John shares his insights and personal experiences, guiding us on the path to understanding and embracing forgiveness in our lives.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

This weeks episode we talk to our friend Mitch Brooks. Mitch talks about his journey and the impact of anger. Mitch shares personal experiences of how anger affected his family dynamics and his transformation from being scary when angry to seeking help. He shares his journey through recovery that included recognition of the problem and taking responsibility, the role of forgiveness and how forgiving himself and others contributed to healing. Building resilience as a key theme in Mitch's life and strategies for bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining emotional stability were key factors.

Key takeaways:

• Practical tips for managing stress and anger in daily life

• Encouragement to seek help and support when needed

• Encouragement for listeners to prioritize mental health and family well-being.
• Resources for further support and information on anger management and recovery

Harbor of Grace

• Enhanced Recovery Center for First Responders
• Located in Harford County, at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay
• Focus on mental health and chemical dependency addictions
• Emphasizes a comprehensive continuum of care
• Addresses the needs of mind, body, and spirit
• Incorporates various therapeutic modalities for holistic healing
• Traditional 28-day inpatient rehabilitation may not suffice for many patients
• Importance of extended care for building a solid foundation for recovery
• Evidence supporting longer treatment duration for lasting recovery outcomes
• Focus on providing a stabilizing environment during vulnerable times
• Development of recovery-based coping strategies
• Tailored treatment plans to meet individual needs
• Strategies to achieve quality recovery and long-term wellness
• Importance of ongoing support and resources for sustained recovery
• Community involvement and aftercare options
• Recap of the holistic and individualized approach at Harbor of Grace

https://youtu.be/w7Bkp1Dd-IU?si=X95gtHBKEc_NyRhM

https://harborofgracerecovery.com/

Hope is real, and help is possible.

In this episode, we shift our focus towards actionable solutions for suicide prevention. We discuss what truly makes a difference in saving lives and how departments, families, and peers can offer meaningful support.

From proven prevention strategies to simple acts of connection, we explore ways to cultivate a culture where no first responder has to face their struggles alone.

Join us as we illuminate paths to healing and create a community that prioritizes mental well-being.

Remember you are not alone! If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. In the United States you can dial 911 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

https://988lifeline.org/

First responders dedicate their lives to serving others, often rushing towards emergencies while most people flee from them. Yet, behind the uniform, many carry the heavy burden of trauma, long shifts, and the pressure to remain resilient. In this powerful episode, we delve into the stark realities and troubling statistics surrounding suicide among first responders.

Join us as we openly discuss the reasons behind the heightened risk within this brave community and explore why breaking the silence is crucial. These conversations are not just important; they can save lives. Tune in to gain insight, foster understanding, and support those who serve us all.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Chris Moore, a first responder who bravely opens up about his personal struggles with unhealthy coping mechanisms, the darkness that let to a suicide attempt, and the courageous road he's taken toward recovery.

Chris speaks candidly about mental health challenges many first responders face behind the scenes - and how he learned to stop suffering in silence. His story is one of grit, vulnerability, and the power of reaching out for help.

Find Chris on social media at:

June is PTSD Awareness month. This episode we talk about PTSD and the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms and how awareness can lead to better support and understanding.

Our conversation also focuses on the invaluable role of peer support in the healing journey.

In this heartfelt episode of First Responder Healthcast, we sit down with Chaplain Naima for a real and vulnerable conversation about spiritual wellness. We explore what it truly means to be spiritually well, how spiritual pain can quietly show up in our lives, and why tending to your inner world is just as important as physical and mental health.

This isn't about religion - it's about reconnecting with yourself, your values, and what gives you purpose. Chaplain Naima brings grounded, compassionate voice to a topic that's often overlooked, helping us reflect, breathe, and remember that healing begins from within.

In this heartfelt episode of First Responder Healthcast, we welcome special guest Julie Corn, author of the moving memoir Spoons - A Family Story of Enduring Loss.

Julie opens up about the unimaginable loss of her mother when she was a child, and in recent years her husband and her father, sharing the raw and honest journey of grief she and her children have endured. With courage and vulnerability, Julie talks about how she’s processed these losses, how grief has shaped her parenting, and how writing Spoons became both a tribute and a tool for healing. Her story is one of love, resilience, and hope—reminding us all that even in the darkest seasons, healing is possible.

Links:

Spoons by Julie Corn

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spoons-j-corn/1146913644

https://a.co/d/1N1AAVV

Hope For Bereaved

https://hopeforbereaved.com/