In this episode, we speak with retired Lt. Randy Sutton, a man whose own life is a testament to the trials faced by those in blue. Founder of The Wounded Blue, Randy sheds light on the stark reality of physical and emotional injuries sustained on the job, illuminating the journeys of the more than 17,000 officers he has helped.

A catalyst for change in Law Enforcement, Randy discusses the impactful services provided by The Wounded Blue and unpacks the powerful motto, "Never forgotten, never alone." We also touch on the poignant themes from his compelling book, "Rescuing 911: The Fight for America’s Safety." Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that promises to resonate well beyond the final word.

Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to support the mental wellness of those who serve and protect our communities. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q

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

FightCamp: build strength and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/

Contact Randy Sutton:

Website: http://thewoundedblue.org/
Facebook: @thewoundedblue
Instagram: @thewoundedblue

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/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

Join us as we confront the critical issue of first responder mental health and explore the vital role of chaplaincy in emergency services. We learn about the GY6 Initiative a powerful movement led by Chaplain John Revell, born from heart-wrenching loss yet driven by an unyielding mission: to save lives.

What drives rescuers to the brink, and how can we change this tragic narrative? From debriefs to vital resources, we're unraveling the complexities of mental wellness in high-stakes environments. This isn't just another story; it's a clarion call to action, a testament to resilience against the silent epidemic that threatens our bravest. Tune in to learn how the GY6 Initiative is shaking the foundation of first responder support because every life matters, and every call could hold the key to hope.

Now available! Helping the Helpers: the book that equips you to support those on the frontlines. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q

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

FightCamp: build strength and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/

Contact John Revell:

Website: http://www.gy6.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ASbQR9WbV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this raw episode, we speak with Doug White, a veteran and retired law enforcement officer. Doug pulls no punches as he confronts the reality of post-traumatic stress in first responders.

Doug reveals how over-identifying with the uniform can unravel lives, and shares the brutal toll decades of service take on personal identity and relationships, turning the spotlight on the often painful process of transition.

From the wreckage of broken connections to the struggle for resilience, this conversation is a wake-up call. Doug offers hard-hitting strategies for reclaiming your sense of self after the badge is gone. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about stepping into the light after adversity and knowing that the growth continues, both in and out of uniform. Buckle up—this episode is an unvarnished look at the vulnerabilities we all share.

Now available! Helping the Helpers: the book that equips you to support those on the frontlines. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q

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

FightCamp: build strength, boost confidence, and decrease stress through interactive boxing workouts, streamed to your device on demand. Use code RR10 for a 10% discount on FightCamp packages and accessories. Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/

Contact Doug White:

Website: http://www.dougwhiteofficial.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567095642264
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tell_this_story/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougwhiteofficial/

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/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this encore presentation of Responder Resilience, we revisit the compelling journey of retired FDNY EMS Chief Lillian Bonsignore, who recently took on the role of Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. A trailblazer with a remarkable 31-year career, she became the first female to achieve a 4-star rank in FDNY history.

In this informative episode, Commissioner Bonsignore shares intimate reflections on her challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned throughout her extraordinary career. From navigating high-pressure EMS incidents to fostering resilience among her team, her insights offer a profound look at leadership and dedication. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that explores the essence of emergency services through the lens of a true pioneer.

Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to Supporting First Responder Mental Wellness, our new book that equips you to build a First Responder-Centered Practice that works. https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q

Thanks to our resource partner, CRACKYL. Download the FREE CRACKYL App: http://crackyl.respondertv.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/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this episode of *Responder Resilience*, we sit down with Danielle Gustafson, the passionate Executive Director of the EMS FDNY Help Fund, a beacon of hope for New York City's Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. These first responders confront an array of obstacles—from the relentless pressures of their job to the barriers in accessing the care they desperately need.

Danielle reveals the unseen struggles these rescue warriors face, shedding light on how the Help Fund steps in during times of crisis—providing vital support systems in the wake of death, injury, illness, or hardship. We’ll explore the fund’s initiatives, including urgent counseling services and its monumental response during COVID-19, when it provided meals and shelter to those fighting on the frontlines.

Throughout our conversation, we’ll tackle poignant questions: What do NYC’s EMS personnel truly need? How do their challenges differ from those faced by their fire counterparts? This episode unearths the raw truth behind the sirens, the silenced stories of sacrifice, and the unyielding resolve of those who answer the calls. Join us for a compelling dialogue that underscores not just the importance of mental and emotional support for our first responders, but why their well-being is essential for the safety of us all.

Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003

EMS FDNY HELP FUND:
Website: http://emsfdnyhelpfund.com/

https://www.facebook.com/emsfdnyhf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/emsfdnyhelpfund

https://www.instagram.com/ems.fdny.helpfund/

Contact Danielle Gustafson:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedaniellegustafson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellegustafson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegustafson/

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/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this encore of our mini-documentary, Responder Resilience takes you on a profound journey into the heart of spirituality—a complex tapestry woven from the experiences of those who stand on the front lines of life and death: our First Responders and military personnel.

They exist in a realm where courage meets chaos, and their harrowing encounters shape unique philosophies of resilience and meaning. Through their poignant stories, we witness the raw truth of trauma and the undeniable power of belief in transforming suffering into strength. From the burning buildings they rush into to the moments when they hold the hands of grieving families, these brave souls reveal how spirituality serves as both a lifeline and a guiding light.

In a world often overshadowed by despair, their reflections offer an inspiring testament to the human spirit's quest for purpose amidst unimaginable pain. Tune in for insights that challenge our perceptions and invite us to contemplate the deeper connections that bind us all.

Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003

Thanks to our resource partner, First Responder Project, whose no-cost first responder retreats offer you a chance to reclaim connection and learn vital skills. Take a stand for your well-being and the connections that matter most. Learn more and register at FirstResponderProject.org

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

Thanks also to our resource partner, FightCamp. Harness the strength of boxing to release stress, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community. For free shipping and a free month of membership, go to https://joinfightcamp.com/shop/ and use the code RRPONE.

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/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the heart and soul of Autumn Schmidt, a former police officer whose journey from the front lines of law enforcement to the forefront of women's empowerment is nothing short of remarkable. Autumn’s story is rich with the kind of raw vulnerability that reveals the gritty reality of betrayal and adversity in a profession that often demands unwavering strength.

She candidly shares her battles—both physical and emotional—that shaped her path, including the brutal truth behind the phrase “we eat our own” that echoes through the corridors of law enforcement. With her business, "She's An Asset," Autumn isn’t just advocating for awareness; she’s igniting a movement that blends safety, confidence, and sisterhood into a powerful lifeline for women everywhere.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of her experiences, the challenges women face in law enforcement, and the steadfast support systems that could reshape an industry. This episode promises an unfiltered exploration of resilience and empowerment that challenges the status quo and inspires us all to rise stronger together.

Contact Autumn Schmidt:

Website: https://shesanasset.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shesanasset/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautumnschmidt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumnclifford/

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/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/

We sit down with Lt. Andrew Masters of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, a man who has stared into the abyss. His raw, unfiltered journey takes us deep into the struggles of mental health within the first responder community, where the weight of despair nearly pushed him over the edge. Andrew opens up about his darkest moments, including his near-suicide experience, and the transformative power of resilience and support.

As a passionate advocate for mental wellness, Lt. Masters discusses the critical need for culturally competent clinicians who understand the unique pressures faced by those on the front lines. With his boots on the ground, he shares firsthand insights on how appropriate training can bridge the gap between responders and mental health professionals.

Join us as we uncover what it truly takes to prepare the next generation of clinicians to effectively serve this critical population. Get ready for an episode that’s as real as it gets—where courage meets compassion, and hope rises from the ashes of despair.

Contact Drew Masters:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comingoutofthestorm/

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/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/