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Send us a textThe badge asks for everything, then hands you a shift change and a smile. We sat down with returning guest, licensed clinical social worker Alexis Silva, to dig into the quiet realities behind the uniform: why trust is scarce, why stigma is sticky, and how substance use becomes a steady companion long before it becomes a crisis. Alexis works almost exclusively with first responders, military, and veterans, and brings her own sobriety and family experience to the table. That honesty opens a door many are afraid to touch—because careers are on the line, documentation feels risky, and walking into a room where you don't have to translate the language of the job can be the difference between shutting down and speaking up.We break apart common myths: not every struggle is trauma from the job; for many, it starts with childhood adversity, genetics, and family patterns. Alcohol, THC, and benzos promise relief and steal sleep, fueling irritability, poor decisions, and conflict at home. We unpack the tipping point where use shifts from choice to maintenance—when your body drives the next drink—and why matching care to risk matters. Sometimes inpatient comes first, then outpatient therapy and groups, so progress isn't crushed by daily stress. We also go beyond substances to behavioral addictions like gambling, tracing how the chase hooks into the same adrenaline circuits that make first responders so good under pressure.Across the hour, we map practical steps you can use today: how to assess risk without shame, how to reset routines every few career years, what honest partner check-ins sound like, and how peer support and culturally competent clinicians reduce fear of being “the problem” at the station. If you've wondered whether your coping is helping or hiding, this conversation offers a clear path forward—grounded, direct, and built for people who don't have time for fluff.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help other first responders find it. Your story isn't a liability—it's a starting point.If you want to reach Alexa, please go to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexa-silva-chelmsford-ma/1140390Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
A new poll conducted in Michigan by the Glengariff Group,commissioned by the Detroit Regional Chamber, reveals that 76% of registeredvoters in the state report they are paying more for groceries this yearcompared to last. Additionally, 68% are facing higher utility bills, and 60%are experiencing increased costs for car and home insurance. Inflation remainsa key concern for voters, with 42.8% believing the state's economy is headed inthe wrong direction. The most commonly cited reasons for this sentiment includeinflation and rising costs of goods, the lack of good jobs or highunemployment, and low wages. Meanwhile, recent polls from The MarketingResource Group indicate that approximately 37% of Michiganders feel thatAmerica is on the right track, while the majority think it is not. This is whyRachel Howard is running for U.S. Senate: to make Michigan voices matter. I'm Rachel Howard, and I am not a typical politician. I am acombat veteran with 14 years of service in our country, as well as a healthcareleader who has dedicated my career to helping others. I understand the realchallenges facing Michigan families and the urgent need for change on theirbehalf. As one of only 500 women ever to receive the Purple Heart, Ihave served in Iraq and Afghanistan, worked as an EMT in metro Detroit, and ledgroundbreaking research at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to confront the sameimpossible choices many Michigan families face, such as juggling careerresponsibilities with childcare when options became unavailable. Thisexperience opened my eyes to the daily challenges families navigate. My service is not finished. I am running for U.S. Senatebecause Michigan needs a fresh perspective to drive progress. For more information, visit:https://www.rachelforussenate.org/
FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast.Episode Summary:Today's guest is Lt. Helton Pereira — born in Rio de Janeiro, immigrant at 15, pre-med student turned EMT, firefighter, paramedic, and now Lieutenant in the U.S. Fire Service. He joins us to share how one fire extinguisher instructor changed his life, why firefighters lose love for the job, and why putting life in the right order — Faith, Family, Fitness, Firefighting — is the only way to survive the weight of the fire service and still love it.What We Cover– Immigration and identity– Becoming an EMT and entering fire service by accident– Trauma, loss, and nearly burning out– Protecting marriage and kids while serving a demanding career– Creating a movement and writing a book– Why mentorship matters more than gear or tacticsLinks– The First Things First – Book & Resources: www.TheFirstThingsFirst.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, we talk about: a burp in the bedroom that caused ripples, a guy who found out some unsavory information about a friend, an EMT who was unable to brake HIPPA, a listener who told their boss they loved them, a redditer who microwaved some batteries and doesn't want to admit to it, and a guy who can't move past his high school girlfriend that is causing issues for his family. Erika also gives us a full update on the Sims Saga and BOY DO WE WANT MORE! This episode is brought to you by: Rocket Money! Go to RocketMoney.com/Judgies to help reach your financial goals faster! Judgies Merch is Available HERE! Want fun, cool stickers and MORE? www.aurorascreaturecorner.store Palestine Children's Relief Fund Donation Link Edited by: https://www.youtube.com/@currentlyblinking https://twitter.com/currentlyblink https://tiktok.com/@currently.blinking Our Patreon is officially open, if you want to see extra content go check it out! https://www.patreon.com/JudgiesPod Send us mail! (Addressed However You'd Like) P.O. Box 58 Ottawa, IL 61350 Leave a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-judgies/id1519741238 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/judgiespod Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/judgiespod Intro Music by: Iván https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gB2VvyqfnOlNv37PHKRNJ?si=f6TIYrLITkG2NZXGLm_Y-Q&dl_branch=1 Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 6:40 He Burped On My... 13:16 Friend Sleeping With Sis 22:27 Not Telling Friend About STD 36:43 Break 37:57 CJ: Sims Drama Part 2 1:03:47 LS Sound 1:05:54 LS Story 1:13:42 Microwaved Batteries 1:19:52 Helping Son Move On 1:28:07 Outro Story Links: He burped on my...One of my friends is sleeping with his sister and I know about it AITAH For telling my {25F} friends {24M} boyfriend about... DELETED I've been fake investigating a mysterious smell in my apartment for months just to avoid admitting I microwaved some batteries How can my husband 61M and I 60F help our son 32M move past his high school girlfriend? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join "Mind Over Murder" co-hosts Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley as they discuss the new book "The Worst Day: A Plane Crash, A Train Wreck, and Remarkable Acts of Heroism in Washington, DC" with author Bruce Goldfarb. It tells the true story of the disaster of Air Florida Flight 90, which crashed into the Potomac River just after takeoff from Washington DC's National Airport in a blizzard. At the same time, a DC Metro train derailed, resulting in multiple deaths-- a tremendous challenge for first responders from throughout the region.Goodreads: The Worst Day: A Plane Crash, A Train Wreck, and Remarkable Acts of Heroism in Washington, DChttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228645067-the-worst-dayAmerican Detective TV series: Colonial Parkway Murders:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp3rNRZnL0EWashingtonian: A Murder on the Rappahannock River:https://www.washingtonian.com/2019/06/27/murder-on-the-rappahannock-river-emerson-stevens-mary-harding-innocence-project/WTKR News 3: One year after development in Colonial Parkway Murders, where do things stand?https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/historic-triangle/one-year-after-development-in-colonial-parkway-murders-where-do-things-standWon't you help the Mind Over Murder podcast increase our visibility and shine the spotlight on the "Colonial Parkway Murders" and other unsolved cases? Contribute any amount you can here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/mind-over-murder-podcast-expenses?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customerWTVR CBS News: Colonial Parkway murders victims' families keep hope cases will be solved:https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/colonial-parkway-murders-update-april-19-2024WAVY TV 10 News: New questions raised in Colonial Parkway murders:https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/new-questions-raised-in-colonial-parkway-murders/Alan Wade Wilmer, Sr. has been named as the killer of Robin Edwards and David Knobling in the Colonial Parkway Murders in September 1987, as well as the murderer of Teresa Howell in June 1989. He has also been linked to the April 1988 disappearance and likely murder of Keith Call and Cassandra Hailey, another pair in the Colonial Parkway Murders.13News Now investigates: A serial killer's DNA will not be entered into CODIS database:https://www.13newsnow.com/video/news/local/13news-now-investigates/291-e82a9e0b-38e3-4f95-982a-40e960a71e49WAVY TV 10 on the Colonial Parkway Murders Announcement with photos:https://www.wavy.com/news/crime/deceased-man-identified-as-suspect-in-decades-old-homicides/WTKR News 3https://www.wtkr.com/news/is-man-linked-to-one-of-the-colonial-parkway-murders-connected-to-the-other-casesVirginian Pilot: Who was Alan Wade Wilmer Sr.? Man suspected in two ‘Colonial Parkway' murders died alone in 2017https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/01/14/who-was-alan-wade-wilmer-sr-man-suspected-in-colonial-parkway-murders-died-alone-in-2017/Colonial Parkway Murders Facebook page with more than 20,000 followers: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCaseYou can also participate in an in-depth discussion of the Colonial Parkway Murders here:https://earonsgsk.proboards.com/board/50/colonial-parkway-murdersMind Over Murder is proud to be a Spreaker Prime Podcaster:https://www.spreaker.comJoin the discussion on our Mind Over MurderColonial Parkway Murders website: https://colonialparkwaymurders.com Mind Over Murder Podcast website: https://mindovermurderpodcast.comPlease subscribe and rate us at your favorite podcast sites. Ratings and reviews are very important. Please share and tell your friends!We launch a new episode of "Mind Over Murder" every Monday morning, and a bonus episode every Thursday morning.Sponsors: Othram and DNAsolves.comContribute Your DNA to help solve cases: https://dnasolves.com/user/registerFollow "Mind Over Murder" on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderOverFollow Bill Thomas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillThomas56Follow "Colonial Parkway Murders" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCase/Follow us on InstaGram:: https://www.instagram.com/colonialparkwaymurders/Check out the entire Crawlspace Media network at http://crawlspace-media.com/All rights reserved. Mind Over Murder, Copyright Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley, Another Dog Productions/Absolute Zero ProductionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mind-over-murder--4847179/support.
In this week's episode, like Icarus, both our storytellers fly a little too close to the sun—and learn the hard way that confidence doesn't always equal competence.Part 1: As a kid, JR Denson is determined to master the art of homemade french fries—but then his kitchen experiment goes up in flames. Part 2: Faced with a looming Science Olympiad deadline, Adam Ruben is sure his last-minute “clock” made from a bag of water will do the trick.JR Denson --a Washington, DC native-- is a full-time college educator and a part time emergency medical technician (EMT). He has become increasingly involved in the DMV's storytelling scene ever since accidentally falling into right before the pandemic. JR has performed for both local and national storytelling organizations such as The Perfect Liar's Club, the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival, and NPR's The Moth. Adam Ruben is a writer, comedian, and molecular biologist in Washington, DC. He writes the monthly humor column “Experimental Error” in the AAAS journal Science Careers and is the author of two books: Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go to Grad School, and Pinball Wizards: Jackpots, Drains, and the Cult of the Silver Ball. He has appeared on the Science Channel, the Food Network, the History Channel, the Travel Channel, the Weather Channel, Discovery, Netflix, and NPR and is a writer for the preschool cartoon “Elinor Wonders Why” on PBS Kids. Adam has performed on stage in 34 states and six countries, including two solo shows. He has told stories onstage with Story Collider, Story District, and Story League, and is a five-time Moth Story Slam Champion and a Lead Producer for the DC/Baltimore chapter of Mortified. He has three kids, two cats, and a day job as a molecular biologist for the US federal government that feels less secure every day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Happy New Year, FolksTo start the new year, I reflect on the past 5 years of my EMS career and on what I plan to do in the future in this field and in medical education.Of course, I delve into some stories on the road and look back on moments with my previous partners and how my community very much helped shape who I am today and how I am approaching my future.Start off your year strong with a quick new episode from me!Send us a text
To kick off the new year, Medic2Medic presents a Special Edition episode centered on survival, perspective, and purpose.In this powerful conversation, Steve sits down with career EMS professional and public safety technology leader Greg Howard, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor whose story reframes how we think about EMS, provider health, and what truly matters. With more than 25 years of experience across EMS, emergency medicine, fire service operations, and healthcare technology, Greg has helped EMS agencies nationwide improve care delivery, documentation, and data-driven decision-making. That professional journey took a deeply personal turn when Greg suffered and survived sudden cardiac arrest.This episode sets the tone for the year ahead by focusing on awareness, survivorship, and the responsibility EMS has not only to patients, but to its own people. In true Medic2Medic fashion, the conversation also takes a turn toward shared roots and relationships. Steve and Greg reflect on their Pittsburgh area EMS connections, swapping stories and names familiar to anyone shaped by that region's EMS culture. This Special New Year's Edition of Medic2Medic is a reminder that sudden cardiac arrest does not discriminate, even within EMS. It challenges listeners to start the year with intention, awareness, and renewed commitment to caring for both patients and providers.https://bit.ly/4skYJozGreg's path through EMS, flight medicine, leadership, and technologyThe experience of surviving sudden cardiac arrest as an EMS clinicianSeeing cardiac arrest care from the patient's perspective
Send us a textThe most downloaded conversation of the year returns for a reason: it's the raw, practical guide first responders and their families keep asking for. We sit with Sgt. Michael Sugrue—Air Force security forces veteran, Walnut Creek Police sergeant, and author of Relentless Courage—to talk about the weight of hundreds of traumatic calls, how a 2012 shooting upended his life, and the exact steps that pulled him back from the edge.Michael breaks down why suicide remains the top threat for police, fire, EMS, and dispatch: a culture that prizes invincibility, training that skips mental readiness, and an identity so fused to the job that retirement can feel like free fall. He explains how “silent” suicides hide in line‑of‑duty risks, why official counts underreport the crisis, and what leadership must do to turn the tide. We go deep on solutions: culturally competent therapy, confidential peer lines, retreats like West Coast Post‑Trauma Retreat and Save A Warrior, and daily practices—meditation, gratitude, strength work, honest conversations—that sustain real resilience.We also challenge common myths. Therapy doesn't take your gun; it gives you your life back. EMDR helps many but not all; the real power is a personalized toolkit. Early intervention keeps stress acute and treatable; waiting turns injuries into entrenched patterns that cost careers and families. Michael's book, co‑authored with Dr. Shauna Springer, bridges the gap between gut‑level storytelling and clear psychology, giving responders and loved ones a shared language to start hard conversations and map a path forward.If you serve—or love someone who does—this is a roadmap to stay in the fight without losing yourself. Hit play, share it with a partner or teammate, and let's normalize help as a standard of care. If the episode resonates, subscribe, leave a quick review, and pass it to one person who needs to hear it today.You can reach Michael on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgtmichaelsugrue?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appSupport the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
Send us a message!In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Arlen Busenitz to talk about his unconventional path from a Kansas farm to pastoring a small-town church, volunteering as an EMT, working with NASA through a defense contractor, and ultimately becoming CEO of Destin Dreamers. Before he was running a luxury vacation rental company on Florida's Emerald Coast, Arlen was hauling 500-pound rocks in a 1976 Jeep pickup to pay for college. It's an unlikely origin story but one that laid the foundation for everything he's built since.Packed with practical frameworks, hard-won wisdom, and what Annie coins "Arlenisms," this is the story of how grit, perspective, and a relationship-first philosophy built a standout brand in one of the most competitive vacation rental markets in the country.We cover:1️⃣ Why people do not buy stays, but experiences, outcomes, and peace of mind2️⃣ How calm leadership changes the way teams, guests, and owners respond under pressure3️⃣ Why simplifying operations is the real foundation for scalable growth4️⃣ How to identify owner fit and why saying no protects your team and your culture5️⃣ Practical frameworks for preventing issues and responding clearly when they arise6️⃣ How Destin Dreamers balances systems, structure, and human judgment7️⃣ Where AI fits in guest communication and where it should not8️⃣ What it means to lead in a competitive market without panic or burnoutConnect with Arlen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abflorida/Website:https://www.destindreamers.com/ Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value).
Writers Tom Gammill and Max Pross discuss being comedy writing partners and then not being partners on SNL, Gary Shandling's Show, Seinfeld and dozens of great comedies, while Marc Wolodarsky and Jay Kogen, also former writing partners, do the same. They discuss the state of show business, what's life like after writing, becoming an EMT, writing novels, pilots with puppets, development hell, pitching shows to people who weren't born when we started, Harvard Lampoon, David Letterman, and The Simpsons! Tom Gammill was writing partners for 40 years with Max Pross before Max dumped him. Their credits include “SNL” “Letterman” “Seinfeld” and “The Simpsons”. After the breakup Tom wrote and starred in the play “A Morning With Ernie Bushmiller” which ran for one performance, and was a Consulting Producer for the final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm”.Wally Wolodarsky began his career as a writer on The Tracey Ullman Show. Writing with Jay Kogen, he received an Emmy. Wally was a writer and producer on The Simpsons for the first four seasons, where he won his second Emmy. With his wife Maya Forbes he has written several features and television shows including Monsters vs. Aliens, A Dog's Purpose and The People vs. O.J. Simpson. Wally produced Infinitely Polar Bear starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana. Together, Maya and Wally wrote and directed The Polka King starring Jack Black and The Good House starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline.Max Pross spent forty-two years writing for television, and now atones by working as an emergency responder.”
Join Shaun Pitts on EMSconnect On Shift as he sits down with Dr. Travis Dierks for an essential deep dive into ECG interpretation. Whether you're an EMT, paramedic, or just looking to strengthen your cardiac knowledge, this episode breaks down rhythm strips and ECG fundamentals in a clear, practical way.Dr. Dierks shares expert tips for identifying key patterns, avoiding common pitfalls, and translating what you see on the monitor into confident, real-world patient care decisions. By the end of this episode, you'll be more confident reading those strips, spotting critical rhythms, and understanding the story behind the ECG.Tune in, sharpen your skills, and learn to truly read between the lines.LISTEN to all of "The Fractured Saints" here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TLc8SGP9pX4MaaLz1b8TW?si=8gFJ-mMHRyCQTClDVzKjHASupport the show
Episode 315: This episode goes beyond trends and buzzwords. It's a candid discussion about leadership, accountability, education, and execution grounded in decades of experience across multiple EMS systems and cultures. Steve reconnects with longtime EMS leader, strategist, and global EMS advocate Rob Lawrence for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, education, system design, and the future of EMS. Rob is the Director of Strategic Implementation for PRO EMS and its educational arm, Prodigy EMS. Rob brings a rare international perspective, shaped by leadership roles in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the development of EMS systems worldwide. Rob is a prolific writer and broadcaster for EMS1 and Police1.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-315-rob-lawrence--69220043I
Send us a textFrom crime and trauma scene cleanup to midnight dispatch and station kitchens, we gathered the most powerful lessons from a year of conversations with first responders, clinicians.Here are the links for all the episodes: Krista Gregg (E.188): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-188Jessica Jamieson (E.192): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-192Beth Salmo (E.204): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-204Elizabeth Ecklund (E.207): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-207Gordon Brewer (E.211): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-211Bill Dwinnells (E.220): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-220Deidre Gestrin (E.221): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-221Adam Neff (E.222): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-222Renae Mansfield (E.225): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-225Amanda Rizoli (E.227): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-227Blythe Landry (E.228): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-228Stephanie Simpson (E.229): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-229Lisa Trusas (E.231): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-231Joe Rizzuti (E.233): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-233Justin Jacobs (E.235): https://Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
Discover Lafayette welcomes a true living legend of service to Acadiana: Dr. Mary B. Neiheisel. Dr. Neiheisel was the 2017 recipient of the prestigious Lafayette Civic Cup, one of the highest honors for civic service in our community. Her journey in Lafayette began in 1966, when she started teaching at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL Lafayette), launching 59 years of impact in education, healthcare, and community leadership. With quiet determination, Dr. Neiheisel helped build UL Lafayette's Nurse Practitioner Program, serving as its first coordinator and director and laying the foundation for graduate nursing education across the region. Beyond academia, her heart for service shines through her long-standing work at Faith House of Acadiana, where she serves as a nurse practitioner and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Her legacy of compassion is now honored through the Mary B. Neiheisel Patron of Hope Award, created in her name to recognize extraordinary servant leadership in our community. From South Texas to Lafayette “I grew up in a very small town in South Texas, about 40 miles from San Antonio, called Stockdale.” Dr. Neiheisel traces her path into nursing back to her mother’s influence. “My mother always said that she concentrated on me being a nurse when she was pregnant. She said it was implanted. Consequently, she bought me the Cherry Ames nursing books when I was very young. Any medical shows on TV? We watched them. My mother started out to be a nurse, but she wanted to get married. And in those days, they did not allow the nurses to be married. So I think, you know, it was just her wish on me.” Dr. Neiheisel received her early education in San Antonio, completing her baccalaureate degree at the University of the Incarnate Word before moving to Austin and later earning her master's degree at the University of Colorado in 1965. She shares how she met her husband, Richard Neiheisel, then a USL history professor, and how that connection ultimately brought her to Lafayette in 1966. USL in the 1960s Reflecting on her early years on campus, Dr. Neiheisel recalls the realities of nursing education at the time: “We were actually in a condemned building.” She describes a small campus, modest facilities, and close-knit classes, noting how both the university and its nursing program have evolved into institutions that are now nationally known. Answering the Call to Teach Dr. Neiheisel explains what drew her to nursing education: “I felt like there was a real need for more faculty, more teachers in nursing, to help students learn the things that would be best in caring for their patients.” She speaks candidly about advocating for nursing education in what was largely a male-dominated academic environment, addressing disparities in pay and recognition while helping shape curriculum, meet state board standards, and recruit new faculty. “In 1984, Acadian Ambulance came to our college to ask about starting an EMT program in our college. And I had worked some in emergency room. Not that much, but I had actually taught some emergency room classes. So I was asked to work with Acadian Ambulance on that program. That was a great experience, Acadian Ambulance is really the business model. They knew what they wanted, and we put this together and then we needed a coordinator for that program in our college. Since I had been working with it, the dean asked me if I would be the coordinator of that program. And I said, no, I’m waiting for the graduate program. And she kind of looked at me like, you’re dreaming. But we continued to talk about our graduate program, and probably it was 1988, we actually were given permission to open our nursing graduate program, and I was offered the position of the first graduate nursing coordinator, which that was really exciting. Building the Nurse Practitioner Program Inspired by Dr. Loretta Ford, whom she calls “the mother of nurse practitioners,” Dr. Neiheisel carried a long-held vision for advanced nursing practice. Dr. Loretta Ford, known as “The Mother of the Nurse Practitioner Program, was a profound influence on Mary Neiheisel. Dr. Neiheisel says, “The year that I graduated with my master’s degree, Dr. Loretta Ford, who is considered the mother of nurse practitioners, the superwoman of nurse practitioners, actually came to our class and told us about the nurse practitioner program that she was starting, and she was a pediatric nurse. So it would be a pediatric nurse practitioner program. I was fascinated by the description that she gave for nurse practitioners and the independence that they would have and the way that they would be able to help patients, help people, help the population, not only in illness but in health, to maintain their health, to prevent disease. And I continued to kind of follow Dr. Ford and read what she was doing and seeing these programs opened. And she did start her program at the University of Colorado. She had six nurse practitioner students that year. There was, again, a lot of opposition to another role for nurses, but there was also a lot of support. She went on a national news. She went all over the country talking about the nurse practitioner program. She went from the University of Colorado to New York, started nurse practitioner programs there. And by that time they were really spreading across the country. In 1988, we finally were able to start our graduate nursing program at USL.” She describes the early challenges, resistance from some physicians, and the persistence required to establish the program. Dr. Neiheisel went back to school herself to become a family nurse practitioner, helping launch the nurse practitioner track and graduating the program's first students in 1995. “It wasn't long before the physicians were employing the nurse practitioners, and now they're employed in clinics and hospitals.” High Standards and Lasting Impact Addressing her reputation as a demanding instructor, Dr. Neiheisel reflects: “I guess I did have high expectations knowing that one day I was going to need their assistance, perhaps played a role in it.” She speaks with pride about her students' success and the responsibility of preparing nurses to be confident, capable, and compassionate professionals. The Evolution of Nursing From glass medicine cups and manual dosage calculations to electronic health records and patient portals, Dr. Neiheisel walks through six decades of change: “Technology has changed things in many ways… but we have lost some of that more personal touch.” She noted that nurse practitioners often help bridge that gap by spending more time with patients and answering their questions. Retirement — and Staying Connected Though she recently retired, Dr. Neiheisel emphasizes that she remains deeply connected to both nursing and the university: “It's not like a total separation. I'm still very proud of our university and my years there.” She continues part-time work at Faith House, attends concerts on campus, and remains engaged with the humanities and music communities. A Life of Civic and Cultural Service Dr. Neiheisel reflects on decades of civic involvement, including United Way of Acadiana, Rotary Club of Lafayette, the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Zonta International, Foundation for Wellness, and the Lafayette Public Library Foundation. Of all her commitments, she says simply: “Faith House is my love.” She shares candidly about learning the realities of domestic violence, supporting women and children, fundraising for shelter operations, and recognizing community leaders through the Mary B. Neiheisel Patron of Hope Award. Named in honor of Dr. Mary B. Neiheisel, the award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their support of Faith House and its mission. Each year, the Patron of Hope Award will be presented to an individual who mirrors Dr. Neiheisel's enduring passion for advocacy, service, and hope, Teaching, Challenges, and Why She Stayed On the most rewarding part of teaching: “Meeting students is a blessing, watching them learn. That ‘aha' moment is just so rewarding.” On the greatest challenge of teaching: “Keeping up. It seems like it's changing every five minutes.” And on why she chose to build her life in Lafayette: “The people. The atmosphere, the culture. I feel like I have several Louisiana families.” Life Beyond the Classroom In closing, Dr. Neiheisel shared her love of music, reading, travel, and the arts, along with a lighthearted story about an unsuccessful tomato garden that led her to grow zinnias instead. She speaks fondly of trips to Colorado, visiting her grandchild in Boston, and appreciating both travel and home.
As EMS closes out 2025, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Matt Zavadsky (PWWAG) and Rodney Dyche (Patient Care EMS Solutions) for their second annual EMSIntel.org “year in review” conversation — a fast-moving tour through the biggest stories shaping the EMS profession. Drawing from the EMSIntel news log (now 3,849 stories as of the morning of recording), the trio connects what's making headlines to what EMS leaders are experiencing on the ground: unstable economics, governance pressure, system redesign and rising operational risk. The discussion lands on several recurring themes: economic sustainability as the dominant issue; the real-world politics of tax levies and “essential service” designations; the ongoing obsession with response times (and what they cost); preventable ambulance thefts escalating in severity; and the importance of measuring and publishing clinical outcomes and meaningful performance metrics. The through-line: communities are being forced into more honest conversations about what they can afford — and what EMS should look like going into 2026. | SHARE YOUR STORY: A call for real stories from the EMS field, station and beyond Memorable quotes “Having a thoughtful conversation about what your system needs to look like on the go forward is paramount.” — Rodney Dyche “If you don't talk about yourself, somebody else will, and then you don't control the narrative.” — Rob Lawrence “Our No. 1 focus really needs to be on the economic sustainability of these systems because we are past the breaking point.” — Matt Zavadsky “Response times equals speed; speed equals crashes.” — Rob Lawrence “These theft incidents are … in almost all cases, 100% preventable by an aftermarket device … probably for 100 or $150.” — Rodney Dyche “Response times are expensive. The shorter that you want your response times, the more money it's going to take.” — Matt Zavadsky “Across every provider type … the fee-for-service revenue is 50% to 60% below the cost of providing service. So when somebody says to you, ‘I can do this for free,' ask more questions.” — Matt Zavadsky “Response times are used as a cudgel.” — Rodney Dyche Episode timeline 01:11 – Rob introduces the end of 2025 reflection and 2026 look-ahead; welcomes Matt Zavadsky and Rodney Dyche for the second annual EMSIntel year-in-review. 02:26 – Rodney reports the EMSIntel log count (“3,849 as of this morning”); Rob explains EMSIntel's purpose: curating national EMS stories to identify themes and brief stakeholders. 04:13 – Matt names the year's biggest issue: economic sustainability; the fiscal model is broken and impacts everything else. 06:32 – Matt walks through the “AnyTown EMS” trajectory: communities can't sustain old models, must define service levels, use system intelligence, and redesign for a modern “2028 model.” 09:06 – Matt cites the Medicare/RAND cost collection findings and warns that fee-for-service revenue sits far below actual costs; “ask more questions” when someone promises “free.” 10:12 – The group discusses communities pursuing tax levies and essential-service framing; Rodney contrasts places that pass funding measures with places that don't, and highlights local politics and competing priorities. 11:52 – Matt clarifies that “essential service” means different things to the public versus statute; agencies need trust, transparency and real community education to succeed at the ballot box. 13:50 – Rodney describes the “cost of readiness” misunderstanding (public sees mileage, not readiness); Matt pushes proactive reporting (monthly/quarterly/annual) to build credibility. 15:35 – Matt pivots to response times: they're expensive, clinically relevant in a small fraction of cases, and should be approached with evidence-based expectations and better triage/EMD practices. 18:14 – Rodney connects hot responses to preventable intersection crashes and modern driver realities; the discussion frames safety risk as a growing operational storyline. 20:21 – Matt adds an editorial caution that crashes are not confined to any one sector; points to recent examples including serious injuries during responses. 22:37 – Rob returns to ambulance thefts; Rodney calls most thefts preventable; Matt argues the basic lock discipline exists already and presses for stronger accountability and accreditation-style best practice. 26:11 – Rob flags downstream legal and regulatory risk (litigation exposure after stolen-unit crashes; DEA-controlled substances security implications). 26:52 – Rodney raises staffing; notes fewer staffing stories than 2024 but questions whether the situation is truly better; mentions earn-to-learn pipeline concerns. 28:13 – Matt describes the shift toward tiered deployment and greater EMT utilization, reducing pressure to staff large numbers of paramedics for calls that don't require that level. 30:17 – Matt emphasizes outcomes and meaningful performance metrics; argues many systems still report the wrong measures and should lead with clinical metrics, patient experience, and quality indicators. 31:08 – Rodney reinforces that response times get weaponized in governance decisions; notes boards can be swayed by “advanced skills” narratives rather than outcome data. 33:25 – Forward-looking wrap: Matt highlights daily calls from communities that “can't afford this anymore” and urges leaders to seize the redesign opportunity; Rodney echoes the need for planning and honest community conversations. Additional resources: AAA & AIMHI EMS Media Log: EMS Intel Fast & spurious: America keeps losing ambulances and the fix is cheap Callouts, chaos and career killers: The biggest EMS stories of the year Enjoying EMS One-Stop? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.
Send us a textThis week, Rich sits down with Rubicon Trail Foundation board member and Rubicon property owner, John Arenz. From high-adventure Scouting and early days as an EMT/paramedic in Oakland to a 30-year fire service career in Emeryville, John shares how the Rubicon became his lifelong anchor—every summer since 1983.Along with his personal history, John Arenz shares the Rubicon Trail Foundations stance on the re-route – why it's necessary and who's in charge. With John's history, he goes in-depth into the politics surrounding the Rubicon Trail.Support the show
The Disappearing Man in the Desert Our first story comes from David, who was working border patrol on a narcotics and human trafficking assignment near a river in the American Southwest. During what should have been a quiet night shift, David and his partner experienced something that would shake them both—three deliberate, hard knocks on their Humvee's driver's side window, despite no one being visible on their cameras or in the surrounding area. Our second story takes us to the California desert near the Mexican border, where Nevada and their family were on a routine jeeping trip in 2011. What started as a casual outing to take photos turned surreal when they witnessed a figure in a jumpsuit and motorcycle helmet falling from the sky with a half-inflated parachute, the body appearing limp and lifeless. Nevada's uncle, an EMT, grabbed his first aid kit and rushed to help, but when the family reached the spot where the parachuter should have landed behind a rock formation, they found only an abandoned parachute disconnected from any backpack—no person, no blood, no footprints, and no explanation for how someone could vanish so completely in the open desert. Finally, we explore Grace's harrowing experience in her coastal Rhode Island home, where light paranormal activity escalated dramatically when she turned 16, leading to a two-year ordeal involving severe depression, an eating disorder, and what her father believed was possession or oppression. Grace found herself compelled to sneak downstairs every night at midnight and sit frozen in the darkness until 3 AM, experiencing memory gaps and behaviors she couldn't explain—all while her family struggled with how to help her escape whatever had taken hold in their century-old house.
Disasters can strike without warning. In a crisis, every second counts. How do you prepare for a sudden evacuation? It's not a matter of if, but when. In this episode, we confront the challenge of disaster preparedness. We discuss how to protect those who are most vulnerable, including loved ones with dementia. A sudden disaster requires quick action. We reveal a better way to plan. Discover why a written plan isn't enough. Learn about the 5-Pocket Method. Find out what you truly need in an emergency. This episode offers critical, actionable advice. We provide a path to preparedness. Our conversation will empower you. Finally, you can create a disaster plan that actually works. Our Guest: Patrick Hardy aka Disaster Patrick Patrick Hardy is a nationally recognized disaster preparedness professional. He has helped a wide range of organizations, from large corporations to small businesses and families, prepare for emergencies. His expertise comes from a long career that began as an EMT and ambulance first responder. Patrick also consulted on major disaster events, including the 2010 BP Oil Spill. He is a leading expert in his field, creating simple and effective preparedness plans that are now considered best practices. In 2012, he became the youngest person ever to hold the position of National Private Sector Representative to FEMA. In addition to his professional work, Patrick is a dedicated philanthropist, providing pro-bono disaster plans to numerous non-profit organizations. He has published a book and is a frequent guest on national television programs, where he shares his knowledge on family disaster preparedness. His book, Design Any Disaster, was released in 2023. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Doctor Supports Caregivers Journey Challenges Caregiver Support: Personalized Text Message Connections ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ List of the Top 20 Alzheimer's Podcasts via FeedSpot! See where we rank. Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com Or learn more at Our Website
A scary afternoon for Laura as she tells us about how her son, Charlie, fell off a roof while at work and landed in a well with the EMT's having to cut him out of his clothes. He was in the hospital when we recorded this, and thank God he suffered a fracture in his back instead of what could have happened. Grateful is the only word for this miracle, and it's the best Christmas miracle Laura could ever ask for. Bad things happen around the holidays sometimes, but we need to focus on what we are thankful for, even if it's just the small things. If you're feeling low right now, we're here for ya. We then call Laura's mom because it was her birthday. We bust her for something she does every night. Erik brings it home with some extra spicy Double D Showbiz News, including some inside details about the night leading up to the Reiners' death. Wow. We will be back on Christmas Day with our last show of the year. Already looking forward to a bitchin' 2026! Love your podcast!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/laura-cain-after-dark--4162487/support.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel, FOLLOW us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, SHARE, LIKE, and by all means COMMENT. We love your feedback. Thanks for being part of the Laura Cain After Dark family. Love your podcast!
Send us a textWhen the lights are flashing and the clock is ticking, we train for everything—except the weight we carry home. We sit down with Coast Guard veteran and grief coach Justin Jacobs to unpack the invisible load of moral injury, the shock of losing the uniform, and the quiet ways unprocessed grief leaks into performance, relationships, and health. From the chaos of capsized boats to the stillness after a tough outcome, Justin names what many feel and few say out loud.We explore how grief hides inside anxiety, depression, and burnout, and why so many transitions—retirement, reassignment, even a “first civilian job”—feel harder than expected. Justin explains decision fatigue after service, when structure vanishes and every choice suddenly feels permanent. He offers a simple reframe: plan early, expect detours, and treat course corrections as progress, not failure. Along the way, we draw clear parallels between the Coast Guard and first responders—rapid action, limited bench strength, and constant pressure to move on to the next call.Most importantly, we get practical. Think “mental PPE”: a shared vocabulary for moral injury, short decompressions after hard calls, peer check-ins that don't try to fix but do make space to feel. We talk about what genuinely helps the bereaved—curiosity, presence, honest permission to tell the whole truth about the person who's gone—and what to retire forever, including hollow platitudes that minimize real pain. Justin's own story of loss and growth brings empathy and precision to every tool he shares.If you serve, lead, or love someone who does, this conversation is a field guide for staying human under pressure and building a culture that protects people as fiercely as it protects the mission. Listen, share with your crew, and tell us what “mental PPE” looks like in your world. If this resonates, follow, rate, and review so more first responders can find it—and subscribe for more candid, actionable conversations.His Instagram is @manlygrief His Website is: http://www.manlygrief.com Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
The Lawyer Stories Podcast – Episode 247 features Rob Levine, owner of Rob Levine Legal Solutions and Rob Levine Law, based in Providence, Rhode Island and helping clients nationwide. Known as "The Heavy Hitter," Rob's story is rooted in a lifetime of service. Before becoming a well-known trial lawyer, Rob served as an EMT, military police officer, and police officer- experiences that shaped his commitment to advocacy and justice. In this episode, Rob opens up about fatherhood, building a mission-driven law firm, and the values that guide his work. He also shares a meaningful connection with host Benny Gold, as both are proud alumni of Roger Williams University School of Law. This conversation is a powerful reminder that great lawyers are built through service, resilience, and staying true to who you are.
It's New Tunesday: new releases from the past week! Give the bands a listen. If you like what you hear, support the bands! Today's episode features new releases by Unique Strain, Handful Of Snowdrops, EmT, The Synthetic Dream Foundation, S:SN & Doing The Devil's Work, Biohacker, Blue Ant, Vonder, RatPajama, IAMTHESHADOW, Vioflesh, Redder Moon, Endless Me, Chemical Waves, Still Patient, Scheitan, Senex IV, and Her Own World!
Christopher Donahue from Keller Williams Group One joins Brian Cushing, mortgage lender at American Financial Network as they talk about special financing opportunities for "Hero" home buyers. Law Enforcement, EMT's, Health Care Professionals, Educators and Veterans might find these programs helpful in attaining the American dream, home ownership. Any mortgage program that helps buyers buy, also help sellers sell. Today's show might be the answer to both sides of the equation! We'll also look at the statistics on home sales and values from the Sierra Nevada Realtors monthly report. Christopher Donahue: 775-772-2325 or chrisdonahue@kw.com Brian Cushing NMLS #303045: 775-813-9911 or thecushingteam.com Peter Padilla: 775-786-5515 or peter@sageintl.com
Mindsets to avoid burnout – Julie humanizes the patient and understands that whatever difficult things we are dealing with are temporary and have gratitudeWe must constantly recognize possible anchor bias and avoid cynicism to appropriately treat our patientsWe talk about our interactions with EMSBoth Julie and I remember working in EMS and the value that EMS brings in their report because they often see a lot of things we don't get from the history of the patientJulies advice for the new APP/ER doc - don't come to premature closure on a diagnosis, don't be afraid to ask questions, pay off your loans over buying the biggest house and latest toysWe talk about the baseline level of stress we deal with We talk about technological changes over time and imaging improvementsShe talks about the challenges that the Covid pandemic presented and the shortages of different things we have now encounteredJulie still finds meaning in finding the hard differential diagnosis and working towards positive patient interactions, the teamwork in the ERI talk about the importance of creating an approachable affect so everyone feels free to voice concernsGo look at the patient when the nurse is concerned Julie talks about the benefit for new EMT's and paramedics to reach out and ask for feedback and follow up on their patients, often we don't have time to pull them asideEMS doesn't have the best mechanisms in place for good feedback on every case like we do in the ER, where we see in real time how accurate our assessment may have been when the work up comes backSupport the showEverything you hear today from myself and my guests is opinion only and doesn't represent any organizations or companies that any of us are affiliated with. The stories you hear have been modified to protect patient privacy and any resemblance to real individuals is coincidental. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice nor used to diagnose any medical or healthcare conditions. This is not medical advice. If you have personal health concerns, please seek professional care. Full show notes can be found here: Episodes - Practical EMS - Content for EMTs, PAs, ParamedicsMost efficient online EKG course here: Practical EKG Interpretation - Practical EMS earn 4 CME and learn the fundamentals through advanced EKG interpretation in under 4 hours. If you want to work on your nutrition, increase your energy, improve your physical and mental health, I highly recommend 1st Phorm. Check them out here so they know I sent you. 1st Phorm | The Foundation of High Performance Nutrition
Send us a textThe silence after the last shift can be deafening. We dive into what really happens when the badge comes off and the calls stop, tracing the steep drop from team identity and adrenaline to isolation, substance use, and rising suicide risk. With honesty and urgency, we unpack why retirement hits first responders so hard and outline a practical safety net that works in the real world.We talk through the addictive rhythm of police, fire, EMS, and corrections work—why the culture bonds like family, and why role loss feels like grief, not change management. From the “greatest show in town” to the long, quiet afternoons, we map the transition pitfalls: relationship strain, gambling, financial pressure, heavy drinking, and access to means. Then we move to solutions that stick: QPR training for everyone, union-led outreach to members on injury or IA, and a retiree association built on peer mentors, quarterly meetups, and easy referral to culture-competent clinicians and recovery coaches.Therapy only helps when it respects the culture. We make the case for long-term, stigma-free care that starts at the kitchen table, not a clipboard wall. Leaders play a decisive role, too: fund peer teams, protect privacy, standardize evaluations, and create fair return-to-duty paths that treat mental health injuries like broken bones. Fire service models show how trust grows when unions hold the keys and chiefs clear the way. Our aim is simple—keep people connected, valued, and alive long after the radio goes quiet.If this conversation resonates, share it with your crew, subscribe for more candid tools and stories, and leave a review to help other first responders find us. Your voice can pull someone back from the edge.If you are interested, please visit the Onsite academy at https://onsiteacademy.org/ Visit the NEPBA at https://www.nepba.org/Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
In this week's special episode, Kyle opens up about giving up day trading as a primary income source after coming to grips with the reality of the stresses involved and talks about some new changes to the format. The group then pivots to discussing the real future: Bear and Dan are both going electric with new EVs, complete with a deep dive into DIY solar installation that could save you $50k. Dan shares the inside story of his Vegas job shutting down mid-honeymoon, the economics of Strip entertainment, and why tourism is shifting. Plus: Michael Burry closes his hedge fund after calling 25 of the last 2 crashes.Subscribe, share, and join the trading conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Discord!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at SMaki@fairwaymc.com or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at bandoftraderspodcast@gmail.com Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Dan:Dan co-founded 2 Bulls in a China Shop with Kyle when their shared passion for active trading ignited during the lockdowns. Their daily discussions about trades, interests, and the valuable lessons learned created the bedrock for what eventually evolved into both the 2 Bulls in a China Shop and Band of Traders podcasts.While navigating the complexities of trading, Dan infused humor into the shows with his self-deprecating wit and candid discussions about their trading experiences. This dynamic duo's chemistry became the catalyst for a podcast that resonated widely, capturing the attention of a diverse audience.Service Unscripted WebsiteHalf-Cocked TalesBear:Bear made the transition from investing to trading at the beginning of COVID. After initial success with options, he quickly learned that his luck was greater than his skill and shifted his focus to futures. Bear has fully embraced the role of emotions and mental capital with the mindset that trading futures is purely an internal struggle that rewards patience, calm, bravery, focus, passion, and commitment. Beyond markets Bear finds joy in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.Follow Bear on TwitterSoundperformancepsychology.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and your continued support. This week, we welcome Michael Jerome Plunkett to the show. Michael is a former machinegunner, EMT, co-founder and executive director of the Literature of War Foundation (with friend of the show, LtCol Tom Schuemann) and host of The LitWar Podcast. He was also a Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Fellow in 2021, was a scholar in the 2024 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and was a 2025 resident in the Edith Wharton Writing Residency. He also led the PB Abbate Book Club for veterans. And if that wasn't enough, he is the author of the amazing book, Zone Rouge, which was published in September of this year and has received high praise for his beautiful prose. Michael talks to us about his journey from a teenager in New York during 9/11, to stepping on the yellow footprints, to becoming an author. This was such a fun conversation and we totally nerd out on the beauty of good writing and the value veterans bring to the art. We have to get him back on, but we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do. Enjoy! michaeljeromeplunkett.com instagram.com/michaeljeromeplunkett The post #222: Zone Rouge with Michael Jerome Plunkett first appeared on Marine Corps Association.
Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and your continued support. This week, we welcome Michael Jerome Plunkett to the show. Michael is a former machinegunner, EMT, co-founder and executive director of the Literature of War Foundation (with friend of the show, LtCol Tom Schuemann) and host of The LitWar Podcast. He was also a Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Fellow in 2021, was a scholar in the 2024 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and was a 2025 resident in the Edith Wharton Writing Residency. He also led the PB Abbate Book Club for veterans. And if that wasn't enough, he is the author of the amazing book, Zone Rouge, which was published in September of this year and has received high praise for his beautiful prose. Michael talks to us about his journey from a teenager in New York during 9/11, to stepping on the yellow footprints, to becoming an author. This was such a fun conversation and we totally nerd out on the beauty of good writing and the value veterans bring to the art. We have to get him back on, but we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do. Enjoy! michaeljeromeplunkett.com instagram.com/michaeljeromeplunkett The post #222: Zone Rouge with Michael Jerome Plunkett first appeared on Marine Corps Association.
Send us a textWhat does it take to build mental health care that first responders actually trust? We sit down with former Revere police officer Joe Rizzuti, whose journey from stacked line-of-duty trauma and alcohol use to peer support leadership strips away the clichés and gets to what works. Joe's story starts with a tough childhood, a military turnaround, and a policing career shaped by high-stakes cases and a deep love for community. It also includes administrative betrayals, devastating calls, and the moment he walked into On-Site Academy expecting a firearms range and found a lifeline instead.From there, Joe breaks down how cultural competence changes outcomes. If a clinician doesn't understand roll call, shift work, gallows humor, and the weight of cumulative stress, trust collapses. He explains how he vets treatment programs—On-Site for acute resets, First Responder Wellness in California for intensive trauma work, and union-aligned options like IAFF Centers of Excellence—while calling out profit-first models that fail responders. We talk insurance constraints, travel realities, and why credibility is earned one referral at a time.We also tackle the retiree cliff and why too many officers and firefighters struggle within five years of leaving the job. Joe's answer: a coaching model adapted from recovery support that restores purpose, routine, and community long before the badge comes off. The takeaway is clear—care must be team-driven, ego-free, and relentlessly practical. If you lead, remove barriers. If you treat, learn the culture. If you're a peer, keep checking in long after the headlines fade. If you are interested, please visit the Onsite academy at https://onsiteacademy.org/ Visit the NEPBA at https://www.nepba.org/Subscribe, share with a teammate who needs it, and leave a review to help more first responders find this conversation.Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
Started out her medical career as an EKG tech and in EMS as an EMT for one of the first ambulance companies in the areaShe saw the disconnect between the provider that people wanted to become and who they became, and she didn't want that to be true for herselfShe became an attending in 1991 and now has close to 40 years in emergency medicineShe became a physician when it was predominantly a male fieldJulie talks about some of the things that have changed over timeWe need to have empathy for the people that come in for non-emergent complaints and realize that we have the honor in the ED to fill all the gaps in the wider medical systemWe talk about the increase in transparency with patients and the access they now have to their lab work, imaging and chart and this helps us increase trust with patientsJulie talks about a paramedic partner she really admired and how well she treated patients, and how there wasn't a lot of female role models for her in med schoolI talk about how I also had partners that really improved the trajectory I was on as a new EMTSeek first to understand is one of the 7 habits of highly effective people and this relates directly to taking care of patientsJulie talks about how it was to be a woman in medicine and how her voice got dismissed as well as the dynamics that are at play with patientsJulie talks about burnout and how labyrinth therapy helped her. How you need something that helps you look beyond yourself to have a moment of awe and gratitudeSupport the showEverything you hear today from myself and my guests is opinion only and doesn't represent any organizations or companies that any of us are affiliated with. The stories you hear have been modified to protect patient privacy and any resemblance to real individuals is coincidental. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice nor used to diagnose any medical or healthcare conditions. This is not medical advice. If you have personal health concerns, please seek professional care. Full show notes can be found here: Episodes - Practical EMS - Content for EMTs, PAs, ParamedicsMost efficient online EKG course here: Practical EKG Interpretation - Practical EMS earn 4 CME and learn the fundamentals through advanced EKG interpretation in under 4 hours. If you want to work on your nutrition, increase your energy, improve your physical and mental health, I highly recommend 1st Phorm. Check them out here so they know I sent you. 1st Phorm | The Foundation of High Performance Nutrition
Send us a textA culture that actually protects first responders doesn't happen by accident—it's built on day-one expectations, family inclusion, and leaders who tell the truth even when the news is hard. We sit down with Doug Wyman to map what real organizational wellness looks like and why “Inside the Box” has become a powerful framework for shifting identity, policy, and practice in policing.We start where most programs fail: leaving wellness to HR or EAP and forgetting families. Doug explains how to onboard spouses and partners with the same care we give new hires, and why a 10–15 minute decompression ritual at the door can prevent years of resentment at home. From there, we dig into the mentorship pipeline—how great FTOs set career goals, normalize therapy, and keep officers engaged long after field training. As rank rises, the view widens; without peer networks and rank-specific training, command staff unintentionally import narrow worldviews into complex events like suicide, deepening stigma and pain.The episode unpacks procedural justice for the inside of the house—dignity, voice, clear motives, and follow-through—to counter “administration betrayal.” We name the Man Box and the Cop Box, exploring how rigid ideals make therapy, medication, or simple human tenderness feel like violations. Doug shows how emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and the Four Agreements become everyday tools that change culture one conversation at a time. And we get practical: field officers should carry the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, because at 3 a.m. on a bridge you need the right questions, not another search tab.If you lead, supervise, dispatch, or love a first responder, this conversation offers a blueprint you can use tomorrow—family education, mentorship, internal fairness, and tools that save lives. Listen, share with your team, and tell us what belongs outside the box. If this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it to a colleague who needs a better way forward.Go to Doug's LinkedIn website at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-wyman-6b80852a/details/featured/The Class Inside the Box - Focuses on Organizational Wellness and Post Traumatic growth and is for first line supervisors and command staff. Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
Send us a textLike some of my previous guests, I spent some time "gushing" over Mark. Throughout his career, he was always motivated, looked sharp in uniform, and seemed to truly be called to this profession!!! And I really appreciated that about him because, as we all know, this job can suck the life out of you.He stayed in patrol, working Operations Division East for most of his career. I was interested to hear he started in Michigan after a short tour in the Army. He was an EMT too! I'm really excited for you all to hear this one, Mark is awesome!!Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
I met Jillian years ago through the fitness scene after she won a FROPRO giveaway. We stayed in touch, and more recently my wife and I took her workout class. We had an incredible time sweating, laughing, and connecting with the community. I later joined her for a Wake Up the Sun workout at another gym where she trains, and after finally sitting down to talk, I was blown away by her story and the life she has lived.Jillian spent years as a lifeguard and paramedic, working Ocean Rescue on the South Florida beaches while competing in lifeguard games that draw some of the fittest people in the world. Believe it or not, many of the strongest Ocean Rescue competitors live right in Deerfield Beach. What began as a job quickly became a passion and a lifelong mission to stay healthy and help others do the same.When she eventually stepped away from the EMT and paramedic world, some people thought her career ended too soon. Jillian explained that she no longer felt she could give people the patience and presence they deserved. After years of seeing some incredibly tough situations, she wanted a new direction. That direction led her back to teaching, coaching, and helping people improve their health.Today she runs and teaches at GROyoga and also trains at THRIVE Fitness, two growing communities filled with energy and purpose. She stays committed to her own fitness and makes self care a priority so she can show up fully for her family and everyone she serves. When you spend your days pouring into others, taking care of yourself becomes even more important.If you would like to connect with her, you can find her on Instagram at @jk_flowfitness or @groyoga. Hope you enjoy the show.
Send us a textA veteran EMT turned researcher shares the night that changed his life: tree knocks, rock throws, and a boulder at the fire, then digs into Sussex County's startling sighting density, field evidence from High Point, and how AI and bias shape what we accept as real. We question proof, examine timing and behavior, and map a clear path between open-minded curiosity and careful skepticism.• origin story of Mike's research journey from Florida expedition • Sussex County as an East Coast hotspot with 71 sightings • witness stigma and 48 new reports surfaced at the fair • High Point evidence including footprints and analyzed howls • why public expeditions paused and safety matters • day vs night activity patterns and nocturnality arguments • ambiguous tracks, pareidolia, and AI-driven hoaxes • science, bodies, and why official recognition is unlikely • folklore vs biology and the Jersey Devil sandhill crane theory • naming Shadow of Redeye from a 1972 ranger report • upcoming tours, festivals, and speaking appearancesFind upcoming appearances at shadowofredeye.comSupport the showHope you guy's enjoy! Hit the follow button, rate and give the show a comment!Ghillie Puck- https://www.ghilliepuck.com?sca_ref=6783182.IGksJNCNyo GP10 FOR 10% OFFGET YOUR HECS HUNTING GEAR :https://hecshunting.com/shop/?avad=385273_a39955e99&nb_platform=avantlink&nb_pid=323181&nb_wid=385273&nb_tt=cl&nb_aid=NAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdhunting/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZtxCA-1Txv7nnuGKXcmXrA
In this episode, Charlie sits down with renowned nutrition expert George Batista for an eye-opening conversation designed specifically for first responders. From long shifts to high-stress situations, first responders face unique challenges—and George breaks down practical, science-backed strategies to stay strong, energized, and resilient.Together, they dig into supplements that support a powerful immune system, ideal for those constantly exposed to demanding environments. George also shares nutrition, physical wellness, and mental health tips to help first responders maintain peak performance both on and off duty.Whether you're a firefighter, EMT, police officer, healthcare professional, or someone who wants to improve overall health, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you thrive. Tune in and discover how small changes can make a big impact on your well-being.www.georgebatista.com
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Michelle Donaldson. Michelle Donaldson, a certified end-of-life doula from Doulagivers Institute, joins this episode of "Ask a Death Doula" to share her profound insights into hospice care. Her journey from advanced EMT and pharmacy technician to end-of-life doula reflects her deep commitment to holistic, dignified support. Inspired by her own parents' hospice experiences, she now works with a dedicated hospice team in Las Vegas to blend non-medical guidance with traditional care, creating a more personal and transformative experience for patients and their families. Education and empathy shine throughout our conversation as Michelle highlights the gaps families often face within the hospice system. She emphasizes the importance of preparing and supporting family caregivers—those who carry much of the emotional and physical load. Through her compassionate training, real-life stories, and collaboration with the hospice team, Michelle helps families navigate end-of-life challenges with confidence, connection, and cultural sensitivity. Her work shows the invaluable impact doulas can have in turning overwhelming moments into peaceful, meaningful memories—and she invites anyone drawn to this mission to join the growing movement of compassionate end-of-life support. (00:02) The Role of End-of-Life Doulas (05:20) Improving End-of-Life Care Through Education (13:48) Making an Impact in End-of-Life Care (20:11) Navigating End-of-Life Care Conversations (24:07) Transforming End-of-Life Care Together (37:00) Join the Death Doula Movement Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest: Michelle Donaldson Website: Open Arms Doula Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker? Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑ If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too: Instagram Facebook TikTok Website Podcast #deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
Today I'm interviewing Morgan Wilson. She's an AEMT and currently in paramedic school, helping teach as well. Of course, we talk about our field and how she approaches the job, her incredible positivity, and her popular TikTok page, @MorganHWilson."Give yourself a little bit of extra rest." Is some sage wisdom she drops that I don't think enough of us take, along with eating. Of course, you aren't you when you're hungry.Sit back and listen along to this laugh-filled episode!Produced by Master Your Medics.Send us a text
In this episode of The Fighter and the Kid, Brendan and Bryan sit down with comedian and wrestler Nick Simmons, who joins right as the guys finally address the years of Reddit hate, online criticism, and the wild narratives fans have created about the show.They dive into the hilarious but eye-opening ways women underestimate real strength, why self-defense fantasies don't match physics, and how pepper spray, bear spray, and knives work in real-world scenarios.Nick shares his insane PCP pandemic home-intruder story — including the break-ins, the stairwell fight, the loose slice of pizza, and the moment the cops let the guy go… right before he bit one officer's nose and an EMT's Achilles tendon.They compare this to the Anthony Smith intruder fight, breaking down why meth and PCP shut off the “governor” in the brain and create freak-level strength.From there, the guys get into Mongolian and Polynesian genetics, strength competitions, football concussions, stingers, and the brutal gap between normal athletes and genetic freaks.Nick also opens up about moving from NYC to Austin, meeting his girlfriend's intimidating dad, being a regular at iconic NYC clubs, and the new comedic grind of trying to get passed at The Comedy Mothership.The guys finish by roasting each other's outfits, shoes, and the chaos of performing comedy while your friends try to mess with your head backstage.A funny, honest, chaotic episode with one of the best young comics in Austin.DraftKings - Download the DraftKings Pick6 app now and use code FIGHTER. That's code FIGHTER — New DraftKings customers can play just $5, and get $50 in Pick6 credits.O'Reilly Auto Parts- https://oreillyauto.com/FIGHTERTrue Classic - True Classic - Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/fighter ! #trueclassicpodMagic Mind - https://magicmind.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textThe story begins where many first responder lives converge: relentless calls, court dates, and a small department that never truly sleeps. Then the personal hits. Former New Hampshire police chief Doug Wyman opens up about parenting through a son's addiction at the height of the opioid crisis, supporting a younger child through identity shifts, and the morning that changed everything—when his wife died by suicide with his duty weapon. What follows is a rare, unguarded look at procedure meeting grief, and how systems can protect evidence while still protecting people.We walk through what real support looks like after the casseroles stop—peer teams that actually call, clergy who listen more than they preach, and a therapist with true cultural competency. Doug explains why a mind body spirit triangle isn't fluff; it's the backbone of resilience for first responders and families. Spirituality here is practical, not preachy—whether you find it in church, Stoicism, or a clear atheist ethic. Acceptance becomes the turning point. It's not agreement. It's the doorway to choose constructive over destructive, to convert pain into purpose, and to build post-traumatic growth one small habit at a time.We also dig into the cognitive traps that keep people stuck on if and the simple language checks that interrupt self-blame. From there, the focus widens to culture. Strong wellness programs don't live in binders; they live in people. Informal leaders—the ones who can get fifteen colleagues to show up on a Saturday—are the engine. When departments design with those influencers, recruitment and retention rise, and the holdouts become a minority. If you want a team to thrive, build a house you're proud to invite others into.If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a teammate who needs it, and leave a review so more first responders and families can find these tools. And if you or someone you love is in crisis, call 988 right now. You're not alone.Go to Doug's LinkedIn website at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-wyman-6b80852a/details/featured/The Class Inside the Box - Focuses on Organizational Wellness and Post Traumatic growth and is for first line supervisors and command staff. Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
In this episode, James Maude sits down with Chris Neuwirth, VP of Cyber Risk at Networks Group, whose path into cybersecurity might be the most unconventional you'll ever hear—from delivering babies as a teenage EMT to penetration testing critical infrastructure today. Chris's journey includes serving as an LAPD officer at Venice Beach, responding to 9/11 at the Pentagon, managing IT during Hurricane Sandy, and running operations as assistant commissioner at New Jersey's Department of Health during COVID-19. Along the way, he's been hacking everything he could get his hands on—from war driving through Manhattan in the early 2000s to conducting sophisticated penetration tests at hospitals and airports today. Chris discusses the importance of organizations being prepared and shares the uncomfortable truth: sometimes the easiest way past your defenses is just showing up and plugging in.
The vote to release the Epstein files moves the bill closer to President Trump's desk, but will he sign it? On the CBS Evening News' "Eye on America", exploring generation alpha creating their own language, including a particular phrase that's driving teachers crazy. And, how a retiree became a rookie EMT. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 19th Publish Date: November 19th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, November 19th and Happy Birthday to Meg Ryan I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Lawmakers consider paring tax credits and exemptions to offset income tax cuts As Cobb school board approves new buses, Ragsdale pushes back on criticism Cobb’s new Renaissance Fair becomes instant hit with festival-goers All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! BREAK: Ingles 9 STORY 1: Lawmakers consider paring tax credits and exemptions to offset income tax cuts Georgia lawmakers are seriously talking about ditching the state income tax—$16 billion worth of revenue—and replacing it by slashing $30 billion in tax credits and exemptions. “It’s not if, it’s when,” said Sen. Blake Tillery, who’s leading the charge. He called it a move for “competitiveness.” Supporters like economist Arthur Laffer praised states like Tennessee for thriving without income taxes, calling it “really cool” not to file returns. But critics, like Sen. Nan Orrock, warned it could hit low-income families and retirees hardest, especially if sales taxes rise. The debate? Far from over. STORY 2: As Cobb school board approves new buses, Ragsdale pushes back on criticism Tensions ran high Thursday as Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale defended the district’s transportation department amid ongoing criticism of bus safety and maintenance. “There are no unsafe buses on the roads. Period. Zero,” Ragsdale said, calling claims to the contrary “untrue and unacceptable.” The school board approved $4.97 million for 30 new buses, but public commenters weren’t buying the reassurances. Mechanics like Eric Carroll, a 14-year employee, pushed back hard. “We’re not liars,” he said, visibly emotional. “We need help.” Meanwhile, Ragsdale dismissed the concerns as fearmongering, sparking outrage from workers who say they’re overworked, understaffed, and unheard. The investigation? Still ongoing. STORY 3: Cobb’s new Renaissance Fair becomes instant hit with festival-goers The 16th century came alive Saturday at Cobb’s first-ever Big Shanty Bazaar, and honestly? It was a hit. By the time the gates opened at The Big Shanty Art Station, over 100 people were already lined up, many decked out in Renaissance garb or fantasy costumes—dragons, wizards, you name it. “It’s way more than I expected,” said organizer Roxanne Thompson. “I was hoping for maybe a thousand all day, but this? Wow.” The festival had it all: axe throwing, pony rides, blacksmith demos, and an artisan market selling everything from D&D dice to handmade cloaks. The vibes? Impeccable. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: STRAND THEATRE STORY 4: Cobb NAACP holds annual awards gala The Cobb NAACP’s 46th annual Oscar Freeman Freedom Fund Awards Gala brought together community leaders, elected officials, and trailblazers Saturday night for an evening of celebration, reflection, and a little dancing. The event featured a reception, silent auction, dinner, and awards ceremony. Civil rights pioneer Deane Bonner, a cornerstone of the Cobb NAACP, was front and center—dancing, speaking, and inspiring. Honorees included Rev. Joe Evans, named Religious Leader of the Year, and countless others who’ve shaped the community. “It’s about honoring the past while building the future,” said organizer Jeriene Bonner-Willis. STORY 5: Cobb reallocates $2.96M for food distribution, South Cobb Public Health Center Cobb commissioners just gave the green light to reallocate nearly $3 million in unspent federal COVID relief funds, aiming to boost food distribution programs and help fund the long-awaited South Cobb Public Health Center. Of the $2.96 million, $206,000 will go to local nonprofits like MUST Ministries and Sweetwater Mission, which have been struggling to meet surging demand for food assistance. “This will help families get through the holidays,” said Chair Lisa Cupid. The remaining $2.75 million, saved from a bridge project, will go toward the health center, a critical project for South Cobb residents that’s been years in the making. Break: STORY 6: “Stuff the Turkey” donation event collects 1,000 items for locals in need The Goddard School of Vinings recently held its “Stuff the Turkey” drive, and wow, did the community show up. Located on Log Cabin Drive, the school collected over 1,000 items—canned goods, diapers, hygiene products, you name it. All donations went to 7 Bridges to Recovery, a local nonprofit helping women, kids, and those facing homelessness in Atlanta. “It’s incredible to see what we can do together,” a school representative said. Want to learn more about their efforts (or maybe help out next time)? Check out their website. Small acts, big impact—every bit counts. STORY 7: Fielding Lewis DAR Chapter builds and donates Chad’s Bracket Wagons The Fielding Lewis Chapter of the DAR recently rolled up their sleeves for the D building nine bright red Chad’s Bracket wagons—specialized hospital wagons designed to make life a little easier (and safer) for kids in hospitals. This wasn’t just any project. Volunteers worked alongside Roger Leggett, the founder of Chad’s Bracket, whose mission began after a heartbreaking loss: his son Chad, an EMT, passed away at 24. Inspired by Chad’s compassion, Leggett created these wagons, which now bring comfort to kids nationwide. “These wagons may seem simple, but they’re life-changing,” said Chapter Regent Melissa Tanner. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 9 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com Strand Marietta – Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textChange that lasts doesn't come from a one-time high or another sleepless night patched by a pill. It comes from disciplined, daily work that your brain can actually keep—paired with leadership that people trust when it matters most. Steve sits down with Marine veteran and CEO Tony Crescenzo to unpack how audio-driven brain signals can turn short-term “state” shifts into month-later “trait” changes, especially for first responders who need real restorative sleep, calmer stress responses, and sharp, on-demand focus.Tony explains why many sleep aids trade consciousness for quality, and how targeted signals—played on speakers, no headphones required—help nudge your brain into restorative rhythms you can retain. We talk timing and caution with upregulation tools, creative research that mimics ketamine-like EEG states without the drug, and why a practical 28 to 31 day window is fast when you're aiming for durable change. Therapy isn't sidelined; it's strengthened. Cultural competence, honest fit, and doing the work between sessions matter as much as any technology.Then we move from personal resilience to organizational resilience. Tony draws from the Marine Corps to break down four levels of leadership, from positional authority to field effect, where mission, vision, values, and culture guide action even when you're not in the room. He favors bad news because it's actionable, builds systems that surface hard questions, and sets expectations so clearly that people don't have to guess. Management keeps metrics on track; leadership gives the plan meaning and keeps teams aligned under pressure.If you're a first responder, veteran, or leader trying to build a healthier, higher-performing team, this conversation offers tools you can use today and habits you can keep for the long haul. Subscribe, share this episode with a teammate who needs better sleep or better leadership, and leave a review to help others find the show.How to reach Jonathan:1) https://www.IntelligentWaves.com2) https://www.PeakNeuro.com3) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycrescenzo/Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
Send us a textEver wish you could quiet the story in your head without having to relive it? We sit down with Marine veteran and defense-tech CEO Tony Crescenzo to explore a practical, science-backed way to downshift the nervous system using neuroacoustic entrainment. Tony opens up about the years he spent running hot—rage, hypervigilance, and fractured sleep—and how a targeted audio protocol shifted his sleep from barely restorative to deeply replenishing. The conversation gets real about why so many first responders and veterans avoid talk therapy, and how culturally aware approaches can make all the difference.We break down the sleep architecture behind feeling human again. Slow wave sleep restores the body; REM sleep stabilizes emotion and consolidates memory. Tony shares research showing meaningful gains in both, along with a 9% boost in threat recognition—vital for police, fire, EMS, dispatchers, and military communities where seconds matter. You'll hear how suppressing the prefrontal “rumination engine” while opening the anterior cingulate, parietal, and occipital regions enables somatic processing: the body digests stress so the mind can stand down.Then we zoom out to cognitive resilience—the brain's ability to adapt quickly under pressure. Using EEG-guided and AI-personalized protocols, entrainment builds coherence front-to-back and left-to-right, easing brain fog and improving metabolic efficiency. The result is a steadier baseline, faster recovery after spikes, and sleep that actually repairs. If you've been stuck between white-knuckle coping and sterile clinical answers, this is a credible path you can start at home, including free app tracks for power naps, rumination relief, and sleep support.How to reach Jonathan: 1) https://www.IntelligentWaves.com 2) https://www.PeakNeuro.com3) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycrescenzo/Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
Volunteering is at its lowest level in decades in the United States. In some communities, this marks a possible crisis: rural hospitals are struggling and could close, and emergency relief dollars are harder to come by. Volunteer firefighting is a lifeline for many small towns. We check in on the efforts to increase volunteerism — especially where it's needed most. Our guests: Bill DiFabio, 3rd assistant chief of the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department Matt Kelly, EMS captain of the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and EMT for Yates County Ambulance Rebecca Case, firefighter/EMT with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and junior at Keuka College Alvin Leid, firefighter with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department Lily Stewart, firefighter/EMT with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and sophomore at Keuka College ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
If anyone would know what it takes to be a modern-day “Renaissance Man”, it would be Doug Casey, who was described by his co-author as a mix of James Bond, Indiana Jones, and Socrates. His new book with Matt & Maxim Smith, “The Preparation”, is a workbook for families who know there is a better way to invest the most important years of a person's life than college. The four years are split into 16 cycles, where you will build a variety of skills, all while traveling the world to experience the culture and grow an international contact list. You will learn to fly a plane in Alaska, study to become a chef in Europe, sail around the tip of South America, learn to fight in Thailand, and get licensed to operate heavy machinery in the USA, all while becoming an EMT, cowboy, welder, hacker, and farmer. It is the ultimate education to make someone bulletproof to whatever the system throws our way. — Guest Links: The Preparation: https://amzn.to/477bSIc International Man: https://internationalman.com/ — Watch the video version on one of the Macroaggressions Channels: Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/Macroaggressions YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCn3GlVLKZtTkhLJkiuG7a-Q?si=DvKo2lcQhzo8Vuqu — MACRO & Charlie Robinson Links Hypocrazy Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4aogwms The Octopus of Global Control Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3xu0rMm Website: www.Macroaggressions.io Merch Store: https://macroaggressions.dashery.com/ Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/macroaggressionspodcast Activist Post Family Activist Post: www.ActivistPost.com Natural Blaze: www.NaturalBlaze.com Support Our Sponsors C60 Power: https://go.shopc60.com/PBGRT/KMKS9/ | Promo Code: MACRO Chemical Free Body: https://chemicalfreebody.com/macro/ | Promo Code: MACRO Wise Wolf Gold & Silver: https://macroaggressions.gold/ | (800) 426-1836 LegalShield: www.DontGetPushedAround.com EMP Shield: www.EMPShield.com | Promo Code: MACRO Christian Yordanov's Health Program: www.LiveLongerFormula.com/macro Above Phone: https://abovephone.com/macro/ Van Man: https://vanman.shop/?ref=MACRO | Promo Code: MACRO The Dollar Vigilante: https://dollarvigilante.spiffy.co/a/O3wCWenlXN/4471 Nesa's Hemp: www.NesasHemp.com | Promo Code: MACRO Augason Farms: https://augasonfarms.com/MACRO —
Send us a textThe hardest part isn't the call. It's what your body and mind carry after the sirens fade. We go straight at the myth that strength means silence, and trade it for a practical blueprint to complete the stress cycle, name emotions without fancy language, and rebuild trust through honest conversation.Stephanie Simpson continues to share simple, fast tools first responders can use to process stress on and off scene. We break down why compartmentalizing is necessary in the moment but corrosive if it becomes a lifestyle, and how two-minute rituals—like shaking out the limbs, breath-led resets, or a quick run—help your nervous system return to baseline. When words are hard, we turn to creativity: playlists that mirror your mood, drawing the shape and color of tension, and short journaling bursts that expand emotional vocabulary over time. These practices aren't woo; they are physiology and practicality for police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and anyone supporting them.We also dig into the social side of resilience. Isolation plus workouts can numb; venting without boundaries can spiral. The solution is blending self-soothing with smart connection: candid debriefs, dark humor in safe rooms, and mentors who normalize not knowing. Stephanie explains how coaching pairs with therapy to create forward action, using energy leadership to help you lead your life with intention. For leaders and rookies alike, vulnerability becomes a performance advantage—fewer avoidable errors, tighter teams, and a lighter hidden load.If you're ready to replace “I'm fine” with tools that actually work, hit play. Then share this with your crew, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a review to help other first responders find these resources. Got a post-shift ritual that helps you reset? Tell us—we want to hear what works on your line.You can reach Stephanie the following ways: Website - www.stephanie-simpson.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesimpsoncoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesimpsoncoaching/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StephanieSimpsonCoachingFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
Send us a textWhat if the hardest grief in your life isn't about death, but about change—leaving a team, dropping a title, or stepping away from a community that once defined you? That's where our conversation with coach and educator Stephanie Simpson begins, and it's where many first responders secretly live: in the space between who we were and who we're becoming.Stephanie shares how her evolution from dancer and teacher to professional coach reshaped her understanding of loss. We dig into why “moving on” often backfires and how “moving forward” honors what mattered while making room for growth. Instead of chasing reasons or culprits, we explore a different order of operations: feel first, then learn. Stephanie offers embodied practices—locating sensations, sculpting feelings, and observing them—to shift from intellectualizing to processing. The result isn't soft; it's strategic. Emotions become data you can use under pressure.We also reframe stress for police, fire, EMS, and dispatch. Stress isn't the enemy; unmanaged stress is. Stephanie, who teaches stress science to future first responders, explains how too much strain overwhelms and too little erodes purpose, and why internal stressors—perfectionism, shame, the inner critic—often do more damage than any single call. From Inside Out's portrayal of panic to practical reset routines, we map how to notice, name, and navigate emotions without losing your edge, at work or at home.If you've felt the ache of leaving a role, the pull to find someone to blame, or the pressure to “just get over it,” this conversation offers a more honest path. Subscribe, share this episode with a teammate who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so we can keep bringing you tools that actually help.You can reach Stephanie the following ways: Website - www.stephanie-simpson.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesimpsoncoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesimpsoncoaching/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StephanieSimpsonCoachingFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
It's time to make men “dangerous” again. Father and son Matt and Maxim Smith join Glenn to break down their epic alternative to a college education. While most young people descend into debt to prepare for jobs already threatened by the rise of AI, 19-year-old Maxim has spent what would have been his college years becoming an EMT, wrangling horses in Wyoming, sailing the Falkland Islands, earning a pilot's license, learning Muay Thai in Thailand, and more as the first beta tester for “The Preparation,” an adventure designed to make young men “confident, competent, and dangerous.” In a culture that drives young men away from masculinity and toward unlimited pornography and video games, our sons can still become “Renaissance men” by bucking the system of radical leftist-dominated academia and instead becoming financially savvy men of virtue and real-world skill. Order a copy of “The Preparation: How to Become Confident, Competent, and Dangerous” here: https://www.amazon.com/Preparation-Become-Competent-Confident-Dangerous/dp/B0FLRKYCCP GLENN'S SPONSORS: Relief Factor: If you're living with aches and pains, see how Relief Factor, a daily drug-free supplement, could help you feel better and live better. Try the 3-week QuickStart for just $19.95 by visiting https://ReliefFactor.com. PreBorn: Together, we can end the tragedy of abortion, one mother and baby at a time. To donate securely, dial #250 and say the keyword “baby,” or visit https://preborn.com/glenn. Audien Hearing: The Atom X hearing aid from Audien is a beautifully designed, ready-to-go device made by audiologists who actually listened to what people want — less clutter, less confusion, less fiddling around. Visit https://AudienHearing.com and take control of your hearing today. Chirp: Give your spine a break with the Chirp Contour. It only takes five minutes to unlock all-day relief. Visit https://gochirp.com/beck, and use code “BECK” at checkout for a 10% discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices