First Responder Wellness Podcast Conrad Weaver

What do you do when you’re a first responder and your struggling and you’re making bad decisions at work and you realize this is not working out for you?  That’s where Russ Hanes was at after 17 years of working in law enforcement, corrections, and 911 dispatch. 

Fortunately for Russ, he was finally able eventually get his life together but it meant leaving the job he loved. 

But he still wanted to help people. So, he launched the Invisible Wounds Project, a non-profit that helps improve the lives and mental health of veterans, first responders and their families. 

Today we’ll hear a little about his story and about an innovative new initiative his nonprofit is launching this month!  Stay tuned for his story.

40 - We are what we eat with Megan Lautz

Today on the First Responder Wellness podcast I have a conversation with a nutritionist who talks about how our diet impacts our mental health, and really everything else about us.

My guest is Megan Lautz. She is a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer on a mission to help first responders optimize performance, recover faster, and enjoy long, healthy retirements. In this episode we dive into all things nutrition. What you should eat, fad diets, and all the things that you’ve probably heard about but have been ignoring… So come along for this inspiring conversation.

39 - Don’t Forget Where you Came From with Marc Hill

My guest today is Marc Hill Marc is a seasoned firefighter and paramedic who is best known as the author of ”Two Dark Thirty.” We talk about what fire departments do and don’t do to prepare rookies for the traumas they will face. We also talk about the responsibilities that leaders have to take care of the rank and file firefighters - ”Don’t forget where you came from.”

Today is May 15th and its Peace Officers Memorial Day. So I think it’s appropriate that today’s podcast covers a topic that is sometimes not discussed among law enforcement and that is the subject of cancer. 

My guest today is Vickie Speed, CEO of Blue Cancer Connect.

37 - Our Brains like Comfort with AK Dozanti

Yes, we tend to gravitate toward what’s comfortable. Today on the First Responder Wellness Podcast I talk with AK Dozanti a former Deputy Sheriff who talks about her own journey through PTS and depression and what’s she’s doing now to help other first responders.

36 - Supporting Police Officers in Baltimore County with Sgt. John Haddaway

How does a large police department take care of its own? How do they make sure that officers are well, healthy and have the tools they need to thrive in their mental and physical well being?