Mind Matters – Empowering Conversations for Public Safety Professionals Hosted by Elizabeth Morris

The FMRT Group
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  • MENTAL HEALTH

Welcome to Mind Matters, where we’ll discuss topics involving mental wellness and first responders. Join me on this journey of learning from subject matter experts in their various fields of psychology, medicine, leadership, and many more.

  1. MAR 6 · BONUS

    Hiring Insight Before the Background: The Evolution of the FMRT BRAINS Assessment 2.0

    Send a text  In this mini episode of Mind Matters, FMRT CEO Elizabeth Morris is joined by Victoria Tumilty, Research and Business Development Specialist at The FMRT Group, to discuss the launch of BRAINS™ 2.0, the newest evolution of FMRT’s pre-screening assessment designed specifically for public safety hiring.  Together, they explore the research and development behind the updated assessment, including feedback gathered from chiefs, command staff, and background investigators across the profession.  To learn more about BRAINS™ 2.0 or schedule a walkthrough of the assessment, contact learnmore@fmrt.org.

    16 min

  2. FEB 11

    The 1st First Responders: Caring For Those Who Take the Call

    Send a text 911 telecommunicators are often the first voice in moments of crisis—calming chaos, gathering critical information, and guiding help long before responders arrive on scene. Yet their role is frequently misunderstood and underrecognized.  In this episode of Mind Matters, hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly are joined by Ashley Garren, Telecommunicator II and Certified Training Officer with High Point 911, to explore the emotional, psychological, and operational demands of emergency communications. Ashley shares what it truly means to be a “first first responder,” how the role of telecommunicators has evolved, and why cumulative exposure, shift work, and staffing challenges can take a toll on wellness.

    43 min

  3. 09/23/2025

    Surviving First: A Conversation with Doug Monda

    Send a text In this powerful episode of "Mind Matters," hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly engage in a heartfelt conversation with Doug Monda, a retired narcotics agent and former SWAT operator. Doug shares his journey from a decorated law enforcement career to facing personal battles with PTSD and depression, leading to a suicide attempt. Now, as the founder of Survive First, Doug advocates for first responders and their families, offering support and hope. Tune in to hear Doug's inspiring story of resilience, the importance of mental health, and how he's turning pain into purpose.

    34 min

  4. 08/19/2025

    More Than a Checkup: The Role of Fitness for Duty in High-Stakes Professions

    Send a text  Dr. Peter Schulz, a seasoned forensic psychologist and founder of Triangle Forensic Psychologists, joins Elizabeth and Gary to demystify Fitness for Duty Evaluations (FFDEs). With decades of experience conducting evaluations for law enforcement and safety-sensitive agencies, Dr. Schulz shares when and why FFDEs are used, how they protect both employees and the public, and why these evaluations should be seen as support, not punishment.

    38 min

  5. 08/04/2025

    Resilient by Design: The Mindset Behind Intentional Leadership

    Send a text In this episode of Mind Matters, hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly sit down with Jason Armstrong – retired police chief, author of I’m Done Here!, and nationally recognized leadership consultant – to explore what it truly means to lead with intentionality. Drawing from over two decades in law enforcement, including his tenure as police chief in Ferguson, Missouri, Jason shares lessons on building resilience, sustaining purpose in high-stakes environments, and creating cultures of trust and accountability. Through candid conversation, he reflects on personal defining moments, offers advice to leaders facing burnout, and explains how discipline, empathy, and self-awareness can drive lasting, positive change.

    42 min

  6. 07/17/2025

    Leading from the Front: Unlocking Leadership, Support, & Accountability in Public Safety

    Send a text Paul Butler is a nationally respected leadership trainer and former Chief Deputy with over 27 years of law enforcement experience.  In this episode, Paul draws on both his public safety career and global training expertise to explore what it truly means to lead in public safety. From empowering team builders behind the scenes to navigating difficult conversations with quiet strength, Paul shares insights into the traits that distinguish real leaders from those simply in charge. We discuss the importance of role clarity, cultural awareness, and fostering mutual respect between seasoned officers and new recruits. A powerful conversation on how the right leadership can transform not just teams, but entire agencies.

    43 min

  7. 05/28/2025

    The Power of Perspective: Finding Purpose After Injury

    Send a text In this powerful episode, Elizabeth sits down with retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Kijuan Amey to explore how one life-changing moment reshaped his identity and revealed a deeper sense of purpose. After surviving a devastating motorcycle accident that left him permanently blind, Kijuan had every reason to give up. Instead, he leaned into faith, resilience, and the power of perspective. From his decade of service as an in-flight refueling specialist to his current work as a motivational speaker and author of Don’t Focus on Why Me, Kijuan shares how he turned trauma into transformation. You’ll hear honest reflections on grief, identity, mental health, and what it truly means to rebuild your life from the inside out. This conversation is a testament to the strength of the human spirit—and a reminder that even when life takes away what we’ve known, it can still offer us something greater.

    40 min

  8. 05/07/2025

    Invisible Wounds: Understanding PTS and Building Resilience

    Send a text This episode gets real about stress, trauma, and what it actually means to take care of your mental health. Bob Delaney—a former undercover cop who infiltrated the mob, an NBA referee, and now a leading voice on post-traumatic stress—joins  Elizabeth and Gary to talk about the emotional toll of high-pressure careers. From recognizing invisible wounds to building everyday resilience, Bob shares honest stories, practical advice, and a message that hits home: self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

    36 min
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Welcome to Mind Matters, where we’ll discuss topics involving mental wellness and first responders. Join me on this journey of learning from subject matter experts in their various fields of psychology, medicine, leadership, and many more.

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