First Due: Rooted in Resilience

Bates
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

First Due is a podcast about what happens after the shift. Hosted by a former Paramedic/Firefighter, its a place for real talk about trauma, resilience, growth, healing, lessons, humor, friends and finding your own way after service. These are stories from the backstep. Whether you have served on the front line- or whether you your rebuilding your own life- this show is for you. 

Episodes

  1. 10/30/2025

    Episode 4: The Front Seat

    Send us a text A Tribute to Chief Alan Babe This episode is dedicated to a true leader. A mentor and a pillar in the the Fire and EMS community whose legacy continues to shape all of us who had the privilege to serve beside him.  Chief Babe led with integrity, compassion and quiet strength. He brought out the best in people, believed in their potential, and built a culture grounded in service and respect.  It a a tribute to the kind of leader who reminds us why we answer the call, what it means to lead with heart, and how the impact of one person's belief can ripple for generations.

    13 min

  2. 07/15/2025

    Episode 3: The Armor

    Send us a text In this episode, we explore the hidden weight first responders often carry- the kind that does not show on call sheets or after-action reports. Through personal stories from early in  the field, we reflect on what it means to hold it together, to show up, and to bear witness to pain- even when there's no medication interventions to fix.  We talk about naming emotions to tame them, catching yourself catching yourself, and honoring both your armor and your humanity.  This includes a quick Tool from the FBI National Academy Association, and a guided breathwork moment.

    14 min

  3. 06/13/2025

    Episode 2: The Lock and the Key

    Send us a text In this episode, I'm sharing something personal: the moment I realized I wasn't waiting on a miracle, a title, or someone to rescue me. I was waiting on me.  This is a story about climbing out of darkness- not in one big leap, but one breath at a time. Its about grief, trauma, resilience, and the slow, sacred process of reclaiming your power.  The episode touches on:  facing your own bullshitquiet strength of small daily choicesSave a Warrior  Why you are both the Lock and the Key Tools and small practices that helped me return to myself- like mixed martial arts, journaling, and boundaries If you've ever felt stuck- numb or unsure how to begin healing - this one is for you.  Episode Quote: "The version of you you're becoming is locked behind the parts of you you've been avoiding. You are both the lock and the key.” - Author Unknown  Need someone to talk to?  Text "HOPELINE" to 741741 - free, confidential, and available 24/7

    12 min

  4. 06/05/2025

    Episode 1: Welcome to First Due

    Send us a text What happens in the after? After the trauma, after the heartbreak, the burnout, the silence?  In this first episode of First Due, host Amanda- former paramedic, firefighter, and EMS leader opens the heart behind the podcast; a space to explore post-traumatic growth, nervous system healing, breathwork, resilience, and remembering who we are beneath the armor.  With grit, vulnerability and a deep desire to serve, Amanda shares a glimpse into her own journey through loss, burnout, and rebirth. If you've ever felt like you were supposed to hold it all together while your soul was falling apart- this is for you.  This podcast is for anyone searching for a softer, stronger, truer version of themselves.  Mentioned in this episode is the HOPELINE. If you or anyone you know is in crisis or just needs someone to talk to- text the word HOPELINE to 741741. It's free, anonymous, and available 24/7.  Quote of the Episode:  "You are not what you have survived. You are who you become in the surviving."  - Author unknown

    5 min
  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

First Due is a podcast about what happens after the shift. Hosted by a former Paramedic/Firefighter, its a place for real talk about trauma, resilience, growth, healing, lessons, humor, friends and finding your own way after service. These are stories from the backstep. Whether you have served on the front line- or whether you your rebuilding your own life- this show is for you. 

Information