First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver

Conrad Weaver
  • 5.0 (24)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver is where mental health, resilience, and real solutions meet for police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and the families who support them. No fluff. No corporate wellness speak. Just honest conversations with first responders, mental health professionals, and leaders who've lived it — covering burnout, PTSD, suicide awareness, peer support, shift work, marriage, and what it actually takes to have a long, healthy career in this profession. Every episode is designed to leave you with something you can actually use. If you serve, lead people who serve, or love someone who does — this podcast was made for you.

  1. 6d ago

    Great Leaders Empower the Team - with Steve Vincent

    Need Help?  Check out our resource page at https://firstresponderwellness.co/resources/   Great Leaders Empower the Team - with Steve Vincent What does real leadership look like when lives, missions, and impossible decisions are on the line? In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver sits down with former U.S. Navy commanding officer Steve Vincent for a powerful conversation about leadership, trust, culture, and command in high-risk environments. Steve shares lessons learned leading sailors aboard Navy ships during deployments, crisis operations, and high-pressure missions — including a dramatic nighttime recovery operation in the Persian Gulf that tested everything he believed about leadership. This conversation challenges the idea that leaders must always be the smartest person in the room. Instead, Steve explores the power of teamwork, humility, psychological safety, and creating cultures where people at every level are empowered to speak up. Whether you're leading in law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, the military, or business, this episode offers practical and hard-earned leadership wisdom that can strengthen your team and your culture. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✓ Why great leaders don’t need to know everything ✓ The difference between command and true leadership ✓ How trust and psychological safety impact team performance ✓ What first responders can learn from military leadership culture ✓ Why empowering junior team members can prevent catastrophe ✓ The power of debriefing — even when things go well ✓ How humility and accountability build stronger organizations Key Takeaways “You don’t have to know how to fix the pump. Your job is to make sure your people have what they need to fix it.” “When everything goes right, it’s WE. When things go wrong, it’s ME.” “Leadership isn’t about controlling everything. It’s about creating a culture where people can speak up before mistakes become disasters.” About Steve Vincent Steve Vincent is a former U.S. Navy commanding officer with decades of leadership experience in military operations, organizational leadership, wellness, and high-performance team environments. Drawing from years of command at sea, Steve brings practical insight into trust, culture, leadership development, and human performance in high-stakes professions. Connect / Learn More +++++ Join the First Responder Leadership Mastermind - Sessions begin June 3.  Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

    52 min

  2. May 20

    The Ripple Effect of Saving a Life | Brad Newbury

    Need Help?  Check out our resource page at https://firstresponderwellness.co/resources/   The Ripple Effect of Saving a Life | Brad Newbury What does it really mean to save a life? In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran firefighter-paramedic, EMS educator, entrepreneur, and author Brad Newbury for a deeply human conversation about mental health, resilience, leadership, and the long-lasting impact of first responder work. With more than 40 years in fire and EMS, Brad has seen the best and worst days imaginable. He shares stories from the street, lessons from decades of leadership, and honest reflections on the emotional realities of being the helper when everyone else is falling apart. Together, Conrad and Brad unpack the old “suck it up” culture of first response, how mental health support has evolved, the challenges leaders face when trying to get their people help, and why staying connected to your “why” matters more than ever. Brad also shares the inspiring story behind his upcoming book, The Saved Effect, exploring how one call, one intervention, and one act of care can change generations. This episode is a reminder that first responders don’t just answer calls — they become part of people’s stories forever. Connect with Brad: https://bradnewbury.com/ +++++ Join the First Responder Leadership Mastermind - Sessions begin June 3.    FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

    56 min

  3. May 16 ·  Bonus

    SPECIAL EDITION: Walking Through Grief: Healing After First Responder Suicide.

    Donate to Marchelle's Fundraiser for Copline https://www.facebook.com/donate/847531208377644/1299883602026213/   https://www.copline.org/   Walking Through Grief: Healing After First Responder Suicide. In this deeply emotional episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Marchelle Farmer, widow of retired police sergeant Scott Farmer, to talk about love, trauma, loss, and healing after first responder suicide. Scott was a highly respected law enforcement officer — a SWAT operator, K9 handler, field training officer, and mentor to many younger officers. But behind the badge, he quietly carried the cumulative weight of trauma, sleeplessness, alcohol struggles, and emotional pain that eventually led to tragedy. Marchelle courageously shares the story of the night she lost Scott, the challenges of navigating grief in the public eye, and the difficult questions that follow suicide loss. She also opens up about her own darkest moments — including a life-changing call to CopLine, a confidential peer-support hotline staffed by retired officers that became a lifeline when she felt completely alone. Now, nearly one year after Scott’s death, Marchelle is walking nearly 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago to honor his memory, raise awareness about first responder mental health, and support CopLine through a special fundraiser. This conversation is raw, honest, heartbreaking, and hopeful — a reminder that healing is possible and no one has to suffer in silence.   +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

    35 min
  4. Lead Anyway, Even When Leadership is Broken - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

    May 13

    Lead Anyway, Even When Leadership is Broken - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

    Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.  Join our Mastermind Series: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/ +++++   132 - Lead Anyway, Even When Leadership is Broken - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman Everyone talks about bad leadership. But very few people take responsibility for becoming better leaders themselves. In Part 2 of this conversation, Conrad continues with Dave Grossman to explore what leadership really looks like inside first responder culture—and why so many organizations struggle with it. Grossman makes it clear: leadership is not about rank. It’s about self-control, service, and consistency. They unpack the reality of toxic leadership, why it’s not a new problem, and how pressure, poor selection, and lack of development contribute to it. But more importantly, they focus on what individuals can do—right now—to lead, regardless of their position. This episode is a direct challenge to anyone waiting for someone else to fix the culture. Because leadership doesn’t start when you get promoted. It starts the moment you decide to show up differently. If you’ve ever felt stuck under poor leadership, this conversation will give you a new lens—and a new level of responsibility. Key Topics Covered Why toxic leadership is so common Leadership vs positional authority Leading up, down, and across The role of self-control in leadership effectiveness Servant leadership in high-stress environments How to influence culture without rank Encouragement, recognition, and building trust Key Takeaways Leadership is a daily practice, not a position You don’t need rank to influence culture The best leaders serve, not command Recognition and encouragement are powerful leadership tools You can lead—even in a broken system Notable Quotes “Nobody respects your temper tantrum. They respect your calm.” “To be a better leader, you have to be a better person.” “Your job as a leader is to help them do their job better.” “Be the leader you wish you had.” Resources Mentioned Grossman’s leadership and training materials Leadership development principles rooted in behavioral science Mastermind CTA If this episode challenged you to step up in your leadership, this is exactly what we’re building inside the First Responder Leadership Mastermind, launching June 3. This is where we take these concepts and actually apply them—together, in a group of leaders committed to raising the standard. 👉 Learn more: firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind Final Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone on your team. Because culture doesn’t change from the top down. It changes when leaders—at every level—decide to lead differently.   +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

    25 min
  5. You're Not Broken, You're Leveling Up - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

    May 6

    You're Not Broken, You're Leveling Up - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

    Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.  Level up your leadership:  https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/   131 - You're Not Broken, You're Leveling Up - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman What if the very thing you’ve been told is breaking you… is actually making you stronger? In this conversation, Conrad sits down with Dave Grossman to unpack what really happens inside the mind and body under stress. From the physiological effects of high-pressure situations to the misunderstood nature of PTSD, this episode challenges one of the most common narratives in first responder culture. Grossman introduces the concept of post-traumatic growth—the idea that adversity, when processed correctly, doesn’t weaken us… it strengthens us. He explains why elevated heart rate, anxiety, and mental replay aren’t necessarily signs of damage, but signals that the body is adapting and preparing. You’ll walk away with practical tools to manage stress in real time—simple, actionable techniques like controlled breathing and even something as basic as drinking water to regulate the nervous system. More importantly, this episode reframes how leaders should guide their teams through trauma—not by dismissing it, but by helping them understand it. This is not just about surviving stress. It’s about learning how to grow through it. Key Topics Covered The difference between PTSD and post-traumatic growth What’s actually happening in your body under stress Why perception determines performance Tools to regulate the nervous system in real time How leaders should guide others through high-stress experiences EMDR and separating memory from emotion Why most people are more resilient than they think Key Takeaways Stress responses are not always signs of damage—they can be signs of adaptation Leaders play a critical role in how trauma is processed Calm is trained, not automatic The body can be brought under control with simple, repeatable techniques Growth is possible—even after intense experiences Notable Quotes “This is not PTSD… this is what it feels like to level up.” “Two people can feel the same thing—one thinks they’re broken, the other wants to do it forever.” “Breathing is a leash on the nervous system.” “The worse it gets, the calmer the leader needs to become.” Resources Mentioned EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Grossman’s books and training materials Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone on your team. And make sure you’re subscribed—because in Part 2, we shift from managing stress… to what leadership actually looks like inside real organizations.   +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

    21 min
  6. Mental Warfare is Part of the Path - with Rob Magao

    Apr 29

    Mental Warfare is Part of the Path - with Rob Magao

    Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.  CODE RED Fundraiser: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lightningdigital/code-red-a-cardiac-wake-up-call Join our Mastermind Series: https://firstresponderwellness.co/mastermind/ +++++ 130 - Mental Warfare is Part of the Path - with Rob Magao This conversation begins with a hard truth: most people will experience a handful of high-stress emergencies in their lifetime… but first responders live inside that stress—day after day. In this conversation, Rob Magao pulls back the curtain on what repeated exposure to use-of-force situations actually does to an officer’s mind. It’s not just the moment—it’s the aftermath. The second-guessing. The weight. The accumulation of stress that quietly builds until something breaks. But the deeper insight isn’t just about trauma—it’s about preparation. Rob makes a compelling case that the real issue isn’t just the danger officers face… it’s the lack of consistent, realistic training to meet that danger. When training is sporadic, scripted, or insufficient, officers are forced to rely on instinct in moments where instinct isn’t enough. And that’s where everything changes. Because confidence—real confidence—is built through repetition, pressure, and consistency. It’s what allows an officer to stay calm, act decisively, and ultimately de-escalate situations that could otherwise spiral. This episode challenges leaders and officers alike to rethink responsibility: What are you doing daily to prepare for someone else’s worst day?   Connect with Rob: https://officersurvivalseries.com   +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

    39 min
  7. The Emotional Toll of Life in the Trauma Unit with Dr. Alicia Mangram

    Apr 22

    The Emotional Toll of Life in the Trauma Unit with Dr. Alicia Mangram

    Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.  CODE RED Fundraiser: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lightningdigital/code-red-a-cardiac-wake-up-call 129 - The Emotional Toll of Life in the Trauma Unit with Dr. Alicia Mangram What happens when the people trusted to save lives have nowhere safe to process their own pain? In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with trauma surgeon Dr. Alicia Mangram about burnout inside hospital systems, the emotional toll of caring for the sick and dying, and why wellness in medicine has to become more than a buzzword. Together, they explore leadership, culture, work-life balance, COVID’s lasting impact, and Dr. Mangram’s vision for changing healthcare from the inside out. This episode will resonate with healthcare workers, first responders, leaders, and anyone who has ever carried the weight of caring for others while quietly neglecting themselves. ABOUT DR. MANGRAM Dr. Alicia Mangram is an accomplished trauma surgeon and critical care physician with more than 25 years of experience serving in high-stress hospital environments. Her work has placed her at the center of life-and-death care, where she has witnessed firsthand the emotional burden carried not only by physicians, but also by nurses, pharmacists, environmental staff, trainees, and every member of the clinical team. That experience has shaped her growing commitment to wellness, leadership, and long-term sustainability in medicine. Driven by a desire to change the culture of healthcare, Dr. Mangram created Compassionate Gift, a program designed to support surgeons, physicians, residents, advanced practice providers, and medical students in building what she calls “lifelong durability.” Through her GET Theory—God, Emotions, and Trust—she is working to create safe spaces where healthcare professionals can process hardship, reject stigma, and learn to stay whole while continuing to serve others. Her message is simple but profound: healthcare workers are gifted healers, but they also need healing communities of their own.   +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

    42 min
  8. SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles with Taylor Montey (Part 2)

    Apr 15

    SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles with Taylor Montey (Part 2)

    "Better sleep often starts with a better environment." - Taylor Montey Need help? Check out these resources: www.firstresponderwellness.co/resources or Dial 988 for immediate help.  SLEEP! Stop Counting Hours, Count Cycles with Taylor Montey In part two of this conversation, Conrad Weaver and Taylor Montey get practical about sleep in the first responder world. They talk about how to create a better sleep environment in bunk rooms and at home, how alarms and abrupt wake-ups affect the body, whether sleep trackers help or hurt, how alcohol impacts recovery, when naps can be useful, and why even late-night phone scrolling can disrupt rest. This episode is full of realistic, actionable insight for first responders, leaders, spouses, and anyone trying to build healthier rhythms in a career that constantly disrupts them.     CONNECT WITH TAYLOR: Instagram: mindset.reps Facebook: mindsetreps   +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC Copyright ©2026 First Responder Wellness Solutions, LLC - All rights Reserved.

    22 min
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The First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver is where mental health, resilience, and real solutions meet for police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and the families who support them. No fluff. No corporate wellness speak. Just honest conversations with first responders, mental health professionals, and leaders who've lived it — covering burnout, PTSD, suicide awareness, peer support, shift work, marriage, and what it actually takes to have a long, healthy career in this profession. Every episode is designed to leave you with something you can actually use. If you serve, lead people who serve, or love someone who does — this podcast was made for you.

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