After The Tones Drop

with Cinnamon
  • 5.0 (34)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Embark on a journey that goes beyond sirens and flashing lights After The Tones Drop Podcast provides a safe haven to explore, demystify, and destigmatize mental health and wellness for first responders.  Join Cinnamon and her guests as they pull back the curtain, sharing powerful stories and expert insights that resonate with the heartbeat of those who run towards danger when others step back. It's more than just a podcast; it's a lifeline for the ones who dedicate their lives to saving others. In each episode, stories get unraveled and struggles behind the badges are shared, showcasing the human side of heroism. Discover the strength in vulnerability and the power in sharing. It's more than a conversation; it's a revolution—a revolution in mental health care for our first responders. So, tune in for candid conversations, practical strategies, and a sprinkle of humor—because healing begins with understanding, and understanding starts here.   Let's break down the barriers, one episode at a time. Because after the tones drop, the real conversation begins, and we're here to make sure it's heard loud and clear.

  1. When the Magic Feels Missing – Navigating Numbness and Disconnection During the Holidays

    5D AGO

    When the Magic Feels Missing – Navigating Numbness and Disconnection During the Holidays

    Send us a text Christmas Eve is supposed to feel magical. For a lot of first responders, it just feels flat. In this solocast, I’m talking about the numbness that so many of you experience during the holidays and why it doesn’t mean you’re broken, ungrateful, or doing something wrong.  You’ll hear practical, doable tools you can use right now, including:  • How to use micro presence to gently reconnect without forcing feelings  • A simple pre entry reset to help your nervous system shift before family time  • How to adjust expectations so connection replaces perfection  • When taking a break is healthy regulation, not avoidance  • Why small moments of real presence matter more than one perfect day If the holidays feel heavy, quiet, or emotionally distant this year, this episode is for you. You are not broken. You’re human. And sometimes the most honest thing you can do is show up for one real moment at a time. 🎧 Listen to Cinnamon’s solocast now. DISCLAIMER: After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74 https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

    16 min
  2. When the Crisis Is Inside of You With Brad Shepherd

    DEC 17

    When the Crisis Is Inside of You With Brad Shepherd

    Send us a text Episode 136: From Crisis to Connection with Brad Shepard What happens when the crisis isn’t on the call sheet, but inside you? In this episode of After the Tones Drop, I sit down with retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol Captain Brad Shepherd for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about what it really takes to survive the weight of this work. Brad shares his journey through decades of law enforcement, building peer support teams, and eventually facing a personal reckoning marked by alcoholism, betrayal, loss, and isolation. We talk openly about the realities first responders don’t often say out loud. The cumulative toll of trauma. The danger of believing you have to carry it all alone. And the moment when surrender becomes the only way forward. This conversation dives deep into the power of surrender, storytelling, and community. Brad explains how vulnerability became a lifeline, how peer support and recovery spaces quite literally saved his life, and why telling your story can open the door for someone else to find hope. If you’re a first responder, a veteran, or someone who loves one, this episode is a reminder that strength isn’t found in silence and healing doesn’t happen in isolation. You are not alone. And your story matters. DISCLAIMER: After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74 https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

    1h 21m
  3. Backpacks, Badges, and Burnout: Finding Freedom on the Trail

    DEC 10

    Backpacks, Badges, and Burnout: Finding Freedom on the Trail

    Send us a text Episode 135: After the Tones Drop with Michael Slocum of Frontline Freedom In this inspiring episode, Cinnamon welcomes Michael Slocum—active Lieutenant with the Painesville Police Department and a leader at Frontline Freedom: Adventure Therapy. Michael shares how his passion for the outdoors and adventure has become a powerful tool for relaxation, resilience, and healing for himself and fellow first responders. Discover how Michael’s journey through law enforcement led him to embrace backpacking as a way to decompress, reconnect, and process the unique stresses of the job. He discusses the mission of Frontline Freedom, a nonprofit dedicated to providing basically free outdoor adventure experiences for first responders and veterans, and how these trips help participants break out of routine, build confidence, and rediscover joy beyond the badge. Packed with practical insights, stories from the trail, and a look at how adventure therapy is making a difference, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in wellness, leadership, and the power of nature to transform lives. Learn more or get involved: frontlinefreedom.org DISCLAIMER: After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74 https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

    53 min
  4. Kenny Schroeder When Someone You Care About Doesn’t Survive: A Conversation About Loss, Humanity, and the Work We Do

    DEC 3

    Kenny Schroeder When Someone You Care About Doesn’t Survive: A Conversation About Loss, Humanity, and the Work We Do

    Send us a text In this deeply personal episode, host Cinnamon is joined by her friend and colleague, Lieutenant Kenny Schroeder, to explore the profound impact of losing someone to suicide within the first responder community. Together, they share their intertwined stories of grief, vulnerability, and the emotional aftermath of Cinnamon losing a client and friend. Cinnamon opens up about the self-doubt, guilt, and questions that haunted her after her client’s death, while Kenny offers the perspective of a peer supporter and witness to her pain. Their candid conversation breaks down the myth that helpers are immune to grief, and highlights the importance of support, compassion, and honest dialogue in the healing process. Listeners will hear about the ripple effects of suicide, the challenges of carrying on in the face of loss, and the lessons learned about letting go of blame and embracing humanity. This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is alone in their struggles, and that hope and healing are possible—even in the darkest moments. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and its emotional impact. Please take care while listening, and reach out for support if needed. DISCLAIMER: After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74 https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

    59 min
  5. Radical Openness: Healing Over-Control with RO-DBT

    NOV 26

    Radical Openness: Healing Over-Control with RO-DBT

    Send us a text What if the very traits that helped you survive your childhood, your career, and your trauma are now the same traits keeping you lonely, exhausted, or shut down? In Episode 133, I sit down with Jimmy Portner and Dr. Nate Tomcik — founders of Radically Open Connections — for a powerful conversation about RO-DBT, the therapy model designed specifically for people who are too controlled. The perfectionists. The high achievers. The rule-followers. The leaders. The “I’m fine” responders. The people who hold it all together on the outside while quietly burning out on the inside. Jimmy and Dr. Nate break down the real difference between standard DBT and RO-DBT, and why so many first responders and veterans fall into the over-controlled category. More importantly, they explain how RO-DBT helps people open up, reconnect, and rebuild the parts of themselves that got buried under duty, discipline, and decades of holding it all in. We get into: Why emotional over-control leads to loneliness, depression, rigidity, and burnoutHow RO-DBT uses social signaling to shift the nervous system out of threat modeThe “Big Three + One” — the small body-language cues that increase connectionWhy vulnerability, curiosity, and openness are learned skills, not personality traitsHow group work creates a sense of tribe and breaks lifelong patterns of isolationHow this model is transforming mental health for first responders, military members, and high performersWhat “flexible control” looks like in real life — and why it feels so uncomfortable at firstJimmy and Nate also share practical tools you can start using today, whether you’re a clinician, a responder, or someone trying to repair old relationship patterns. If you’ve ever been told you’re “too serious,” “too rigid,” “too independent,” or “hard to read”… this episode will feel like turning on a light switch. If you’ve ever struggled to let people in or admit you’re hurting… this episode is for you. If you’re tired of surviving by shutting down… this episode might change the way you understand yourself forever. DISCLAIMER: After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74 https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

    1h 17m
  6. The Other Side of Suicide: Generational Suicidal Ideation and the Price Everyone Pays

    NOV 19

    The Other Side of Suicide: Generational Suicidal Ideation and the Price Everyone Pays

    Send us a text This week I sit down with Chicago Police Officer Carrie Matthews for one of the most honest and needed conversations we have ever had on this show. Carrie talks about living on both sides of suicide. She is a cop, and she is the daughter of an officer who died by suicide. Her story is raw, human, and filled with the kind of truth that too many first responders are carrying in silence. Together, we talk about the load you carry that no one sees, the pressure to stay strong, and the way humor becomes a survival skill. We talk about what real courage looks like and how to ask for help before you reach the point of collapse. And we talk about the simple power of checking in and really listening to each other. If you have ever lost someone, struggled in the dark, or felt like you had to hold it all together alone, this conversation is for you. You are not alone. You matter. And your story is not over. DISCLAIMER: After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74 https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

    1h 22m
  7. Responder Resilience : Tools for Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth with David Dachinger

    NOV 12

    Responder Resilience : Tools for Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth with David Dachinger

    Send us a text In this powerful episode, Cinnamon sits down with David Dachinger, a retired fire lieutenant, Grammy-nominated music producer, cancer survivor, and mental wellness advocate to explore the intersection of trauma, healing, and transformation in the first responder world. From a stage-IV cancer diagnosis that changed his life’s direction to his groundbreaking work with Responder Resilience, Igniting the Shift Within, and the nonprofit 22Zero, David’s story is a masterclass in post-traumatic growth. Together, they discuss how mindfulness, movement, and gratitude can become lifelines for those on the frontlines, and how simple tools can rewire how trauma is processed (without having to relive the pain). This episode offers practical insight, heartfelt honesty, and hope for anyone walking through their own healing journey. 🎧 Tune in to hear how David is helping responders reclaim their peace, refile their memories, and remember that healing is possible. Learn more about David’s work: Responder Resilience Podcast: respondertv.com Igniting the Shift Within Podcast: podpage.com/igniting 22Zero Peer Coaching Program: 22Zero.org Book: Helping the Helpers LinkedIn: David DachingerDISCLAIMER: After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74 https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

    54 min
  8. Out of the Warzone and Into the Water — Gage Hall on Stoke Therapy, Joy, and Healing in Motion

    NOV 5

    Out of the Warzone and Into the Water — Gage Hall on Stoke Therapy, Joy, and Healing in Motion

    Send us a text Episode 130: Out of the Warzone and Into the Water — Gage Hall on Stoke Therapy, Joy, and Healing in Motion What happens when the battlefield follows you home?  In this powerful conversation, Cinnamon sits down with Gage Hall—Army veteran, firefighter, EMT, and founder of Stoke Therapy—to explore what real healing looks like when traditional therapy isn’t enough. After years of combat service and the invisible wounds that came with it, Gage discovered that healing doesn’t always happen in an office. It happens in motion—on the water, on the trail, and surrounded by people who understand. Stoke Therapy blends adventure sports, nature, and mental health principles to help first responders and veterans rediscover joy, connection, and purpose. Gage shares how the ocean became his therapist, why community matters more than perfection, and how play can be one of the most powerful medicines we have. This isn’t just a story about surviving trauma—it’s about rewriting what recovery can look like. DISCLAIMER: After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74 https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

    59 min
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About

Embark on a journey that goes beyond sirens and flashing lights After The Tones Drop Podcast provides a safe haven to explore, demystify, and destigmatize mental health and wellness for first responders.  Join Cinnamon and her guests as they pull back the curtain, sharing powerful stories and expert insights that resonate with the heartbeat of those who run towards danger when others step back. It's more than just a podcast; it's a lifeline for the ones who dedicate their lives to saving others. In each episode, stories get unraveled and struggles behind the badges are shared, showcasing the human side of heroism. Discover the strength in vulnerability and the power in sharing. It's more than a conversation; it's a revolution—a revolution in mental health care for our first responders. So, tune in for candid conversations, practical strategies, and a sprinkle of humor—because healing begins with understanding, and understanding starts here.   Let's break down the barriers, one episode at a time. Because after the tones drop, the real conversation begins, and we're here to make sure it's heard loud and clear.

Information

  • Creator
    with Cinnamon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 After The Tones Drop
  • Show Website
    After The Tones Drop

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