First Responder Wellness Podcast

In this  episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver has a conversation with Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a leading psychiatrist and trauma researcher. Dr. Javanbakht explains the neurological and emotional roots of trauma and PTSD, particularly among first responders, and shares how cutting-edge augmented reality technology is offering real hope for healing. From redefining fear to walking alongside patients through di...

In this episode, host Conrad Weaver has a conversation with Joe King, a 28-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department and one of the driving forces behind their Officer Wellness & Longevity Unit (OWL). Joe opens up about the trauma he experienced during the 2016 Dallas ambush that killed five officers, and how that tragedy became the turning point for his personal journey—and a catalyst for systemic change.

Joe shares the ins...

Episode Title: I'm Going to Sit With You Guest: Barb Bigalke, Founder of the Center for Suicide Awareness

Episode Summary: In this deeply impactful conversation, Conrad Weaver speaks with Barb Bigalke, the founder of the Center for Suicide Awareness, about breaking the stigma around suicide and supporting those who are grieving. Barb shares her journey from working at the Wisconsin Department of Justice to creating a safe space for...

93 - Going Within to Heal with April Chavez

In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver has a conversation with April Chavez, a former deputy sheriff turned entrepreneur, educator, and wellness advocate. April shares her remarkable journey from serving in the remote mountains of Colorado with limited backup to becoming a leader in the world of personal growth and holistic wellness.

Their conversation...

In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with Neil Schoepp, a former New York City police officer and firefighter, to discuss how first responders—and anyone—can overcome hesitation and overthinking to live more intentionally and purposefully. Neil shares real-world stories from his time in uniform, the deadly consequences of hesitation, and how he translated first responder training into tools for civilian life.

This conversation dive...

91 - Faith: A Foundation for Resilience - with Sgt. Jason Sery

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran police officer Jason Sery, who shares his 26-year journey in law enforcement, his unwavering Christian faith, and the hidden toll that comes with a life in service. Jason opens up about the emotional and psychological weight of his career — from experiencing trauma firsthand to carrying t...

90 - Caring for the Caregiver: Preventing Burnout in First Responders with Fran Graham

In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with crisis response expert and former police officer Fran Graham about trauma care for first responders and disaster survivors. Fran breaks down the essential differences between trauma, PTSD, and moral injury, and explains how psychological first aid plays a critical role in immediate crisis stabilization. S...

89 - Discovering Purpose in Trauma - The Craig DeMartino Story

You won’t believe this story: Craig DeMartino fell roughly 100 feet in the backcountry, suffered catastrophic injuries—and then amputated his own leg. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive the night.

Fast-forward 22 years, and Craig has not only climbed El Capitan five times, including as the first amputee to summit it in under 24 hours, but he also leads climbing expe...

Episode Title: The Calls Didn't Break Me: Toxic Leadership and It's Toll - with Chief David Rhodes

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Chief David Rhodes—veteran firefighter, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering Magazine, and VP of Clarion Fire & Rescue Group—about the often-unspoken toll of toxic leadership in the fire service. Dr...

Turning Tragedy Into Purpose: Regan Falk’s Story and the Legacy of Kevin Regan

Guest: Regan Falk – Founder, Kevin Regan Family Foundation

Summary: In this heartfelt and deeply emotional conversation, Conrad talks with Regan Falk, widow of Philadelphia police officer Kevin Regan. Regan shares her family's journey—beginning with Kevin’s dream of becoming a police officer, the toll of years on the force, and the trauma that ultimately...

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86 - He Survived the Fire - She Fought to Heal the Wounds 

In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Liz Bartholomew, founder of Responders Retreat in Wisconsin. Liz shares the deeply personal and emotional story of her husband Joe, a veteran firefigh...

In Episode 85 of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker shares his 39-year journey through the fire service—and the emotional weight that comes with it. From handling fatal fire scenes to the heartbreaking loss of his beloved dogs, Don opens up about the quiet, often ignored toll of first responder work. But this episode isn't about despair—it's about hope, growth, and leading by example.

He spe...

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EPISODE SYNOPSIS Retired NYPD officer Samantha Sonnett opens up about her personal journey following her diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She shares how her chronic illness prompted a major lifestyle overhaul, focusing on cellular health, stress management, hydration, gut health, and nutrition. ...

In the first installment of this two-part series, host Conrad Weaver welcomes back Samantha Sonnett, a retired NYPD officer, for an unfiltered and deeply moving conversation about the realities of law enforcement and its long-term impact on wellness.

Samantha reflects on her 20+ year career with the NYPD, from patrolling the streets to training first responders for high-risk emergencies. She offers a behind-the-...

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82 - Finding Purpose after the Trauma with Kris O'Neill

Guest: Kris O’Neill Host: Conrad Weaver Podcast: First Responder Wellness Podcast

In this episode, retired officer Kris O'Neill o...

Keep the Truth Tellers Around You with Dr. Jennifer Prohaska

This isn’t your typical feel-good chat about mental health. In this brutally honest and refreshingly grounded episode, Dr. Jennifer Prohaska cuts through the fluff with a clear message: we’re focusing on the wrong end of the problem when it comes to wellness in public safety. Dr. Jen explains why organizational dysfunction, not trauma alone, is what’s pushing people out ...

In this episode of the First Responder Wellness podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Mark Pattison, a former NFL wide receiver turned extreme mountaineer and Sports Illustrated executive. While Mark may not be a first responder in the traditional sense, his life journey is filled with parallels — perseverance, grit, mental toughness, and the daily discipline required to survive and thrive under intense pressure. Mark shares ...

In Episode 79, Conrad Weaver welcomes back Jeremy Wade, former Seattle Police Officer and current founder of Mission First Alliance, a national faith-based organization supporting first responders. This episode features an inspiring and deeply moving conversation about the challenges and victories of living out Christian faith in the demanding world of first responders.

Jeremy shares his personal journey of recommit...

🎙️ Episode Overview In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with Rachael Belcher, a seasoned paramedic from Baltimore County with over 25 years of experience in emergency services. Rachael opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of the job, recounting her early days as a 911 dispatcher during 9/11, her evolution into field response, and the bui...