Minds on the Frontline Podcast

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program in collaboration with the Michigan Crisis and Access Line. Frontline Strong Together, or FST5, provides streamlined access to behavioral health resources, as well as increased access to crisis services to Michigan’s front line five, which includes all professional, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers. The Michigan Crisis and Access Line, or MiCAL, serves as the central call center for the FST5 Program. FST5 was collaboratively created by first responders and mental health experts to provide 24/7 live support, effective resources, and cutting-edge services to prevent and alleviate PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other frontline work-related mental health challenges. NEED HELP NOW? If you are experiencing any crisis - work related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, financial, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.

Podcasting since 2023 • 85 episodes

Minds on the Frontline Podcast

Latest Episodes

ONE FATAL CALL, TWO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES, with William Kaczur

In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, licensed professional counselor William Kaczur, MS, LPC, NCE, CISM, reflects on his first fire department ride-along, which took an unexpected turn when he was brought directly to the scene of a fatal ...

August 06, 2026 • Episode 86 • 46:50

SAME EVENT, DIFFERENT WOUNDS: Surviving the Oxford High School Shooting

E85 - SAME EVENT, DIFFERENT WOUNDS: Surviving the Oxford High School ShootingIn this episode of Minds on the Frontline, Oxford High School shooting survivor Kylie Ossege and firefighter-paramedic Justin Templeton share what the sa...

July 22, 2026 • Episode 85 • 1:06:37

YOU ARE NOT BROKEN: Retraining the First Responder Brain, with Dr. Jason Wilkinson

In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, we speak with Dr. Jason Wilkinson, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at Wayne State University, about what first responders and their families can expect when seeking clinical care. Dr. W...

July 15, 2026 • Episode 84 • 47:28

Supporting First Responders Through Loss, with FST5 and Dignity Memorial

In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, we speak with Sarah Hutton and Scott Hurrell about the partnership between FST5 and Dignity Memorial, a network of funeral homes, cemeteries, cremation providers, and memorial service professionals. Th...

June 15, 2026 • Episode 83 • 23:28

Private EMS, Public Impact: No Responder Left Behind

In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, we talk with Vince Waryas, Operations Director for Universal Macomb and board member with the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services, about the realities faced by private EMS providers. With nearly...

June 03, 2026 • Episode 82 • 28:13

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