Minds on the Frontline Podcast

A cop, a dispatcher, and two firefighters walk into a podcast studio...

June 07, 2023 Geoff Lassers and Mike Mattern Episode 5
A cop, a dispatcher, and two firefighters walk into a podcast studio...
Minds on the Frontline Podcast
More Info
Minds on the Frontline Podcast
A cop, a dispatcher, and two firefighters walk into a podcast studio...
Jun 07, 2023 Episode 5
Geoff Lassers and Mike Mattern

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

In this episode, we welcome James Wade and Don Gephart.  James is a police officer with the Dearborn Police Department, as well as a member of his departments peer support team. Don Gephart is a dispatcher for Dearborn Police and Fire.  James and Don were invited to the show to have a real, honest, and raw conversation about the realities of the stress that frontline workers face. 

During this episode, we talk about PTSD and the impact on first responders.  Then, we talk about the value of culturally competent clinicians that understand the job.  Finally, we close out the conversation by discussing the value of normalizing the impact of trauma on frontline workers and letting our colleagues know that “it’s ok that it’s not ok,” and treatment is available. 

Host - Geoff Lassers (Lassers126@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern (michaelmattern229@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - James Wade (JVWade2009@gmail.com), Dearborn Police Department

Guest - Don Gephart (Geppyfam1185@outlook.com), Dearborn Fire and Police Dispatch

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis - work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthday #mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthawa...

Show Notes

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program.  The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

In this episode, we welcome James Wade and Don Gephart.  James is a police officer with the Dearborn Police Department, as well as a member of his departments peer support team. Don Gephart is a dispatcher for Dearborn Police and Fire.  James and Don were invited to the show to have a real, honest, and raw conversation about the realities of the stress that frontline workers face. 

During this episode, we talk about PTSD and the impact on first responders.  Then, we talk about the value of culturally competent clinicians that understand the job.  Finally, we close out the conversation by discussing the value of normalizing the impact of trauma on frontline workers and letting our colleagues know that “it’s ok that it’s not ok,” and treatment is available. 

Host - Geoff Lassers (Lassers126@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD

Host - Mike Mattern (michaelmattern229@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD

Guest - James Wade (JVWade2009@gmail.com), Dearborn Police Department

Guest - Don Gephart (Geppyfam1185@outlook.com), Dearborn Fire and Police Dispatch

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.

NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis - work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthday #mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthawa...