Minds on the Frontline Podcast
Episodes
78 episodes
How to Start a Peer Support Team
This episode focuses on how to start and build a peer support team within a first responder organization. We discuss what peer support is, how it differs from Critical Incident Stress Management, and how the two systems work together. We also c...
Building FST5 - The MPFFU Perspective, with Matt Sahr
In this episode, we are joined by Matt Sahr, President of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU), as we continue our Building FST5 series. Matt represents thousands of professional firefighters across Michigan and brings decades ...
The FST5 Crisis and Resource Line, with Jim Peyton and Ryan Kilyanek
In this episode, we are joined by Jim Peyton, Manager of the FST5 Crisis and Resource Line and a retired Detroit firefighter-paramedic, and by Ryan Kilyanek, a line supervisor with experience in corrections and behavioral health response. Toget...
Building FST5 - The POAM Perspective, with James Tignanelli
In this episode, we are joined by James Tignanelli, President of the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), as we continue our Building FST5 series. James brings decades of experience representing law enforcement agencies across Michig...
The Slippery Slope of Frontline Stress, with Cinnamon Reiheld, MSW, LISW
In this episode, we are joined by Cinnamon Reiheld, MSW, LISW, a trauma specialist with extensive experience working with first responders. Recognized for her straightforward and practical approach, she skillfully translates clinical concepts i...
Building FST5: The FOP Perspective, with Mike Sauger
In this episode, we welcome Mike Sauger, a Warren police officer and President of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, to discuss how Michigan identified gaps in mental and behavioral health support for first responders and how those gaps le...
Men’s Health on the Frontlines, with Dr. Michael Lutz
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Lutz, a retired urologist and President of the Michigan Men’s Health Foundation, to discuss men’s health, prevention, and the long-term health risks faced by first responders. Drawing on more than 40 year...
Postpartum Depression on the Frontline, with Kathryn Dunklow
In this episode, Kathryn Dunklow, EMS Administrator for the Traverse City Fire Department, shares her experiences with frontline work, leadership, motherhood, and unseen struggles. Her journey from rural, fire-based EMS to leadership shaped her...
Connecting Michigan’s Frontline Through MCAs, with Dr. Robert Dunne and Damon Gorelick
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rob Dunne and Damon Gorelick from the Detroit East Medical Control Authority. Dr. Dunne, an emergency medicine and EMS physician, is the Medical Director for DEMCA and the Detroit Fire Department. Damon Gorelick,...
Every Drink Counts: The Real Cost of Alcohol, with Dr. Andrew King, MD
This episode is an honest, evidence-based discussion about one of the most common coping mechanisms in frontline culture: Alcohol. From celebrations to stress relief, drinking has long been a part of the rhythm of public safety life. But what i...
Women, Motherhood, & Life on the Frontlines, with Lindsey Thompson
This episode features Lieutenant Lindsey Thompson from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Police Services Division. A mother who started law enforcement later after working in other fields, Lindsey discusses postpartum depression, trauma, c...
Fueling the Frontline with Nutrition That Works, with Megan Lautz RD
This episode of Minds on the Frontline features Meaghan Lotz, a registered dietician, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and tactical strength coach who works with fire, EMS, law enforcement, and corrections. Through her company, R...
Debriefing the Unthinkable, with Justin Templeton
This episode of Minds on the Frontline takes us deep inside the unseen reality of what it means to flip the switch during a crisis, and what happens when it won’t flip back. Our guest, Justin Templeton, is a seasoned firefighter, Paramedic, and...
Fear, Safety, & the Traumatized Brain, with Dr. Tanja Jovanovic
This episode of Minds on the Frontline examines how trauma changes the brain and what that means for those who serve. Dr. Tanja Jovanovic, a well-known neuroscientist and professor at Wayne State University, joins us to explain how stress, trau...
Prioritizing Officer Wellness, with Officer Steve Dluzynski
In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, Dearborn Police Officer Stephen Dluzynski shares how the loss of his best friend and fellow officer to suicide became the catalyst for his personal healing and professional mission. Through honest refl...
Cannabis Risks, Research, and Reality with Dr. Leslie Lundahl
In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, we take an educational, research-driven look at cannabis and its impact on mental health, trauma, and high-stress professions. As cannabis use becomes more common and socially accepted, frontl...
Same Fight, Different Uniforms - Avi Amirsadri & Dr. Keith Alangaden
This episode explores the emotional parallels between emergency room teams and frontline responders. We are joined by Dr. Keith Alangaden, an emergency physician and EMS medical director, along with Avazeh “Avi” Amirsadri, a nurse and the ER di...
AR Therapy & First Responder Trauma with Dr. Arash Javanbakht
This episode explores trauma recovery with Dr. Arash Javanbakht, who is transforming PTSD treatment by integrating augmented reality (AR) therapy into treatment. We explore how this technology aids first responders in trauma situations wi...
What PTSD Looks Like in 911 Dispatch – Jason and Kathy Lott
In this episode, we explore the hidden mental toll faced by 9-1-1 dispatchers. Kathy and Jason Lott, founders of the Thin Gold Line, share their personal story: how PTSD forced Jason into medical retirement and how they transformed pain into pu...
When Cancer Hits Home - Dr. Mary Morreale, psycho-oncologist, cancer survivor
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Mary Morreale, psycho-oncologist and cancer survivor. Joining us as a guest co-host is Larry Gambotto, a firefighter and cancer survivor who is also the State Director of the Michigan Chapter of the Firefighter C...
Somatic Skills for Stress and Resilience with Mr. G and David Roberts
In this episode, Michael “Mr. G” Gillespie and David Roberts from Mind Body Reconnect (www.mindbodyreconnect.org) discuss how somatic skills (simple, body-based techniques) can help shift the nervous system from stress to balance. With...
Marriage, Maydays, and Making It: Tracy and Scott Stockinger
In Episode 52, we sat down with Scott Stockinger and his kids, who gave us an honest glimpse into what it’s like growing up with a firefighter dad. Today, Scott returns with his wife, Tracy, to discuss marriage, maydays, and how they’ve m...
Dr. Arash Javanbakht: Trauma, Healing, & Hope
In this episode, Dr. Arash Javanbakht returns to explore the science of trauma, its impact on the brain and body, and innovative treatments like augmented reality exposure therapy. We break down the difference between stress and trauma, the ris...
Ryan Fessenden: 911 Dispatchers - Relentless and Unseen
For 25 years, Ryan Fessenden served as a 911 dispatcher for the City of Warren. Answering life-or-death calls from both strangers and loved ones. In this episode, he shares how a detour turned into a lifelong mission in public safety, the...
Dr. Vaibhav Diwadkar: Enhancing resilience under stress
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Vaibhav Diwadkar, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Wayne State University. Dr. Diwadkar worked directly with Wim Hof, the world-famous figure known for enduring extreme cold and pushing hum...
