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.
Episodes
55 episodes
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...
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Episode 55
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42:13
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...
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56:51
Dr. Rebecca Sripada: First Responders and PTSD
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rebecca Sripada, a leading clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr. Sripada is also a Research Scientist at the VA Center for C...
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Episode 53
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36:20
The Stockinger Family – Growing up with a firefighter father
In this episode, we sit down with Scott Stockinger, a professional firefighter and paramedic with the Dearborn Fire Department, and his two children, Cole and Amber. During the COVID lockdown, a conversation at home changed everything. Sc...
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Episode 52
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1:09:44
Matt Dunaj: Rehab, Relapse, and Redemption
Detroit firefighter Matt Dunaj knows firsthand how the weight of life and the job can push someone to the brink. In August 2024, overwhelmed by stress and addiction, he sat alone in his basement, gun in hand, ready to end it all, until his Gold...
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Episode 51
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40:52
Dr. David Ledgerwood on Addiction, Trauma, and First Responders
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Dave Ledgerwood, a professor at Wayne State University and a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ledgerwood breaks down how addiction, whether to nicotine, gambl...
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Episode 50
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38:34
Captain David Clifton, Washtenaw County Corrections: The cost of order behind bars
In this episode, we welcome Captain David Clifton of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division, where he has served for 18 years and counting. During this episode, we discuss the challenges officers face, the emotional toll of ...
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Episode 49
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50:53
Crying and Laughing with Dr. Ali Amirsadri
In this episode, Dr. Ali Amirsadri, Director of the FST5 Program and a seasoned psychiatrist with over 20 years in emergency psychiatry, joins us to explore the profound connection between crying and laughter. As essential emotional tools, thes...
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Episode 48
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39:44
Conrad Weaver - Film maker: PTSD 911
In this episode, we welcome award-winning filmmaker Conrad Weaver, director of PTSD 911, a documentary exploring the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Conrad shares insights from his journey capturing the resilience and strugg...
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Episode 47
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37:17
Ali Amirsadri, M.D. Understanding Grief (Part 2)
In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Ali Amirsadri, a respected psychiatrist, professor, and advocate for frontline mental health. As the Director of the FST5 Program, Dr. A has over 20 years of experience in emergency psychiatry and specialize...
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Episode 46
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43:58
Kevin Sehlmeyer - State of Michigan Fire Marshal
In this episode, Michigan’s State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer shares insights from over 30 years in the fire service. We discuss his work leading the Bureau of Fire Services, efforts to reduce fire fatalities, and initiatives like FST5 that ex...
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Episode 45
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41:45
Mike McFall - State of Michigan Representative
In this episode, we sit down with Michigan State Representative Mike McFall, a dedicated advocate for public safety and community well-being. Representing House District 8, which includes Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and portions of Ferndale, D...
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Episode 44
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30:51
James Geering on Frontline Wellness Solutions
In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, we sit down with James Geering, former firefighter, paramedic, and host of the acclaimed Behind the Shield Podcast. With over 1,000 episodes and 6 million downloads, James has become a trusted voice in...
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Episode 43
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1:03:00
Navigating the Emotional Aftermath of Loss
In this episode, we welcome back Ashley Freeman, an EMT, mental health advocate, and volunteer with the Northwest Michigan Peer Support Network. Drawing from personal loss, including the suicide of her father and his mentor, Ashley shares her j...
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Episode 42
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36:49
Understanding Grief with Ali Amirsadri, M.D.
In this episode, we welcome Ali Amirsadri, M.D., a respected psychiatrist and mental health advocate. Dr. A serves as the Professor and Associate Chair for Clinical Services in the Department of Psychiatry at Wayne State University, the Chief M...
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Episode 41
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41:14
Building Resilience with Mike Wierenga from 2 The Rescue
In this episode, we welcome Mike Wierenga, retired law enforcement officer, part-time firefighter, and co-founder of 2 The Rescue (TwoTheRescue.com). With over 31 years of public safety experience, Mi...
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Episode 40
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54:02
A sit down with Representative Mike Harris Michigan 52nd District
In this episode, we sit down with Michigan State Representative Mike Harris of the 52nd District. Mike is a retired police officer who brings firsthand insight into the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by frontline workers. R...
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Episode 39
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41:24
Beyond the call with Jim Marshall
In this episode, we welcome Jim Marshall, co-founder and CEO of the 911 Training Institute (www.911training.net) and author of The Resilient 911 Professional. A licensed mental health professional, Jim has dedicated his career to supporting the...
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Season 38
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1:01:17
Strength through support Featuring Brett Key, Warrior’s Rest Foundation
In this episode, Brett Key, co-founder and executive director of Warrior’s Rest Foundation (www.warriorsrestfoundation.org), shares insights from his 26-year law enforcement career and his mission to support first responders' mental health. War...
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Episode 37
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58:34
Heroes are also human - with Brandon Evans
In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Evans, a firefighter, researcher, and founder of Fire to Light. Drawing from over a decade of frontline experience, Brandon shares his journey of addressing mental health challenges in the firefighting ...
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Episode 36
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1:02:38
A sit down with Representative Joe Tate, Michigan Speaker of the House
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Tate, Michigan’s Speaker of the House and State Representative for the 10th District. Speaker Tate’s story is one of service, resilience, and leadership, shaped by his experiences as the son of a Detroit fi...
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Episode 35
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37:51
Minds on the Frontline Podcast (E34) – When Tragedy Strikes: Steps to take after a frontline worker’s suicide
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedicating episodes to addressing the urgent issue of suicide among frontline workers. During this episode, we dive de...
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Episode 34
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53:24
Suicide Prevention: Spot the Signs. Save a Life.
In this episode, we welcome back Manisha Leary, the FST5 Program Manager and a clinical psychotherapist specializing in trauma. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedi...
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Episode 33
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1:07:01
Rhythms of Resilience: Annabelle’s Story
In this episode, we speak with Annabelle Sharp, a firefighter and paramedic, who shares her deeply personal journey through the grief that followed her father’s suicide in 2016. Annabelle turned to music as a lifeline, using songwriting to expr...
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Episode 32
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47:00
The Emotional Side of Retirement Planning
In this episode, we sit down with Steve Perna, a retired firefighter and paramedic who served 25 years with the City of Warren. Steve shares his journey through the emotional challenges of a career in the fire service, from intense call volumes...
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Episode 31
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41:35
