Turning Pain Into Purpose: Susan Snow’s Journey From Grief to Trauma Coaching

On this deeply moving episode of The First Responder Playbook, host Brent sits down with Susan Snow—trauma resiliency coach, speaker, and author. Susan opens up about the life-altering night she lost her father, a Los Angeles police detective, in the line of duty when she was just 17. She shares her raw, emotional journey through grief, trauma, and survival, highlighting the lack of mental health resources for law enforcement families at the time and how that shaped her own battles with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

After years of masking her pain and struggling in silence, Susan found healing and purpose, eventually dedicating her life to helping others navigate trauma. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and hope—reminding us of the importance of mental health support, especially for those in the first responder community and their loved ones. Susan’s honesty and passion shine throughout the conversation, inspiring listeners to break the stigma around therapy, seek help, and find a path to recovery. She also discusses her book, The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency, and offers insights into supporting first responders and their families.

Whether you’re in uniform, support someone who is, or simply appreciate stories of perseverance, this episode is sure to resonate and uplift. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about sacrifice, strength, and rediscovering joy after tragedy.

 

Susan’s website: https://susansnowspeaks.com

 

Link to her book: https://amzn.to/45YYuGW

 

#mental health #trauma #recovery #resilience #police #first responder #first responder podcast #mental health #coaching