The Weight We Carry
"The Weight We Carry Podcast" provides a space for first responders to discuss mental health challenges. We feature heartfelt interviews with first responders, mental health professionals, and experts, offering practical coping strategies and resources. Join us for open conversations about PTSD, anxiety, depression, and building resilience within this vital community. Listen and find hope
Episodes
Summary
In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Keeley Williams-Johnson, a paramedic from New Orleans EMS and a former star of the show Nightwatch, shares her journey in public safety, the challenges of mental health, and the evolution of EMS. She discusses her experiences with PTSD, the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and the importance of self-care and support for first responders. Keeley emphasizes the need for open conversa...
Summary
In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Jacob Courtney, a paramedic from Tennessee, about the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Jacob shares his personal journey, including his childhood influences, early career experiences, and the impact of critical incidents on his mental health. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, the role of social media in advocacy, and the ne...
Summary
In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart and Brittany Heaney engage with members of the Pittsburgh Firefighters Peer Support Team, discussing the critical role of peer support in addressing mental health challenges faced by first responders. The conversation covers the differences between traditional mental health models and peer support, the importance of leadership in fostering a supportive environment, and the...
summaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, hosts Brittany and Bart Heaney interview Dean Gladstone, a lifeguard and star of Bondi Rescue. Dean shares his journey through mental health challenges, including the impact of a brutal attack that left him with PTSD. He discusses the importance of support systems, the role of breathwork and cold therapy in recovery, and the significance of mental health awareness in the first ...
Summary
In this episode of The Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney and Brittany Heaney welcome Drew Antol, an EMT, to discuss his journey in emergency medical services and the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Drew shares his experiences from childhood, the impact of witnessing his father's health struggles, and the trauma he encountered during significant incidents in his career. The conversation delves into the ...
summaryIn this episode of The Weight We Carry Podcast, host Bart Heaney and his wife Brittany interview Kaitlyn Bair, a first responder who shares her journey through the challenges of mental health and addiction. Kaitlyn discusses her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in emergency services, her early inspirations, and the pressures she faced. She candidly opens up about her struggles with alcohol, the barriers to seeking help, ...
mental health, first responders, dispatchers, trauma, PTSD, support, resources, Deborah Green, public safety, law enforcementsummaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Deborah Green, a retired 911 dispatcher with nearly 30 years of experience. They discuss the mental health challenges faced by first responders, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of trauma on dispatchers. Deborah share...
keywordsmental health, first responders, 911 dispatcher, peer support, PTSD, crisis intervention, public safety, coping mechanisms, resilience, community supportsummaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney and Abbie Ellis discuss the often unseen mental health challenges faced by first responders. Abbie shares her personal journey from growing up in Harmony, North Carolina, to becoming a 911 dispatcher. She op...
Keywords: mental health, first responders, peer support, CISM, stress management, PTSD, compassion fatigue, emergency services, resilience, public safetytakeaways
- Mental health challenges are prevalent among first responders.
- Peer support and CISM are essential for emotional well-being.
- Stigma around mental health is decreasing but still present.
- Recognizing signs of distress is crucial for intervention.
- CISM provides struct...
summaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Captain Norm Prycl from McCandless Franklin Park Emergency Medical Services Authority. Norm shares his journey in emergency services, discussing the challenges he faced as a young paramedic, the emotional toll of critical incidents, and the importance of mental health support for first responders. He emphasizes the need for a strong support system, copin...
summaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney interviews Court Gordon, a young firefighter and 911 dispatcher, who shares his unique journey through childhood challenges, including living in a homeless shelter, the loss of a close friend, and his mental health struggles. Court emphasizes the importance of therapy, support systems, and mentorship in navigating the complexities of life as a first responder. His s...
Summary
In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, hosts Brittany and Bart Heaney engage with Captain Holly Sherman, a paramedic field training officer from New Orleans EMS. The conversation delves into the mental health challenges faced by first responders, the unique pressures of working in a high-stress environment, and the importance of addressing mental health stigma within the community. Holly shares her personal jour...
mental health, first responders, public safety, PTSD, leadership, training, resilience, coping strategies, community support, emotional well-beingsummaryIn this episode of The Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart and Brittany Heaney sit down with Scott Garing, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services for Cranberry Township. Scott shares his journey through public safety, the impact of his military service, and the importance of mental health ...
In this episode of the Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Tyler Kelly, a paramedic and deputy chief, about his journey into public safety, the challenges faced by first responders, and the importance of mental health support. Tyler shares his experiences, including his first major call involving a pediatric cardiac arrest, the impact of losing a colleague in the line of duty, and the ongoing struggle with trauma and g...
keywords
mental health, first responders, substance abuse, recovery, podcast, firefighter, resilience, hope, trauma, support
summary
In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart and Brittany Heaney sit down with Chris Cerci, a retired firefighter who shares his powerful journey through loss, addiction, and recovery. Chris opens up about the impact of losing his father at a young age, his struggles with alcohol as a coping mech...
John Lucas has been in EMS and public safety since he was 15.Growing up in a public safety family influenced John's career choice.Mental health awareness in first responders has evolved significantly.Firefighters have more time to process calls compared to EMS.Memorable calls can have a lasting impact on first responders.Every call teaches valuable lessons about the job.Finding healthy escapes is crucial for managing stress.There a...
Welcome to The Weight We Carry Podcast! In this episode, we have an inspiring interview with Officer Ann Carrizales, where she shares her incredible story, insights, and experiences both in and out of uniform.
Join us as we delve into "The Fight After the Fight," highlighting Ann's journey of resilience and perseverance. From surviving a life-threatening altercation to becoming a symbol of strength, Ann's story is a must-watch.
Summary
In this episode, Josh and Becky Shimko share their personal journey through the challenges of PTSD faced by first responders. Josh, a police officer with 24 years of experience, discusses his struggles with mental health after a traumatic incident, the importance of seeking help, and the support he received from his family and community. Becky shares her perspective as a spouse, emphasizing the need for open communicatio...
summaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry Podcast, host Bart Heaney and co-host Brittany Heaney welcome Talo Capuzzi, a paramedic, 911 dispatcher, and fire chief. They discuss Talo's journey in public safety, the challenges faced by first responders, and the importance of mental health awareness. Talo shares his personal experiences, including a life-threatening cardiac arrest, and how it changed his perspective on life and...
It starts at Leadership and works its way down the chain of command. Here we discuss leadership roles and the challenges it creates.
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