The Weight We Carry

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

May 19, 2025 63 mins

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...

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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...

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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...
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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...

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April 21, 2025 75 mins

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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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March 3, 2025 64 mins

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...

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February 24, 2025 65 mins

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...

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February 17, 2025 74 mins

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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00:00Introduction to Law Enforcement Challenges03:23The Impact of Childhood Trauma06:06The Loss of a Friend and Its Aftermath09:03The Path to Law Enforcement11:33Manifestation of PTSD in Law Enforcement14:30Coping Mechanisms and Mindfulness16:34Finding Meaning in Trauma and Helping Others23:49The Silent Struggle: Officer Suicides24:53Raising Awareness: The Mission Behind the Nonprofit25:47The Police Unity Tour: A Journey of Remembr...

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February 3, 2025 42 mins

Ep #03

Dominic Lazzini gives his professional guidence into mindfulness and resiliance. Giving hope and understanding to first responders dealing with mental health issues.

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January 29, 2025 43 mins

Dan Schulz, 911 Dispatcher and volunteer firefighter. Dan discussed his years of service, working on the ambulance, loss of close friends and the struggles of mental health as a first responder.

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January 13, 2025 37 mins

An introduction to the new The Weight We Carry Podcast. Myself and my wife have a candid discussion about our involvement in public safety and out mental health. We have several guests lined up for future interviews. Tune in!

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