Episode 122
What happens when one deputy’s search for resources turns into a nationwide lifeline for first responders?
In this episode, Cinnamon sits down with Shawn Thomas, retired King County Sheriff’s deputy and founder of First Responder Conferences, to talk about what happens when someone decides that silence around mental health is no longer an option.
What started as a single event to meet a local need has grown into a movement—conferences across the country where first responders and their families can finally find the support, tools, and connection they’ve been missing.
🎧 Listen now: https://www.afterthetonesdrop.co/shawn-thomas
Together, Cinnamon and Shawn dig into the heart of why wellness matters in public safety:
- Real stories, real impact. Shawn shares powerful moments when conference attendees have said the event saved their life—or their marriage.
- No one-size-fits-all. From financial wellness to trauma recovery, nutrition to new treatments like stellate ganglion blocks and hyperbaric therapy, these events bring together a wide range of tools so no responder walks away empty-handed.
- Culture change in action. We explore the role of leadership, peer support, and everyday conversations in shifting the old “suck it up” mindset toward one where asking for help is seen as strength.
Shawn’s story is proof that one person’s determination can build something bigger than themselves—something that truly saves lives.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible when first responders stop pretending and start talking about mental health, this episode is for you.
🔗 Learn more about First Responder Conferences:
- Website: 1strc.org
- Upcoming Conferences: 1strc.org/conferences
- Connect with Shawn: LinkedIn
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):
- https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
- https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
- https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
- https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
- https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
- https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR - https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE
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