In this powerful episode of Falling To Freedom, host Chad LaComb sits down with Devin O’Day, Chief Development Officer at First Responder-Wellness in Newport Beach, to explore the unseen struggles of first responders, police, firefighters, EMS, and military. With addiction and trauma affecting these heroes at twice the rate of the general population, Devin, 15 years sober, shares his transformative journey from addiction’s depths to leading a mission to save lives.
The episode dives into the unique challenges first responders face: a “toughness” culture that stigmatizes vulnerability, fear of career repercussions, and the toll of job-related PTSD and moral injury from “sticky calls.” Devin reveals how hyper-vigilance, disassociation, and self-medication with alcohol or drugs can spiral, with suicide claiming more first responder lives than line-of-duty deaths.
Through the lens of First Responder Wellness, which treats 345 individuals annually, Devin highlights solutions: culturally competent care, peer support like the First Responder Fellowship, and holistic wellness encompassing hobbies, relationships, and purpose. His message is clear, recovery is possible with honest acknowledgment and community support.
This raw, hopeful conversation is a call to break stigma, foster resilience, and prioritize first responder wellness. Tune in to discover practical steps for healing and how we can all support our heroes.
Stream now at fullyrestored.org/podcast and visit firstresponder-wellness.com for resources. Join us in championing mental health and hope. @FallingToFreedom @FirstResponderWellness
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