64 - On Trauma: A Conversation with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the First Responder Wellness Podcast LIVE event on January 31, 2025 12:00PM EST.

On Trauma: A Conversation with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

🔑 Episode Overview In this powerful and insightful episode, host Conrad Weaver welcomes back Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a retired Army Ranger, psychologist, and world-renowned author of On Killing and On Combat. With decades of experience training military personnel, law enforcement, and first responders, Lt. Col. Grossman dives deep into the critical challenges facing those on the front lines of public safety.

The conversation centers around mental resilience, the devastating effects of sleep deprivation, the psychological impact of trauma, and the often-overlooked role of faith and purpose in sustaining long-term well-being.

Lt. Col. Grossman unpacks topics like:

• The physiological and psychological effects of trauma.
• How sleep deprivation mirrors alcohol intoxication in impairing judgment and increasing mental health risks.
• The rise of violence and suicide rates in a sleep-deprived society.
• The influence of violent video games and media glorification of perpetrators.
• Tools and strategies for managing stress, trauma, and emotional dysregulation.

Whether you're a first responder, military personnel, or someone supporting a loved one in these roles, this episode offers actionable insights, hope, and a clear path toward resilience and recovery.

🧠 Key Topics Discussed

• Understanding Trauma Responses: Auditory exclusion, tunnel vision, memory gaps, and distortions in high-stress situations.
• The Sleep Crisis: How sleep deprivation fuels PTSD, depression, aggression, and suicide.
• The Role of Video Games and Media in Violence: The societal consequences of violent media exposure.
• Combat Psychology Insights: Lessons from the battlefield applied to daily life and crisis management.
• Debriefing After Trauma: Why structured conversations post-incident are crucial for preventing PTSD.
• Self-Regulation Techniques: Simple tools like drinking water, conscious breathing, and small habits to manage acute stress.
• Faith and Purpose: The role of spirituality in resilience and long-term mental wellness.
• Empathy in Action: The noble sacrifice and love that drive first responders to serve.

🛠️ Actionable Takeaways

• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for at least 7 hours per night in complete darkness and avoid caffeine after lunch.
• Normalize Trauma Responses: Understand that symptoms like auditory exclusion and tunnel vision are survival mechanisms.
• Debrief Regularly: Talk through events with peers to process memory gaps and distortions.
• Use Simple Tools: Carry water, practice controlled breathing, or use small treats like candies to manage acute stress.
• Seek Help: If you're struggling, don’t wait. Modern treatments are effective, and recovery is possible.
• Embrace Purpose: Lean into love, empathy, and a sense of higher purpose as motivators for resilience.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Grossman On Truth – Official Website
• On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
• On Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
• Bulletproof Marriage: A 90-Day Devotional

🎯 Who Should Listen?

• First Responders (Police, Firefighters, EMS)
• Military Personnel and Veterans
• Mental Health Professionals
• Leaders in High-Stress Professions
• Educators and Parents Concerned About Youth Violence
• Anyone Interested in Mental Resilience and Emotional Health

📢 Call to Action If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait. Reach out to professionals, deb