First Responder Wellness Podcast
First Responder Wellness PodcastTM With Conrad Weaver Wellness is not optional. It’s essential. First responders are expected to be strong, calm, and always ready to serve. But behind the badge, many are quietly facing stress, trauma, and burnout—without the support they need to thrive. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your wellness to do the job you love. Hosted by Conrad Weaver—filmmaker, speaker, and passionate advocate for mental health in public safety—the First Responder Wellness Podcast is a trusted space for real conversations, expert insights, and practical tools designed to help first responders and their leaders live healthier, more sustainable lives. Each episode empowers you to: Strengthen your mental and emotional well-being Lead with empathy, resilience, and confidence Build a culture of trust and wellness in your department Whether you're on the front lines or guiding those who are, this podcast reminds you that your health and wholeness matter—because wellness is not optional, it’s essential. Tune in and take the next step toward a stronger, healthier future—for yourself and those you serve.
Episodes
Episode 100 – Part 2: Finding Faith Healing and Purpose with Matty Fiorenza
In part two of our 100th episode celebration, Conrad Weaver reconnects with firefighter Matthew (Matty) Fiorenza, one of the central voices from the documentary PTSD9-1-1.
Matty opens up about life since the film’s release—the ups and downs of recovery, his faith journey, breakthroughs in treatment (including the powerful impact of the Stellate Ganglion Blo...
Episode 100 – Part 1: Courage and Recovery with Desireé Palmer
In this milestone 100th episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver reconnects with retired police officer Desireé Palmer, whose powerful story was featured in the award-winning documentary PTSD9-1-1.
In the film, Desireé was shown in the middle of her struggle with PTSD, injuries, and isolation. In this conversation, she shares how far she has c...
A Short Podcast from the First Responder Wellness PodcastTM
Welcome to Friday Five with Conrad Weaver — a quick, five-minute boost to wrap up your week with inspiration, insight, and ideas. Each Friday, I’ll share five things that are shaping my world:
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Projects I’m working on in film, podcasting, and first responder wellness
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Key lessons from books I’m reading
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Highlights from events and c...
Episode Title: 99 - Resilience isn’t a Personality Trait - With Dr. Stephanie Conn
Guest: Dr. Stephanie Conn, PhD, ABPP – Psychologist, Author, Former Officer
Host: Conrad Weaver
Episode Overview: In this episode, Conrad speaks with Dr. Stephanie Conn, a former police officer and dispatcher turned board-certified psychologist. Dr. Conn shares her incredible journey into psychology after two traumatic line-of-duty deaths impacted he...
Episode Title: The God Shot: How Dr. Eugene Lipov is Transforming PTSD Treatment
Episode Summary: In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with Dr. Eugene Lipov, an anesthesiologist, pain specialist, and internationally recognized pioneer in the treatment of post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Dr. Lipov explains how a simple five-minute procedure called the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)—sometimes referred to as “The God Shot”—has ...
In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver welcomes human performance coach Rob Wilson, whose upbringing in a first-responder family shaped his dedication to supporting law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS through wellness. They explore how first responders constantly operate on high-alert biologically, often without healthy recovery systems—leading to burnout, early illness, and mental fatigue.
R...
In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Conrad Weaver has a conversation with Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a leading psychiatrist and trauma researcher. Dr. Javanbakht explains the neurological and emotional roots of trauma and PTSD, particularly among first responders, and shares how cutting-edge augmented reality technology is offering real hope for healing. From redefining fear to walking alongside patients through di...
In this episode, host Conrad Weaver has a conversation with Joe King, a 28-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department and one of the driving forces behind their Officer Wellness & Longevity Unit (OWL). Joe opens up about the trauma he experienced during the 2016 Dallas ambush that killed five officers, and how that tragedy became the turning point for his personal journey—and a catalyst for systemic change.
Joe shares the ins...
Episode Title: I'm Going to Sit With You Guest: Barb Bigalke, Founder of the Center for Suicide Awareness
Episode Summary: In this deeply impactful conversation, Conrad Weaver speaks with Barb Bigalke, the founder of the Center for Suicide Awareness, about breaking the stigma around suicide and supporting those who are grieving. Barb shares her journey from working at the Wisconsin Department of Justice to creating a safe space for...
93 - Going Within to Heal with April Chavez
In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver has a conversation with April Chavez, a former deputy sheriff turned entrepreneur, educator, and wellness advocate. April shares her remarkable journey from serving in the remote mountains of Colorado with limited backup to becoming a leader in the world of personal growth and holistic wellness.
Their conversation...
In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with Neil Schoepp, a former New York City police officer and firefighter, to discuss how first responders—and anyone—can overcome hesitation and overthinking to live more intentionally and purposefully. Neil shares real-world stories from his time in uniform, the deadly consequences of hesitation, and how he translated first responder training into tools for civilian life.
This conversation dive...
91 - Faith: A Foundation for Resilience - with Sgt. Jason Sery
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran police officer Jason Sery, who shares his 26-year journey in law enforcement, his unwavering Christian faith, and the hidden toll that comes with a life in service. Jason opens up about the emotional and psychological weight of his career — from experiencing trauma firsthand to carrying t...
90 - Caring for the Caregiver: Preventing Burnout in First Responders with Fran Graham
In this episode, Conrad Weaver talks with crisis response expert and former police officer Fran Graham about trauma care for first responders and disaster survivors. Fran breaks down the essential differences between trauma, PTSD, and moral injury, and explains how psychological first aid plays a critical role in immediate crisis stabilization. S...
89 - Discovering Purpose in Trauma - The Craig DeMartino Story
You won’t believe this story: Craig DeMartino fell roughly 100 feet in the backcountry, suffered catastrophic injuries—and then amputated his own leg. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive the night.
Fast-forward 22 years, and Craig has not only climbed El Capitan five times, including as the first amputee to summit it in under 24 hours, but he also leads climbing expe...
Episode Title: The Calls Didn't Break Me: Toxic Leadership and It's Toll - with Chief David Rhodes
Episode Summary: In this episode, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Chief David Rhodes—veteran firefighter, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering Magazine, and VP of Clarion Fire & Rescue Group—about the often-unspoken toll of toxic leadership in the fire service. Dr...
Turning Tragedy Into Purpose: Regan Falk’s Story and the Legacy of Kevin Regan
Guest: Regan Falk – Founder, Kevin Regan Family Foundation
Summary: In this heartfelt and deeply emotional conversation, Conrad talks with Regan Falk, widow of Philadelphia police officer Kevin Regan. Regan shares her family's journey—beginning with Kevin’s dream of becoming a police officer, the toll of years on the force, and the trauma that ultimately...
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86 - He Survived the Fire - She Fought to Heal the Wounds
In this powerful episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver speaks with Liz Bartholomew, founder of Responders Retreat in Wisconsin. Liz shares the deeply personal and emotional story of her husband Joe, a veteran firefigh...
In Episode 85 of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker shares his 39-year journey through the fire service—and the emotional weight that comes with it. From handling fatal fire scenes to the heartbreaking loss of his beloved dogs, Don opens up about the quiet, often ignored toll of first responder work. But this episode isn't about despair—it's about hope, growth, and leading by example.
He spe...
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EPISODE SYNOPSIS Retired NYPD officer Samantha Sonnett opens up about her personal journey following her diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She shares how her chronic illness prompted a major lifestyle overhaul, focusing on cellular health, stress management, hydration, gut health, and nutrition. ...
In the first installment of this two-part series, host Conrad Weaver welcomes back Samantha Sonnett, a retired NYPD officer, for an unfiltered and deeply moving conversation about the realities of law enforcement and its long-term impact on wellness.
Samantha reflects on her 20+ year career with the NYPD, from patrolling the streets to training first responders for high-risk emergencies. She offers a behind-the-...
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