Shows
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastFrom Trauma to Triumph: Egan's Healing JourneyIn this conversation, Egan De Los Cobos shares his profound journey through holistic healing after a life-altering accident involving his son. He discusses the physical and mental health struggles that followed, including PTSD, and the importance of seeking help. Egan emphasizes the role of nutrition, sleep, and stress management in recovery and how he transformed his experiences into a career in health coaching for first responders. His story highlights the interconnectedness of mental and physical health and the necessity of addressing both for true healing.TakeawaysEgan's journey began as a firefighter paramedic....
2025-11-071h 00
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastA Note from DadIn this conversation, Jason Meinershagen shares his journey as a firefighter and the impact of his faith on his career. He discusses the challenges of dealing with trauma and PTSD, the importance of mental health in the fire service, and how he navigates parenting while being a first responder. Jason emphasizes the need for community support and the evolution of his platform, A Note from Dad, into Five Arrows Forge, focusing on legacy building and empowering men. He concludes with key insights on identity and the importance of not defining oneself solely by their profession. takeaways Jason's journey into...
2025-10-311h 01
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastThe Unfiltered Crisis: Auditory Trauma and the Dispatcher's BattleIn this vital episode, Kevin and MaKayla welcome Jackie (@just.the.dispatcher on TikTok), our first dispatcher guest, to illuminate the often-invisible burdens of the 911 center. Jackie provides an unfiltered account of what it's like to be the first, first responder, hearing the most unfiltered moments of crisis without the ability to physically intervene.We dive deep into auditory trauma, exploring how constant exposure to the sounds of panic and terror impacts the brain, causing those calls to replay long after the headset is off. This conversation tackles:The...
2025-10-2446 min
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastAlexandra Jabr - The Science of Survival: Bridging Research & Resilience for the Frontline BrainIn this radically authentic and profound episode, Kevin and MaKayla sit down with Alexandra Jabr, Ph.D., EMT-P, the founder of Emergency Resilience. Alexandra brings a unique, vital perspective, blending her nearly 15 years as a paramedic with deep academic expertise in trauma, psychology, and grief.We dive into the Science of Survival, demystifying what happens in the brain during trauma and why it’s so hard to turn "fight-or-flight" off when the call ends. Alexandra provides a clear blueprint for resilience, covering:Trauma’s Blueprint: Why trauma is a
2025-10-171h 00
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastBeyond the Desk: The Burden of Leadership & Cultivating ResilienceIn this crucial and candid episode, Kevin sits down with Lisa and Robbie, Co-Founders of the EMS Leadership Academy, to discuss a rarely addressed topic: the emotional cost of leadership in emergency medical services. Robbie, a career paramedic and Assistant Chief, and Lisa, a 25-year business and life coach, combine frontline reality with psychological expertise.They offer a raw perspective on why the leader's chair is often the most emotionally taxing job in the field. We explore:The Unspoken Pressure: Why leaders feel compelled to be "unbreakable" and how that...
2025-10-101h 14
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastJake Belay - From Survivor to GuardianIn this radically authentic and profound conversation, Kevin and Kim sit down with Jake Belay, a former police officer, PTSD survivor, and the founder of Guardian Rise. Jake shares his deeply personal journey from being defined by the badge and trauma to discovering a healthy, sustainable path to healing.This episode is a direct conversation between peers, exploring the hard truth about the "silent war within" and the pivotal moments that separate unhealthy coping (like numbing the pain) from active, healthy healing. Jake unpacks the creation of his Guardian Rise...
2025-10-0343 min
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastHigh-Flying Stress: A Flight Nurse's Unfiltered Account of Trauma & Resiliencewe sit down with Shay Montgomery, a flight nurse and paramedic known on TikTok as @flightnurseshay. With a unique perspective shaped by her experience in air medical services, Shay offers an unfiltered account of the trauma, anxiety, and emotional burden of working in high-acuity, high-pressure environments.We discuss the mental toll of rapid decisions, the isolation of the flight environment, and the challenges of processing trauma in a job with no downtime. Shay shares her personal journey and the coping mechanisms she has developed, including the vital role of humor and the importance...
2025-09-261h 00
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastPart 2: The Unspoken Burdens: Radical Reform, Non-Lethal Defense & The Road to WellnessIn this powerful continuation, Kevin and MaKayla dive deeper into the systemic failures and personal triumphs within the healthcare system. They offer a raw and unfiltered perspective on topics that are rarely discussed, moving from problem to solution.This episode is a hard-hitting look at the "silent war within" healthcare, addressing:The need for radical reform: A candid conversation about why the current system is headed for "implosion" and how a few dedicated voices are necessary to initiate real, lasting change.The power of a listening ear: A deeply personal...
2025-09-191h 00
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastPart1: The Unspoken Burdens: A Nurse's StoryIn this two-part premiere episode, Kevin and his special guest host, Michaela Davidson, have a raw and unfiltered conversation about the reality of the healthcare system. With 10 years of nursing experience across the country, Michaela offers a unique perspective on the mental and emotional impact of her work.They dive into the difficult truths of working in a system that often prioritizes profits over people, discussing how mandated staffing ratios, budget cuts, and corporate mismanagement directly lead to burnout and compromise patient safety. The conversation is a hard-hitting look at the "silent war within" healthcare, addressing:
2025-09-191h 09
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastLogan Nix: Bridging Research & Reality of the Traumatic MindWe sit down with Logan Nix, a therapist-in-training and dedicated researcher on first responder mental health. With a unique perspective shaped by her husband’s time in the academy, Logan noticed a critical gap in mental health support and dedicated her research to bridging it. This conversation is a vital guide for every frontline hero, their family, and the mental health professionals who serve them.We dive into the neuroscience of trauma, demystifying how stress physically impacts the brain and what that means for first responders. Logan breaks down the science behind stress re...
2025-09-121h 07
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastMattie Ann: Navigating Trauma, Breaking Curses & The Reality of EMSIn this deeply personal and powerful episode, we sit down with Mattie (also known as The Redheaded Medic) to discuss her journey through paramedicine, facing trauma, and her mission to break generational cycles. Mattie shares her raw, unfiltered story, revealing the emotional toll of EMS work and the profound impact of unhealed trauma. She speaks openly about the stigma of not being okay and the immense courage it takes to seek help and heal.We explore her fight for justice and healing, as well as her advice for struggling paramedics who may feel isolated in...
2025-09-052h 04
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastBeyond the Images: Catherine PaytonIn this episode of "A Silent War Within," host Kevin Whitsell welcomes Catherine Payton, known as Rad Tech Catherine on TikTok, to discuss the unseen emotional toll of diagnostic healthcare. Catherine shares her journey from a single mom to a radiology technologist, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the profession. Together, they explore the impact of mental health on healthcare workers, the importance of empathy, and the power of sharing personal stories to break stigmas. Tune in for an insightful conversation that delves into the heart of healthcare's emotional landscape.
2025-08-291h 02
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastCoty Barker - Financial Stability as a Foundation for First Responder Mental WellnessIn this crucial episode, we sit down with Coty Barker, a unique professional who combines extensive experience as a Law Enforcement Officer & Financial Planner. Coty leads a firm exclusively dedicated to first responders, medical workers, and dispatchers, offering a perspective that directly links financial health to mental well-being.We dive into the profound impact of financial struggle on the mental health of our frontline brothers and sisters, exploring how debt, worries about retirement, and the pressure of providing can erode inner peace and affect performance on duty. Coty shares his firm's unwavering commitment to provide
2025-08-2253 min
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastThe Salty Paramedic - Humor, Hard Truths & Healing: Don't Lose Yourselfn this candid and powerful episode, we sit down with the widely recognized voice of The Salty Paramedic. He shares his extensive career journey in paramedicine and explores how his unique brand of humor serves as a vital, yet sometimes misunderstood, coping mechanism in the field.We dive deep into the raw realities of the job, discussing the emotional toll, the insidious nature of burnout, and how the cumulative impact of trauma can manifest. The Salty Paramedic bravely confronts the ingrained "suck it up" culture in EMS and its devastating effects on mental health.
2025-08-1536 min
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastShadeTree's Blueprint: Navigating ADHD, PTSD & Inner Peace in EMSIn this deeply authentic episode, we sit down with Greg Carr, the paramedic, mental health coach, and educator behind @ShadeTreeCardiology. Greg's commitment to genuine connection shines through as he shares his unique blueprint for navigating the demanding world of EMS.We dive into his personal journey with ADHD, exploring what it's like to be neurodivergent in a high-stimulus, high-stress environment, and the unique strengths and challenges it presents. Greg also bravely opens up about his profound experience with PTSD from his extensive military and EMS career, revealing how his own "silent...
2025-08-081h 33
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastSophie Fuller, @paramedic Sophie - The Unspoken BattlesIn this vital episode, we sit down with Sophie Fuller, a paramedic and powerful TikTok voice known as @paramedic Sophie. Sophie's candid, unfiltered content about the emotional toll of the job has resonated with a massive audience, and in this conversation, she takes us into the heart of the unspoken struggles.We explore her most impactful themes, including the raw reality of the "aftermath," the dangers of unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use, and the systemic silence that often surrounds mental health in EMS. Sophie also speaks candidly about the internal toxicity of the "rumor...
2025-07-3153 min
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastDr. Rev. Sarita Anderson - Navigating the Soul's Burden: Supporting Families and Processing GreifIn this vital episode, we sit down with Reverend Dr. Sarita Wilson-Anderson, the Spiritual Care and Social Services Director at a large Children's Hospital. Dr. Anderson's unique dual role gives her profound insight into the emotional and spiritual burdens faced by frontline heroes and their families.We dive into how frontline grief differs from civilian grief, exploring the unique expressions of sorrow she encounters while supporting families in their most difficult moments. Most importantly, we discuss how the raw emotions of grieving families can transfer onto providers, and Dr. Anderson offers vital wisdom on processing...
2025-07-3156 min
A Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastJimmy Apple, @EMSAvenger - The Unseen Wounds: Authenticity, Aftermath & The Courage to HealIn this powerful episode, we’re joined by our first guest, Jimmy Apple, a paramedic and TikTok creator known as @EMSAvenger. Jimmy's raw authenticity and humor have resonated with over 67k followers, and in this conversation, he takes us deeper into the realities of life on the frontlines.We dive into his most thought-provoking themes, including the idea of "EMS attracting broken people," the profound emotional "aftermath" of tough calls, and the dangers of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Jimmy also speaks candidly about the internal toxicity of the "rumor mill" in EMS and the courageous work of...
2025-07-3150 minA Silent War Within: The First Responder & Healthcare Mental Health PodcastOur Story & Our Mission: Launching A Silent War WithinIn this foundational episode, your hosts Kevin Whitsell and Kim Burgess pull back the curtain to share their journeys and the powerful "why" behind launching this vital podcast. Kevin, a 20-year veteran firefighter and paramedic, and Kim, a 13-year pediatric transport RT, bring decades of authentic frontline experience to the microphone.Discover what initially drew them to their demanding public and healthcare service careers. Hear their candid reflections on the unseen emotional and mental tolls of the job – the cumulative stress, the silent struggles, and the moments that profoundly shaped their understanding of mental health in these pr...
2025-07-3140 min
The Peds Pod by Le Bonheur Children’s HospitalFrom Ground to Sky: How Pedi-Flite’s Transport Team WorksKevin Whitsell, a Le Bonheur Pedi-Flite manager, is here with us today to discuss Le Bonheur’s transport services. Pedi-Flite consists of pediatric and neonatal critical care nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics who bring the intensive care unit to the patient by ambulance, helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft.
2025-06-0200 min