The people who save everyone else rarely have anyone saving them. Today, the therapist trusted by firefighters, police officers, and medics sits down and exposes what our first responders are really carrying behind the uniform.

Melissa — owner of Sugar Grove Wellness and a licensed clinical social worker of 23 years — opens up about the childhood trauma that shaped her, the suicides that still haunt her, and how she became one of the most sought-after first responder therapists in Illinois.

She breaks down the silent signs of PTSD, the burnout destroying families, the anger that hides grief, and why so many first responders are terrified to ask for help. She also reveals the mental-health programs she’s building inside departments — programs already saving lives because someone finally stepped in before it was too late.

This conversation is raw, emotional, and deeply human. A rare look into the healer behind the heroes.

Still Here 🤙🏻

👉 Follow Beyond the Dispatch for raw stories that bring our heroes out of the shadows — and give them the mic.
🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theBTDpod
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🎧 Spotify Show Page: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F60PV7sTWWNIsLVJF?si=tkmapUPKS4SIyvMA_pqI4g

Mike Rusnak opens up about his battle with alcohol addiction and how it nearly cost him everything. From hitting rock bottom to rebuilding his life through recovery, fitness, and faith, Mike’s story is one of resilience and redemption. We talk about the importance of buying in to recovery, the mental battles of IVF, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a father — only to learn his son was born with congenital glaucoma. The fight never ends, but Mike proves that with the right mindset, you can overcome anything.

Still Here 🤙🏻🎙️ Beyond The Dispatch — real stories of first responders, veterans, and everyday warriors.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theBTDpod⁠

He called his wife to say goodbye — certain he’d never make it home.

Atlanta Police Detective Patrick Apoian was crushed beneath a suspect’s car during a violent takedown. His body broke. His radio went dead. And as he lay bleeding on the asphalt, he made one last call to tell his wife and seven-year-old son he loved them.

But he didn’t die.

He fought his way back — through broken bones, corrupt politics, and the betrayal of a system that was supposed to protect him. From his recovery to winning the Broken City Award, to taking on Georgia’s foster care failures, Patrick’s story isn’t about tragedy — it’s about refusing to quit.

This episode will gut you, inspire you, and remind you why we say it:

Still Here 🤙🏻

👉 Follow Beyond the Dispatch for raw stories that bring our heroes out of the shadows — and give them the mic.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theBTDpod⁠