Life Behind the Radio — Jillian Hodges on Public Safety, Mental Health & ResilienceDescription:In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney interviews 911 dispatcher Jillian Hodges about her 15-year career in dispatch, the toughest calls she’s faced, the deep bond between dispatchers and responders, and how public safety work impacts mental and physical health. Jillian shares raw, personal stories — including learning of her father’s cardiac arrest at work — and offers honest insight on anxiety, migraines, coping strategies, peer support, and resilience.Timestamps:00:00 Intro | 00:38 Jillian’s background | 03:38 Why dispatching stuck with her | 05:36 A typical shift | 07:04 Toughest calls & kids | 08:31 Dispatcher-responder bond | 13:03 Discovering her dad’s cardiac arrest at work | 15:45 How trauma changed her | 18:17 Health impacts (migraines, insomnia, anxiety) | 19:03 Coping: family & routines | 23:51 Why public safety struggles to open up | 34:01 The power of sharing stories | 36:59 Support systems | 38:48 Resilience | 40:06 How to contact the podcastKeywords:911 dispatcher, dispatcher mental health, public safety, EMS, fire dispatch, PTSD, anxiety, migraines, peer support, resilience, Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney, Jillian HodgesLike, comment, and subscribe for more public safety stories. Want to be a guest? Email twwcpodcast@proton.meHashtags:#Dispatchers #911 #MentalHealth #PublicSafety #PeerSupport #Resilience

🚑 The Weight We Carry: Mental Health, Peer Support & Healing in EMS | First Responders & Public SafetyIn this compelling episode of Weight We Carry, Bart Heaney and his wife Brittany chat with Hunter Burley, an EMT firefighter from North Carolina, about the emotional challenges faced by first responders. Hunter shares his journey from small-town EMS to urban emergency services, highlighting how high-pressure calls, trauma, and personal legacy impact mental health. Discover how coping mechanisms, peer support, and therapy dogs play a vital role in promoting resilience and healing within the EMS community.If you're a first responder, EMS professional, or someone interested in mental health resources for public safety, this episode offers insightful stories and practical advice to help you navigate the stresses of emergency services. Remember, it's okay to seek help and talk openly about mental health — your wellness is just as vital as your duty to serve.🔑 Key Takeaways:Starting young in public safety can shape resilienceTransitioning from small town to busy EMS work is challengingHigh-stress calls can affect mental well-beingCoping mechanisms and therapy dogs support emotional healthOpen dialogue about mental health reduces stigmaPeer support and community are essential for healing✨ Subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay connected with stories that inspire resilience and mental wellness in emergency services. Share this episode to help normalize mental health conversations among first responders.🔗 Follow us for more updates, resources, and support in public safety communities.#MentalHealth #FirstResponders #EMS #Trauma #TherapyDogs #CopingMechanisms #PeerSupport #PublicSafety #Resilience #EmergencyServices #MentalHealthResourcesRemember — you’re not alone. Your mental health matters, and seeking support can be a game changer. Thanks for tuning in!

🚒 Welcome to the Weight We Carry Podcast, where we shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by first responders — firefighters, EMTs, and public safety heroes alike. In this powerful episode, Bart Heaney sits down with Richie Nye, a firefighter EMT with a journey rooted in family, loss, and resilience. Together, they explore mental health struggles like anxiety and depression, breaking down stigma, sharing peer support stories, and offering coping strategies to help you thrive both on and off the job.If you're a first responder dealing with stress or mental health issues, or if you want to support someone who is, this episode is for you. Remember, asking for help and talking about mental health are signs of strength! 💪🔑 Key Takeaways:Mental health challenges are common among first respondersPersonal loss and trauma impact mental well-beingPeer support can make a differenceFinding the right coping strategies and support system is vitalIt's okay to ask for help and seek therapy👉 Whether you're a firefighter, EMT, or in public safety, your mental health matters. Don't miss this candid conversation that emphasizes resilience and support in our brave community.🔔 Subscribe for more stories that inspire resilience and promote mental wellness in public safety. Hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode!📱 Follow us on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram for updates, resources, and community support.#MentalHealth #FirstResponders #Firefighter #EMT #Anxiety #Depression #PeerSupport #CopingStrategies #PublicSafety #Resilience #FightStigmaFeel free to like, comment, and share this episode to help normalize conversations around mental health in first responder communities. Remember — you're not alone, and asking for help can be your greatest strength. Thanks for tuning in!