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!

🔥 Welcome to the latest episode of the Weight We Carry podcast! 🔥In this heartfelt, insightful episode, hosts Bart and Brittany Heaney sit down with *Paramedic Crew Chief Adam Studebaker* to dive deep into the realities of *mental health in first responders* and *emergency services**. Discover how personal loss can shape career paths, the importance of **support systems**, and practical **coping mechanisms* that help manage the intense demands of public safety roles.🔑 **Key Takeaways**:

• The vital role of *mental health awareness* for *first responders* and **paramedics**.
• How *grief* from personal loss can fuel career motivation and resilience.
• Why sharing experiences and breaking the *stigma* around mental health is crucial.
• The importance of *support systems* both at work and home to foster well-being.
• Effective *coping mechanisms* like music, peer support, and mentorship.
• The significance of *mentorship* in shaping future emergency services professionals.
• Strategies for *balancing personal life and career* for sustained success.
• The power of *vulnerability* and emotional expression to improve caregiving.
• How having fun and building camaraderie enhances job satisfaction.

• Early influences and journey into emergency services
• Facing personal loss and grief
• Strategies to combat stress and burnout
• Mentorship and supporting the next generation
• Balancing work and family life
• Breaking the stigma around mental health
• Final thoughts on enjoying your career

🎧 Whether you're a *first responder, emergency services professional, mental health advocate**, or someone interested in **public safety* and **leadership**, this episode offers valuable insights to help you support yourself and others better.*Don’t miss out on these impactful discussions that emphasize compassion, resilience, and the human side of emergency services.***Chapters include**:🌟 *Tune in now and join the conversation about mental health, support, and leadership in public safety!* 🌟🔗 *Subscribe for more stories, insights, and inspiration from real heroes in emergency services.*#MentalHealth #FirstResponders #EmergencyServices #Paramedic #Grief #Leadership #SupportSystems #CopingMechanisms #Mentorship #PublicSafety #Resilience #EmotionalHealth #BreakingStigma---*Remember:* You are not alone in carrying the weight — sharing, supporting, and caring for each other makes all the difference. 💙

🔔 Subscribe now and join our mission to support mental health for first responders! 🔔In this impactful episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, host Bart Heaney sits down with Kelly Mendendorp, a dedicated social worker and volunteer firefighter, to discuss the vital topic of *mental health* in *first responders**. Kelly shares her inspiring journey from **firefighting* to *social work**, shedding light on the challenges of **burnout**, **trauma**, and **addiction recovery* faced by emergency responders.✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The importance of *early intervention* and *community resources* tailored for *emergency responders*
• How to *break the stigma* surrounding *mental health* and encourage open discussions
• Strategies to address *vicarious trauma* and promote *support* within the community
• Details about Kelly’s innovative *Emergency Responders Program* designed to provide *preventative mental health care*

💡 Whether you're a first responder, loved one, or advocate, this conversation emphasizes that *mental health support* is essential for all involved in **emergency response**. Together, we can reduce stigma, promote **addiction recovery**, and foster a healthier, more resilient community.🔑 Keywords: *mental health, first responders, burnout, social work, emergency responders, trauma, support, stigma, addiction recovery, community resources*👉 If you found this episode valuable, please like, comment, and share to help spread awareness. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on mental health topics affecting our brave responders. Your support can make a difference!#MentalHealth #FirstResponders #Burnout #Trauma #Support #Stigma #AddictionRecovery #CommunityResources #EmergencyResponders #WeightWeCarryPodcast

Summary

In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Keeley Williams-Johnson, a paramedic from New Orleans EMS and a former star of the show Nightwatch, shares her journey in public safety, the challenges of mental health, and the evolution of EMS. She discusses her experiences with PTSD, the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and the importance of self-care and support for first responders. Keeley emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health and the significance of finding balance between work and personal life.

Summary

In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Jacob Courtney, a paramedic from Tennessee, about the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Jacob shares his personal journey, including his childhood influences, early career experiences, and the impact of critical incidents on his mental health. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, the role of social media in advocacy, and the need for support within the public safety community. Jacob emphasizes the significance of learning from mistakes and encourages future generations to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.