Episode 13- Courtney

Episode 13- Courtney

In Episode 13 of Caffeinated Trauma, I sit down with Courtney, a registered nurse at Fort Hood, Texas, and the wife of a police officer. Courtney shares her unique perspective on life as both a healthcare professional and the spouse of a first responder. During the conversation, Courtney reflects on her experience working at Fort Hood during the 2014 active shooter attack, a tragic event that claimed the lives of several soldiers and left many others wounded. She discusses the emotional impact of working through a critical incident of that magnitude and how those experiences have stayed with her over the years. Courtney also opens up about the realities of shift work, the challenges of maintaining a healthy marriage when both partners work in high-stress professions, and the toll that trauma and stress can take on individuals and families. Together, we discuss the importance of therapy, communication, and seeking help when navigating the unique pressures faced by first responders, healthcare workers, and their loved ones. This episode offers an honest and powerful look at resilience, healing, and the often-overlooked challenges experienced by those who stand beside the men and women who serve. Listen as Courtney shares her story of strength, sacrifice, and growth in a conversation that will resonate with first responders, healthcare professionals, military families, and anyone facing the challenges of trauma and recovery.

Episode 11- Kim Pastore

In Episode 11 of Caffeinated Trauma, we welcome Kim Pastore for one of the most powerful and emotional conversations to date. Kim’s husband, Jorge Pastore, was killed in the line of duty during a hostage rescue on November 11, 2023. What followed was every law enforcement family’s worst nightmare—sudden loss, unanswered questions, and a grief that reshapes everything. In this episode, Kim speaks with raw honesty about navigating life after tragedy, the long road of grief, and the invisible weight carried not only by surviving spouses, but by the SWAT officers who were there that day and continue to carry it with them. We talk about survivor’s guilt, brotherhood, and how critical incidents ripple far beyond the scene. Kim also shares how she turned unimaginable pain into purpose by founding the Jorge Pastore Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing free training to officers across the country—ensuring Jorge’s legacy lives on through preparation, safety, and service. This episode is heavy. It’s real. And it’s necessary.It’s a conversation about loss, resilience, marriage in law enforcement, and how spouses can survive—and support one another—when the job brings the unthinkable home.

Episode 10- Jimmy Wise

Jimmy Wise started his career in New York City as an EMT with the FDNY, running into some of the toughest calls you can imagine. Eventually, he packed up and made his way to Texas, where he became a police officer and continued his life of service. Along the way, Jimmy has faced his own battles with mental health, something many first responders can relate to. Instead of hiding from it, he’s chosen to use his story to help others who are struggling, dedicating his life to being there for people walking the same road.

Episode 9- Tatiana Rivera

This week on Caffeinated Trauma, I sit down with Tatiana Rivera, a seasoned dispatcher with over a decade of experience behind the radio. Throughout her career, Tatiana has been the calm voice during some of Austin’s most critical moments—including six officer-involved shootings and the Austin bombing. Her dedication to first responders and the community has shaped her into not only a leader but also a source of strength for others. Now serving as a supervisor and member of peer support, Tatiana continues to give back by lending a hand to those navigating the weight of the job. Join me as she shares her journey, the impact of these defining moments, and the resilience it takes to stay strong while supporting those on the front lines.

Episode 8- Sara Stoutamire

Sara Stoutamire is an 18-year veteran dispatcher with the Austin Police Department, bringing nearly two decades of experience behind the radio. Throughout her career, Sara has been the calm voice guiding officers through some of the city's most critical and traumatic moments,including officer-involved shootings and high-stakes emergencies. Unlike those on scene, Sara's world was shaped by the voices she heard and the silence that followed, leaving her to build the imagery of each traumatic event entirely in her mind. For years, Sara carried the weight of these invisible wounds without fully realizing the toll it had taken. Eventually, she made the courageous decision to seek therapy, a step that transformed her life and helped her process the trauma she had silently endured. Today, Sara is a powerful advocate for mental health and resilience in first responders, offering a unique perspective from the headset side of the badge.