Mental Health Mondays, 8/25/25 - Cortisol is Killing You, Matthew 11:28-30

Episode 4 - Mike the Cop

Mike The Cop joins us to unpack officer mental health, loss, & resilience, and how faith helped keep him grounded through the hardest seasons of policing. We also discuss proactive wellness, leadership, and the responsibility to step in when a brother or sister is suffering.Mike served as a police officer in Michigan and became an early pioneer in using social media to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public during a time when the profession was often under heavy fire. He also co-founded “Humanizing the Badge”, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the relationship between police officers and their communities, and “The 227 Project”, a mind-body-spirit resilience mission, named in honor of Mike’s brother and his badge number, 227, who was killed in the line of duty.

Episode 3 - David Kennington

Today’s guest is David Kennington, a licensed professional counselor with 38 years in psychotherapy and 19 years working directly with police officers through a large agency’s Wellness Section. He breaks down the stigma around seeking help, the administrative barriers that can derail treatment, and why mental health resources must be a priority, not an afterthought. He also opens up about his own career, the struggles he’s faced, and the toll of doing this work for decades. Contact Info: David KenningtonLicensed Professional Counselor Police Behavioral Health Services Manager 615-862-7887

Episode 2 - Carollynn Xavier

Carollynn Xavier, the “Recovering Californian” comedian who can make you laugh at life’s chaos and still tell the truth with a straight face, joins us for an episode that turns from punchlines to prayer real quick. In this episode, she shares the story of her ex-husband, a Marine with two deployments behind him, and the painful reality of PTSD after coming home, including a suicide attempt. Carollynn speaks candidly about what it does to a marriage, a home, and a heart when trauma starts spilling into everyone’s life and trying to take the whole family down with it. Heavy, real, and strangely comforting, this conversation is for every spouse, friend, and family member who’s been strong for too long.Make sure to head to her website and reserve a copy of her upcoming book, published by HarperCollins! https://www.carollynnxavier.com/

Episode 1 - Let's Start The Conversation

Episode 1 starts with the truth. Scott and Steve open up about PTSD, addiction, & suicidal thoughts... and breaking the silence in the first responder and military communities matters. This is where the hard conversations begin. RESOURCES: https://www.magnoliameadows.com Residential PTSD, trauma, & addiction treatment exclusively for First Responders and Military personnel. https://bouldercrest.org/program/warrior-pathh A 90-day, non-pharmacological, peer-delivered training program that begins with a 5-day intensive and immersive initiation. Provides the training you need to transform your struggle into strength and thrive in the aftermath of trauma. For Active Serving Military, Veterans, First Responders https://www.samhsa.gov Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Mental Health Mondays, 8/25/25 - Cortisol is Killing You, Matthew 11:28-30

Cortisol and Norepinephrine are horomones released from stress. First responders experience a 9,000% increase in these horomones compared to the average citizen... and here are the life threatening effects that is having on our bodies. www.righteoustactics.com