The First Responder Wellness Podcast

The Moment Everything Falls Apart (And What Happens Next) | Devin O'Day

In this episode, we sit down with Devin O’Day to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes with first responders. PTSD, alcohol, burnout, and the moments that push people to the edge. This conversation goes deeper than awareness. We break down: - Why there’s never a “good time” to get help - What people are actually thinking in their darkest moments - The real barriers that keep people from treatment - How departments can either support recovery… or make it worse - Why getting help early changes everything We also talk about what treatment actually looks like, why it only works if you’re willing to do the work, and how the culture around mental health in first responder agencies is starting to shift. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait. Start the conversation. Ask questions. Do something. For confidential support, or simply to learn more with no commitment, contact us: https://frhealth.com/ 888-443-4898

Why First Responders Are More Prone to Alcohol Abuse

In this episode, we sit down with clinical experts to talk about why alcohol becomes such a common coping tool, especially for first responders. From nervous system overload to environmental triggers and learned patterns, this conversation breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface. For confidential support, or simply to learn more with no commitment, contact us: https://frhealth.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVjdzlzaDY2VEJNM00wUEJjeHhFWjZNdkQwZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuUzNpVmYtbzIxTFZyTGZRZGc1ZEdjcFJucjNhNUZiUXRNS0NkMFY2YllsTVgzNmtjYmNadjhmcDZuMHRVRFpWOGljd3ZneVVBN3ZJQnROY1BralJUR3Q0X1h6TWdIaVliZC1pcklheGhMaHg4RFVmaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ffrhealth.com%2F&v=iubTROWwHXk] 888-443-4898

I wanted to live, but I didn’t know how anymore | A First Responder’s Story

Today on the First Responder Wellness Podcast, we sit down with John, who shares his story of living with depression after decades in law enforcement. For years, John built a career around strength, composure, and solving the worst days of other people’s lives. But privately, he was struggling. In this honest conversation, he talks about what depression really felt like, the pressure to always be strong, and the moment he realized he didn’t want to die, he just didn’t know how to live anymore. This episode is about more than crisis. It’s about what happens when strength becomes a mask, and what recovery actually looks like for a first responder who never thought he’d need help. If you’re a first responder, a family member, or anyone silently carrying more than you show, this conversation is for you. For confidential support, or simply to learn more with no commitment, contact us: https://frhealth.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazJIM2V6d0dXREtudDFOUktCR3RyVXl6NWk4Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuVE9BQnQzWWR3ZTREbWItdHZPLW9qM2lTREtPRmJhZmxZSXgtZ0Fvd01CWjN3VVpfY1RzU3BQZDB4VG1ScDdIcWZkRUE4cm9fWjE0Y2VMZHREc2NGUjhTMUQ3ZDRld01lcy1kVnNER21ob3U3Q0ZIZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ffrhealth.com%2F&v=1j_vLWHN6U8] 888-443-4898

Run With Us: 200 Miles. 36 Hours. One Cause. | First Responder Suicide Prevention

Learn more or sign up: https://firstresponderhealth.foundation/ We’re running Ragnar, 200 miles from Coronado to Huntington Beach, to raise awareness for first responder mental health and suicide prevention. In this episode, First Responder Wellness CEO Joel Edwards sits down with host Chris Logan to explain what Ragnar is, why First Responder Wellness is doing it, and how you can get involved, whether you want to run, volunteer, donate, or support from the sidelines. The run takes place April 10-11, 2026.  How to get involved ✅ Run with the team (limited spots) ✅ Volunteer (van drivers, transition support, cheering at exchanges) ✅ Buddy-run a leg (join a runner for a few miles) ✅ Donate / dedicate a donation in honor of someone

My Career Ended Overnight: A Deputy’s Story of Rebuilding

In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, Chris Logan sits down with Julie Cramer, FRW’s Compliance & Organizational Development Manager. Julie opens up about her path in law enforcement, a serious traffic collision that caused spine and head injuries, and how that incident ultimately ended her career. After finalizing a medical retirement in 2012, she describes a difficult season marked by pain medication, alcohol, and suicidal ideation and what it took to make it through. Julie also shares how working alcohol-related union cases helped connect people to First Responder Wellness, and why so many reported the experience as truly life-changing.  For confidential support, or simply to learn more with no commitment, contact us: https://frhealth.com/ 888-443-4898