Retired Deputy Chief Fred Mathis | 35 Years in the Fire Service: The Calls Add Up

Retired Deputy Chief Fred Mathis | 35 Years in the Fire Service: The Calls Add Up

In this episode of The First Responder Wellness Podcast, Chris Logan sits down with Fred, a retired Los Angeles firefighter and Deputy Chief, to talk about 35 years in the fire service, the calls that stayed with him, and the cost of always trying to “stay strong.” Fred shares what it was like starting his fire career at Fire Station 9 on Skid Row, working some of the busiest assignments in Los Angeles, and slowly realizing that the calls he thought he had buried were beginning to add up. He opens up about PTSD symptoms, recovery, the stigma around asking for help, and why going to treatment became one of the best decisions he ever made. Today, Fred uses his own experience to help other first responders understand that needing help is not weakness. Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is raise your hand and say, “I need help.” 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=QUFFLUhqbW92eXJ3YW93WlV2YWE1Zjd3S0M3TE9OT2RhUXxBQ3Jtc0tsZVdjQTZkR3VsVzV0b1dZMHVoVWswUmVIU240YmtWN19ZUkVmZFVXaWVGMmlfYXIxQzltVmh5dHdJRWxIcmlOemhLRU9sYjF6RVNaZlZONDRlRk1NQmhrMGxRVURTVXlqNzVoOGxIWFJFMl9GNFFiSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ffrhealth.com%2F&v=n-kiNR7l0aM] 888-443-4898

Why First Responders Need a Different Kind of Treatment | CEO Joel Edwards

In this episode, Chris Logan sits down with Joel Edwards, CEO of First Responder Wellness, to talk about the story, mission, and heart behind FRW. Joel shares how his own recovery journey shaped the way he views treatment, why traditional treatment models often fall short, and how First Responder Wellness was built to provide a different kind of care for those who serve our communities. From building trust with departments to creating a place where first responders can be honest, supported, and understood, this conversation gives a deeper look at why FRW exists and what it means to walk with first responders through some of the hardest moments of their lives. 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=QUFFLUhqa3VPZEJnZXE2ZXdpQU1tcHd2bktaRjRqamltQXxBQ3Jtc0trdHhWa3FkdkFSeVo2RkZENGZKYTFHMXZBb1BiWExsMGJweWlFblZfdjg3SVBBbndBNl9fNVE2eGtnajYzYUxPMzdoRXdtVlJNUDd3YkNiV2xibUU0S3B0aHh2M24zVTlUZ0NiMjBjUjVwLVpaZlY1RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ffrhealth.com%2F&v=O4D3mKyYPfI] 888-443-4898

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