The heart of the conversation of episode 9 delves into the hurdles faced within governmental and healthcare systems. Scott Maxwell discusses the complexities and challenges encountered while navigating healthcare bureaucratic mazes. Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast in his belief that positive change is on the horizon.

In Episode 8 of The Mental Health Mixtape, we sat down with John Grillone, a peer support worker at the Calgary Police Department, to delve into the transformative power of meditation as a form of self-care, particularly for first responders.

As a first Responder we train for the worst-case scenario. We train for the 1%, everything that can go wrong has gone wrong…no back up, you are by yourself, the patient or victim become violent, and we have to manage that. But what don’t we train?

What I didn’t know was the extreme degree to which their careers could impact their mental health, and I didn’t know how little PSP were provided in terms of education on these impacts prior to serving.

The episode focuses on mental health support for families of first responders, highlighting programs like Rebuilding Families, offering support and psychoeducation for first responders' families, emphasizing the importance of self-identity and early prevention strategies.

In a world where the line between heroism and hardship often blurs, the journey of Sergeant Andy Cook stands as a testament to resilience, generational ties, and the transformative power of healing. As a military veteran and current police officer, Andy's story is not just one of service but also of struggle and triumph. 

In this podcast episode with Heather Edward, several key points regarding mental health support for leaders and leadership development were discussed: Leadership Development: Formal leadership training is crucial for leaders, especially considering issues like moral injury and distress. Leaders need to prioritize their well-being and model healthy behaviors for their staff members.

In the latest episode of the Mental Health Mixtape, we delve deep into the annals of history with our guest, Dr. Franklin Annis. A military philosopher, historian, and educational theorist, Dr. Annis takes us on an insightful journey through the evolution of stoicism, from its ancient roots to its relevance in the modern world.

Sheridan opens up about his own struggles, sharing candidly about his past battles with suicidal thoughts. As a first responder, he sheds light on the unique challenges faced in the line of duty and the toll it takes on mental health. This episode is a raw and honest exploration of the often unspoken struggles that come with being on the front lines, dealing with trauma, and the impact it can have on one's well-being.

During our conversation, Gregg courageously shares an early career setback that nearly derailed his path but was fortunate to receive vital mental health support of psychologists at the time that allowed him to navigate the occupational stress injury and prioritize self-care. In this conversation, Gregg reflects on his journey and shares the importance of fostering emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and authenticity, particularly for first responders. His experiences have profoundly shaped his leadership style today, emphasizing the crucial role of support and empathy for his team, irrespective of their uniforms.

In this conversation, they exchange perspectives on nurturing compassion towards first responders who are grappling with mental health challenges. Rather than scrutinizing individuals for perceived shortcomings, they advocate for a shift in focus, urging a view that seeks to understand the experiences that shaped them. Their conversation emphasizes embracing empathy, kindness, and compassion as guiding principles, aiming to reshape how mental health within first responders is approached.

Working in an environment with high exposure to traumatic events, witnessing serious injury or death, experiencing long-lasting or frequent trauma.

I was all of 18 years old when I first stepped into the back of an ambulance as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student…

The training prepares students for what they might experience when facing stress on the job and gives them the tools to manage it in a healthy way…

Conversations with veterans, service members, or experts who are uniquely positioned to speak about the confluence of Stoicism and the military. To explore how the philosophy can be useful to those who serve and how it might be applicable to the modern military.