Erin is back with a solo episode and it’s a wild ride. Today she’s diving headfirst into something that might sound a bit “woo woo” to some of you: grounding techniques. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, Erin’s got some exciting news. She and Cinnamon are rolling out Copper Warrior, a 12-week intensive coaching program for first responders. This program is all about resilience, healing tools, and personal growth, designed to transform you into the best version of yourself. And it's nationwide, baby!

Alright, let's talk grounding techniques. Now, I know what you’re thinking—mindfulness, hippies, patchouli—yeah, we’ve heard it all. But here’s the deal: grounding techniques are about pulling you back into the present moment, away from all those intrusive thoughts and feelings. Think of it as getting your feet and your mind firmly on the ground. It’s not just about standing barefoot in the grass (though that’s a part of it); it’s about using the earth’s energy to stabilize your own.

Erin doesn’t sugarcoat it—some of these might feel weird or not work for everyone. But the key is to find what works for you and make it a daily practice. Don’t wait until you’re freaking out; start when things are calm, so you’re ready when the stress hits.

So, give these techniques a shot. Be curious, be skeptical, but try them anyway. And as promised here is a comprehensive list of grounding techniques and more info on how they can improve your life. Until next time, keep your feet on the ground and your mind in the present.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Ever been in a situation where you expected someone to react a certain way, and when they didn’t, you found yourself ready to go into fight mode? Yeah, that’s biological rudeness for you. It’s your autonomic nervous system flipping the switch to defense mode when your expectations aren’t met, and it’s a surefire way to create misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships. But here’s the kicker—understanding this can help you override those automatic responses and communicate more effectively.

Our old friend, the vagus nerve, plays a starring role here. This little guy can help regulate your emotional state, and techniques like deep breathing can activate it to calm your nervous system. Erin and Cinnamon share a classic pool incident story to highlight how personal narratives can really screw with your head and lead to defensive behavior. But it’s not all doom and gloom—they introduce their new nationwide program, Copper Warrior, a 12-week intensive coaching extravaganza for personal growth and healing. It’s about time someone rolled out a program like this, right?

The conversation hammers home the power of self-awareness and self-regulation. If you can manage your biological rudeness, you can avoid a ton of unnecessary conflicts. And if you’re looking to dive even deeper, they’ve got some book recommendations for you: ‘Activate Your Vagus Nerve’ by Dr. Nawaz Habib and ‘Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve’ by Stanley Rosenberg. So, take a deep breath, calm that nervous system, and let’s get to work on understanding the behavior chain driving our emotional reactions.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Grab your headphones! In today’s episode, we sit down with Nicole Junkerman, whose incredible journey from police officer to certified Death Doula and Grief Recovery Specialist is nothing short of inspiring. She’s here to talk about her transformation and how she's helping others find peace in their final moments through her venture, Positive Passing, LLC.

Nicole started her career wearing a badge, dedicated to serving and protecting. But after an injury forced her to hang up her uniform sooner than expected, she didn't slow down. She shifted gears, managing cemeteries and then working at a funeral home where she discovered her knack for helping families during their toughest times, especially as a funeral director apprentice.

It was while working with grieving families that Nicole realized she hadn't fully dealt with her own grief from leaving law enforcement. This led her to pen a children’s book, Daddy’s Home, which dives into the emotional turmoil surrounding police line of duty deaths. Writing it helped Nicole find the closure she missed out on—the "last call" she never got when her police career ended.

With her new venture, Nicole is on a mission to make the end-of-life transition as peaceful and positive as possible. Positive Passing, LLC offers education, support, and resources to those facing their final days and their families, embodying Nicole's lifelong commitment to care and service.

Nicole is also beefing up her credentials in Mental Health First Aid and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), further preparing her to support her peers in law enforcement and volunteer in hospice care. She’s a true community pillar, locally and nationally.

Interested in Nicole’s story or want to grab a copy of Daddy’s Home? Check out Positive Passing, LLC at zensmb.com, or find the book at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Tune in to hear Nicole share not just her professional experiences but also personal insights on dealing with life’s hardest moments. It’s going to be a heartfelt, eye-opening chat that offers a fresh perspective on finding healing and giving support where it’s most needed.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Gear up for a stellar episode of After the Tones Drop where we're hanging out with Ryan Dedmon. Ryan isn't just any guy; he's a retired police dispatcher turned big-time educator at the 911 Training Institute. Back in 2012, he snagged the title of “Telecommunicator of the Year,” and since then, he's been all about teaching first responders how to handle the rough stuff that comes with the job.

Ryan's got some serious creds with a Master's in Forensic Psychology, and he's out there teaching at Golden West College. Plus, he's a certified wizard in crisis intervention and police training. In this episode, we dive into what it’s like to live a day in his shoes, both past and present, and dig into the gritty details of dealing with post-traumatic stress on the front lines.

Ryan’s going to share tales from the dispatch desk and spill on how those intense experiences can mess with your head. He’s also packing some solid advice on how to keep your mental game strong in the chaos of emergency response.

So, make sure to tune in and get the lowdown on surviving the mental minefield that our first responders walk through daily. Whether you're in the thick of it or just fascinated by the world of public safety, Ryan’s insights are gold. Don't miss this blend of real talk and expert advice—it’s gonna be enlightening, educational, and maybe even a little entertaining. Join us for a deep dive into the mind behind the badge with Ryan Dedmon.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

In this special solo episode, Cinnamon takes over the podcast, bringing energy and heartfelt insights. Reflecting on a whirlwind 2024 of travel and engagements, she shares the wisdom she's gathered. Cinnamon expresses initial nervousness but quickly finds her groove, enjoying the comfort of home and life's little joys.

The episode centers on Cinnamon's top 25 life lessons, each a golden nugget of wisdom. She discusses the courage to quit when necessary, the peace in letting people do what they need to do, and the liberating realization that what others think of her is none of her business.

Cinnamon recounts the emotional journey behind naming Whole House Counseling and touches on the impermanence of all situations, emphasizing the necessity of crying for emotional release. She highlights the comfort of trusting a higher power, the sanity found in authenticity and vulnerability, and the shift from a victim mindset to an empowering perspective.

Setting boundaries is another powerful lesson, solving many issues when executed properly. Cinnamon delves into emotional sobriety, stressing the importance of maintaining emotional balance and health. She shares how perspective shifts improve life and the importance of making the most of the one wild and precious life we each have.

Throughout the episode, Cinnamon shares personal stories, including her journey through grief, professional growth, and sobriety. She recounts the touching love story with her husband and the valuable life lessons learned from him, illustrating the power of love and personal growth.

In the conclusion, Cinnamon teases exciting new content and projects for season two, expressing heartfelt gratitude to listeners for their support. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own life lessons and engage with the podcast through social media.

This episode is packed with insights and practical advice, all delivered with Cinnamon's characteristic warmth and authenticity. Whether seeking inspiration, comfort, or a fresh perspective on life's challenges, this solo episode has something for everyone.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Hickory, a police sergeant who's spent over 20 years on the force, diving deep into his own struggles with addiction and trauma. Jonathan rose out of the dark and emerged a published author of a book turned movie entitled "Break Every Chain." Jonathan doesn't hold back on the tough stuff, emphasizing how vital mental wellness, resilience, and suicide prevention are for folks like him in law enforcement.

Teaching a class at a regional academy, Jonathan uses his own stories to teach new recruits about overcoming tough times, weaving in how his faith and personal passions have been his rock through it all. He's all about breaking the stigma that often shadows mental health in the police force and showing that it's okay to ask for help.

Throughout our talk, Jonathan highlights the heavy impact of trauma if it’s left unchecked and the power of resilience—basically, how to get back up after life knocks you down. He also touches on the tricky topic of adverse childhood experiences and their long-term effects on our mental health.

We also get into how transformative counseling and therapy can be. Jonathan shares about the healing process of writing his book and the excitement of turning it into a movie, hoping to spread even more hope and healing. He talks frankly about the relief he's found in trusting a higher power, dealing with the guilt and shame that can come with the job, and how therapeutic techniques like the empty chair exercise have helped him process those heavy emotions.

Jonathan's big on encouraging first responders to reach out to professional help, not just relying on each other but also on specialists who can guide them through their healing. He wraps up our chat with some heartfelt thanks for the chance to share his journey, aiming to light the way for others who might be in the dark.

If you'd like to watch Break Every Chain, it can be found on the following platforms: Prime, YouTube, Tubi, Pluto TV, Sling TV, Fandango as well as several other platforms.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

In this special episode, "After the Tones Drop" is delighted to feature Episode 008: Time to go Home from Operation Yellow Tape Podcast, hosted by the exceptionally articulate Kenny Mitchell. Kenny challenges first responders to prioritize action over excuses, emphasizing that if first responders are still suffering, no excuse is valid. Kenny, known for both his potent advocacy and his tech tips (he even taught our hosts a few iPhone tricks!), delivers invaluable guidance on how first responders can transition from work to home life effectively.

This episode dives deep into the often overlooked aspect of first responder life—returning home. Kenny discusses the importance of learning this critical skill and teaching their families to support their return. He offers practical advice, to communicate the day's challenges without burdening loved ones with too much detail. This method helps manage expectations and maintain family relationships after tough shifts.

Kenny's insights are a gift to our community, teaching us to help you navigate safely not just on the job but also in personal interactions with those who care about you most. Tune in to learn from Kenny Mitchell, who brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to the vital topic of homecoming for first responders.

Website: https://www.kennymitchelljr.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennymitchellfire/

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

While the hosts of After the Tones Drop are on their season break, they are excited to feature a compelling episode from the Just Corrections Podcast EP001 " Zombie Brain" with host William Young and his guest Sue Radcliffe. This episode dives deep into the complex world of trauma and its impact on correctional officers.

Guest Spotlight:
Joining the conversation is Susan Radcliffe, LCSW-C, RYT 200, a mental health therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience. Sue's professional journey has spanned various settings, including sexual assault/domestic violence programs, therapeutic foster care, and outpatient mental health clinics. She holds a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University and is currently making a significant impact on the Eastern Shore of Maryland as part of the Dorchester County Health Department.

Accolades and Innovations:
Sue was awarded the Maryland Department of Health Individual Innovation Award in 2019 for her pioneering work. She has developed an innovative wellness program specifically designed for correctional officers, incorporating the neuroscience of trauma with the therapeutic benefits of trauma-informed yoga. Her program has not only captured local attention but has also been featured in the prestigious Journal of Offender Rehabilitation.

Episode Highlights:

• Explore the intersection of mental health, trauma, and the correctional environment through Sue's expert lens.
• Gain insights into how Sue’s approach to integrating trauma-informed practices can transform the lives of correctional officers.
• Learn about the scientific underpinnings of trauma and how this knowledge can be applied to develop effective wellness initiatives.

Engage with Us:
Don’t forget to subscribe to "Just Corrections Podcast" and "After the Tones Drop" to stay updated on insightful discussions like this. Share your thoughts and feedback on this episode through your favorite podcast platform

Subscribe to The Just Corrections Podcast! New episodes will be released every Monday.
Subscribe to Just Corrections with William Young on YouTube!

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE