Get ready for a powerful new episode of After the Tones Drop. This week, we’re diving into the raw, unfiltered reality of what it means to be a first responder on the edge. We’re bringing you a call from the other side of the world—from a fourth-generation first responder who’s staring down the barrel of uncertainty, fear, and the haunting question: “Who am I without this job?”

This isn’t just another story from the past; this is someone in the thick of it, fighting to find a way through. You’ll hear the desperation, the courage, and the fight to stay afloat in a world that demands so much.

Join us as we explore the deeply personal struggle of identity, mental health, and the battle to keep going. This episode is a stark reminder that no one is alone, and there’s always hope—even when it feels like there’s none left.

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 felt like life’s a never-ending grindhouse flick? Well, buckle up, because this week we’ve got Chris Perry, a retired law enforcement officer who took the ultimate journey from the darkness of PTSD to the liberating high of motorcycle racing. Yeah, you heard me right.

Chris talks about hitting rock bottom, where his emotions were as numb as a statue and fear was just a word in the dictionary. Imagine facing the crapstorm of law enforcement for nearly three decades and coming out the other side. It’s a story packed with more grit and guts than a Quentin Tarantino finale.

Our guy Chris knows a thing or two about setting boundaries and the art of self-forgiveness – essential tools when you’re piecing together a shattered psyche. And here’s the kicker: he’s not just talking the talk. Along with therapy, motorcycle racing became a pivotal part of his healing. Ripping through 800 hours on a racetrack he built himself. Hell, each lap was a step towards reclaiming his soul.

Now, if you think this is all about speed and thrills, think again. Chris dives deep into the concept of “chasing the high” and the empty void it leaves behind. He underscores the need for regular mental health check-ups and a solid dose of self-awareness. He’s not just riding for himself but is on a mission to shift the mental health narrative among first responders, especially the new kids on the block who are shaking off the old stigmas.

Chris’s story is raw and unfiltered. From growing up in a first responder family which marked his childhood to the emotional bombshells of his career, he paints a vivid picture of resilience. He didn’t just survive; he transformed, finding a new purpose in helping others navigate their mental health struggles.

These days, Chris is channeling his energy into advocating for mental health and working with senior citizens, bringing resources and support to those who need it most. He’s living proof that you can turn the darkest times into a beacon of hope for others.

And did I mention he’s got a book in the works? Yeah, deciding its focus is a challenge, but when it hits, it’s gonna be a game-changer.

Tune in to hear Chris Perry’s incredible journey – a tale of pain, loss, love, and the relentless pursuit of inner peace. It’s one hell of a ride. Don’t miss it.

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

Welcome to the fast lane of mental health recovery, where we're not just talking about any old therapy—we're spotlighting Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and believe me, it's as revolutionary as it sounds. Picture a therapy that's the Tesla of mental health: sleek, speedy, and effective, cutting through the noise without dragging you through the mud of your past again and again. ART is changing the game, and your hosts Erin and Cinnamon are ready to break it all down for you.

And because Erin and Cinnamon aren’t just about talking the talk, they’ve woven this magic into their new gig, Copper Warrior. It's a 12-week intensive coaching program that’s more like boot camp for your brain.

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

Welcome back to the show where we dive deep into the unseen world of 911 dispatchers with none other than Ricardo Martinez II, the storyteller and force behind 'Within the Trenches' and the #IAM911 movement. Today, Ricardo joins us to shed light on his 13 years on the front lines as a dispatcher and supervisor, his ongoing efforts to highlight the critical role of dispatchers through his podcast, and the global impact of the #IAM911 movement.

Ricardo passionately discusses the necessity of reclassifying 911 dispatchers as first responders, the vital role of peer support, and the intriguing potential of incorporating video technology in dispatch centers. He brings us into the heart of dispatching, revealing the intense emotional demands and the essential need for empathy, understanding, and robust mental health support for dispatchers. Our conversation covers the transformative power of therapeutic disclosure and the importance of self-care routines to combat the stress of the job.

Don't miss the lighter side as Ricardo shares amusing anecdotes from his career, including a suspect's creative escape attempt and a sleepy caller that lightened a tense moment. He emphasizes the importance of openness in discussing the challenges faced by dispatchers and champions journaling as a tool for personal care. Ricardo also touches on his creation and contribution to the 'Imagine Listening' book.

Join us for this compelling episode that not only explores the depths of 911 dispatching but also celebrates the humor and humanity found in the midst of chaos. Tune in, be moved, and gain a new perspective on the voices that answer when you call for help.

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

This episode is for anyone who’s faced the darkness and found the courage to seek the light. It’s for the warriors, the wounded, and anyone who believes in the power of second chances. Today’s guest is the ultimate comeback kid, Rocco Besednjak—a retired cop and Navy vet who stared down the barrel of despair and came out the other side swinging.

Rocco’s story isn’t just a tale of survival; it’s a saga of transformation. After being medically retired due to severe injuries, Rocco faced the gut-wrenching loss of his identity as a first responder. Depression and PTSD tried to knock him out, but Rocco found his therapy in the wild. He bought a slice of paradise nestled in national forest land and turned it into a sanctuary for wounded warriors and first responders. Welcome to Camp Hero, where nature does the healing.

On today’s show, Rocco talks about the creation of Camp Hero and the Nature Immersion Mental Health Maintenance Program. This isn’t just a retreat; it’s a lifeline for those who’ve been through hell and back. At Camp Hero, heroes get to decompress, relax, and reconnect with nature. Rocco’s philosophy? Treat everyone with respect and understanding, even if they’ve stumbled. Help them stand up, dust off, and find a new purpose.

We dig deep into the importance of seeking support and the power of community. Rocco shares his personal battle with depression, his journey through therapy, and the eye-opening realizations that helped him regain control of his life. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal—finding the right therapist is crucial. Rocco’s candid discussion on this underscores the need for specialized mental health support tailored for first responders and veterans.

We also tackle the tough topics: addiction, trauma, and the relentless fight to overcome them. Rocco’s mission with Camp Hero goes beyond just offering a getaway; it’s about creating a space where broken spirits can heal and transform.

Join us as Rocco F. Besednjak shares his incredible journey and the powerful message that even after the darkest storms, there’s a way to rise from the ashes.

Learn more about Camp Hero!

Watch Rocco's Episode:
ID Channel (Investigation Discover) "High Stakes" Season 1 Episode 8

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

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