A cop, a dispatcher, and two firefighters walk into a podcast studio...

Minds on the Frontline Podcast

The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
In this episode, we welcome James Wade and Don Gephart. James is a police officer with the Dearborn Police Department, as well as a member of his departments peer support team. Don Gephart is a dispatcher for Dearborn Police and Fire. James and Don were invited to the show to have a real, honest, and raw conversation about the realities of the stress that frontline workers face.
During this episode, we talk about PTSD and the impact on first responders. Then, we talk about the value of culturally competent clinicians that understand the job. Finally, we close out the conversation by discussing the value of normalizing the impact of trauma on frontline workers and letting our colleagues know that “it’s ok that it’s not ok,” and treatment is available.
Host - Geoff Lassers ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD
Host - Mike Mattern ([email protected]), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD
Guest - James Wade ([email protected]), Dearborn Police Department
Guest - Don Gephart ([email protected]), Dearborn Fire and Police Dispatch
Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis—whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges—reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.