REACT: A First Responder Podcast

About REACT: A First Responder Podcast

Hosted by a former police officer, this podcast is breaking the silence around trauma, stigma, healing, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Raw, honest conversations that remind us we're not alone.

Publisher

Brianna McCarty

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Nov 2025

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Behind the Headset

   In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Green, a former military police officer who transitioned her career to become a 911 dispatcher. Her career changed after an officer involved shooting. Like many, she tried to return to work and continue doing the job she dedicated so much of her life to. The impact of that call didn’t simply disappear when the shift ended. She opens up about what it was like trying to return to dispatching after a shooting, the PTSD that followed, and the difficult realization that eventually led her to step away from a career she loved. Today, She advocates for mental health awareness among first responders and has found ways to cope with navigating her life after that call and after the job. Sometimes we need to recognize when we have given enough and find another way forward. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there! If you would like to support the work that I am doing to improve mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the first responder community, please visit the REACT for Responders website. Reactforresponders.org (http://reactforresponders.org) There are many ways to help, including: Making a donation to support our mission Volunteering your time and expertise as a training, peer support officer, or subject matter expert Sharing resources or connecting us with organizations that may benefit from our work Sharing your story - either as a guest on the podcast or anonymously for me to share your story on your behalf. Every story shared helps raise awareness, start important conversations, and move us one step closer to changing the culture surrounding mental health in the first responder profession. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, first responder community.

2. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Blurred Lines Pt.2

   In part two I continue the conversation with Dan Mercer and Clint Brooks who are co-authors of Blurred Lines to discuss the realities of policing that often go unspoken. In this episode, we discuss the calls that come home with you, follow you to the grocery stores, and force you to wrestle with your thoughts. We explore the lasting impact of trauma, moral injury, and life beyond the calls. From responding to heartbreaking incidents involving children to being ordered to not act during a critical event, this episode examines how trauma follows first responders home and changes the way we experience everyday life. We also discuss the lack of debriefings and organizational support, what it means to be medically ordered off duty, and why resilience is often built through small daily choices rather than dramatic moments. The conversation concludes with practical ways agencies can better support their people. Both of these episodes are honest conversations about the human cost of the job and what needs to change to better protect those who serve. To purchase a copy of Blurred lines, you can do so on Amazon with the link below. https://a.co/d/07XiOTWS (https://a.co/d/07XiOTWS) Dan Mercer and Clint Brooks have also continued the work they do with Echopoint Leadership. Through Echopoint you can book the officers for a public speaking event, sign up for critical incident aftermath training, learn more about retreats designed for first responders and contact them for strategic advisory. https://echopointleadership.com/ (https://echopointleadership.com/) Echopoint Leadership in partnership with Trinity church is hosting a 2026 retreat in Arizona. Check out the Echopoint Leadership website for more information. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there! If you would like to support the work that I am doing to improve mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the first responder community, please visit the REACT for Responders website. Reactforresponders.org (http://reactforresponders.org) There are many ways to help, including: Making a donation to support our mission Volunteering your time and expertise as a training, peer support officer, or subject matter expert Sharing resources or connecting us with organizations that may benefit from our work Sharing your story - either as a guest on the podcast or anonymously for me to share your story on your behalf. Every story shared helps raise awareness, start important conversations, and move us one step closer to changing the culture surrounding mental health in the first responder profession. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, first responder community.

3. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Blurred Lines

   In part one of this two part conversation, I sit down with police officers, Dan Mercer and Clint Brooks who are co-authors of Blurred Lines to discuss the realities of policing that often go unspoken. We explore the childhood experiences and family influences that draw many of us to this profession, the desire to be a hero, and how unresolved trauma can shape our path. In this episode, we discuss the culture of dark humor, self-medication, and the challenge of learning how to leave the job behind at the end of the shift. The conversation dives into critical incidents, the images that never seem to leave, and the difference between what the public sees as heroism and what officers experience as controlled chaos. We also discuss PTSD, emotional detachment, moral injury, complacency and the toll that high performance can take on those who dedicate themselves to the profession. Through powerful personal stories, including a life-altering vehicle crash that left one officer permanently injured, we examine what happens when the job demands everything from you - and what it feels like when you’re ultimately viewed as just a number. This episode is an honest look at the invisible wounds of policing, the weight officers carry long after the call is over, and the difficult work of learning how to live beyond the badge. To purchase a copy of Blurred lines, you can do so on Amazon with the link below. https://a.co/d/07XiOTWS (https://a.co/d/07XiOTWS) Dan Mercer and Clint Brooks have also continued the work they do with Echopoint Leadership. Through Echopoint you can book the officers for a public speaking event, sign up for critical incident aftermath training, learn more about retreats designed for first responders and contact them for strategic advisory. https://echopointleadership.com/ (https://echopointleadership.com/) Echopoint Leadership in partnership with Trinity church is hosting a 2026 retreat in Arizona. Check out the Echopoint Leadership website for more information. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there! If you would like to support the work that I am doing to improve mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the first responder community, please visit the REACT for Responders website. Reactforresponders.org (http://reactforresponders.org) There are many ways to help, including: Making a donation to support our mission Volunteering your time and expertise as a training, peer support officer, or subject matter expert Sharing resources or connecting us with organizations that may benefit from our work Sharing your story - either as a guest on the podcast or anonymously for me to share your story on your behalf. Every story shared helps raise awareness, start important conversations, and move us one step closer to changing the culture surrounding mental health in the first responder profession. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, first responder community.

4. 

   10 Jun 2026

   The fight back

   Frank Voce, a Police officer in New York and founder of Reps For Responders joins me to share his story of mental health through the badge and his journey of resilience. In 2018/2019 Frank struggled with his mental health and fortunately found the strength to seek help. This is Frank’s truth of hitting his rock bottom, something we as a culture are afraid of, and quite literally fighting his way back to being whole. After this, Frank has felt called to help first responders become the best version of themselves they can. Through his experiences and strength, he founded a non profit to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of first responders. Reps For Responders provides support for substance abuse, mental health battles, fitness and nutrition and recovery coaching.  You can visit the website to learn more about Frank and Reps for Responders. Any purchase of merch goes right back into the non-profit to keep their mission alive. https://www.repsforresponders.org/ https://www.repsforresponders.org/shop You can find Reps for Responders on IG! Follow them at Reps_for-Responders Every Sunday at 7pm EST, Frank and his team host Responder Talk via zoom. First responders from around the work connect to talk about any physical or mental health topics. To learn more or join the meeting, email info@respsforresponders.org If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there! If you would like to support the work that I am doing to improve mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the first responder community, please visit the REACT for Responders website. Reactforresponders.org (http://reactforresponders.org) There are many ways to help, including: Making a donation to support our 501(c)3 Volunteering your time and expertise as a training, peer support officer, or subject matter expert Sharing resources or connecting us with organizations that may benefit from our work Sharing your story - either as a guest on the podcast or anonymously for me to share your story on your behalf. Every story shared helps raise awareness, start important conversations, and move us one step closer to changing the culture surrounding mental health in the first responder profession. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, first responder community.

5. 

   5 May 2026

   Choosing Life Over the Badge - Part Two

   Today’s guest, Brian Rogers used to be a patrol deputy for the largest Sheriff's office in Oregon. He was an FTO, combatives instructor, narcotics investigator, on the riot team and more! PTSD doesn’t just come from one moment. It builds. Call after call. Year after year. Quietly changing the way you think, react and live. Now add to that department betrayal. In part one of Brian’s story he speaks about the identity, the pressure, and the reality of what happens when the job doesn’t just stay on the job. As you’ll hear, after more than 16 years he was forced to make an impossible decision. The badge… Or walk away to treat the PTSD and save yourself, your marriage and your family. Today, he is thriving and would never look back. This is a conversation about the slow weight of the profession and the incredible resilience and strength to reclaim your life. Brian Rogers is also a host of his own podcast, Shielded Voices Podcast where the mission is to break the silence and bring light to the humans behind the badge. They are everywhere you can find your favorite podcasts. Check out the link below directly to their podcast where you can learn even more about Brian and his Co Host. https://open.spotify.com/show/7npT0bTh84ECbclchwNKnt?si=0e51745f57e94bab (https://open.spotify.com/show/7npT0bTh84ECbclchwNKnt?si=0e51745f57e94bab) https://www.shieldedvoices.com/home (https://www.shieldedvoices.com/home) You can also find Shielded voices on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube at Shielded Voices. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there!

6. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Choosing Life over the Badge

   Today’s guest, Brian Rogers, used to be a patrol deputy for the largest Sheriff's office in Oregon. He was an FTO, combatives instructor, narcotics investigator, on the riot team and more! PTSD doesn’t just come from one moment. It builds. Call after call. Year after year. Quietly changing the way you think, react and live. Now add to that department betrayal. In part one of Brian’s story he speaks about the identity, the pressure, and the reality of what happens when the job doesn’t just stay on the job. As you’ll hear, after more than 16 years he was forced to make an impossible decision. The badge… Or walk away to treat the PTSD and save yourself, your marriage and your family. This episode is not where Brian’s story ends Stay turned for Part 2. Today, he is thriving and would never look back. This is a conversation about the slow weight of the profession and the incredible resilience and strength to reclaim your life. Brian Rogers is also a host of his own podcast, Shielded Voices Podcast, where the mission is to break the silence and bring light to the humans behind the badge. They are everywhere you can find your favorite podcasts. Check out the link below directly to their podcast where you can learn even more about Brian and his Co Host. https://open.spotify.com/show/7npT0bTh84ECbclchwNKnt?si=0e51745f57e94bab (https://open.spotify.com/show/7npT0bTh84ECbclchwNKnt?si=0e51745f57e94bab) https://www.shieldedvoices.com/home (https://www.shieldedvoices.com/home) You can also find Shielded voices on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube at Shielded Voices. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there!

7. 

   12 Apr 2026

   Give Blue Hope

   This episode is not my typical episode, but it is a very important one. Not only will we be remembering a fallen officer today, but sharing a resource for families should they ever need support in this unfortunate situation. Two years ago today, April 12, Officer Ross Bartlett was on a routine traffic stop when he was struck by a distracted driver and killed. Leaving behind a family he loved dearly. What happens when we expect the system and department to be prepared and support our families through these tough times and they don’t? This is something officer Barlett’s family had to deal with. There was no say in how Officer Bartlett was laid to rest. No counseling for the family. No emotional support. No financial support. I had the opportunity to sit down with Tiffany Yant, the daughter of Officer Bartlett and discuss her experience. Tiffany found purpose in her pain and is not a part of an incredible organization, Give Blue Hope. Give Blue Hope helps with the financial gaps for the family of the fallen officer. But for Tiffany and her team, it goes far beyond that. They are there to make sure you are supported with counseling resources and structured support. Tiffany and her team aren’t just doing a job, they care about you and your family. They will remember the anniversaries, the birthdays… They will be there whenever you need to reach out to someone. They will just be there. No questions asked. One way in which they are unique, they will help you become prepared before something like this happens. Tiffany is setting out to change the way we operate before a Line of duty death, taking out the guess work for the family we leave behind. Do you want a public funeral? Does your family know what bills are to be paid? Does your family know how to access your bank account? The list goes on and Give Blue Hope has you covered. If you would like to reach out to Give Blue hope and Tiffany, or just learn more, please visit the link below. https://www.givebluehope.org/ (https://www.givebluehope.org/) Tiffany can also be found on Facebook and Linkedin at Tiffany Yant. The founder of Give Blue Hope, Curtis DeBerg, is also on Linkedin. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there!

8. 

   6 Apr 2026

   Demons, Angels and the weight of the job

   This episode hits different. I decided to throw the script away for a more authentic conversation that went where we needed it to go. I sat down with Dennis Pishok, someone who spent 18 years as a firefighter before transitioning into law enforcement. We talk about what those long shifts really cost you, how the job impacts family, life and why - despite everything - so many first responders feel called to serve, We get into the differences between fire and police work, the constant weight of the calls, and the realities the people outside of this profession don’t always see. But more than that, this conversation dives into trauma, peer support, group therapy, and what it actually looks like to take care of yourself in real time and in a career that often doesn’t leave room for self care. Dennis has also written a book, Demons and Angels, where he shares his experience with trauma, and finding the way forward. https://a.co/d/0cgXoi6J This didn’t feel like an interview, it felt more like peer support. If you’re in this job, or you love someone who is, this conversation will resonate. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there!

9. 

   25 Mar 2026

   Can one hour change a culture?

   Today’s guest is a Sheriff local to me, Sheriff Rob Tadelman. Sheriff Tadelman began his career in 2004. During his career he has worn several hats within the Sheriff’s office and two deputies have been killed in the line of duty during his time there. While he wasn’t Sheriff at that time, he was able to see how things operated in those unfortunate incidents. Tadelmen has been Sheriff since 2022 and has been focusing on his own “pie in the sky” idea to better support his deputy. These shifts are never easy and take a great deal of time, but that didn’t slow Sheriff Tadelman down or lose sight of his purpose. Sheriff Tadelmen explains how he plans to introduce an hour a day to his department staff where they can slow down, destress and access mental health resources. We talk about what this change actually looks like behind the scenes. Ever wonder how clinicians might be vetted? Have you ever had the administration deny a request and question if things could have gone differently? It was refreshing to sit down with someone in leadership who was willing to step up, start the conversation and fight for change. I'm curious, what’s a change you would make if you were Sheriff? If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates. I host a once a month virtual peer group strictly for first responders active or not. This is a safe space to connect with people who understand the things we don’t often talk about. This isn’t therapy and there is no obligation to talk. You can simply be with like minded people and find healing in realizing you’re not alone. You can email or message me on any of my socials for the link. Hope to see you there!

10. 

    9 Mar 2026

    Routine call turned violent

    What starts as a routine call can quickly change. In this episode, I sit down with a full time police officer who has built his career around both protecting others and supporting those within this profession. He serves as a peer support officer and a member of the critical incident stress management team. Alongside all the work in law enforcement, he is currently finishing up his masters in clinical mental health and counseling, specializing with the first responder and military community. His goal is to bridge the gap between the realities of this profession and the mental health support often needed but rarely sought. During our conversation, we discuss the danger of complacency in policing and how quickly a routine call can escalate. He shares a powerful story about responding to what appeared to be a standard medical call, but quickly turned violent when a firearm was introduced - forcing a split-second fight for control. This episode is a conversation about vigilance, culture, and the growing movement of first responders working to support their own mental health needs. Today’s guest represents a new generation of officers working to change the way the profession approaches resilience, support and service. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow along on my other socials. https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr#) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) If you are interested in sharing your story please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) I am most active in LinkedIn at Brianna McCarty. You can converse with me there, see what else I’m up to and find other updates.

11. 

    23 Feb 2026

    Ep. 5 Joseph Brigandi

    This episode is truly for everyone. Every first responder, leaders and first responder clinicians. Joseph has seen the job from the inside out. He has been on the road, behind the mic in dispatch and in a clinical setting. Joseph spent 35 years as a paramedic. During that time he openly shares that he has lost over 150 colleagues to suicide .. and how he believes he could have been next. In this episode, we talk about what actually works in trauma treatment for responders. Is EMDR the right treatment plan? Is it always used correctly? Not all clinicians understand this culture.. And that makes a difference here. This conversation is not only powerful, but incredibly educational. I have been seeking therapy for my trauma for several years now and through talking with Joseph, I have learned why some things haven’t worked for me. No matter the season you’re in, the treatments that didn’t feel right for you or the clinicians that you’ve felt moved to change, there is still a way forward and others that have experienced many of the same struggles. https://frbhi.com/ (https://frbhi.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyWHpoOWpWQzNVOG1vWW1GbnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7fh1WY7nj_3rlitglbwAlGn6wzLLUq96kwO-IGacj67cnsCjeO7MuafSDHyA_aem_kYvtvKQ14VlqWmRAM_x3TQ) Lets connect! https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 You can also find us on Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio,  and Amazon Music/Audible If you're interesting in sharing your story, email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com or find me on Linkedin!

12. 

    8 Feb 2026

    Quick message

    If you listen to this podcast but haven't yet seen my social media accounts, I don't want you to miss this. Starting this month I will be hosting a one a month zoom peer meeting for first responders. This is not therapy. There is no pressure to talk . I simply wanted to create a safe space for us to connect. A place where first responders can show up as they are, whether you want to talk or not. You can ask questions, get guidance, listen to other stories, or gain connection with people who understand the toll and culture of the first responder field. Each month, we well get together via zoom, check in with one another, and focus on connection and support. There is nothing clinical about this and there is no paperwork. If this sounds like something you would be interested in or even something you’re just curious about, i would love to have you there. The first meeting is 2/20 at 1pm central. You can email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com or message me on any of my social media platforms. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-mccarty-28503a374/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/ Reach out to me through any platform and I will send you the google meets link. Hope I see you there!

13. 

    8 Feb 2026

    Ep. 4 Adam Meyers

    In this episode, I sit down with Adam Meyers, a now police captain whose career and life were altered by one incident. After being involved in a shooting that ended a life, he faced the kind of aftermath that we can never prepare for. Mental health struggles, unhealthy coping, and ultimately termination. Termination from a profession many of us build our identity around. What followed was as an honest look at the realities of the stigma inside the police department. Today, Adam is not only  back to policing, but is also a voice for mental health awareness. He speaks publicly about the stigma and rebuilding despite the unfortunate events that could have taken his life. Adam founded Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma, which focuses on officer wellness, inspiring other first responders to not only take care of their mental health, but share what they experienced and learned. This conversation goes beyond the incident. We cover moral injury, losing the badge, rebuilding and what healing looks like when the culture tells you to stay silent. Its a powerful reminder that hitting your rock bottom doesn’t have to be the end. Recovery is possible, purpose and leadership can exist on the other side of the call. You can find Adam Meyers on Linkedin or follow his social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma. https://www.facebook.com/stopthreatstopstigma If you’re interested in learning more about Adam and what he has built to address the stigma, check out his website below. https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/ Lets connect! https://www.instagram.com/react_frp/?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr# https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 You can also find us on Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio,  and Amazon Music/Audible If you're interesting in sharing your story, email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com

14. 

    16 Jan 2026

    Ep. 3 Dr Kareem Puranda

    Dr. Kareem Puranda is a former police officer, clinician, author, and nonprofit founder, whose journey into mental health work was shaped by both service and consequence. In this episode, we explore how critical incidents on and off duty can fundamentally alter our career, identity and life. Dr. Puranda now works with first responders, drawing from his experience, clinical training and years of public speaking. This conversation examines what growth actually requires when harm, responsibility and healing all exist at the same time. Dr. Kareem Puranda also spends time doing inspirational speaking for first responders and more. If you’re interested in learning more about Dr. Puranda or contacting him, you can do so with the link below. https://www.drkareempuranda.com/ (https://www.drkareempuranda.com/) Watch Dr Kareem Puranda on TEDX: https://youtu.be/qAEWsCkhUQA?si=D9O9ciCtY_4kb1dd (https://youtu.be/qAEWsCkhUQA?si=D9O9ciCtY_4kb1dd) If you’re interested in sharing your story and advice, please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com Lets connect! https://www.instagram.com/react_frp?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) You can also find us on Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio,  and Amazon Music/Audible The REACT Podcast uses royalty-free music licensed under the Pixabay content license. The track selected is free for commercial use.

15. 

    3 Jan 2026

    Ep.2 Davin Cole

    In this episode, I sat down with Davin Cole, a highly decorated former police officer. Davin responded to critical incidents throughout his career, though explaining that nothing lingered when leaving each one. He believed that he walked away from them without a lasting impact. After a serious injury and surgery, Davin was prescribed pain medication that later turned to dependence. As he attempted to come off the medication, addiction took hold, leading to decisions that ultimately cost him his career and freedom. This conversation explores how trauma doesn't always present itself in obvious ways, and how substance use can quietly take root even in high ranking officers. This exposes how quickly life can change and why early intervention, honest conversations and real support matter long before everything falls apart. Davin is an incredibly strong individual then and now. Davin does public speaking and there is so much more to unpack than what was covered in this episode.  Visit Davincole.com (http://davincole.com) for more information. If you’re interested in sharing your story and advice, please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com Lets connect! https://www.instagram.com/react_frp?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) You can also find us on Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio,  and Amazon Music/Audible The REACT Podcast uses royalty-free music licensed under the Pixabay content license. The track selected is free for commercial use.

16. 

    6 Dec 2025

    Ep. 1 Johnny Snyder

    In this episode, I sit down with police officer Johnny Snyder as my very first guest. Johnny has had a very active career and is currently a SWAT team member and a gang investigator. He shares what brotherhood looks like and how it’s  different from SWAT to patrol. We talk about the culture shifts and what support really means. We also dive into the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder field, how he manages to stay grounded, and how he balances his career, physical health, mental health and his family. If you’re interested in sharing your story and advice, please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com Lets connect! https://www.instagram.com/react_frp?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr (https://www.instagram.com/react_frp?igsh=ZXIxZGdxYTRmcTM4&utm_source=qr) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584786656026) You can also find us on Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio,  and Amazon Music/Audible The REACT Podcast uses royalty-free music licensed under the Pixabay content license. The track selected is free for commercial use.

17. 

    20 Nov 2025

    REACT: Trailer

    REACT: A First Responders Podcast is a space for meaningful conversations about the realities of this work—both the visible and the invisible. Our goal: reduce stigma, strengthen peer support, and share the stories that often go unspoken. Whether you’re police, fire, EMS, dispatch, or corrections, this podcast reminds you that what you’re feeling is normal, and that connection is one of our strongest tools. You’re not alone in this job, and you don’t have to carry everything by yourself. If you’re interested in being on the podcast and sharing your story, please email me at bmtmccarty@gmail.com (mailto:bmtmccarty@gmail.com) Music by AlexGrohl

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Apple Podcasts (US)

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3 ratings

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Books guests

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