Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast

EP25 - The Final H2H Walk Podcast: Life after the walk with Billy, Bats, Greg and Matt. The podcast wrap-up. We've been back for a while, and a few walkers have had a chat! I'll say sorry up front for the delay in doing this podcast. Even after getting it recorded, it has taken a while to edit it for the platform. To be honest, I've not been going too well for a long time since we got home and sometimes things are just a bit harder than they should be. I'll talk about that when I'm ready, but let's just get on with it hey! In this episode we talk openly about what it's like to walk over 2600km, the highs and lows and if it was worth it. Everyone had a common purpose on the walk through the objectives of the Heart 2 Heart Walk, but most of us had our own journey too. It gets deep. All the way to Greg (yes of course it was Greg) going back to the Emergency Services Memorial in Canberra, looking at the 26 words that sum up the virtues of Emergency Service Workers. On reflection, he talks about 4 of them, and how they related to the walk: Community, Hope, Resilience and Spirit. We were invested in all of these during the walk, and getting to see these virtues first hand on the walk really took us to the purpose of the walk. Making sure we can maintain our capabilities in Australia, and looking after those who serve the country. Sadly, one of the main focusses of the walk was the unacceptable rate of suicide in First Responders both serving and veteran. There were 5 serving member suicides during the walk, and one soon after we finished that we heard about. Sadly, there were probably more that we didn't know about, and remember we do not have a way of tracking suicides of former first responders in Australia - so that figure is unknown. It really hit us hard on the walk, but was certainly motivation to keep pushing on. To quote our Ambassador Allan Sparkes CV OAM VA: "It's not about the walk, it is about the building of the path for others to follow. You have laid the foundations with your blood sweat and tears that now joins the blood sweat and tears in the Earth of those who are fallen before you and who will be forever grateful for caring about them in the way you have “ _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

Sergeant Greg Corin APM - Australian Federal Police 36 years. Such a diverse career from General Duties Policing, Specialist Response Group (SRG) - Discreet Operations Team through to Team Leader, Close Personal Protection team for the Governor-General and Prime Minister. _____ Listener discretion is advised; this episode raises issues such as child abuse, suicide and other emotive issues that might not be suitable for all listeners. _____ In this Hot Debrief episode, Matt talks to Sgt Greg Corin APM during the Heart 2 Heart Walk. Greg has led an amazing career within the Australian Federal Police (AFP) since commencing in 1987 currently in his 36th year of service that has taken him all around the world. A service that has taken a huge toll on both him and his family with a level of resilience that you need to hear to believe. Greg has specialised in various operational roles including Tactical Operations within the Specialist Response Group, Surveillance Operations, Close Personal Protection, Witness Protection, Police Rescue and even Water Police. This unique array of capabilities has seen Greg also an operational member of the ‘Discreet Operations Team’ - conducting both domestic and international operations. If hunting Columbian Drug importers in remote parts of Australia’s west coast sounds intense, you need to hear the stories of being held at gunpoint during UN operations in East Timor, surviving a massive Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack just 300 metres away in Afghanistan and being shot at by Russian separatists while deployed to Ukraine soon after the downing of flight MH17. Greg’s role as a Ceremonial and Protocol Officer saw him involved in the ramp ceremonies for the repatriation of 24 Australians killed in the crash on his return. It is quite hard to believe that this high risk, high tempo diverse service was given despite personal adversities that you need to hear to believe. This episode goes for over 2 hours, and only scratches the surface of this spectacular career, and so much of it he is not able to reveal due to the extreme sensitivity of the operations he has been involved in. So hard to believe we have the privilege of walking along side this amazing Australian First Responder during the Heart 2 Heart Walk. Thank you Greg for sharing this powerful story. ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

Living alongside PTSD- a family perspective with Janine Hopkin and Sarah U'Brien. In this episode, Matt takes a step back from the microphone and lets two of the Heart 2 Heart Walkers, Sarah and Janine have a 'self interview' by the waters edge not far from our camp at Urana, NSW. After setting up the recording equipment and hitting the red button it was over to them. However this is no ordinary chat between these ladies. Both Sarah and Janine were 'Police wives' and everything that goes along with it. From living in small communities with the local Policeman to now looking after their partners that both suffer PTSD. We hear all too often about the action packed, drama filled lives Police and emergency services workers lead however what is often left out is the 'behind the scenes' part of those stories; the partners, the children and the consequences. In this episode, we are changing that. You will hear about the tragic effects on both them as partners, but even more devastating, their children who are just so innocently involved in not only the chaos of service, but the effects of having a parent suffer a mental health condition as a result of that service. You can also watch this waterside chat between Sarah and Janine on YouTube. https://youtu.be/ZojBgZ0-HTw _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

Nicky Skinner - Paramedic - London Ambulance Service to the ACT Ambulance Service. In this episode, Matt talks to Nicky Skinner, a Heart 2 Heart Walker who joined us on a short break from her role as a Paramedic with the ACT Ambulance Service. Nicky talks all about what it is like to join as an Ambulance Paramedic, both here in Australia and with the London Ambulance Service where she started her career. As a 23 year old Paramedic, Nicky was a single unit responder in the rough streets of Romford in London's East, where stabbings were the favourite tool used by the gangs of the area and being surrounded by a group of men with no backup in an ambush-setup response call. As you can imagine, as a newly qualified paramedic thrown into the deep end in East London, Nicky tells of the daily pressures learning her craft as the clinical lead responding to emergencies throughout the area. She also reflects on how poor management practices and organisational pressures can sometimes be more difficult to deal with than responding to traumatic scenes - and just how important positive, supportive organisational culture can be in the emergency services. So enjoy this small insight into one of the Heart 2 Heart Walkers, as we mention, these humble people rarely tell their stories so enjoy this chat with another one of Australia's fantastic first responders! _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd

Steve Watson - Served in both the Royal Australian Army - 6RAR and Royal Australian Air Force - Airfield Defence Guard roles with multiple deployments to East Timor, Afghanistan and more. Steve talks about the highs and lows of service, and the challenges of adjusting to life out of uniform. This is such a fantastic, raw chat with Steve, talking through his life and careers. From starting out as a typical young bloke tearing up the town starting out with Army Reserve moving to full time service then changing services to the RAAF and the challenges of leaving military life. All this followed by buying a pub he used to frequent as a young guy living the South Australian outback aside the Flinders Ranges. Deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan left a mark, with challenges still to this day. Despite all of this, Steve talks about giving back to his local community with the only local emergency service, the Country Fire Service. It was a lucky connection with some of our mates at 3 Zeros Coffee that made this podcast happen, amazing to think this came together in the middle of the South Australian Outback through our mutual friend. So many parts of this story will resonate with many, so listen in to this amazing Australians' story. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #army #raaf #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Senator Jacqui Lambie - Talking all things from military service, thoughts on broken support systems for first responders and so much more! In this episode, Matt has an open chat to Senator Jacqui Lambie while on the Heart 2 Heart Walk from the shores of Lake Popiltah in western NSW. Jacqui talks openly about her service in the Australian Army - including a rough time in the Military Police and how that has affected her but given an opportunity to influence her real life experience in various government portfolios to improve systems for veterans. Equally, Jacqui talks through her thoughts on obstructions to making meaningful improvements for the Australian Police and Emergency Services workers, and her support for the Heart 2 Heart Walk and its objectives. We had a great time recording this one, so please settle in for some serious issues dealt with in a way only Senator Lambie could do! _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Peter Forbes - Former Australian Federal Police (AFP) Officer and Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023 member. In this episode, Matt talks to Forbsy by the camp fire in a dry riverbed near Algebuckina Bridge, south of Oodnadatta on the Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023. Forbsy talks about life as a kid shooting rabbits to a calling he and a good mate followed into Policing. We hear all about what it's like to be in Police Rescue, becoming a sniper team leader and how he lost a finger in a training accident during time in Perth training with the Special Air Service. We also hear about the highs and lows of overseas deployments as part of the United Nations Policing deployments into East Timor, Cyprus, and Africa. Peter also talks about how difficult adjusting to the bustling life in Sydney can be after postings to these countries, and how his travels now are taking him back to similar countries as he appreciates these different ways of life now as a civilian on holidays. So enjoy this small insight into one of the Heart 2 Heart Walkers, as we mention, these humble people rarely tell their stories so we are privileged to get this peek into Forbsy's amazing career. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

This episode was recorded at our first official 'First Responder Engagement Day' or FRED as we call them, at Oodnadatta SA while we are doing the Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023. This episode is with newly appointed Captain Matt Corner from the Coober Pedy Country Fire Service who travelled out all the way to Oodnadatta to honour a promise he made when we caught up with them at Coober Pedy on the trip to start our walk. Matt comes from a long standing family tradition of Rural Fire Service and his recent appointment to Captain now makes it 3 generations of fire service Captains in his family. In this chat, we hear about the massive size of their response area, some jobs tallying near 1000km round trips just to attend. Amazing to hear just how this job is done in the extremely remote part of Australia. Captain Matt Corner - enjoy! _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #CFS #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Our first ever 'Pubcast' recorded literally at the bar of the Transcontinental Hotel, Oodnadatta with publican Simon Gunther hosted by Billy Brooks and Matt. Simon was one of those characters you couldn't miss on our arrival into Oodnadatta setting up a basecamp for a lot longer than planned due to bad weather. Simon and his wife travel the country, and at the moment are in Oodnadatta with Simon filling any number of critical town functions like comedian, larrikin, publican, Uber driver and much more. This is a light hearted chat between a few lads at the bar while Simon showed off his 1.4kg Tomahawk steaks from Hamilton Station. Enjoy. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #oodnadatta #transcontinentalhoteloodnadatta #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Our first episode recorded on the Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023: Walking the Old Ghan Rail Line near Oodnadatta with on of our walking members Greg Mitchell - a retired 42 year veteran nurse who specialised in NSW Air Ambulance Flight Nursing which included roles conducting complex aeromedical transfers across the state. Greg is also a current Rural Fire Service member, a keen bushwalker and now primary producer in his 'retirement'. Greg has a hugely diverse background in the field of nursing, including working internationally, specialising in emergency nursing, midwifery and later aeromedical transfers as a Flight Nurse with Air Ambulance (Ambulance Service NSW). Settle in for this great walking podcast with Greg. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #ASNSW #airambulance #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Dean Yates - A mental health advocate and veteran war zone correspondent, journalist and author of the recently released book 'Line in the Sand'. Dean has had an extensive domestic and international career, which ultimately lead him to being admitted to a psych ward (Ward 17) multiple times in managing his PTSD. One major contributor was the tragic friendly fire incident where two of his staff were killed by an American Apache attack helicopter in Iraq. Dean continues to recognise the impact that his career has had on his family, and dedicated this book in recognition of this seriously under-acknowledged issue. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ In this Hot Debrief episode, Matt talks to Dean Yates, who was head of mental health and wellbeing strategy at Reuters, the world’s largest news provider, for nearly three years until January 2020. Before that he was a journalist, bureau chief and senior editor at Reuters for more than 22 years. Dean Yates was the ideal warzone correspondent: courageous, compassionate, dedicated. After years of facing the worst, though, including the Bali bombings and the Boxing Day tsunami, one final incident undid him. In July 2007, two of his staff members were brutally gunned down by American fighter pilots in Iraq. What followed was an unravelling of everything Dean thought he knew of himself. His PTSD was compounded by his moral wound – the devastation of what he thought he knew of the world and his own character and beliefs. After years of treatment, including several stints inside a psychiatric facility, Dean has reshaped his view of the true meaning of life. Here, in all its guts and glory, is that journey to a better way of being. Dean has been to the blackest heart of humanity and come out with strength and heart. Dean is now a mental health expert and advocate based in Tasmania. He commits his time helping organisations with mental health strategy and training, hosting the Mindarma Podcast and managing his youngest son's rock band. Dean's recently released book is available at : https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761264429/line-in-the-sand/ Dean's website: https://www.deanyates.com.au ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #journalist #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Paul "Fluffy" Sinclair - Comedian / Instagram Megastar - Ex VicPol Forensic Investigator turned worm farmer who has now transformed his life into what works for him! *** Language Warning *** - If you are offended by bad language, this episode is NOT for you ! Before you listen to this episode, do yourself a favour and check out Fluffy's instagram posts or his website here: @paul_fluffy_sinclair . With over 125,000 followers including major celebrities and general Joe's - I'll be surprised if you haven't already heard of him. There are no words to describe this guest. A larger than life character who has faced some real challenges of his own, who now spends his days doing what he wants - making people laugh. But it's more than that. The people that reach out to Fluffy are just like you and me. Some of them are facing their own challenges, and in a way that only Fluffy can, get supported by this legend and his outlook on life. Check him out at https://heycunce.com.au _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #heycunce #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Dr Laura Finlayson-Short is a Research Fellow at Phoenix Australia's Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. In this episode, Matt talks to Dr Laura Finlayson-Short. Matt participated in a trial program called 'SOLAR-m' during his time in Fire Rescue NSW that was lead by Laura and the team at the Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. The SOLAR-m FRNSW trial aims to find out if using a smartphone app designed specifically for first responders, can help firefighters improve their mood as well as wellbeing and feel more in control of their reactions to distressing situations. Beyond exploring this program, in this podcast we talk about issues related to cultural competence of mental health treatment providers working with first responders, MRI scans of people with mental health conditions and so much more. Some of the information and programs referred to in the podcast are listed below: https://www.solartrial.org/https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/education-training/https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/research-projects/solar-program/ _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #phoenixaust #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Toby Rowallan - Emergency Medical Dispatcher for 27 years with Ambulance Tasmania. _______ Listener discretion is advised; In this episode talk about some distressing events that may be triggering for some listeners, and issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ In this episode, Matt talks to Toby Rowallan, a 27 year veteran Emergency Medical Dispatcher with Ambulance Tasmania. Toby's career commenced officially accepting his position just a day after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996 which set the tone throughout his time in being aware of the job demands and focus on welfare of staff around him. Toby and Matt talk about the stresses of emergency services life, and we get to take a deep dive into the roles within an emergency medical dispatch centre along with the unique demands of those roles within. The discussion goes well beyond into options of better managing emergency services workers in the work that they do, shift lengths, resources and work/life balance measures to avoid unnecessary harm being done to our amazing people in these roles. Toby was also on shift the day of one of the most tragic events in recent times in Tasmania, the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School accident where 6 children were killed, and just how that was handled on the day from within the control room. A truely amazing story. You can get in touch with Toby here: FB : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089798502024 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-rowallan-7b890a6b/ Instagram: @ishralar2017 ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #ambulance #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Simon Bouda AM - 40 year veteran journalist, author and ambassador for victims of crime. In this episode, Simon talks about life as a journalist, and the parallels with the emergency services world along with the amazing work he is doing supporting so many causes in the community including his role as ambassador for Homicide Victims Support. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ In this Hot Debrief episode, Matt talks to Simon Bouda AM, a veteran journalist with a career spanning over 40 years. Simon talks of his deployments to East Timor with the Australian Defence Force, Fiji covering the violent coup where he was almost shot and later his role in the rescue of the last surviving victim of the Christchurch Earthquake in New Zealand. Simon reflects on the importance of maintaining trust with those people around him, including the emergency services workers and victims throughout his journalistic career. Simon also talks about his work as an ambassador for Grace's Place - the Homicide Victims Support centre where he proudly hosts the 'Ride For Justice' combining his passion for motorcycles with yet another community support activity he is involved with. Combined with his career as a journalist, this community work has had him recognised in the Queens Birthday Honours with the Member of the Order of Australia medal. His support of the Police and Emergency Services is evident in his roles with Police Legacy and more recently being appointed as Editor of the Australian Police Journal. Simon has also authored and co authored a range of books including Deadline, Man's Best Friend and Survival. ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #journalist #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Daniel Jamieson - Former Royal Australian Army Infantry Sergeant. In this episode, Dan talks about his career in the military, and the accident that almost killed him in East Timor and his subsequent struggles with PTSD resulting from a massive head injury. We cover Accredited Assistance Dogs, alternative treatments for PTSD including Esketamine and different ways people can apply mindfulness in their day. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ In this episode, Matt talks to Dan Jamieson, a former Royal Australian Army Infantry Sergeant and survivor a terrible accident on deployment in East Timor in 2000 that almost cost him his life, leaving him with an injury that would cause long term battles with PTSD. Dan talks about his last 12 months with Accredited Assistance Dog 'Miley' his new inseparable mate who accompanied him to the PTSD group therapy sessions where Dan and Matt met. This is a deep and diverse chat about so many aspects of life with PTSD. Beyond life with an Accredited Assistance Dog, Dan talks about the various treatments he has tried, right through to his current Esketamine treatment and associated therapies for PTSD and its symptoms. We also get to hear how Dan has applied activities in his life that he is passionate about that demand total concentration as a form of mindfulness in managing his PTSD related symptoms. In true Dan form, these range from extreme rock climbing on some of Australia's largest cliffs through to the art of 'Horology' - the profession of timekeeping and all things watches. So get ready for a great casual chat while we hear from Dan about everything from military life to fixing watches! Dan's song choice is: Duran Duran - Ordinary World. Listen to the episode to find out why! We also talk about a YouTube video on watchmaking. See it here: https://youtu.be/4hZGCguYUj8 ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org Spotify Walk Song Playlist #assistancedogs #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Peter Clark - Founder of Due South Inc. Tasmania talks about support and mate-ship for veterans and first responders done differently through their 100% volunteer basis, private sector funded programs that have set up a self sufficient incorporation that is not reliant upon donations and government funds. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ In this episode, Matt talks to Peter Clark from Due South Inc. Tasmania, a Royal Australian Air Force Veteran doing amazing things to support those who serve with a fantastic team down in Tasmania. Due south are doing things differently, founded off the back of Tasmanian veterans using their own initiative and resources to set up what is now a fantastic array of support for not only veterans and first responders, but the local community as well with the view of them being all tied together in getting people through whatever they may be going through. Due South is a self-funded organisation with their sights set on delivering world-class wellness initiatives for Veterans and First Responders. Acting as a logistical hub, they deliver wellness initiatives specifically designed to support those brave and courageous individuals who serve our country. Due South wellness initiatives are referred to as their ‘mid-year resets’ and have been developed to support areas such as lifestyle transition, personal development and general wellbeing. Mid-year resets are run between the months of May and November are proudly planned and delivered by their team of selfless, dedicated and driven volunteers. Their executive board is represented by Navy, Army, Air-Force, First Responder personnel and as dedicated community advocates we guarantee our charity model will never include wages. Due South operate three purposefully designed homes, and off-grid adventure property, a farm and a community hub. These properties are all located in the picturesque town of Ulverstone, on the North-West Coast of Tasmania. Ulverstone is well recognised for its military memorials and parks and they are proud to call it home. Check them out on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Due-South-Australia-104597315168137/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duesouth_australia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-clark-ab10a4206/ ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org #DueSouthAus #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Dr. Jacqueline Drew - Associate Professor. Former QPS Police psychologist and now specialist with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Griffith Criminology Institute at the Griffith University, QLD. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ In this episode, Matt talks to Dr Jacqueline Drew. Dr Drew is currently conducting a research project into the predictive factors contributing to psychological injury faced by Police in the execution of their duties, with the view of implementing truly preventative strategies to support Police and first responders more broadly - which has already discovered some amazing outcomes. This research is being done in partnership with the QPS and Commissioner Katarina Carroll. Dr Drew's research has already shown that the organisational and operational stressors in Policing cause 3 times the harm compared to exposure to critical incident and traumatic event exposure when looking at psychological distress in Police officers. Further, the research has looked into the more recently coined 'Post Traumatic Embitterment' disorder and Moral Injury against instances which may have been somewhat incorrectly diagnosed as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder emanating from one or more traumatic event exposures. Some of the more troubling statistics highlighted by Dr Drew are that over 80% of current Police Officers in Queensland are suffering burnout, compared to around 50% in the general workforce but more disturbingly 12% of Police in Queensland are suffering from extreme/severe levels of psychological distress (found consistent with the Beyond Blue research in 2018) against around 1.5% of the general Australian workforce. Dr Drew also talks about the effect of losing the 'Police Family' for former members and how damaging the workers compensation system combined with loss of identity can be on the individuals involved in post service support can be. All current and former members of Australia's Police Forces are encouraged to listen to this episode and follow the research being done by Dr Drew and the Griffith University. To get in touch or follow Dr Jacki Drew's work check out these links: Griffith experts page: https://experts.griffith.edu.au/8497-jacqueline-drew LinkedIn: Jacqueline Drew, PhD Twitter: @drjackid ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org #QPS #griffithuni #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Jamie Caldwell - Senior NSW Government Emergency Manager and son of Undercover operative 'M'. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ In this episode, Matt talks to Jamie Caldwell, Senior NSW Government emergency management specialist who grew up as the son of a long term NSW Police Force undercover operative. We cover some really serious topics in this chat; from what it was like to grow up in a loving average everyday family where your dad has multiple false identities as an undercover drug squad operative where it was known that criminal networks had taken contracts out on the family, right through to his observations as a child seeing his dad struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) suffered as a result of the work he did. With a Dad known as Undercover ‘M’ in the book Secrets of the Jury Room by Malcolm Knox, Jamie’s childhood was far from the norm most would know, however to him it was exactly that. Jamie’s father, Keith ‘Cocky’ Caldwell, was a 30 year veteran NSW Police officer who spent an insane 10 years undercover and worked on some of the largest major crime syndicates in the country. Despite having fantastic physical outlets as a life long surf lifesaving operative and former NSW Police Rugby League champion, Jamie reflects on his fathers passing at a relatively young age, and what effect living with PTSD may have played towards this. Leaving school against the advice of his teachers at the age of 15 to pursue his surf life saving aspirations, Jamie has proven to all around him that with self-motivation, determination and never leaving those doors closed around you that you can succeed despite what a school careers advisors crystal ball once said. Since this time, Jamie has become qualified and experienced in Paramedic services, Fire and Rescue operations and had the somewhat unique experience of providing these services as a private contractor to large industrial sites and huge expanses of the Western Australian outback under WA government contracts. Moving on to running his own training organisation, Jamie has worked in the NSW Police Force as a Regional Emergency Management Officer, Emergency Coordinator with Transport for NSW and now has the role of Energy and Utility Services Functional Area Coordinator on the NSW State Emergency Management Committee. If this wasn’t enough, Jamie is also the President of the Bulli Surf Lifesaving Club, and has been responsible for coordinating some hectic rescue operations off the coastline, including the rescue of 7 people from an overturned boat off Peggys Beach, which resulted in the simultaneous resuscitation of 4 patients, one of the largest multi-agency operations seen in the Illawarra region of recent years. Similarly to our earlier podcasts with Dr Dan Pronk and Allan Sparkes CV OAM VA, Jamie also talks about the need for the impacts of emergency services work on our volunteers and private sector responders to be better recognised given their stepping in-and-out of their response roles and sometime limited support. Jamie puts up the song ‘Working class Man’ by Jimmy Barnes to our Spotify Playlist in recognition of the ‘daily grind’ faced by our first responders in doing their jobs day in and day out. Get ready for an amazing chat. ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org #bullisurfclub #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Tim Peck - Deputy Director, Centre of Excellence, Mental Health for Emergency Workers at Phoenix Australia. _______ Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need support check out our support page here. _______ In this episode, Matt talks to Tim Peck, former Detective Senior Sergeant with VicPol turned mental health advocate with some serious lived experience in this space. Tim talks openly about the impacts his career as a Police Officer had on him personally and the great lengths he went to hiding his deteriorating condition from his workmates and family right through to his attempted suicide. Post this dark point in time, Tim talks about the opportunities he has had working in mental health advocacy for first responders including time with Beyond Blue, Blue Hub and now Phoenix Australia. Despite ultimately losing his career and it’s associated identity, Tim has worked tirelessly in supporting mental health of Police and First responders through his work which has included some really successful programs supporting our Police and Emergency Services workers during and post service. The great work that Tim has been involved in subsequent to his career in VicPol can be see in the following links. Phoenix Australia’s Responder Assist program helping Victorian emergency services: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/responder-assist/about/ Blue Hub - helping Victorian Police: https://www.bluehub.org.au Beyond Blue - Answering the Call report and associated elements: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/about-our-work/workplace-mental-health/pes-program ____________________________ Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk www.heart2heartwalk.org #phoenixaustralia #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness