Skip to main content
Submitted by Douglas Newsom on 19 April 2021

Produced and Delivered Web-TV Programming

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the impactful world of first responders and the mental health challenges they face, through the lens of Captain Chris Moore's personal and professional experiences. As a key figure in his department's Behavioral Health and Peer Support Team, Chris opens up about his own battle with post-traumatic stress, diagnosed in 2018, following years of dedicated service. His story is one of vulnerability, courage, and the transformative power of support and openness.

Throughout the episode, Captain Moore sheds light on the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) scores, discussing the profound ways in which early life traumas can shape responses to stress and crisis in adulthood. This conversation extends into the broader topics of alcohol use within our culture and the unique role of faith and religion within the fire service, offering a multifaceted view of the challenges and coping mechanisms present in the lives of first responders.

Moreover, Chris introduces us to the life-changing program, Save a Warrior (SAW), detailing his journey as an alumnus and the program's holistic approach to healing from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress. Through SAW's evidence-based interventions and community support, Chris highlights the path to recovery and the importance of addressing mental health with comprehensive care and compassion. Join us as we explore these crucial themes, guided by Captain Moore's insightful reflections and his mission to help others by sharing his journey with unyielding honesty and transparency.
In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, we delve into the life of Rob Rudewicz, a man whose career in law enforcement spanned two decades, culminating in his retirement as a Captain from the Hartford Police Department. Rob's journey is not just a tale of policing a city he grew up in, but it's also a raw exploration of his own personal battles with addiction, depression, and surviving stage 4 pancreatic cancer. His story is one of vulnerability and courage, as he shares his experiences with unflinching honesty, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the complexities of life behind the badge.

Rob's tenure in the police force was marked by both traditional and non-traditional roles, even serving as acting chief of police, which brought its own unique set of challenges and triumphs. We explore how these experiences intertwined with his early life traumas, further complicating his journey towards recovery. The conversation takes a deep dive into the ways in which the pressures of the job exacerbated Rob's struggles with addiction, and how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) played a role in his depression.

Adding another layer to his inspiring story, Rob discusses his contribution to "The Expanding Man Chronicles," a recently published book that sheds light on personal transformation and recovery. This episode is not just about the struggles; it's about overcoming them. It's about Rob Rudewicz's ultimate success in finding true recovery and the lessons we can all learn from his journey. Join us as we uncover the resilience of the human spirit, through the eyes of a man who faced his demons and emerged victorious.