”A Silent War Within” is the podcast dedicated to courageously confronting and destigmatizing mental health challenges among public and healthcare service professionals, including EMS, fire, police, dispatch, and nurses. Our mission is to provide a safe, accessible platform where these heroes can find understanding, resources, and a supportive community for their mental well-being. We believe your service deserves unwavering support.
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Kevin Whitsell Podcasts
In this radically authentic and profound conversation, Kevin sits down with Jake Belay, a former police officer, PTSD survivor, and the founder of Guardian Rise. Jake shares his deeply personal journey from being defined by the badge and trauma to discovering a healthy, sustainable path to healing. This episode is a direct conversation between peer…
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High-Flying Stress: A Flight Nurse's Unfiltered Account of Trauma & Resilience
1:00:39
1:00:39
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1:00:39we sit down with Shay Montgomery, a flight nurse and paramedic known on TikTok as @flightnurseshay. With a unique perspective shaped by her experience in air medical services, Shay offers an unfiltered account of the trauma, anxiety, and emotional burden of working in high-acuity, high-pressure environments. We discuss the mental toll of rapid deci…
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The Unspoken Burdens, Part 1: A Nurse's Story of Burnout, Staffing, and Self-Defense
1:09:44
1:09:44
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1:09:44In this two-part premiere episode, Kevin and his special guest host, MaKayla Davidson, have a raw and unfiltered conversation about the reality of the healthcare system. With 10 years of nursing experience across the country, MaKayla offers a unique perspective on the mental and emotional impact of her work. They dive into the difficult truths of w…
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The Unspoken Burdens, Part 2: Radical Reform, Non-Lethal Defense & The Road to Wellness
1:00:58
1:00:58
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1:00:58In this powerful continuation, Kevin and MaKayla dive deeper into the systemic failures and personal triumphs within the healthcare system. They offer a raw and unfiltered perspective on topics that are rarely discussed, moving from problem to solution. This episode is a hard-hitting look at the "silent war within" healthcare, addressing: The need …
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Logan Nix: Bridging Research & Reality of the Traumatic Mind
1:07:01
1:07:01
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1:07:01We sit down with Logan Nix, a therapist-in-training and dedicated researcher on first responder mental health. With a unique perspective shaped by her husband’s time in the academy, Logan noticed a critical gap in mental health support and dedicated her research to bridging it. This conversation is a vital guide for every frontline hero, their fami…
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Mattie Ann: Navigating Trauma, Breaking Curses & The Reality of EMS
2:04:36
2:04:36
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2:04:36In this deeply personal and powerful episode, we sit down with Mattie (also known as The Redheaded Medic) to discuss her journey through paramedicine, facing trauma, and her mission to break generational cycles. Mattie shares her raw, unfiltered story, revealing the emotional toll of EMS work and the profound impact of unhealed trauma. She speaks o…
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Beyond the Images: Catherine Payton
1:02:15
1:02:15
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1:02:15In this episode of "A Silent War Within," host Kevin Whitsell welcomes Catherine Payton, known as Rad Tech Catherine on TikTok, to discuss the unseen emotional toll of diagnostic healthcare. Catherine shares her journey from a single mom to a radiology technologist, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the profession. Together, they explore t…
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Coty Barker - Financial Stability as a Foundation for First Responder Mental Wellness
53:49
53:49
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53:49In this crucial episode, we sit down with Coty Barker, a unique professional who combines extensive experience as a Law Enforcement Officer & Financial Planner. Coty leads a firm exclusively dedicated to first responders, medical workers, and dispatchers, offering a perspective that directly links financial health to mental well-being. We dive into…
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The Salty Paramedic - Humor, Hard Truths & Healing: Don't Lose Yourself
37:41
37:41
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37:41In this candid and powerful episode, we sit down with the widely recognized voice of The Salty Paramedic. He shares his extensive career journey in paramedicine and explores how his unique brand of humor serves as a vital, yet sometimes misunderstood, coping mechanism in the field. We dive deep into the raw realities of the job, discussing the emot…
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ShadeTree's Blueprint: Navigating ADHD, PTSD & Inner Peace in EMS
1:33:38
1:33:38
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1:33:38In this deeply authentic episode, we sit down with Greg Carr, the paramedic and educator behind @ShadeTreeCardiology. Greg's commitment to genuine connection shines through as he shares his unique blueprint for navigating the demanding world of EMS. We dive into his personal journey with ADHD, exploring what it's like to be neurodivergent in a high…
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Navigating the Soul's Burden w/ Dr. Rev. Sarita Wilson-Anderson
56:19
56:19
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56:19In this insightful episode, we explore the delicate balance between professional responsibilities and personal life in high-stress jobs. Our guests share their personal experiences and strategies for managing the demands of their careers while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. From setting boundaries to practicing self-care, discover practica…
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The Unspoken Battles: Unpacking Unhealthy Coping, Systemic Silence, and Internal Toxicity in EMS- Paramedic Sophie Fuller
53:48
53:48
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53:48In this vital episode, we sit down with Sophie Fuller, a paramedic and powerful TikTok voice known as @paramedic Sophie. Sophie's candid, unfiltered content about the emotional toll of the job has resonated with a massive audience, and in this conversation, she takes us into the heart of the unspoken struggles. We explore her most impactful themes,…
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The Unseen Wounds: Authenticity, Aftermath & The Courage to Heal -Jimmy Apple, @EMSAvenger
50:30
50:30
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50:30In this powerful episode, we’re joined by our first guest, Jimmy Apple, a paramedic and TikTok creator known as @EMSAvenger. Jimmy's raw authenticity and humor have resonated with over 67k followers, and in this conversation, he takes us deeper into the realities of life on the frontlines. We dive into his most thought-provoking themes, including t…
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Our Story & Our Mission: Launching A Silent War Within
40:42
40:42
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40:42In this foundational episode, your hosts Kevin Whitsell and Kim Burgess pull back the curtain to share their personal journeys and the powerful "why" behind launching this vital podcast. This isn't just an introduction; it's a look at the decades of experience that fueled their mission. You'll hear from Kevin about his unique path from running a ra…
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