Kitchen Table Talk a Break The Stigma Inc Podcast

Kitchen Table Talk a Break The Stigma Inc Podcast

by Break The Stigma Inc
Non-ProfitMental Health
Season 1
What First Responder Research Really Tells Us
What happens when science meets the firehouse? In Episode 14 of Kitchen Table Talk, Michael Long and Nick Robben sit down with Brittany Hollerbach, Associate Scientist and Deputy Director with the Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, to talk about the research shaping what we know about first responder health—and why that research needs to make its way out of academic journals and into the station. Brittany shares her journey from firefighter to researcher and discusses the work being done to better understand firefighter and EMS health, including sleep, cardiovascular health, occupational exposures, reproductive health, and mental wellness. The conversation also tackles a bigger question: How do we get first responders to actually listen to and use the information researchers are discovering? Together, they explore why firefighters often trust lived experience over credentials, the importance of combining firefighter stories with evidence-based research, and how organizations like Science to the Station are working to translate complex research into information that departments and individual first responders can actually understand and apply. The conversation goes beyond research, touching on mental health, family relationships, sleep deprivation, organizational policies, return-to-duty decisions, employee assistance programs, and the need to treat mental injuries with the same seriousness as physical injuries. This episode is a reminder that there isn't always a simple black-and-white answer when it comes to first responder wellness. Better outcomes require research, lived experience, education, supportive policies, families, clinicians, and departments working together. Because the research doesn't matter if it never reaches the people who need it. Grab a cup, take a seat, and join us at the table.
S1 · E14
Aug 11, 2026
1:11:02
Summer of Gratitude: Men's Mental Health, Real Conversations, and Finding Beauty in the Chaos
It's Men's Mental Health Month — and Mike and Nick finally sat down for a morning session to talk about it. Real talk: men are 4x more likely to die by suicide than women, and most of us are still out here pretending everything's fine. In this episode of Kitchen Table Talk, Mike and Nick break down what actually helps — and it's not as complicated as we make it: 🔹 Why having ONE real conversation a day changes everything 🔹 The two questions every peer supporter needs to ask 🔹 How to use movement, sunlight, and active meditation to process stress 🔹 Gratitude vs. expectations — and why we lose one when we set the other too high 🔹 Substance use as a stress response: what you're actually running from 🔹 Mike opens up about navigating personal grief and what pulled him back from old habits Whether you're a first responder or not, this one's for every man (and woman) who's ever buried what they were carrying to look strong for everyone else. Nick's closer: Summer of Gratitude. Mike's closer: Find the beauty. 📩 Reach us: breakthestigmainc@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on all socials: @BreakTheStigmaInc Kitchen Table Talk is a podcast by Break the Stigma, Inc. — real, unfiltered conversations about first responder mental health and wellness.
S1 · E13
Jun 28, 2026
1:00:26
Raw, Authentic, Genuine: lets talk PTSD & Self-Care
Episode Description In this powerful episode of Kitchen Table Talk, Michael Long and Nick Robben sit down with longtime friend and fellow first responder advocate Mark Hanek for an honest conversation about PTSD, vulnerability, healing, and the reality of mental health in the first responder community. Mark shares his journey through trauma, the lessons he learned through the Warrior’s Ascent program, and why being “raw, authentic, and genuine” has become the foundation of his healing. The conversation dives into self-care, faith, resilience, mentorship, and the importance of planting seeds for others who may still be struggling in silence. This episode is real, unfiltered, emotional, and filled with the kind of conversations first responders need more of. Topics include: PTSD and cumulative trauma First responder mental health Warrior’s Ascent program Vulnerability and openness Self-care without guilt Brotherhood, healing, and mentorship Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health If you’re a firefighter, paramedic, police officer, dispatcher, veteran, corrections officer, healthcare worker—or someone who loves one—this conversation is for you.
S1 · E12
May 10, 2026
1:09:30
Resilience or Discipline: Real Talk from the HoM Healing Center
In this powerful episode of Kitchen Table Talk, host Michael Long is joined by co-host Nick Robben and special guest Tim Husereau, owner of Hom Healing Center in Pacific, Missouri. Recorded on-site at Tim’s studio, this conversation dives deep into what it truly means to struggle, survive, and grow—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Tim shares his raw and unfiltered battle with long COVID, a condition that derailed his life for 828 days. He opens up about collapsing just trying to get out of bed, repeated hospital visits, severe reactions to medications, sleeplessness, and even psychotic episodes. After spending over $30,000 out-of-pocket, he was ultimately told by a major medical institution that his condition was simply “depression.” What followed was a deep sense of abandonment—from both the medical system and people in his life—and a spiritual breaking point where he questioned everything, including his faith. Out of that suffering came purpose. Tim founded Home Healing Center, a space built from his personal journey to recovery. At the center, he now helps others through tools such as breathwork, yoga, meditation, red light therapy, sauna, and PEMF treatments. He also hosts a weekly men’s group where individuals come together, drop their guard, and have honest, often life-changing conversations. Throughout the episode, Mike, Nick, and Tim explore the power of connection—how simply sitting in a room with others who understand can break isolation and create real healing. Mike shares stories from the firehouse, including a powerful moment with a retired Navy SEAL turned firefighter who reminded him that trauma is not a competition—every story matters. The conversation then shifts to discipline and resilience, sparked by a powerful question: “Do I have discipline because I’m resilient, or am I resilient because I have discipline?” From there, they unpack the reality that discipline often comes through failure, and that growth requires trying—again and again—even when things don’t work the first time. Whether it’s therapy, breathwork, cold exposure, or meditation, the message is clear: keep showing up. Sleep and physical health become another key focus. Tim highlights the importance of proper breathing—especially nasal breathing—to regulate the nervous system. Mike shares his personal journey managing sleep apnea and improving recovery, while Nick discusses the impact of sunlight, vitamin D, and even natural rhythms on mood and sleep. The episode also tackles the modern pressures quietly impacting mental health—constant exposure to negativity, social media overload, and the trap of instant gratification. The group emphasizes the importance of doing hard things, earning your wins, and reconnecting with how we’re designed to function as humans. Threaded throughout the conversation is a common struggle: asking for help. The guys open up about the difficulty of reaching out, the cost of trying to handle everything alone, and the importance of letting others support you before your “bucket” overflows. Their message is simple but powerful—there is always someone in your corner, even when it doesn’t feel like it. By the end of this episode, listeners—especially first responders—will walk away with: A real-world example of resilience through long-term struggle Practical tools to support mental and physical health A challenge to reflect on their own discipline and support systems A reminder that struggle can be the beginning of growth—not the end If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or on the edge, this episode is for you. You are not alone. There are people in your corner. Sometimes, you just have to open your eyes a little wider to see them.
S1 · E11
Apr 3, 2026
1:00:19
Answering the Call Without Losing Yourself, Live from the first responder Mental Health Summit 2026
This episode of Kitchen Table Talk is a little different than usual. Recorded live at the First Responder Mental Health Summit 2026, hosted by the Aspen Network, this conversation brings you directly into a powerful and personal keynote focused on the realities first responders face every day—both on the job and behind the scenes. In this episode, I share my own story—lessons learned through years in the fire service, the mental and emotional toll that often goes unspoken, and the challenges so many of us carry long after the call ends. From cumulative trauma to the stigma surrounding mental health, this is an honest look at what it really means to serve. I also dive into the mission behind Break The Stigma Inc., why this work matters, and how we can begin changing the culture within first responder communities. More importantly, this talk focuses on practical ways to better manage mental health, build resilience, and support one another—before things reach a breaking point. This isn’t just a speech—it’s a conversation we need to keep having. If you’re a first responder, a family member, or someone who supports those who serve, this episode is for you.
S1 · E10
Mar 21, 2026
43:20
Progress, Not Perfection
In this episode of Kitchen Table Talk, Michael Long and co-host Nick Robben reflect on the progress made in breaking the stigma around first responder mental health — and what it really means to keep moving the needle forward. As founder of Break the Stigma Inc., Michael shares how 2025 became a landmark year, impacting over a thousand first responders through conferences, education, resources, and honest conversations. But this episode isn’t about celebrating wins — it’s about preparing for what’s next. Together, they dive into: The evolving perception of mental health stigma in first responder culture Why “breaking” the stigma is a continual process, not a finish line The unique mental health challenges of winter, darkness, and night shift work Simple, practical ways to set yourself up for a healthier, more intentional 2026 The power of small wins — sunlight, routine, connection, and awareness With real talk about seasonal struggles, shift work disorientation, and the mental toll of the job, this episode reminds firefighters, EMTs, police officers, dispatchers, and healthcare professionals that progress doesn’t require perfection — it requires persistence. If you’re looking to start the year stronger, more grounded, and more proactive about your mental health, pull up a chair. This conversation is for you.
S1 · E9
Feb 22, 2026
1:04:22
Living in the “What If”
In this episode of Kitchen Table Talk, Mike Long and co-host Nick Robben sit down for an honest, deeply relatable conversation about anxiety, near-miss incidents, and how quickly life can change after a single moment. Joined by guests Heather and James Parmley, the discussion explores what happens in the days and weeks after a close call—when isolation, worst-case thinking, and overstimulated anxiety cycles quietly take hold. Together, they unpack how these patterns show up in first responders and high-stress professionals, how we often continue to “function” while internally struggling, and why so many people don’t recognize what’s happening until they’re already deep in it. The conversation highlights the invisible toll of waiting, uncertainty, and self-doubt—and why asking for help isn’t weakness, but awareness. This episode is a reminder that mental health challenges don’t always begin with a major trauma—they often start with a moment, a pause, or a near miss. Pull up a chair and join us for a real conversation about anxiety, resilience, and breaking the stigma before the struggle becomes the norm.
S1 · E8
Feb 7, 2026
1:00:49
From Numb to Alive — Breathwork, Cold Exposure, and Recovery
In this powerful episode of Kitchen Table Talk, Michael Long and Nick Robben sit down with Josh Hildebrand, founder of Breath and Exposure STL, to talk about what happens when traditional coping strategies aren’t enough. Josh shares his raw journey through combat-related PTSD, suicidal ideation, and the unhealthy patterns many first responders and veterans fall into when they don’t have the tools to process trauma. After years of feeling disconnected from his body and relying on the gym and alcohol to cope, Josh found something different — breathwork and contrast therapy. This conversation dives into how reconnecting with the body can help regulate the nervous system, process trauma, and create space for healing in high-performing, “push-through-it” professions. Josh explains how these practices helped save his life — and why he built Breath and Exposure STL to bring these tools to first responders, veterans, and other high-stress professionals. This episode is honest, heavy at times, and deeply hopeful. If you’ve ever felt stuck, numb, or overwhelmed — or wondered what real healing can look like beyond just “powering through” — this one’s for you. Pull up a chair. Let’s talk about choosing to stay. Go check them out Breath & Exposure STL www.breathandexposurestl.com
S1 · E7
Jan 24, 2026
1:05:56
Saving Lives on Both Ends of the Leash, How Service Dogs Help Our Heroes Heal
In this episode of Kitchen Table Talk, we’re joined by Susan and Tim of Missouri Patriot Paws for an honest, eye-opening conversation about the powerful role service dogs play in the lives of veterans and first responders. We go beyond the surface to talk about what service dogs actually do, how they’re trained, and why the relationship between handler and dog is so much more than companionship. Susan shares insight into the rigorous training process, the importance of proper placement, and how Missouri Patriot Paws supports individuals long after a dog goes home. This episode also addresses common misconceptions about service dogs, the challenges many veterans and first responders face after service, and how purpose, structure, and connection can be critical tools in healing. It’s a real conversation about life after the uniform—and how support sometimes comes on four legs. Whether you’re considering a service dog, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the impact of these programs, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and hope. 🎧 Pull up a chair, join the conversation, and help us continue breaking the stigma around mental health in the first responder and veteran communities. Learn more about Missouri Patriot Paws and how you can support their mission. https://mopatriotpaws.org If this episode resonated with you, share it with a peer—and don’t forget to leave us feedback or a review. Episode Sponsor: Nestwell Roofs and exterior, www.nestwellstl.com
S1 · E6
Jan 24, 2026
57:12
More Than the Job: How Firehouse Culture Can Save, or Cost, Your Mental Health
What happens when the firehouse stops feeling like home? In this episode of Kitchen Table Talk, the conversation gets real—uncomfortable at times, emotional at others, and honest all the way through. Host Michael Long, firefighter/paramedic and founder of Break The Stigma Inc., sits down with co-host Nick Robben and fellow firefighters Nate Miller and Mike Robinson to talk about the part of the job most people never see: how department culture can either keep you going… or quietly break you down. This isn’t a polished leadership talk. It’s a kitchen-table conversation about burnout, loss of purpose, anger, identity, and what it feels like to hate the person you’re becoming—even while wearing the uniform you once loved. The group shares personal stories of career lows, mental health struggles, near-misses, and the moments where one conversation, one crew, or one fresh start made the difference. They challenge the idea that mental health crises only look like rock bottom. Sometimes it looks like wanting to quit the job you swore you’d do forever. Sometimes it looks like silence. Sometimes it looks like drinking more, laughing less, or just feeling “off.” This episode dives into: Why culture doesn’t change by accident—it’s built, protected, and lived every shift The power of leaders who say “I don’t know” and crews who actually care How trust, vulnerability, and connection can prevent crises before they happen Why noticing small changes in each other can save careers—and lives What it really means to love your crew and show up for each other This is a reminder that behind every helmet is a human being. That mental health matters just as much as physical health. And that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pull up a chair, tell the truth, and let someone know they’re not alone. Grab a cup of coffee. Take a seat. You belong at this table.
S1 · E5
Dec 26, 2025
1:08:23
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