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 wa ...