First Responder Families Podcast

The First Responder Families Podcast: From the Ashes: A Firefighter's Mental Health Challenges to Post-Traumatic Growth

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country. FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode Ivona speaks with Shatterproof Alumni Jim H.
Key points in this episode
In this powerful and deeply human conversation, a former firefighter shares his courageous journey through the aftermath of trauma, alcoholism, and PTSD—illuminating the path of post-traumatic growth.
He speaks candidly about the toll of years on the front lines and the personal cost of never slowing down, until life forced a reckoning. Through recovery, therapy, and spiritual reflection, he discovered inner strength he never knew he had, reshaped his relationships with honesty and vulnerability, and found renewed purpose in helping others.
Listeners will hear how emotional awareness, self-compassion, and a commitment to “doing the next right thing” became the cornerstones of a life rebuilt—stronger, more grounded, and deeply connected. This is a story not just of survival, but of transformation, reminding us all that healing is possible, and growth can rise from even the deepest pain.
Such a good and informative interview!
Until next time, Take Care!
Ivona ~
 

The First Responder Families Podcast: Building Balance: Understanding Mental Health as a Lifelong Practice

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country. FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode Ivona speaks with FHE Alumni Patients and Family Members.
Key points in this episode:
Maintaining restored mental health and fostering growth involves proactive strategies and a commitment to ongoing well-being. Key points for a panel discussion include: prioritizing self care, building resilience, nurturing supportive relationships, continue professional support, monitor and manage stress and triggers, practice gratitude and mindfulness, giving back support. 
Such a good and informative interview!
Until next time, Take Care!
Ivona ~
 

The First Responder Families Podcast: From Caretaking to Empowerment: Redefining "Codependency"

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country. FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
It was very exciting to have Dr. Sachi Ananda on the show. She is The Director of Shatterproof for First Responders at FHE Health. 
In this very informative interview, there were several key points and takeaways:
Debunking myths and exploring healthier dynamics in supporting loved ones.
Shifting outdated perceptions and providing a nuanced understanding of this complex relational dynamic. 
Emphasis on setting boundaries, self-care, self-agency, and interdependence for optimal mental and relational health. 
We hope you enjoy this show. Until next time,
Ivona

The First Responder Families Podcast: Finding Calm Through Movement: Yoga for First Responders

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country. FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
We were very excited to have Oliva Mead on the show. The Creator of YogaShield / Yoga for First Responders.
Olivia shares insights into the transformative power of yoga in addressing the unique physical, mental, and emotional challenges faced by those in high-stress professions. Discussing the benefits of mindfulness, breathwork, and physical postures tailored to the demands of first responders, helping them build resilience, manage stress, and recover from trauma. Exploring creative ways for first responders and their families to learn nervous system regulation techniques and postures together offers a unique opportunity to build connection and foster calm interactions.
Such a great and informative show. Thank you Olivia!
Find Olivia here:
https://www.yogaforfirstresponders.org/
Until next time - Take care
Ivona
 

The First Responder Families Podcast: Finding the Words: How to Act When it Feels Like There's Nothing You can Say or Do

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country. FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode, Ivona hosts a panel discussion with Joi Honer, Director of Alumni Services at FHE Health, and Kathleen Strain, Partnership to End Addiction.
In this episode, we explore the power of communication when supporting a loved one facing substance use or mental health challenges. Our expert panelists discuss Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)—a proven approach that equips families with tools to foster constructive conversations, reduce conflict, and encourage treatment engagement.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Mastering Communication: How to approach sensitive conversations with compassion and intention.✅ Active Listening: Techniques for truly hearing and understanding your loved one’s struggles.✅ Expressing Feelings Constructively: Learning to share concerns without triggering defensiveness.✅ Avoiding Judgment & Confrontation: Shifting from criticism to encouragement.✅ The Power of Positive Reinforcement: How reinforcing positive behavior can guide someone toward recovery.
Resources Mentioned:
🔹 FHE Health - Alumni Services – Support network for individuals in recovery.🔹 Partnership to End Addiction – Resources for families navigating addiction.🔹 CRAFT Model – Evidence-based family training for effective support.🔹 Podcast: Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas – Inspiring recovery stories from well-known figures.
🎧 Listen in and learn how the right words—delivered with empathy—can make all the difference
Until next time, 
- Ivona

The First Responders Families Podcast: “The power of “WE” in healing from PTSD and alcoholism” - Lauren Wilson

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country.
FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode, Ivona speaks with Lauren Wilson. A spouse of a Shatterproof Alumni. 
Lauren shares her experience as the wife of a Shatterproof alumnus navigating her husband’s recovery journey, highlighting the "power of we" in creating a supportive and resilient environment. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing her own self-care to stay grounded, fostering an alcohol-free home to reduce triggers, and maintaining an open mindset toward the role of medication in recovery. Lauren underscores the value of setting clear boundaries to protect her well-being and that of her family, ultimately embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle that transformed their dynamic into one of healing, connection, and mutual growth.
A very informative show.
Until next time, be well.
- Ivona
 

The First Responder Families Podcast: Stress Less & Thrive This Holiday Season

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast   Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health.  This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country.
FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders.
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
Happy Holidays. The Family at FHE Health wishes each of you and your families a Happy and Safe Holiday Season. 
The Holidays can be a stressful and depressing time for many, but In this episode, Ivona gives great advice, suggestions and even goes through some reflection examples on how to mitigate stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed. 
Such a great and informational show.
Until next time.
-Ivona
 

The First Responder Families Podcast: Dr. Miguel Lewis Empowering Veterans & First Responders with ACT Therapy

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health.  This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country.
FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode Ivona speaks with Dr. Miguel Lewis about the power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Dr. Lewis works in West Palm Beach FL Veterans Hospital where he provides individual, couples, and group therapy treatment. Miquel is Board Certified in Couple and Family treatment, as well as Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology. He is also Certified as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. 
He is trained and certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has been providing ACT therapy to veterans for 14 years. As a professional he finds meaning in continuing training and expanding his expertise in evidenced based therapy model. 
A great and informative interview.
You can find Dr. Lewis here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-lewis-2b6771198/ 
Until next time - Be well
-Ivona