Grounding the Chaos: How Yoga Supports First Responders
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup-Episode 115
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock
With guest Vance Row
In this episode, we are joined by Vance Row, a former police officer turned yoga teacher, who has transformed his own mental and physical health through yoga. After a career-ending injury, struggling with a toxic work environment, and battling alcohol abuse, Vance discovered the healing power of yoga in 2019. Through regular practice, he found significant mental clarity, physical benefits, and a calmer approach to life.
Vance served over 20 years as a police officer with Ocean City, MD Police and Salisbury, MD Police. Inspired by the positive impact yoga had on his recovery, he became passionate about teaching it to fellow first responders. He completed his 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in March 2021 and has since pursued additional certifications, including Warriors at Ease and Veterans Yoga Project Mindful Resilience. Vance is currently continuing his studies with a 300-hour YTT.
As a yoga teacher, Vance blends breath, movement, and mindfulness to promote overall well-being. His classes are accessible to all levels, focusing on alignment, strength, and flexibility. Beyond teaching yoga, Vance regularly speaks about suicide prevention, alcohol abuse, and wellness, sharing his own journey and advocating for better mental health within the first responder community.
“Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

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www.Yoga-Rescue.com

First to Help, Last to Ask
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup-Episode 114
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock
With guest Chris Logan


First Responder Wellness is dedicated to supporting those who serve on the front lines-helping First Responders address mental health challenges like PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other addictions.
In this episode, we spoke with Chris Logan, Director of Operations at FRW. Chris delves into the unique culture of First Responders, who are always there to help others but often hesitate to seek help for themselves. We explore the stigma surrounding mental health in this community and how it’s being shattered by those brave enough to ask for support, and by those who are finding the courage to speak their truth.
Chris joined the First Responder Wellness team in 2014, and his role focuses on education, counseling, and intervention. He also co-facilitates the First Responder Family Program. As Director of Operations, Chris oversees the day-to-day functions of the program, and is a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC-II). With years of experience working with adolescents, adults, military veterans, and families, Chris has held roles such as case manager, crisis interventionist, residential program manager, and program supervisor.
After personally battling alcoholism and addiction for over 18 years, Chris achieved sobriety in February 2006. The transformation he experienced in his own recovery sparked a passion for helping others find their path to healing and discover that there is a better way to live.
“Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

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Finding Your Purpose, Again
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup-Episode 113
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

In this episode, Finding Your Passion, Again, we explore the journey of rediscovering passion after losing it. Whether it’s for your career, a hobby, or a purpose that once lit you up. Losing passion can feel like losing a part of yourself, but it can also be an opportunity to grow, refocus, and find new meaning. Jim and I talk about practical steps to reignite the spark, reflect on what truly fulfills you, and decide whether to reclaim your passion or embrace a new path entirely. Without passion, life can feel stagnant, but with it, we can find renewed purpose and direction.

“Be Strong, Stand up, Speak your Truth and Break the Stigma”

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PositiveConnectionsRadio@gmail.com

Reframing Thanksgiving: Managing Expectations and Disappointments
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup-Episode 112
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

Thanksgiving is often portrayed as a time of gratitude, connection, and joy, but for many, it can be a source of stress, unmet expectations, and deep disappointment. For first responders, this holiday can be especially challenging. The demands of the job, shifts away from loved ones, and the weight of experiences carried throughout the year can amplify feelings of isolation, frustration, and loss. In this episode, we explore how the idealized version of Thanksgiving can clash with reality, leaving many to navigate difficult emotions and strained relationships.

Our conversation offers a compassionate perspective on how first responders can approach the holiday season with mindfulness and resilience. We discuss practical strategies for managing expectations, acknowledging complex emotions, and finding moments of connection, even in non-traditional ways. Whether you’re working through family tensions, missing loved ones, or simply feeling out of step with the holiday spirit, this episode provides tools to help you reframe Thanksgiving and create space for self-care and authenticity.

“Be Strong, Stand up, Speak your Truth and Break the Stigma”

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PositiveConnectionsRadio@gmail.com

The Power of Detachment
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup-Episode 111
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock


Today, we’re going to discuss the concept of detachment, a powerful tool for both supporting loved ones dealing with mental health or addiction issues and in managing our own recovery as first responders.
Many of us are used to carrying the weight of others’ struggles, feeling responsible for their well-being, or even their healing. But what if the most loving and effective way to help them-and ourselves-involves stepping back?
Detachment isn’t about withdrawing or giving up; rather, it’s about creating the space to observe emotions, triggers, and struggles—whether they belong to us or others—without becoming consumed.
For first responders, detachment is a key to staying grounded amid the intensity of our work and personal challenges, like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or addiction. Similarly, for those supporting loved ones, detachment helps us show compassion and empathy without losing our sense of self.

“Be Strong, Stand up, Speak your Truth and Break the Stigma”

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PositiveConnectionsRadio@gmail.com

DETOX or DEATH
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup-Episode 110
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

This episode is dedicated to the brave souls who have chosen the difficult path of detoxing from opioids and to those who tragically lost their lives in the fight. As the opioid crisis rages on, the threat of deadly substances like fentanyl only escalates, seeping into every corner of society. While the headlines may have faded, the crisis has not, it’s now woven into the fabric of our reality. 
So, what’s the solution? That’s the question we tackle today.
Addiction knows no boundaries. It doesn’t discriminate between job titles, social status, or background. It touches everyone: first responders, doctors, CEOs, politicians, musicians, actors, your closest friend, your child. NO ONE IS IMMUNE.
For those on the front lines, our first responders, the toll can be even heavier. Exposure to trauma, the pressure to be strong, and the constant battle with stress can make the lure of opioids feel like an escape. But getting sober, detoxing from opioids, is one of the most courageous and challenging journeys anyone can take.
In this episode, we explore not only the realities of the opioid crisis but also the hope and recovery that are possible. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, we hope this conversation offers guidance, strength, and maybe the first step towards a new direction. Let’s talk about how we can find a way forward together.
“Be Strong, Stand up, Speak your Truth and Break the Stigma”
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PositiveConnectionsRadio@gmail.com

Finding Hope
Retired Police Officer Stephanie Politzziani
H.A.L.T. and Call for BackupCoast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

Stephanie Politzziani has spent years navigating the challenging worlds of criminal justice and social services with the City of Berkeley, California. As a street cop, she faced the stark realities of critical incidents, death, violence, and the intense pressures of anti-police movements. But in this episode, she sits down with Jim and Mike to explore a powerful message: the profound rewards that come from seeking help and discovering hope, even in the darkest of times.
Positive Connections Radio: Episode-109
“Be Strong, Stand up, Speak your Truth and Break the Stigma”
www.MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
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linkedin.com/in/stephanie-polizziani-3b4a90b2

Silence is Killing First Responders
With Nicole Ferry
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

This podcast demonstrates how one person can go through trauma and have the courage to break the silence and get help. Many First Responders keep their personal and emotional issues to themselves, suffering in silence and often taking their own lives.
Nicole, a seasoned law enforcement professional with 26 years of experience, Special Agent in Charge and Sergeant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, vowed to give her life for another human being in her pursuit to protect and serve our country and to protect the citizens of the United States of America.
Silence nearly ended her life and it took literally a cry for help, a scream for help, before she rescued herself from the pit of despair that many never return. With the love of her husband, family and strong support, Nicole got help. She continues to work on herself and not surprisingly, she is continuing to help others by reaching out to those who remain silent. 


Positive Connections Radio: Episode-108

“Be Strong, Stand up, Speak your Truth and Break the Stigma”

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Nicole@NicoleFerry.com
www.NicoleFerry.com

SELF-CONTROL: 28-DAY CHALLENGE #9
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock
Positive Connections Radio: Episode-107
In order to make positive changes in your life it’s wise to start making a change today. This is the 28-Day Challenge. 28-DAY CHALLENGE GOALS: We have a podcast for 9 months and talk about the following principles; (1) LOVE, (2) JOY, (3) PEACE, (4) PATIENCE, (5) KINDNESS, (6) GOODNESS, (7) GENTLENESS, (8) FAITHFULNESS, (9) SELF-CONTROL.
“Be Strong, Stand up, Speak your Truth and Break the Stigma”

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www.positiveconnectionsradio.com
www.McLintockcounseling.com
PositiveConnectionsRadio@gmail.com

Guilt and Shame Recovery: The Master Class
H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup
Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock
Positive Connections Radio: PCR E-106


Guilt: a feeling that we’ve done—or perceived we’ve done—something wrong.
Shame: a feeling that our whole self is wrong—that we are worthy of contempt from others—that we are inadequate and without value.

Guilt and shame that are allowed to run unchecked can take hold of our self-image and self-esteem. We become sensitive to “perceived” criticisms and feel rejection from others. We spiral into worthlessness, self-contempt, and the inability to give ourselves the grace, mercy, self-kindness, and self-forgiveness that we so easily give to others.

What do we know that’s true about guilt and shame? Only that they are the motivational factors to anger, violence, self-hatred, substance abuse, and unhealthy emotional regulation.

Had enough of allowing guilt and shame to have unhealthy voices within you? Let’s lean in and stop this unnecessary suffering. Time to HALT and Call For Backup!

Join us for an amazing panel discussion with some incredible first responders who share their personal journeys with guilt and shame—and their personal journeys to healing and thriving!

Somebody say “1-2-3 go!”

“Be Strong, Stand up, Speak your Truth and Break the Stigma”

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www.positiveconnectionsradio.com
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PositiveConnectionsRadio@gmail.com