CASAT Conversations

Sam Quinones joins us to discuss his book, The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth. He shares what he has learned about the opioid epidemic over the last 10 years, and how the landscape has changed. We discuss the power of storytelling, and how it helps people to making meaning of their experience and how it helps to develop empathy. He also highlights the many ways communities have come together after these drugs have ravaged communities.  Key Words: Opioid, Fentanyl, Meth, Community, Sugar, Alcohol, Social Media, Neuroscience of Addiction

Dr. Anne Weisman is the Director of Well-Being & Integrative Medicine with Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. She joins us to discuss how she has worked to restore well-being within the field of medicine, along with her wealth of experience teaching mind-body medicine. She shares practical ways she supports herself when working with people who have experienced trauma. Key words: mind-body medicine, trauma, healthcare, physicians, medical school, humans Resources: https://www.unlv.edu/people/anne-weisman https://cmbm.org/

Dr. Michael Christie is a chaplain for the Department of Correction. He has been working within the prison system for over a decade. In this conversation, he shares the role of spirituality in healing from trauma, and lessons he learned about the need for trauma-informed care. Key words: spirituality, trauma, healing, mindfulness meditation, non-violent communication, internal family systems

Melissa Petersen, a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist, joins us to discuss her experience as a Wildland Firefighter, along with her passion for supporting the mental health of first responders. She shares how she has seen the first responder culture change with regards to mental health over the course of her career, along with how she hopes to see mental health evolve in the future. In addition, we discuss one of her favorite treatment modalities.  Key words: EMDR, first responders, critical incidents, stress, burnout, mental health, stigma Resources: Nevada Peer Support Network: https://www.nvpsn.org/licensed%20clinicians.html National Volunteer Fire Council Directory of Clinicians: https://www.nvfc.org/phfd/ Psychology Today - Find A Therapist tool: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us EMDR International Association - Find an EMDR Therapist: https://www.emdria.org/ What is EMDR?: https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/ Melissa Petersen’s Website: https://www.sierrafamilywellness.com/

Within this conversation, Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn, an expert in resilience and trauma care joins us. We discuss post traumatic growth, and the 6 stages of meta-rehabilitation that Dr. Joyce has discovered from her many conversations with trauma survivors. She highlights commonalities found among trauma survivors, and the program she’s developed based on people’s lived experience of finding meaning after trauma. Key Words: trauma, secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, post traumatic growth, emotional trauma, metahab, strengths-based approaches Resources: Website www.drjmf.com Instagram @dr.jmf Facebook facebook.com/dr.jmf Store mkt.com/metahab Our story www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDN9onIv8cI&t=4s Buy the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1642937274

Description: Dr. Steven Rose joins us this week to discuss his research with Verteran's and how social connection plays an important role in preventing and healing trauma. We discuss many relevant theories including transitional injury, sanctuary trauma, and moral injury and how these theories may apply to first responders and health care professionals. Key words: trauma, secondary trauma, social connection, transitional injury, belonging, purpose, sanctuary trauma, moral injury Resources: Website: https://steverosephd.com/ Research on veterans issues: https://steverosephd.com/veterans-in-transition-3/ Pros and Concepts Podcast by Phil Shea and Steve Rose

Nick Brown shares his lived experience as a veteran, paramedic, firefighter and peer support specialist. He gives voice to the impact of unhealed PTSD on his personal life, and the many techniques he's tried to heal over the last couple of years. He also notes what's been most helpful. You won't want to miss this real and vulnerable conversation.  Keywords: male-role belief system, emotional intelligence, emotional violence, domestic violence, self-awareness Resources: Website: https://mavcenter.org/ Website: https://www.holdfast2020.com/ Website: https://nvpsn.org/ Website: https://www.cnvc.org/ Book: Iron John: A book about Men by Robert Bly Book: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

In episode 4, you’ll hear from Dr. Steven Nicholas an author and practicing marriage and family therapist. He shares about his work with first responders and highlights how their emotional needs are different from the general public. He describes what it means to be a culturally competent clinician when it comes to working in the first responder community, and what it takes to serve them well.  Key words: warrior servants, living ideation, trauma, vicarious trauma, critical incident stress management, crisis management, emotional first aid. Resources:  Living Ideation Website

Kathy Kain joins us for her second enlightening conversation. Kathy is a wealth of information with her 42 years of experience, and she shares the impact that she’s seen both on herself, and in colleagues who do the work of supporting trauma survivors.  We discuss trauma physiology and survival habits due to secondary traumatic stress, along with resilience habits that human services teams can adopt. Key words: trauma, secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, somatic therapy, resilience Resources: Website: https://somaticpractice.net/

In this episode Beverly Kyler, an author, speaker, and compassion fatigue specialist shares the wisdom she's developed over the course of her career. Through her own personal experience with compassion fatigue, along with her research, she now dedicates her career to helping those who help others. We discuss symptoms people should look out for in themselves and their colleagues, along with the role empathy plays in compassion fatigue. Don't miss this insightful conversation.  Key words: trauma, secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout, empathy Resources: Website: https://beverlykyer.com

You won't want to miss this dynamic interview with Daniel Maté, co-author of the The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture. We discuss the pervasiveness of trauma within society, and interplay between trauma and health. You'll also hear about his unique mental chiropractic practice where he helps make adjustments in client's thinking.   Key words: trauma, health, well-being, culture, toxicity, mind-body connection Resources: The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture Book Take a Walk with Daniel Daniel Maté : Musicals and More

In this powerful episode, Claudia shares her lived experience of racism, intergenerational trauma, and health inequity. She discusses her healing journey, and the need for people to share their stories. Claudia Martinez, Crisis Intervention Specialist Claudia Martinez has over 25 years of experience in healthcare.  Claudia feels that she has been blessed with the ability to communicate in English and Spanish and she comes with a very diverse background.  Unfortunately, she has had to face many challenges one of them is discrimination which is why Claudia is here today to hell her story in hopes of encouraging others to speak out.

Marena Works discusses important considerations for policy and services in order to promote health equity in rural communities. She shares barriers to health for citizens living in rural communities, and innovative strategies for overcoming these challenges. In addition, she highlights health disparities and what needs to be done in order to support citizens who live in rural areas. Key Terms: Rural health, healthspan, lifespan, mental health, chronic disease, cultural competency, community advocacy, public health, substance use, access to care, clinician shortage, telehealth Resources: Community Health Rankings Rural Health Information Hub Rural Health: HRSA Data Nevada Rural and Frontier Health Data Book CASAT Catalyst Blog Post: The State of Health in Nevada

Jose Meléndrez joins us to discuss what is being done within the State of Nevada to promote health equity for all Nevadans. He shares how community partnerships and grassroots movements are positively impacting minority populations. He also highlights the need to mobilize each community in order to move the needle to a more health equitable society. Key terms: racism, health inequity, diversity, intentional communication, cultural competence, cultural humility Resources: Nevada Minority Health and Equity Coalition

In this episode, Dr. Eloisa Gordon-Mora discusses the connection between our understandings of democracy, and with respect to equity and health care. From her political science formation, she analysis the notion of “democracy” itself, addressing its historical evolution and from comparative, global perspectives, as well as myths, assumptions and values that are connected to the notion. She gives a brief overview of how other, high-income, developed nations, and other global examples, compare and contrast to the US, regarding their classifications as full-democracies, as well as in their provisioning of health care access, delivery and quality of care.

This week we are joined by Zhizhong (Z) Li. Z is a seasoned trauma and critical care nurse, who is now nursing faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno. Z highlights inequities seen in emergency care, and how stigma can impact patient care. He shares how human dynamics play a role in patient treatment and patient outcomes. We discuss how leadership plays an important role in addressing health equity. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation. Key Topics: Transformational leadership, quantum leadership, moral injury, cultural competence, moral ethics, compassion fatigue.

Lorena Drago, MS, RDN, CDN, CDE discusses how food/nutrition play an essential role in health equity. We discuss the importance of language in health education, along with how assumptions about culture are a detriment to health. She shares important questions for clinicians to ask regarding food insecurity. Lastly, we discuss barriers in diabetes education, and the need to address them. Resources: Lorena Drago: The Multicultural Nutrition Expert 

Within this episode Dr. Lorraine Benuto discusses the stigma associated with mental health in the LatinX population. She shares creative ways she and her team have worked to address mental stigma and break down language barriers. She talks about important ways to reduce health disparities, and improve health for minority populations. Key Words: mental health, stigma, depression, anxiety, latinx, health disparities, domestic violence Resources:

Description: André Wade highlights key policy issues and needs for supporting health equity within the LGBTQ+ community. André also discusses important considerations for healthcare providers to be aware of when working with the LGBTQ+ population. He shares his own personal experience and professional insights in this important conversation. Key terms: Cultural competency, cultural humility, access to care, gender identity, sexual identity, cultural humility, whole-person care, sexual health, gender affirming care Resources: Silver State Equality LGBTQ+ inclusive policy and practices for your organization

Within this episode you'll hear from author's Breanna Lathrop & Veronica Squires as they share how the neighborhood you live in (your zip code) impacts your health. We hear how their own lived experiences have impacted the way they think, and practice medicine.  We discuss the policies and practices that have contributed to health inequities, and some important steps you can take to address these inequities. Key Terms: Social Determinants of Health, Health Equity, Healthcare, Healthcare Systems, Best Practices Resources: How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick: Restoring Health and Wellness to Our Communities City Health Dashboard Good Samaritan Health Center Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta

Brandon Jones shares a wealth of information regarding healing from trauma in this powerful episode. He shares his insights regarding healing as a lifelong process, and outlines the ABC's of resilience. We discuss best practices for cultural competency training, and he shares his important perspective on how we can develop cultural intelligence both personally and within organizations. We cover a lot of ground in this insightful conversation. Key Topics: childhood trauma, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences, intergenerational trauma, mental health, historical trauma, resilience, cultural competence, cultural intelligence. Links: https://www.jegna.org https://macmh.org

Within this episode you’ll hear from Will Rucker, a dynamic and engaging speaker who shares how health equity pertains to our common humanity. Will describes the importance of compassion, non-judgement, and self-awareness as important skills for creating a more equitable world. He also shares about the importance of diversity and how it shapes our culture. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation. Will Rucker is gifted to communicate with clarity, compassion, and creativity. He gives voice to what is possible while influencing the culture and developing the systems required to achieve it practically. Will brings a unique perspective of the world, and our places within it, to his mission of cultivating a global culture centered on compassion. Will is engaged in local, statewide, and national platforms advancing socio-spiritual transformation efforts in restorative justice, health equity, and humanity first initiatives. Nearly twenty years of experience in leading individuals, teams, and organizations to extraordinary success informs his unique approach to change. Will’s educational background includes certifications as a ColorCode Personality Science Trainer, Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) Facilitator, and a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership. Currently, Will is honored to serve his community by leading development and expansion for the American Lung Association’s programs and educational efforts as the Western Division’s Health Promotion Director. Working with the nation’s oldest public health organization has been a fulfilling experience, and he is proud to have obtained millions in grant funding for such a worthy cause. Will is a current board member of several non-profits, including the Interfaith Council of South Nevada, Community Partners for Better Health, Compassionate Las Vegas, and the Nevada Minority Health & Equity Coalition. Will regularly moderates informative and dynamic educational panels for organizations such as UNLV and can be seen hosting Compassionate Las Vegas – The Podcast each week or the A Healthier Tomorrow monthly radio show on KCEP in Las Vegas. He also regularly leads workshops on Interpersonal Relationship Skills, Meditation, Team Building, and Ethical Mindfulness. No matter the endeavor or format, Will’s passion for tangibly improving the quality of life for all people shines through. Key Topics: Health equity, diversity, compassion, policy

Kendal Holcomb and Diana Lara share information about the Nevada Resilience project. The Nevada Resilience Project supports families and individuals experiencing struggles and behavioral health challenges. This important resource helps to connect people with local resources, and access care. Within this episode we discuss mental health statistics for the state of Nevada, and what are some of the biggest needs that Resilience Ambassadors are seeing within the state. Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

We are joined this week by Dr. Russel Kennedy, The Anxiety MD. Dr. Russ shares his own journey with anxiety as a healthcare provider, which led him to write his new book, Anxiety RX. He integrates neuroscience with wisdom practices to support healing the root cause of anxiety. You'll want to hear his unique perspective! Key Words: Anxiety, worry, fear, panic, childhood trauma, somatic therapy, root cause, neuroscience, developmental psychology Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

Dr. Cohen Silver joins us this week to share her research findings on how people respond to large scale disasters. We discuss the role of media exposure (both news and social media) on stress and well-being, and how important it is to practice technology hygiene when it comes to media exposure. Dr. Cohen Silver also shares important things to consider on how to care for yourself when living in the midst of a disaster. Key Words: Community disasters, National disasters, tragedy, COVID-19 research, resilience factors, media exposure, media consumption, doom scrolling. Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

Dr. Meghan Corrado shares her resilience journey as she has learned to tap into sources of strength and creativity in order to support her own healing journey. She discusses how healthcare professionals work in difficult environments, and how critical it is to honor the reality of the challenges faced on a daily basis. She shares practical ways to support healing. Key Words: trauma narratives, creativity, wounded healer, collective healing process Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

Within this episode, Henry Tobey shares his wealth of experience regarding secondary trauma. He shares what he has found to be helpful, along with what he doesn't find to be helpful when it comes to supporting health-care providers in dealing with the stress and trauma of their work. He shares his vicarious trauma dialogue, which he and his colleagues developed. Be sure to listen, as you may even hear some of the thoughts you've had. Key Words: secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, resilience, healthcare providers Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Dana Rose Garfin, a researcher at UC Irvine. She and her colleagues have been conducting research to under the impact of both the acute and chronic stress of COVID-19. She has been studying how we respond to disasters for the past decade, and how to cope with stress. We discuss a balanced approach to looking at both the positive and negative aspects of COVID-19, along with her important research on mindfulness meditation in homeless women. Key terms: COVID-19, acute stress, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, resilience, adaptation, psychological distress, grief Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

Within this episode Dr. Gordon discusses the importance of mind-body medicine to support healthcare providers. He shares the importance of looking inward, and the importance of practicing self-care techniques, so that you can bring compassionate presence to the people you serve. Key terms: mind-body medicine, self-discovery, compassionate presence, meditation, nutrition, vagus nerve, microbiome, nutrition psychiatry. Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

Within this episode Joshua Michael Wenner shares best practices for dealing with stress and trauma. He discusses the importance of creating a warrior culture, and how to practice self-regulation so that you can have better relationships with those that you love. Key terms: Trauma, self-regulation, emotional-regulation, resilience, warrior culture Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

Within this episode, Alaine Duncan discusses the role of Integrative Medicine in treating burnout and compassion fatigue. She discusses how she has combined Eastern and Western philosophies to treat physical symptoms of stress and trauma within the body. Her approach to treating the body, and helping to support the parasympathetic nervous system is critical for helping us understand how the nervous system impacts the people around us (i.e. family, patients, and clients). Key words: acupuncture, integrative medicine, five elements theory, somatic experience, polyvagul theory, trauma, stress

Dr. Kathy Kain discusses the science behind a somatic approach to help heal the impacts of stress and trauma. She also describes how the body responds to the experiences of our lives, and gives important recommendations for how to support ourselves when working in high stress environments. Key Topics: allostatic load, interoception, exteroception, neuroception, somatic approach, polyvagul theory, stress, trauma, aging, health, chronic disease. Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

Dr. Patricia Watson has been supporting people in stressful jobs (i.e. military, first responders, healthcare providers) with her work at the National Center for PTSD for many years.  She discusses the stress continuum, along with the five key elements for supporting a person who is experiencing stress, burnout and fatigue. In addition, she discusses the importance of psychological safety, and ways to help build a sense of psychological safety within organizations. Key terms: psychological safety, resilience, meaning and purpose, stress continuum, burnout, fatigue, social connectedness, self-efficacy. Funding for the Nevada Resilience Project was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

Within this episode, Dr. Michael Ungar shares his wealth of knowledge on the key elements of resilience. His research focuses on the impact of the environment on our resilience. You’ll hear about the complexities of resilience and what healthcare providers can do to support their own resilience. Key Topics: Resilience, rugged individualism vs a resourced individual, resilient systems, vicarious resilience, social prescriptions

Within this episode, Mariah (a wife of a firefighter, and school teacher) shares how creating community beyond the family has supported her and her family. She believes in the power of creating a community of support, and does that through her work as the founder of the Northern Nevada Fire Wives.

Within this episode, Dr. Trudy Gilbert Eliot shares ways on how to support a loved one who has experienced PTSD.

Within this episode, Dr. Trudy Gilbert Eliot explains what signs and symptoms to look for in your first responder/front line staff family member, and resources for PTSD and secondary trauma.

Within this episode, Brittany (stay-at-home mom of three, and a police officer wife) discloses the impact of how the way police officers are portrayed in the media have a significant impact on the family.

Within this episode, Dr. Trudy Gilbert Eliot reviews tactics for dealing with worry and fears about a family members safety when at work.

Within this episode, Dr. Trudy Gilbert Eliot walks us through the benefits and drawbacks of disclosing work details. She gives tips for how to set boundaries and communicate about work effectively.

Within this episode, Melissa (an educator and police officer wife) illustrates how working on communication has supported her relationship, and positively impacted her family.

Within this episode, Dr. Trudy Gilbert-Eliot shares many skills to help strengthen your relationship.

Within this episode, Amanda (an ICU nurse, and wife of a police officer) shares with us how self-care is a critical tool she uses to deal with life’s challenges.

Within this episode, Dr. Trudy Gilbert Eliot talks to us about both foundational and targeted self-care strategies. She discusses multiple practices that can implement into your life to improve your self-care routine.

Within this episode, Derek Reid (founder of the Nevada Peer Support Network, and Battalion Chief Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue) joins us to discuss resources available in Nevada, the value of peer support, and a vision for the future of how to support first responders. He also shares how family & relationships are critical for the wellbeing of first responders.

Within this episode, Jed (a Fire Captain) and Jen (an Emergency Physician) join us as a unique couple who are both supporting family members and are personally first responder front line staff. They share with us what they have learned throughout their careers to support their family’s wellbeing.

Within this episode, Dr. Trudy Gilbert-Eliot discusses the importance of sleep on health, along with strategies for ensuring good sleep hygiene in the midst of shift work, and spouses being on call.

Within this episode Dr. Trudy Gilbert- Eliot introduces us to resilience, emotional intelligence and what it takes to be a resilient family.

In this episode, you will hear a brief introduction from our hosts, as well as what to expect in season 1.  Episode transcript