“This isn’t therapy. It’s truth.”

In this episode of Tell This Story, host Doug White sitsdown with Dennis Pishock—a firefighter, police officer, medic, peer support leader, and author of Demons & Angels.

Together, they talk about:

The hidden cost of a career in public safety

How trauma stacks up over thousands of calls

Why peer support and honest conversations matter

Suicide prevention and recognizing when someone is slipping

The role of gratitude, communication, and ego in relationships

Writing about trauma and getting your story out there

Daily practices that keep you grounded while you’re still on the job

If you’re a first responder, veteran, or spouse, this conversation will hit home.

Key Takeaways

This isn’t therapy—it’s truth.

You have to really want to grow from this.

You can’t out-drink or out-run your demons.

You’re not alone, and there is help.

Gratitude is a game changer.

You have to drop the ego and be willing to talk.

You have to be a defender—for yourself, your family, and your partners.

Episode Chapters (approx.)

00:00 – Introduction and background03:42 – Peer support and mental health initiatives06:21 – Experiences at mental health conferences09:13 – Writing and publishing personal stories12:11 – The impact of trauma on memory15:00 – The importance of peer support18:00 – Officer suicide prevention20:35 – Changing perspectives on mental health23:32 – Daily practices for mental health26:26 – Coping tools that actually work34:12 – Physical and mental resilience techniques40:02 – The importance of gratitude in healing46:30 – Trauma, relationships, and family54:55 – Officer wellness, awareness & final thoughts

Connect with Dennis Pishock

Website – Demons & Angels & resources: https://pishockbooks.com/Instagram – Pishock’s Patriots:
https://www.instagram.com/pishocks_patriots

Email: Dpdemonsandangels@gmail.com

Connect with Doug White / Tell This Story

Tell This Story on Spotify:

Tell This Story YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@Tell_This_Story

Doug’s website (book, speaking, media):https://www.dougwhiteofficial.com

All links (book, socials, podcast,etc.):https://linktr.ee/tell_this_story

If you’re in crisis or starting to slip reach out—to a peer, a friend, a spouse, your department’s peer support, or a crisis line in your area. You are not alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Mike Morgan’s Journey into Resilience, Ayahuasca &ETMS Therapy

In this episode of Tell This Story, Doug White sits down with retired 30-year police officer Michael Morgan, host of TheResilient Warrior Nation podcast, for a raw conversation about law enforcement, trauma, and the long road back to emotional and spiritual health.

From his early days in the Atlanta Police Department to his transition to Suffolk County, Mike shares how the thrill of “chasing evil” and serving his community came with a hidden cost: unprocessed trauma, emotional shutdown, and the slow realization that he was not okay.

Doug and Mike dive deep into the emotional burden carried by first responders, the long shadow of childhood and job-related trauma, and why vulnerability became the greatest gift of Mike’s life. They explore his healing journey through ayahuasca, ETMS therapy, and other alternative modalities, and how those experiences led him to build The Resilient Warrior Nation as a community for first responders, veterans, and families who are ready to heal.

This isn’t therapy. It’s truth, tactics, and a way forward.

Themes in This Episode

The reality of law enforcement culture: adrenaline, dark humor, and the “I’m fine” mask.

Why “I love chasing evil” can coexist with deep emotional injury.

Building respect on the street by earning respect from the community.

The weight of cumulative PTSD and moral injury on first responders.

Why “it’s okay to not be okay”—and why saying it out loud is so hard.

Mike’s journey into plant medicine (ayahuasca) and ETMS-style work as part of his healing.

The role of vulnerability, community support, and self-compassion in recovery.

Why “trauma is trauma” and the barrier to entry is simply raising your hand.

The creation of The Resilient Warrior Nation to servefirst responders, veterans, and anyone carrying invisible weight.

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and Personal Reflections
03:18 – The Journey to Resilience and Healing
06:10 – First Experiences in Law Enforcement
07:45 – The Thrill of the Chase and the Nature of Evil
08:42 – Building Relationships on the Streets
11:26 – Coping with Trauma and Emotional Challenges
14:25 – Transitioning from Atlanta to Suffolk County
15:46 – Realizations of Carrying Emotional Burdens
18:45 – Exploring Alternative Healing Methods
21:30 – The Call to Psychedelic Therapy
22:30 – Unpacking Emotional Connections
23:40 – The Power of Vulnerability
28:59 – Exploring Healing Modalities
32:59 – The Journey to Plant Medicine
39:25 – Integration and Support Structures
43:16 – The Impact of ETMS Treatment
47:47 – Exploring ETMS Therapy and Its Impact
53:24 – The Birth of Resilient Warrior Nation
01:01:54 – Lessons from Childhood and Vulnerability
01:11:22 – The Journey of Healing and Community Support
01:12:41 – Introduction and Episode Wrap-Up
01:13:05 – Resources and Closing Remarks

⚔️ Connect with Michael “Mike”Morgan – The Resilient Warrior Nation

Website & contact hub
https://theresilientwarriornation.com

YouTube – The Resilient Warrior Nation (full episodes& clips)
https://www.youtube.com/@TheResilientWarriorNation

Podcast – The Resilient Warrior Nation on Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/75ce7cd9-7250-45f5-abcb-6c3d4d0b0ef6/the-resilient-warrior-nation

Instagram (@theresilientwarrior5778)
https://www.instagram.com/theresilientwarrior5778/

PTSD isn’t weakness—it’s wear and tear. In this powerful episode, Dr. Chris Frueh unpacks the real toll of service on the body and mind—and how Operator Syndrome provides a new framework for healing veterans and first responders.

📌 Summary:
Clinical psychologist Dr. Chris Frueh joins Tell This Story to share his journey from law school dropout to one of the country’s leading experts on veteran mental health. In this episode, Dr. Frueh breaks down the evolution of PTSD, the concept of allostatic load, and the groundbreaking framework of Operator Syndrome, which identifies the cumulative damage done to our systems by years of high-stress service.

He explains why chronic pain, guilt, and emotional isolation are not personal failings—but injuries sustained in the line of duty. Together, we explore holistic treatment, grassroots mental health movements, and the hope that lives at the heart of true recovery.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• The real definition of PTSD—and how it’s changed

• What “Operator Syndrome” means for veterans and first responders

• Chronic pain, guilt, and the psychological toll of service

• Why traditional treatment falls short—and what’s next

• How community, purpose, and functional care can bring people back

If you're a veteran, first responder, or someone who loves one—this episode is for you.
👉 Follow, rate, and share to join the movement.
🎧 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@Tell_This_Story
📖 Learn more: dougwhiteofficial.com
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#OperatorSyndrome #VeteranMentalHealth #FirstResponderWellness #PTSD #AllostaticLoad #ChronicPain #FunctionalMedicine #ResilienceAfterService #TraumaRecovery #TellThisStory