76 - He's Not an #$$hole, He's Symptomatic - Erin Maccabee & Cinnamon Reiheld

He's not an #$$hole, He's Symptomatic - Erin Maccabee & Cinnamon Reiheld

Episode Summary

In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver is joined by Erin Maccabee and Cinnamon Reiheld for a powerful conversation about the mental health challenges faced by first responders. They explore how trauma, desensitization, and high ACEs scores impact emotional well-being, and why compassion, vulnerability, and peer support are essential for healing. Erin and Cinnamon share their personal journeys, discuss the cultural stigma around mental health in emergency services, and offer actionable steps first responders can take toward recovery and resilience. Whether you're on the front lines or supporting someone who is, this episode delivers insight, hope, and a path forward.



Together, they explore:

• The personal journeys that led Erin and Cinnamon into the field of first responder wellness


• The often-hidden trauma and emotional toll these professionals face daily


• How compassion, peer support, and vulnerability can break through the stigma and silence


• The evolution of mental health awareness in emergency services and the importance of grassroots movements


• The powerful connection between high ACEs scores (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and career choices in high-stress professions


• Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape of first responders, actionable strategies for healing, and the critical role of community support and mental health training in fostering long-term wellness.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Cumulative trauma is a silent struggle for many first responders.


• Desensitization often masks internal distress, leading to emotional burnout.


• Compassion and empathy are crucial to supporting mental wellness in emergency personnel.


• Peer support networks provide essential spaces for healing and connection.


• Many first responders don’t recognize their own symptoms until crisis hits.


• Cultural norms within agencies often discourage openness about mental health.


• Grassroots advocacy is sparking real change in wellness programming.


• Training on trauma and mental health must begin at the academy level.


• Adrenaline addiction can lead to high-risk behavior and poor decisions.


• Safe spaces to share vulnerabilities are essential to fostering trust and recovery.


• ACEs scores often correlate with choosing high-stress careers like emergency response.


• Understanding one's trauma is the first step toward building emotional resilience.

Connect with Erin and Cinnamon



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