What happens when the ones who run toward danger can’t escape their own pain?

Firefighter Gary and his wife Wendy, share a powerful story of what PTSD really looks like for first responders. After 15 years on the job, one call broke Gary, leading to months of silence, sleepless nights, and pulling away from his family. Wendy opens up about watching the man she loved disappear, not knowing how to reach him.

Everything changed when Gary finally asked for help and tried ketamine therapy. It didn’t just help him heal, it brought him back to life as a husband, father, and son.

This episode reminds us that real strength isn’t pushing through alone, it’s speaking up. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation offers hope, healing, and proof that it’s never too late to come back to yourself.

This podcast dives deep into real, raw topics—think vulnerability, triggers, and childhood trauma. But just so we're super clear: I’m not a licensed therapist, mental health professional, or anything close. I’m just a human sharing stories, lessons, and life hacks based on personal experience and a whole lot of curiosity.

So, while you might find some golden nuggets here, this is not therapy and should never replace professional mental health care. If you or someone you love is going through it, please—seriously—reach out to a licensed therapist or healthcare provider. You deserve the real deal.

Need Help Now?
Here are a few amazing resources:

· 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988
· NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or nami.org/help
· Therapy Directory: psychologytoday.com
· Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

The opinions expressed on this show are ours and ours alone—no official organizations are responsible for what we say (or how much we overshare).