Advocates for Change: 100 Episodes of Healing and Hope-Part B
Welcome back to Part B of our 100th episode celebration! If you thought Part A was powerful, you’re in for a real treat here. This episode dives even deeper into the struggles, the triumphs, and the raw honesty that our guests bring. We’re talking real change in the first responder world—personal transformation, shifting the culture, and the tough work of showing up even when it feels like the world’s against you.
We’re joined by Tim Sears, who shares his journey through inpatient treatment, retirement, and his ongoing commitment to his own wellness. Tim’s vulnerability in admitting when it’s time to take a step back and care for himself is a reminder for all of us—there’s no shame in needing help. Jason Warn brings us back to a time when everything fell apart, and he found himself at rock bottom again. It’s the kind of honesty that’s hard to come by, but that’s exactly why it matters. Monica Braun continues to be a beacon of strength, using her experience to help others—she’s speaking to new recruits, sharing her story, and breaking the stigma every chance she gets. And we can’t forget Michael Sugrue, who’s no stranger to hardship. After facing an unimaginable family tragedy, Michael walks us through how he found his way back to hope and continues to serve with strength. Lastly, Vance Row keeps the energy high, sharing how yoga has become an essential tool in his own recovery and why it’s something every first responder should consider incorporating into their lives.
These voices—these leaders—are showing us what real change looks like. It’s messy, it’s difficult, and it takes time. But it’s happening. Slowly, but surely, the culture is shifting. In this episode, our guests remind us that we’re in this together, and that change begins when we step up, own our stories, and do the work.
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Listen, share, and let’s keep this conversation going. The more we talk about these things, the more lives we can change. Keep showing up for yourself, and keep showing up for each other. The work isn’t over. We’re just
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DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
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"Tall Tim"
Retired Firefighter, Husband, Father, Son, Friend, Director For First Responders
"Tall" Tim Sears, a 44 year veteran in the fire service, started as a volunteer in Toppenish on the Yakima Indian Nation Reservation at the age of 16. 40 years from the start if his career in 2018, he began waking with horrible night sweats, then nightmares. Soon his sleep was effected, unable to sleep 4 nights out of the week...then the thoughts of being "Done" for good began to consume him. Tim's wife, who he still lovingly calls has "bride" begged him to retire believing it would help his symptoms. "NOPE" things got way worse.
Then out of the blue, Stronger Families calls him about a job? Director For First Responders. He thought "Anyone but me" but the world had a bigger plan for him. After meeting with them a few times, he told them he thought their programs was great, but he was not their guy. He was broken physically, mentally and spiritually. His "bride" encouraged him to try thinking it would get his mind off missing being a firefighter and then he really learned what was wrong with him... "PTSD". Since then, Tim has been on a mission to improve his quality of life and recover from the unrelenting symptoms PTSD can bring about. He lives by the acronym CNEI, which means Constant never ending improvement.
After 44 years in the fire service, having served in 4 different fire departments. Tim found a new life for himself. Tim is now the Director of First Responders for Stronger Families. Tim was actively involved in water rescue, tillered ladder truck ops, safety committe… Read More
Monica C Braun
Retired Parole Officer, Speaker, Advocate
Introducing Monica Braun, a resilient and courageous individual whose journey through life has been marked by remarkable strength, transformation, and a powerful commitment to helping others.
Monica's story begins in Paterson, NJ, where she grew up as the oldest of three siblings. Her path led her to a career in law enforcement that commenced in 1998 in Jersey City, NJ. She started her journey in the field of justice as a Probation Officer for the Judiciary, a role she held until 2001.
In July of that year, Monica embarked on a new chapter of her career when she entered the Parole Officer police academy in Sea Girt, NJ. Graduating exactly one month after the tragic events of 9/11, she was thrust into the world of parole and law enforcement during a challenging and tumultuous period.
Monica served as a Parole Officer in the Jersey City office until December of 2004 when she transferred to the Trenton office, where she has dedicated her service ever since. Her commitment to her profession is exemplified by her 25+ years in law enforcement, during which she has faced numerous challenges and experiences that have shaped her journey.
In 2011, Monica's life took an unexpected turn, leading her into a dark place. A buried childhood memory, triggered by one of her female parolees, unleashed a series of nightmares and flashbacks that sent her spiraling into a struggle with addiction and mental health.
Her battle was fierce, but Monica's strength prevailed. She found the courage to ask for help, despite her lifelong belief in… Read More
Michael Sugrue
International #1 Best-Selling Author / National Speaker / Retired Police Sergeant / Former Air Force Captain
Michael Sugrue began his law enforcement career in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Officer in 1998. As a Security Forces Officer, Michael specialized in Law Enforcement, Global Force Protection, Anti-Terrorism, Nuclear Security, Foreign Air Field Assessments and Air Base Ground Defense.
Michael served in a variety of assignments including: Flight Leader, Flight Commander, Senior Watch Officer, Chief of Command Post and Chief of Security Forces.
Michael served all over the United States, Europe, the Middle East and South America. He was also a Security Forces Phoenix Raven with the unique identifier of #1173. Michael honorably separated from the Air Force as a Captain in 2004.
Immediately after the Air Force, Michael was hired by the Walnut Creek Police Department where he served in a variety of assignments including: Patrol Officer, Driver Training Instructor (EVOC) Field Training Officer (FTO), SIU Detective, Undercover CA DOJ Narcotic Task Force Agent (Contra Costa County), Public Information Officer (PIO) and Patrol Sergeant.
Michael was awarded the Walnut Creek PD Distinguished Service Medal in 2014 for his heroic and life saving actions during a Fatal Officer Involved Shooting in 2012.
Michael ultimately medically retired in 2018. He is now a Peer Volunteer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR) and an Ambassador for Save A Warrior (SAW).
Michael is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and First Responder Suicid… Read More
Jason Warn
Firefighter Paramedic
Meet our extraordinary podcast guest, a seasoned Firefighter Paramedic with 11 years of experience in Fire/EMS. Coming from a prominent career department in New Hampshire, he brings a wealth of knowledge and resilience to our show.
Beyond the realm of firefighting, our guest is the visionary owner of Mindfulness Medic, a dynamic lifestyle and mindset brand. His passion lies in championing mental and physical health for first responders, seeking to illuminate the path to holistic wellness.
Join us as he dives into his personal journey—a transformation from adversity to triumph. From the trenches of challenges, he’s emerged stronger, inspiring hope and resilience. Our guest aims to impact lives, urging listeners to uncover their true purpose. In the realm of Mindfulness Medic, he advocates for a life of limitless potential and happiness on the other side of darkness.
Prepare to be inspired as we explore the transformative power of mindset and the pursuit of purpose with our remarkable guest on the podcast.
Vance Row
In November 2019, Vance discovered that a yoga practice is a powerful community of connection and challenges. Through his regular practice, Vance has found an incredible amount of physical and mental benefits including making him a far calmer person. At that time, Vance was struggling with his own mental health issues which included a toxic work environment, career ending injury, and poor coping mechanisms like abusing alcohol.
Prior to becoming a Yoga Teacher, Vance was a Police Officer for more than twenty years and worked for both Ocean City, MD Police and Salisbury, MD Police during his Law Enforcement career. After seeing the physical and mental benefits yoga provided for Vance, he decided that he wanted to teach yoga to other First Responders/ Public Safety Professionals. Vance completed his 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) thru Yoga- Vibez in Ocean City, MD in March 2021. Throughout his training, Vance was mentored in the Hatha Yoga tradition by Tana Martin (RYT-500). Since that time, he has also completed Warriors at Ease Training, Aerial Yoga Teacher Training and Veterans Yoga Project Mindful Resilience. Most recently, Vance has begun his 300- hour YTT thru Guiding Wellness Institute (Fayetteville, NC).
Ultimately, his story shows the power of yoga in resilience and why Vance wants to use yoga to combat First Responder/ Military Suicide. In November 2021, Vance founded “Yoga Rescue” as a way to do so…
Through Yoga Classes, Vance blends a practice mixed with breath, movement, and mindfulness for an overall feeling of wellbeing. Duri… Read More