Heroes At Home: Recent Episodes
Stronger Families
Welcome to the Heroes At Home Podcast, where we believe heroes can thrive both at work and at home. This podcast is for those who stand watch while we sleep, who run into buildings while others run out, for those who deploy to hard places to have hard fights… and for the families and communities that support them. Through candid conversation, we will discuss the things that don’t get glorified in the media…what happens when our heroes come home. We’ll be talking with active military, veterans and first responders -- their partners, children, friends, and beyond, so together, we can build Stronger Families.
In this episode of the Stronger Families Podcast, host Noel Meador interviews Nick, a police officer from Washington, who shares his powerful journey of healing and hope. Nick recounts his experiences of enduring trauma on the job and the toll it took on his mental health and relationships. He opens up about his struggle with suicidal thoughts and how a timely phone call from his sergeant saved his life. Seeking help, Nick joined the First Responder Wellness Center and underwent a transformative in-patient program, addressing childhood traumas and learning healthy coping mechanisms. He emphasizes the significance of aftercare and the support of loved ones in the healing process. Nick's story is a testament to resilience and the importance of seeking assistance, proving that no one should face their struggles alone.
Noel & Keni interview Donovan and Tina about what he walked through from being shot while off duty and the long road of recovery both physically and emotionally. The episode details the attack, the impact on their marriage, and how they were able to walk through this horrific event.
Interviewing 2 Counselors: Renee & Tiffany
Noel chats with Renee & Tiffany. Both are professional counselors, embedded within Peer Support teams in the Pacific Northwest. Tiffany is also in Law Enforcement. These guests provide a peak behind the curtain of the counselor world so you – the First Responder or Military member – have more confidence in choosing a counselor that can help you navigate the challenges you’re encountering.
Betrayal, Trauma, and Rebuilding a Relationship (Part II)
Interviewing Susan and her husband, Scott, in Part II on how to rebuild a broken relationship. Noel & Keni focus on Susan and the steps she took once she learned her husband had been unfaithful. She sheds light on how couples can walk through the stages of betrayal and make it to the other side.
Interviewing long-time Police Officer Scott and his wife Susan.
Noel & Keni chat with Scott and Susan. Scott is a Marine Vet and Police Officer who shares about the choices and internal battles that resulted in an affair and a broken relationship at home. He’s joined by his wife, Susan, and they share how couples can fight for their relationship and make it to the other side of betrayal.
Interviewing Veteran and Police Officer Pete & his wife CJ
Noel & Keni chat with Pete and his wife CJ. Peter is a Marine Vet who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and went on to become a Police Officer in the Pacific Northwest. Together they have learned that PTS is a dragon that you can fight together. They talk about some of the tools they use to help them keep their relationship and family strong amidst the battle.
Interviewing the Gaglianos - Mike, Retired Seattle Fire Captain & Anne, author of "Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage."
Noel & Keni chat with Mike & Anne Gagliano, a firefighter couple who has literally written the book on overcoming Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage. This conversation will help you navigate the inevitable challenges that come after tough shifts and deployments.
Interviewing Army Ranger-turned-Pastor - Jeff Strueker.
Noel & Keni chat with “Super Ranger” Jeff, who fought alongside Keni in Somalia before becoming an Army Chaplain and then a Pastor. He’s been there, and he’s helped couples who have been there. How do couples build a stronger relationship after tough battles change them?
Interviewing former Army Ranger - Keni Thomas. Meet “Heroes At Home” co-host Keni Thomas: Former Army Ranger, Squad Leader in the Battle of Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down), country music artist, husband and father. Noel introduces Keni and they explain how hardship and struggle are key ingredients for creating a stronger you, which is required for you to build stronger relationships.
Interviewing Stronger Families CEO - Noel Meador. Meet “Heroes At Home” host Noel Meador: CEO of Stronger Families and co-author of OXYGEN For Your Relationships, a resource for Military & First Responder families. Keni introduces Noel and they briefly talk about how strong relationships naturally go through hard seasons. You can make it through!