Episodes

  • Episode 125-Step 1 "Revised": The Problem Was Me

    Episode 125-Step 1 "Revised": The Problem Was Me
    Oct 11 2025
    Positive Connections Radio (Podcast)
    Topic: Episode 125-Step 1: The Problem Was Me
    HALT and Call for Backup-Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

    In this episode, Mike Koch and Jim McLintock discuss Step-1 of the 12 Steps of recovery, focusing on a secular approach that removes religious connotations. They explore the importance of admitting powerlessness, the stages of change in recovery, and the misconceptions surrounding 12-step programs. Personal experiences with recovery meetings are shared, emphasizing the need for support and the courage to seek help. The conversation highlights that the principles of the 12 steps can apply to various aspects of life, not just addiction.

    Takeaways
    • The 12 steps can be beneficial for everyone, not just those in recovery.
    • Admitting we have a problem is a crucial first step.
    • Many people struggle with the concept of powerlessness.
    • Contempt prior to investigation can hinder recovery efforts.
    • Personal experiences in recovery meetings can be transformative.
    • Support systems are essential for successful recovery.
    • Recovery is about restarting and rebuilding one's life.
    • The 12 steps can be applied to various life challenges, not just addiction.
    • Researching recovery options can help dispel misconceptions.
    • Courage is required to admit a problem and seek help.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Secular Recovery and the 12 Steps
    02:47 Understanding the First Step: Admitting We Have a Problem
    05:18 The Struggles of Admitting a Problem
    08:12 Contempt Prior to Investigation: Overcoming Misconceptions
    10:51 Personal Experiences with 12-Step Meetings
    13:33 The Importance of Recovery and Support
    15:58 The Courage to Surrender and Seek Help
    18:49 Final Thoughts on Recovery and Moving Forward

    “Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

    Firstresponderwellness.com
    MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
    Positiveconnectionsradio.com
    McLintockcounseling.com
    http://www.youtube.com/@HALTandCallforBackup
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    22 mins
  • The 12-Steps "Revised" (Episode 124)

    The 12-Steps "Revised" (Episode 124)
    Oct 4 2025
    Positive Connections Radio (Podcast)
    Topic: The 12-Steps “Revised”

    HALT and Call for Backup-Episode (124):
    Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

    Mike and Jim take a deep dive into the 12-Step program, sharing personal experiences and insights on recovery, particularly for First Responders. They discuss the importance of community support, the need for inclusivity in recovery programs, and the various adaptations of the 12 Steps to make them accessible to a broader audience. The conversation emphasizes the significance of honesty, openness, and personal growth in the recovery journey, while also exploring other recovery programs available.

    “Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

    Firstresponderwellness.com
    MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
    Positiveconnectionsradio.com
    McLintockcounseling.com
    http://www.youtube.com/@HALTandCallforBackup
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Positive Word Jar: ENCOURAGE

    Positive Word Jar: ENCOURAGE
    Sep 29 2025
    Positive Connections Radio (Podcast)
    Topic: Positive Word Jar- “ENCOURAGE"
    (Video) https://youtu.be/TG_uJb9QwbE

    HALT and Call for Backup-Episode (123):
    Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

    Jim and Mike discuss the significance of encouragement in life, particularly in the context of recovery and personal growth. They share their personal anecdotes and insights on how encouragement can uplift individuals during challenging times. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of community support, positivity, and the lessons learned from personal experiences, particularly in the realm of First Responders.

    “Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

    Firstresponderwellness.com
    MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
    Positiveconnectionsradio.com
    McLintockcounseling.com
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Moving through the Suffering: Episode 122 Guest: Erik "Smitty" Smith

    Moving through the Suffering: Episode 122 Guest: Erik "Smitty" Smith
    Sep 21 2025
    Positive Connections Radio (Podcast)
    Topic: Moving through the Suffering
    HALT and Call for Backup-Episode (122): With Guest Erik Smith
    Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

    Erik Smith is a veteran of the fire service, having spent 30 years of public service-17 years with Meridian Fire Department in Idaho. Like many who serve on the front lines, he has faced the hidden wounds of the job—specifically, the impact of post-traumatic stress.

    After completing treatment for PTSD at the Center of Excellence in Maryland, he began an active journey of recovery—one that hasn’t been without setbacks. His ongoing struggle with alcohol has affected his personal life and marriage, but it also brought him to First Responder Wellness through a referral from the Emergency Responders Health Center in Idaho.

    Since completing the program at First Responder Wellness and staying connected, he’s maintained his sobriety and shifted his focus toward helping others. Today, he runs a nonprofit organization called The Calm Seas Foundation, which supports veterans and first responders in their healing journey. He brings with him not only professional experience from two decades in fire service, but personal insight into trauma, addiction, and recovery.

    “Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

    Firstresponderwellness.com
    MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
    Positiveconnectionsradio.com
    McLintockcounseling.com
    Calmseasfoundation.com
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    57 mins
  • Positive Word Jar: GUIDE

    Positive Word Jar: GUIDE
    Sep 6 2025
    Positive Connections Radio (Podcast)
    Topic: Positive Word Jar- “GUIDE"
    HALT and Call for Backup-Episode (121):
    Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

    In this episode, Jim and I pull a random word from our positive word jar-this time, it's “guide” and we dive into a spontaneous, real conversation about how it shows up in everyday life. No script, just honest reflections, fresh perspectives, and a little inspiration along the way.

    “Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

    Firstresponderwellness.com
    MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
    Positiveconnectionsradio.com
    McLintockcounseling.com
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Positive Word Jar: COMMUNITY

    Positive Word Jar: COMMUNITY
    Aug 12 2025
    Positive Connections Radio (Podcast)
    HALT and Call for Backup-Episode (120): Positive Word Jar- "COMMUNITY"

    Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

    “Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

    Firstresponderwellness.com
    MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
    Positiveconnectionsradio.com
    McLintockcounseling.com
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Positive Word Jar: PRIDE

    Positive Word Jar: PRIDE
    Jul 27 2025
    Positive Connections Radio (Podcast)
    HALT and Call for Backup-Episode (119): "Positive Word Jar- "HOPE"

    Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

    “Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

    Firstresponderwellness.com
    MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
    Positiveconnectionsradio.com
    McLintockcounseling.com
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • You are not Broken: Dr. Rose Maynard-First Responder Wellness

    You are not Broken: Dr. Rose Maynard-First Responder Wellness
    Jun 7 2025
    HALT and Call for Backup-Episode (118): "You Are Not Broken"
    Dr. Rose Maynard
    Program Director-First Responder Wellness
    Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock

    This week, Jim and I sat down with Dr. Rose Maynard, LMFT, a powerhouse in trauma recovery and a passionate advocate for first responders. With advanced training in EMDR, ART, and TF-CBT, Rose brings both clinical expertise and lived understanding-shaped by her own roots in a military and first responder family.
    Before becoming a therapist, she spent over a decade as a massage therapist, deepening her knowledge of the mind-body connection. Now, at First Responder Wellness, she helps our brothers and sisters in uniform heal, reconnect, and remember: You are not broken.

    “Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”

    Firstresponderwellness.com
    MentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.com
    positiveconnectionsradio.com
    McLintockcounseling.com
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    53 mins