Ep. 24 | How First Responders Can Avoid Burnout and PTSD Before It Starts | fmr. SWAT Officer Matt Domyancic
Jordan Ryan OHara welcomes Matt Domyancic to explore his transition from law enforcement to wellness. They discuss the daily challenges faced by first responders, mental health barriers, and the crucial role of peer support. Matt highlights the need for proactive mental health care and shares his journey to functional and integrative medicine, focusing on preventative care and overcoming legal battles in worker's compensation. The conversation delves into scientific health markers, testosterone therapy, and the importance of sleep. Matt emphasizes wellness practices and community engagement. The episode also introduces Dr. Emily Stone's insights on the benefits and cultural significance of mushrooms in coffee, with a sponsor mention of WindanSea Coffee.
Key Points
- Proactive mental health care, including regular therapy, meditation, and wellness retreats, is essential for first responders to manage stress and prevent PTSD, addiction, and other crises.
- First responders often face inadequate training and support systems that fail to address the complex physical, mental, and emotional demands of their jobs, leading to higher rates of burnout and severe mental health issues.
- Incorporating holistic wellness practices, such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and spiritual growth, can significantly improve the overall well-being and performance of first responders, making them more resilient and better equipped to serve their communities.
Mind Body Mushroom Podcast 🎙️ Ep. 24 | How First Responders Can Avoid Burnout and PTSD Before It Starts | fmr. SWAT Officer Matt Domyancic
🔥 Episode Overview In this impactful episode, Jordan Ryan talks with Matt Domyancic, a former SWAT officer, police academy instructor, and elite strength coach who now serves as a chaplain and mental wellness advocate for first responders and veterans.
Matt opens up about the challenges he faced after his own career-ending medical retirement, and how it led him to dedicate his life to proactive peer support, mental fitness, and holistic healing for those on the front lines. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone in high-stress roles looking to prevent burnout, trauma, and long-term damage—before it’s too late.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The hidden mental health crisis among first responders ✅ Why most departments are still stuck in a reactive care model ✅ The missing pieces in academy training and tactical readiness ✅ How to track performance through HRV, sleep, and lab data ✅ What a real “armor down” routine looks like ✅ Tools for emotional regulation, self-reflection, and post-traumatic growth ✅ The importance of having culturally competent support ✅ Why healing isn’t soft—and why strength and vulnerability can coexist
🎯 Who Should Listen? This episode is for first responders, military veterans, athletes, and high achievers who want to maintain their edge without sacrificing their health, relationships, or purpose.
📌 Connect with Matt Domyancic: 🔗 Website: tacticalchaplain.com 🔗 Instagram: @thinbluelinespirituality | @thetacticalchaplain 🔗 LinkedIn: Matt Domyancic
🌱 Brought to You by Windansea Coffee Fuel your body and mind with the best-tasting adaptogenic coffee. 🎁 Try a FREE sample or shop now at www.windanseacoffee.com
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Transcript
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