First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver6 Aug 2025

93 - Going Within to Heal with April Chavez

In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver has a conversation with April Chavez, a former deputy sheriff turned entrepreneur, educator, and wellness advocate. April shares her remarkable journey from serving in the remote mountains of Colorado with limited backup to becoming a leader in the world of personal growth and holistic wellness.

Their conversation explores:

The mental and emotional toll of working in law enforcement
How self-awareness and consistent training help manage high-stress environments
The challenges of transitioning from officer mode to personal life
The value of quiet, introspection, and meditation
The impact of supportive partners and communities
Practical steps for building resilience and healthy habits

This episode offers relatable, real-world advice for first responders and anyone seeking a grounded path to personal growth and emotional clarity.

Key Takeaways:

You don’t rise to the level of your courage — you fall to the level of your training
Inner work starts with creating time for silence and reflection
Emotional growth comes from observing how we respond — not just how we perform
Writing, journaling, and mental rehearsal are tools for daily alignment
Even small, consistent changes lead to lasting transformation

Resources Mentioned:

https://drivenlivin.com
The Drive Collective – April’s private wellness community
Insight Timer App – Guided meditations by April Chavez
Atomic Habits by James Clear

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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST

Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

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