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Episode Summary
Behind every uniform is a human being carrying experiences most of us will never see. In this episode of Human Resilience, hosts Bob Gold and Shelley Schoenfeld sit down with Chief Resiliency Officer Ken Hogan to explore what it really takes to change the culture of first responder mental health—from silence and stigma to trust and support.
Ken shares his personal journey, from a challenging childhood and a career shaped by service to a moment when the weight of it all nearly cost him his life. His story becomes the foundation for a broader conversation about identity, courage, and why asking for help must be seen as a strength—not a failure—inside first responder communities.
Together, we examine the hidden cost of always putting others first and the practical strategies that actually move people from awareness to action. Ken breaks down why trust is the currency of culture change, how early intervention can prevent crisis, and what leaders can do to create psychological safety before critical incidents occur.
Listen and Learn
- Why stigma is a cultural issue, not an individual one
- How trust determines whether mental health resources are actually used
- What leaders can do to build psychological safety before a crisis hits
- How peer support, early outreach, and digital tools work together to save lives
If you care about first responder mental health, organizational resilience, or building cultures where people feel safe asking for help, this conversation offers both practical guidance and hope.
This episode includes a discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.
Hosts
- Bob Gold, Chief Behavioral Technologist, GoMo Health
- Shelley Schoenfeld, Chief Strategist, GoMo Health
Featured Guest
- Ken Hogan, Chief Resiliency Officer, Union County Prosecutor’s Office
