355: What’s Wrong with First Responder “Wellness” and What We Can Do, Mark Bouchard & Matt Domyancic

In this conversation, for the first time, I'm joined by BOTH Matt Domyancic and Mark Bouchard.  We dig into the current state of first responder wellness, with a particular focus on policing culture and the limits of the “reactive only” model. The discussion centers on how wellness efforts often lean too heavily on crisis response, trauma stories with bleak outlooks, and one-size-fits-all messaging that doesn’t always resonate with high-functioning officers or other first responders who are still performing well but carrying a heavy load.  Rather than simply critiquing what isn’t working, the episode explores what a more effective, proactive approach could look like.  A major theme is the challenge of traditional critical incident stress management and debriefing models, especially when they expose people to unnecessary vicarious trauma instead of creating real connection. We also discuss how some of these systems may be outdated, culturally disconnected, or too focused on trauma exposure rather than true recovery and prevention.  We delve into what can make wellness programs effective, and whether departments are willing to hear honest feedback about trust, utilization, and impact.  The conversation ultimately points toward culture change, practical action, and early intervention before crisis hits.  You can Matt on Eps: 262, 276, 277, 319 and Mark on Eps 59, 68, 136, 168, 241 -- Mark Bouchard works as a police officer with a full-time position in the RCMP’s National Tactical Medicine Program. Mark is in his 18th year of policing, which has consisted largely of approximately 10 years each on patrol, Emergency Response Team (SWAT) and peer support work. Outside of work, Mark has completed a Master’s Degree in Leadership, with a focus on police culture and police officer mental health. He combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights On Stigma, which can be found on Amazon. https://markbouchard.ca/stigma/ Matt Domyancic has an extensive background in Wellness, Peer Support, Strength and Conditioning, Sports and Performance Psychology, as well as Spirituality with elite athletes, veterans, and first responders.   Matt is a medically retired police officer who worked patrol, Peer Support, SWAT, and full time academy instructor for fitness and officer survival.  Matt also was a strength coach at Yale and Georgetown Universities while also leading campus ministry for athletes - all while a full time police officer.   There is more information about his background, mission, media and podcasts at www.tacticalchaplain.com  Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line! To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content: Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com  ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more!  Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show. Need help with entry-level, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide: bluegritwellness.com/shop  Email at [email protected] ------------------------------------- Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team? United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever. For more information, visit udshealth.com ------------------------------------- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by ASham...