Paul Gilmartin
Paul Gilmartin
#758 First Responders - Joe Smarro
#758 First Responders - Joe Smarro
#758 First Responders - Joe Smarro
Friday 25th July 2025
Joe Smarro discusses training first responders to manage mental health crises and shares insights on improving police systems and personal growth.
Explicit
112 minutes
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
empathetic
About this podcast
Author:
Paul Gilmartin
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
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Episodes:
691 (View all)
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Episode Overview
- Joe Smarro shares his journey from Marine Corps to mental health advocate.
- Discussion on mental health challenges faced by first responders.
- Insights on the broken system in crisis management.
- Importance of empathy and communication in de-escalation.
- Personal reflections on sobriety and growth.
I want to give them the skills, the confidence, the competence to know what's happening in someone so that they don't jump to conclusions and they can have empathy to connect with them.
In Episode 758 of the Mental Illness Happy Hour, host Paul Gilmartin welcomes Joe Smarro, a Marine Corps combat veteran, who now dedicates his life to training first responders in managing and de-escalating mental health crises. Joe shares his personal journey from serving in the military to becoming a pivotal figure in mental health advocacy within the police force. His experiences provide critical insights into the systemic issues plaguing crisis management and the urgent need for reform.
Joe Smarro's path has been shaped by his military background and personal struggles with PTSD and depression. Having spent over 11 years working on a mental health unit in San Antonio, Joe discusses the importance of empathy and communication skills in effectively handling crises. Highlighting the alarming rates of alcoholism, divorce, and suicide among police officers, Joe emphasizes the necessity of training that fosters emotional resilience and understanding.
The conversation delves into the challenges of policing, particularly in the context of mental health. Joe critiques the current approach, which often lacks the empathy required to connect with individuals in distress. He advocates for a system that supports both civilians and first responders, aiming to reduce the stigma around mental health and promote healthier coping mechanisms. Paul and Joe also touch upon personal growth, sobriety, and the struggles associated with organized religion.
Paul's reflections on 22 years of sobriety provide a poignant backdrop to the discussion, underscoring the significance of support groups and self-discovery. Throughout the episode, Joe Smarro's narrative is a beacon of hope for change, offering practical solutions and a call to action for better training and understanding. His story is not only informative but also deeply inspiring, providing listeners with a renewed sense of empathy and the tools to contribute to a more compassionate society.