From Wrecked to Restored: Lessons from a First Responder with Dan Defenbaugh
Who helps the first responders who help us? Who do they call when they’re in pain? In increasing numbers, they’re calling The 10-42 Project, a nonprofit founded by this week’s podcast guest and former first responder Dan Defenbaugh.
Please don’t skip by this episode thinking, “I don’t know any first responders.” This week’s podcast is incredibly powerful and it’s for anyone who has:
- ever felt broken, lost, scared or hopeless
- turned to a substance or destructive pattern to cope
- learned to put on a “fake face” to mask pain
It will be particularly poignant for those on the front lines, so please forward this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This to any police, fire, EMS, or other first responders or their family members.
On the podcast, Dan offers an inside look at the pain of being a first responder—and the toll it took on his family, his mental health, and his desire even to live. His vulnerability reminds us that—without support and hope—no one really wears a bullet proof vest when it comes to a mental health storm.
Today, Dan helps broken people become whole through The 10-42 Project—a place where first responders and their families can “come as you are,” confide pain in a safe place, and find healing. “We are here to equip, restore, and repurpose our first responders with the mental and spiritual tools and healing they need—free from guilt, shame, or judgment,” Dan says. “You no longer have to walk alone. We are here because we understand you—we are you.”
If you or a loved one are in an emotional or mental health crisis, there are people who can help you, too, no matter your walk of life. At any time you can call 988 or text HOME to 741741. Also, Focus on the Family has an excellent counseling referral program; call 855-771-HELP (4357) on weekdays between 8am – 10pm ET. We strongly encourage you to seek out help – especially from a local pastor or counselor.
Episode 6 details:
Episode 6: From Wrecked to Restored: Lessons from a First Responder with Dan Defenbaugh
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Duration: 44 minutes
Summary: This conversation explores the profound journey of Dan Defenbaugh, a former law enforcement officer who faced trauma and addiction, leading him ultimately to try to take his own life. Through his story, we learn about the struggles first responders face with mental health, the impact on their families, and the hope found in recovery and ministry. Dan’s transformation from despair to purpose serves as a beacon of hope for others in similar situations. In this conversation, Dan recounts a pivotal moment where he sensed God leading him to establish a support organization for first responders struggling with mental health issues.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Shared Voices podcast (available on most streaming platforms)
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Practical help for Real Life
Our new podcast, I Wish You Could Hear This is live now with episode 6! Listen, follow, and share with your friends on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms.
On I Wish You Could Hear This, Jeff and I offer proven steps to help you thrive in your life, faith and relationships. In other words, we’ll offer the practical help you’ve grown accustomed to right here in this blog space.
You’ll take away specific steps that help you today.
You’ll hear not only from us but from fellow authors and friends (so you hear the good behind-the-scenes stuff!), marriage and relationship experts, everyday people, ministry leaders, and other researchers. (We promise to keep that last one fun and fascinating, not boring!)
If you are interested in having Shaunti bring research-based strategies, practical wisdom and biblical principles to your next event, please contact Nicole Owens at [email protected].
On our podcast, I Wish You Could Hear This, Jeff and I offer proven steps to help you thrive in your life, faith and relationships. In other words, we’ll offer the practical help you’ve grown accustomed to right here in this blog space. You’ll take away specific steps that help you today. Listen, follow, and share with your friends on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms.
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