64 Next Rung: Charlie Brown’s Fight for First Responder Mental Health

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Charlie Brown, a dedicated engineer with the Glendale Fire Department and a passionate advocate for first responder mental health. Charlie runs a nonprofit organization that’s transforming lives by offering critical mental health support to firefighters, doctors, and nurses. Learn about their expanded services, including a 24/7 hotline for text and phone support, connecting those in need with professional care. Charlie shares how their nonprofit hosts fundraising events like the Fight for Mental Health boxing matches and leverages a peer support team to rally communities around this vital cause.

Joined by insights into the inspiring work of Charlie’s teammate, Blake Stinnett, founder of Next Rung, we explore Blake’s personal mission driven by the tragic loss of a friend and co-worker to suicide. His love for the fire service fuels his commitment to making a lasting impact on those he serves alongside. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, community, and breaking the stigma around mental health for first responders.



For more contacting Next Rung:

www.nextrung.org