FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - TACTICAL BRAIN TRAINING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexandria, VA, Oct 1st, 2024

TACTICAL BRAIN TRAINING, BY GINA ROLLO WHITE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES OCT 1, 2024

A Groundbreaking Stress Reduction Guide for First Responders, Veterans, & Clinicians

Renowned first responder therapeutic mindfulness expert, Gina Rollo White, is proud to announce that her groundbreaking book, Tactical Brain Training, is available for purchase. Written through the lens of first responders, this essential resource is designed for first responders, veterans, and clinicians, offering practical, proven strategies for managing the trauma, stress, and anxiety inherent in high-stress professions. Accessible to anyone who experiences stress or has faced trauma, Tactical Brain Training provides sustainable techniques for real-time stress regulation both on and off the job.

A Vital Addition to First Responder Training

The book, published by PESI Publishing, has already garnered attention for filling a critical gap in mental health resources. "Adding Tactical Brain Training to our collection makes our offerings more robust, especially for the unique needs of first responders and the clinicians who support them," said Kate Sample, LPC, and the Publisher at PESI Publishing. "This book provides targeted, practical strategies that are both accessible and immediately applicable, making it a must-have for anyone in this space."

Supporting Those Who Serve

“Gina’s therapeutic mindfulness approach has been an incredible asset to veterans in our community,” said Phil McGinty, Vice President at the Recon and Sniper Foundation. “She offers tools that are not only culturally appropriate but also tailored to each individual, making her a valuable resource for our community.”

About Tactical Brain Training

Tactical Brain Training is a transformative book designed to help first responders and veterans tap into their emergency management skills to recover from the demands of their high-stress work. Created by Gina Rollo White, a therapeutic mindfulness expert with over a decade of experience in the first responder field, this guidebook offers practical, proven strategies for managing stress and trauma in real time and after critical incidents.

Though written from the perspective of first responders and veterans, this book is a lifeline for anyone who experiences stress or has faced trauma. It combines real-life case studies, mindfulness practices, and self-assessment tools to help readers develop personalized strategies for resilience. Interactive chapters, complete with QR codes linking to guided meditations and practical exercises, give readers the flexibility to engage with the material in ways that best suit their needs.

Running toward chaos may be part of the job, but living in it doesn’t have to be. Tactical Brain Training offers a path to mental clarity and resilience.

About the Author

Gina Rollo White, MA, is the founder of Mindful Junkie and is broadly recognized as a leading therapeutic mindfulness expert and instructor for first responders and veterans, teaching stress and trauma management using mindfulness interventions. She provides in-agency and in-department workshops across the US using the curriculum she developed, Tactical Brain Training®, Mindfulness for First Responders. She is also a speaker at major first responder conferences across the country, such as International Association of Chiefs of Police, COG Fire Health and Safety Symposium, Southwest Women in Law Enforcement, and Washington DC, Grand Rounds. She lives in the Washington DC area.

Availability

Tactical Brain Training is available for purchase at all major online book retailers.

About PESI Publishing:

PESI Publishing specializes in clinical books, workbooks, card decks, flip charts, and children’s books in the behavioral health, education, and self-help genres. Designed to teach practical skills, their publications are known for having a straightforward, conversational style with reproducible, easy-to-use exercises, strategies, and guides for the general consumer as well as for practitioners to use with clients.

About Recon and Sniper Foundation:

The Recon & Sniper Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting current and former Recon and Marine Corps Sniper community members. We provide targeted assistance, community events, mental health resources, and career development to ensure veterans and their families thrive beyond service.

About Mindful Junkie:

Mindful Junkie Outreach is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by Gina Rollo White, a long-time mind-body practitioner and mindfulness researcher. For over 10 years, Gina has been developing and leading mindfulness trainings specifically tailored to first responders, based on her extensive research on the benefits of mindfulness.

The mission of Mindful Junkie Outreach is to support first responders and veterans with mindfulness strategies to ensure they remain safe, healthy, and emotionally regulated. MJ aims to make mindfulness accessible through on-site educational workshops, including Tactical Brain Training®. These trainings introduce first responders to the science and practice of mindfulness through a combination of lectures and breakout sessions. Participants learn guided breathing exercises, techniques for focus and attention, methods for identifying emotional triggers, and the underlying science of mindfulness. They leave equipped with knowledge, skills, and practical exercises to support them both on and off the job.

Contact Information

For media inquiries, review copies, or to schedule an interview with Gina, please contact:

Gina Rollo White

202-306-6578

gina@mindfuljunkie.com 

www.mindfuljunkie.com | @mindfuljunkie

www.tacticalbraintraining.com | @tacticalbraintraining

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Is Tactical Brain Training Right for You?

Your Questions Answered Video Series on Upcoming Book

Be curious and see for yourself. You may find that it’s just what you need to find calm within the chaos.

Tactical Brain Training by, Gina Rollo White

Tactical Brain Training: A Guide for Everyone Facing Stress and Trauma

Tactical Brain Training was born from the experiences of first responders—those who face unimaginable stress, trauma, and anxiety daily. But while the book is deeply rooted in the realities of first responders, its lessons and tools are far-reaching, applicable to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by life's challenges.

Whether you're a first responder, a family member of one, a therapist working with those on the front lines, or simply someone who has faced stress and trauma, Tactical Brain Training offers practical strategies to navigate the complexities of your emotions and experiences.

The techniques within these pages are designed to help manage the unique pressures faced by those in high-stress roles. But they are also adaptable for anyone dealing with anxiety, overwhelm, or the residual effects of traumatic experiences. The goal is simple: to provide you with tools that can help you find relief, regain control, and build resilience, no matter your background or circumstances.

If you're looking for a resource to help you or someone you care about navigate the effects of stress and trauma, Tactical Brain Training is here to guide you on that journey.

Mindfulness Interventions for Everyone

Click below to buy

Purchase Here

The Mindful Minute

Be curious and see for yourself. You may find that it’s just what you need to find calm within the chaos.

Your Questions Answered Video Series on Upcoming Book

Tactical Brain Training

by, Gina Rollo White

Launching Week Video Series: "Questions Answered" on Tactical Brain Training

I’m pumped to announce the launch of an 8-week video series where I'll answer all your burning questions (ha!) - not just about my upcoming book, Tactical Brain Training, but also about why I wrote it and why it’s specifically for first responders. No BS, just straight talk. Whether you’re a first responder, veteran, clinician, or just someone trying to manage stress better, this series is meant to answer questions regarding what’s to come! 

Follow video series on IG & TikTok - @mindfuljunkie

What’s the Series About?

Every week, I’ll drop a new video tackling the questions you send in. These videos will be short and to the point—quick get in, get out. This is your shot to get real answers and dive into the gritty details of Tactical Brain Training. Here’s what we’ll cover:

We’ll discuss how the book addresses health and wellness, crossing fingers it makes your list of top books for stress management for veterans and first responders. You’ll hear about how mindfulness activities and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques are addressed in the book. We'll also explore my obsession with the brain, brain training in general, and why it's crucial for both first responders and veterans (let’s face it - for everyone!).

I'll introduce you to the chapters,  how they address stress and handling trauma, and you’ll learn about various mindfulness interventions that are offered to help you stay focused and calm (neutral) under pressure. We'll dive deep into why mindfulness for first responders and mindfulness for veterans is a game-changer, and how to incorporate these practices into your daily routine.

Why I Wrote the Book

In these videos, I'll share my personal journey and the motivation behind writing Tactical Brain Training. Being a first responder or veteran is tough as hell. You deal with crap that would break most people. This book is about giving you the tools to stay strong, manage stress, and bounce back from trauma. It’s not just another book on mindfulness or stress reduction; it's a tactical brain training manual designed specifically for first responders, veterans, and clinicians supporting first responders. It’s the ultimate first responder guidebook for stress and trauma management.

How Can You Get Involved?

Just shoot me your questions about Tactical Brain Training, why I wrote it, or anything else on your mind, and I’ll tackle them in the weekly videos. This is your chance to get the real scoop and practical tips that can make a difference, whether you're in the thick of it or supporting someone who is. I’ll also cover how to practice mindfulness, explain mindfulness meditation, and outline mindfulness stress reduction techniques. Send questions to gina@mindfuljunkie.com, or DM me. 

Book Launch Details

Mark your calendars—Tactical Brain Training officially drops on September 24th. You can also pre-order your copy now on Amazon. Here’s the link: Pre-order Tactical Brain Training.

Why This Matters

Let’s be blunt—being a first responder or veteran is no walk in the park. You face intense situations daily, and you need real tools to manage the stress and trauma that come with the job. Tactical Brain Training is all about giving you those tools. 

The quick videos will touch on how this is a training book that offers stress reducing strategies and stress reduction skills. This is about real-world advice, like taking time off with family and loved ones, using a wellness app, or understanding the importance of taking a moment to resource.

Follow video series on IG & Tik Tok - @mindfuljunkie

Join the Conversation

Your voice helps —send in your questions to gina@mindfuljunkie, pre-order the book, and get ready to dive deep into training your brain to think. Help build the conversation by sending in questions, or just watch the videos to get a sneak peek at what’s inside the book cover and what’s about to hit the streets. I’ll address how Tactical Brain Training is a wellness book you need on your shelf, what it has to offer, the science behind mindfulness as a stress reduction tool, and how to integrate mindfulness and stress reduction into your life.

What am I Missing?

I have no idea. So tell me :) Email me gina@mindfuljunkie.com or DM me @mindfuljunkie

Thanks for the support. We got this.

Peace out,

Gina

~ book release ~ Tactical Brain Training

Announcing the release of Tactical Brain Training

For first responders, stress and trauma are part of the job. But that doesn’t mean they have to let the chaos be part of their everyday lives.

First responders—law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical professionals, military personnel, and more—spend each day confronting stress and trauma head-on. Rarely is there time to process and recover from the turmoil and violence they encounter day after day. It doesn’t help that first responder culture encourages a “get on with it” attitude, offering limited resources for the internal struggle that builds up over time.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Tactical Brain Training offers a solution for first responders to use their incredible emergency management skills to recover from the rigors of this demanding work. Developed by Gina Rollo White, a therapeutic mindfulness expert with over 10 years in the first responder world, this first-of-its-kind guidebook provides proven, sustainable strategies for regulating stress and trauma in real time and following the emergent event. Whether you are a first responder yourself, a clinician supporting someone in this profession, or a family member, this book will empower you to:

• Connect with real-life stories that showcase the types of challenges faced by first responders

• Learn scientific insights behind the long-term impacts of stress, trauma, and mindfulness

• Practice short, effective brain exercises, both written and in guided videos, that build mental clarity and put you in the driver’s seat of how you respond

• Develop a personalized mindfulness action plan for neutralizing stress and bringing your brain back “online”

Although running toward chaos may be part of the job, living in a state of internal chaos does not have to continue to be the norm.

Purchase on Amazon! Link below.

Hath’s Heroes and Mindful Junkie Announce Partnership to Deliver Mindfulness Training to D.C.-Area First Responders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 26, 2022

Hath’s Heroes and Mindful Junkie Deliver Mindfulness Training to D.C.-Area First Responders 

First of its kind partnership, delivers Tactical Brain Training ® (TBT) to DC Fire and EMS employees; TBT empowers first responders to better handle work-based trauma

First Responders spend all their time helping others; Mindfulness training and TBT are designed to allow them to help themselves.

ARLINGTON, Va. – Hath’s Heroes, a program launched by Garnet and Lindsay Hathaway, announced today a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the nonprofit Mindful Junkie to provide mindfulness training to D.C. area first responders. Through the partnership, Hath’s Heroes will fund multiple Mindful Junkie seminars led by Mindful Junkie founder Gina Rollo White. The trainings will be made available to all firefighters within DC Fire and EMS and will deliver Tactical Brain Training® (TBT).

"The work Gina does is exactly the kind of support we hope to give to many first responders in the DMV area,” said Garnet. “We are thrilled to have found an organization with a mission that aligns so well with Hath's Heroes."

The mission of Mindful Junkie is to make mindfulness accessible for first responders. Mindful Junkie workshops introduce first responders to the science and practice of mindfulness. The organization gives first responders tools to deal with stress and trauma, as well as to increase focus and concentration. Programming teaches first responders how to manage reactions, notice impulses and work through emotions, both on the job and at home. 

“Firefighters and other first responders are constantly focused on others and constantly giving.” said Rollo White, CEO and Founder of Mindful Junkie. “The Hathaways and I bonded immediately on our common familial first responder connections, and we are excited to have the chance to collaborate to give back to this amazing group of women and men.”

The first training took place in November, with additional workshops scheduled in 2022. First responders who participated in the November training were hosted by Hath’s Heroes at the Capitals Dec. 6 First Responders Night at Capital One Arena.

“Trauma aware regulation tools are key for stress management, coping, and conflict resolution,” said Jason Woods, Peer Support Team Coordinator for DC Fire and EMS. “We are excited to be working with Hath’s Heroes and Mindful Junkie on this innovative Mindfulness Program.”

The Hathaways founded Hath's Heroes in 2019 to give back to first responders. Garnet’s great-grandfather, Garnet Mcelroy, was a firefighter in Winnipeg, and his experiences inspired the Hathaways to launch Hath's Heroes.

Most recently, Hath’s Heroes provided thousands of meals to first responders and families affiliated with area nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hathaways also provide tickets to select Capitals games to local first responders. Postgame, Garnet meets the ticket recipients and gives them a tour of the Capitals locker room. In addition to donating tickets, Garnet visits local fire stations throughout the season and spends time with first responders.

Contacts:

Capitals: Megan Eichenberg – 202-266-2310

Mindful Junkie: Gina Rollo White – 202-306-6578

The One Question I Ask Every Day . . . “WTF?”

By Gina Rollo White, Mindful Junkie

Really, who isn’t saying WTF these days. Not just once, but at least 20 times a day (if you aren’t, please tell me your secret)? Just a few of mine:

    WTF with the news?

    WTF with people?

    WTF with family?

    WTF with Covid-19?

What is the answer to all these questions? 

Seriously, I wish I knew.  But I do know what helps! My own personal, maybe a bit nontraditional mindfulness tool called “JFB” – Just F’ing Breathe. 

The second that I think WTF, I try and remember to JFB! 

Surprised that’s Mindfulness?

You may be shocked to hear that JFB is a mindfulness technique. Truth be told, it might not be.  It’s very possible I made it up (shhhh, don’t tell anyone). But when I am going down the WTF rat hole, JFB seems to do the trick to right my course. Yes, there are a ton of other more traditional mindfulness tools to choose from (more on that in my next blog), but JFB just happens to be the one I use a lot and I REALLY like!

So is mindfulness the antidote to WTF?

I wish I could say, “my mindfulness practice allows me to stay calm, peaceful, and euphoric all day long, and yours can too!”  NOPE, that ain’t the case. The reality is that even though I have a pretty strong meditation practice, I still lose my crap, not just once a day, but all day long! 

Mindfulness however does help to calm me in moments of distress. Moments when I want to scream at the news, or my kids, or society, or my work load , or or or or or or or . . . ahhhh - it's happening right now . . . here’s a great moment to JFB . . .  OK. I did it. Phew, I can think again.

Mindfulness may not be a panacea, but it can help keep you from hitting your stress threshold. By practicing mindfulness you train your brain to notice what is occurring – hear yourself say WTF – and then take action to manage your emotions – JFB.   

How do I know when to JFB?

Applying a mindfulness tool like JFB only works if we know WHEN to do it. That seems obvious, right? So how do you know when? 

Mindfulness trains you to notice when things are going haywire and then do something about it. So JFB has two parts. First, you notice that you've been hit with a strong thought or emotion (WTF), and then you apply a strategy to help you recover (JFB). And repeat. And repeat. And repeat all day long. 

With Mindfulness, you will still have difficult moments, but training helps you notice the moments as they arise, and then apply a mindfulness tool that gives you a path to recovery.  

How does JFB work?

Say you are having a WTF moment. Maybe your heart is beating fast, or you have negative thoughts running through your mind, or you simply check out. Now what? Stop what you are doing and take a few breaths. Taking a few breaths when you are hitting an edge, actually helps to decrease stress hormones that have permeated your system. This can help to redirect away from crazy thoughts, calm your nerves, and stop a potential downward spiral.

How do you actually practice JFB?

You literally “JUST F’ING BREATHE”!  When you feel overwhelmed or agitated, or when someone is screaming at you, take a breath . . . or two . . . or three.  It’s helpful regardless of when you notice the agitation. In other words, whether you are anticipating it, in the middle of it, or even looking back on a WTF moment, JFB-ing helps! 

What can help you when you have a WTF moment:

• JFB: Take 3 purposeful breaths before, during or after a WTF moment.

• Recall things that make you happy: When you are hit with a strong or negative emotion, bring to mind things that create joy (see below).

What can help you anticipate or prepare for WTF moments?

• Identify things that make you happy: start your day, before you get out of bed, by thinking of a few things that bring you happiness / joy; imagine surfing, playing ping pong, family dinners (yes,that’s my list). Then purposefully recall these happy moments when you are hit with a strong or negative emotion.

• Daily mindful moments: find five minutes during the day to be curious about what you are experiencing “am I happy?”, “am I annoyed?” and then “what does that feel like?” See if taking some deep breaths helps. Or you can listen to sounds or find something pleasant to look at instead. There are numerous ways to access Mindfulness.  More on this in my next blog.

• Mindfulness meditation: listen to a guided mindfulness meditation on Youtube or a podcast. It doesn’t have to be long; it can be 3 minutes, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes.

“But I can’t do that 

sitting-in-silence, blank-mind, crossed-legged, 

yoga-pants-wearing, 

1-hour-breathing meditation thing!”

I can’t count the number of times that I hear this.  And guess what? I said it myself, and it’s not the way I practice mindfulness meditation.

So how do I meditate?

Sitting, standing, lying down or even walking around.  Then bring awareness to your breathing, and purposefully pay attention to your thoughts. Here is what I do:

1. I find a seat that is comfortable (chair, couch, bed),

2. I close my eyes (sometimes I leave them open - crazy right?),

3. I choose something to focus on. What you focus on is referred to as your anchor,

4. I then focus on my anchor.  If my anchor is breathing as in JFB, I say, out loud or to myself, “breathing in, breathing out, breathing in, breathing out.” If my anchor is listening, I pay attention to the sounds in the room.

5. While doing this, my mind often wanders. It is normal for thoughts to constantly pop into your head. 

6. When I notice that my mind has wandered away from my anchor (breathing), I remind myself to focus back on breathing. This happens during the entire mediation – focus - lose focus - regain focus. You will get more comfortable with practice!

It is really important for me to emphasise that the cycle of “anchor, thought, JFB, anchor, thought, JFB”  is the Mindfulness Training. It’s not about having a blank or empty mind.  It is not about sitting in a particular position like a statue. It’s about training your brain to 1) notice that you were trying to focus on something, 2) identify that you got distracted and 3) redirect your attention back to focusing. 

The secret sauce in mindfulness is: Notice what’s occurring and Apply a strategy that works to bring you back from a chaotic moment and calm your nerves. I will discuss alternative mindfulness strategies like listening, sensing, moving, imagining in my next blog.

So when you have WTF Moments...

WTF with the news, WTF with people, WTF with family WTF with Covid-19, remember to 

JFB…Just F’ing Breathe

J F B

They Taught Me Unconditional Love

Even in their darkest moments, they modeled compassion, care, respect, unity and most importantly - unconditional love.

My mother & my step mother (I call her ‘my Tina,’ it was always my mom & my Tina) were both diagnosed with breast cancer over 20 years ago. It didn’t matter that my Tina was the new wife (well - not so new - My Tina and dad were married for over 20 years), my mother still wanted to be there for her. And it didn’t matter that my mother was the ex-wife, my Tina wanted to be there for my mother.

Two strong women who taught me so much about life, goals, work ethic, community & compassion. When I look back & replay those years of cancer, chemo, radiation & so many visits to the hospital, one thing that stands above all: their silent commitment to care for each other no matter their strange circumstance.

In the very last weeks of my Tina’s courageous life, my mother was one of her hospice nurses. She advised us on how to care for Tina, how to make her comfortable, and she let us know when things were close to the inevitable.

My mom also cared for my three younger sisters (my father & my Tina’s daughters). In fact, they were with my mother at the moments of my Tina’s passing. Mom was at the mall with them, having offered to take them out for a moment of reprieve. Three years of battling cancer was so hard.

And it was my mom who told my sisters the life shattering news that their mom - at the age of 42 - had just passed away.

My two female roles models were diagnosed at around the same time. Their journey together shaped who I am today.

They showed me the importance of lifting up those around you, holding the hand of someone in pain, caring for others regardless of the circumstances, and unity. They modeled unconditional love, and they shaped my moral compass.

Every year I walk for Breast Cancer Awareness in memory of my Tina and in honor of my mother.

#mindfulness #thesweatlife #walktobustcancer #angelwingschallenge