Breach Your Mind

Want to supercharge your leadership skills and foster a more productive and happier team environment? This episode promises to equip you with strategies to adapt your leadership style to the evolving needs of your team and ensure they're performing at their best. We delve into the correlation between an employee's home life happiness and their productivity at work, and how as a leader, you play a crucial role in detecting and rectifying signs of a struggling team.Imagine having a team where open communication isn't a hurdle, but a norm. We talk about how genuine conversations with employees can significantly enhance team dynamics and overall productivity. We'll help you spot the unofficial leaders within your team and leverage their insights to fine-tune your leadership style. We discuss the power of encouraging employees to express their ideas, resulting in a more cohesive team and better business outcomes. Lastly, we underline the importance of treating your team with respect and appreciation, fostering loyalty, and ultimately creating better products with faster turnaround times. Tune in, and let's create a work environment where everyone thrives!

Are you a leader who's confident in their style, or do you often question if your approach is the most effective? Stepping into this nuanced dialogue, we question the merits and detriments of authoritarian leadership, and the impact it can potentially have on not just the work environment, but also on individual employees. Drawing from our personal experiences in leadership roles, we delve into the possible pitfalls of a rigid leadership approach, and the critical importance of flexibility and adaptability.Unravel the fascinating correlation between leadership style and employee productivity and happiness as we further our discussion. We bring to light the dark side of authoritarian leadership - the fear it instills, the mistrust it breeds, and the negative working environment it fosters. Listen in as we discuss how a leader can adapt their style to the team's needs and how recognizing when a leadership style is ineffective could be a game-changer. All this and more as we explore the profound impact leadership styles have on an organization's overall health and productivity. Infused with intriguing discussions and insightful observations, this is one conversation you won't want to miss!

Where do you see yourself right now in life? And is it where you expected it to be? This week, we dive deep into life's reflections, spurred by a candid conversation with a co-worker. We discuss our life trajectories and the concept of success. I share my personal philosophy that we are all exactly where we need to be, shaped by our unique circumstances and decisions. In a lighter vein, we also embark on a fun tangential journey on the trials and triumphs of making mango wine at home. We pivot our conversation towards the art of mindfulness and the power of appreciating the present. How often do we dwell on our errors and overlook our triumphs? Sharing insights from my brewing escapades, I illustrate how adapting to challenges mirrors the process of living life itself. We chat about the importance of gratitude in our lives and the role of persistence in achieving our goals. I highlight how acknowledging our successes and learning from our failures can propel us forward. So, buckle up for a rollercoaster journey filled with deep life reflections and a dash of home-brewed mango wine fun.

Delve into the world of hobbies in this episode, where I revisit the joy of being a DIYer and explore the art of welding after two decades. Discover how hobbies can clear the mind, offer creative solutions, and add a touch of joy to life. Tune in for a lighthearted conversation that might just leave you inspired.

Join me in this gripping episode as I delve into a haunting case from my early days as a rookie—a double homicide that tested my resilience. At the crime scene, I appeared unfazed, but little did I know that the experience would leave a lingering impact on my psyche.Months later, an unexpected revelation came to light—my subconscious mind had been on high alert, anticipating potential threats. Realizing my anxiety allowed me to face it head-on and conquer its hold on me. Tune in to learn how I triumphed over my anxieties and emerged stronger than ever before.

Join us in this gripping episode as we delve into a life-changing moment when I faced an emergency, performing CPR for the first time. Hear the raw emotions, the lasting impact, and the journey of coping with the aftermath of that fateful day, as I share the untold story of resilience and healing.

Public Safety comprises approximately 1.4% of the U.S. population, yet a career in this line of work can expose each individual, on average, to 188 critical and traumatic incidents. These incidents leave their mark on each individual just as it does on someone who chooses not to work in public safety, but at a much higher rate. So, how do these professionals keep doing what scars and traumatizes most people? Studies show that while some find healthy ways to cope with what is experienced, many will develop poor behavioral conditions, thus prolonging the trauma caused by the event.  It is through the use of Critical and Traumatic Stress Debriefing that studies have shown to help break the stigma of mental health in public safety and create a better environment for those employed in that career to be able to continue the work they love by helping others. So join us with our special guest Captain Pete Hossalla as we discuss Critical and Traumatic Stress Debriefing.

Public Safety comprises approximately 1.4% of the U.S. population, yet a career in this line of work can expose each individual, on average, to 188 critical and traumatic incidents. These incidents leave their mark on each individual just as it does on someone who chooses not to work in public safety, but at a much higher rate. So, how do these professionals keep doing what scars and traumatizes most people? Studies show that while some find healthy ways to cope with what is experienced, many will develop poor behavioral conditions, thus prolonging the trauma caused by the event.  It is through the use of Critical and Traumatic Stress Debriefing that studies have shown to help break the stigma of mental health in public safety and create a better environment for those employed in that career to be able to continue the work they love by helping others. So join us with our special guest Captain Pete Hossalla as we discuss Critical and Traumatic Stress Debriefing.

For many, talks of mental health concerns are typically applied to the general population and how best to help them manage their everyday lives or a crisis they may be experiencing. But, what about the mental health of those we task with the responsibility of caring for us in our time of need? What about the mental health of those individuals that work in public safety and who are subjected to things that the general population will likely never encounter? These individuals work in an environment where they are exposed to traumatic and stressful events nearly every shift and it's all too easy to forget that they are people too. Join us in the conversation as we cover Mental Health in Public Safety.

For many, talks of mental health concerns are typically applied to the general population and how best to help them manage their everyday lives or a crisis they may be experiencing. But, what about the mental health of those we task with the responsibility of caring for us in our time of need? What about the mental health of those individuals that work in public safety and who are subjected to things that the general population will likely never encounter? These individuals work in an environment where they are exposed to traumatic and stressful events nearly every shift and it's all too easy to forget that they are people too. Join us in the conversation as we cover Mental Health in Public Safety.

For many, talks of mental health concerns are typically applied to the general population and how best to help them manage their everyday lives or a crisis they may be experiencing. But, what about the mental health of those we task with the responsibility of caring for us in our time of need? What about the mental health of those individuals that work in public safety who are subjected to things that the general population will likely never encounter? These individuals work in an environment where they are exposed to traumatic and stressful events nearly every shift and it's all too easy to forget that they are people too. Join us in the conversation as we cover Mental Health in Public Safety.

From 1999 to 2018 the suicide rate in the U.S. climbed by 35%. Since then we have only seen a 5% decline yet there are increases in specific groups. America spends more money on healthcare than any other wealthy country, yet, it still leads the wealthy countries in the number of suicides. Having the money and resources available isn't enough, as a society, we have to try harder to help save those we know and do not know.  Sit down, log in, ad join the conversation as we at least try to change our society.

As a teenage boy, I had a lot of fun, it just wasn't always the best way to have fun. In this episode, I share a memory of a time when reckless abandonment had no meaning, a time when I was invincible, a time that would mark only one of the times where stupidity would outweigh common sense. So log in, sit down and join the conversation as I take you for another walk down memory lane. 

This world can be difficult to navigate, but it becomes harder when the reason is our own family. Just like any relationship, family relationships can have issues as well and it's how we manage the issues that can determine if we mend the torn relationship or cut the tie altogether. In this episode that's exactly what we discuss.  So sit down, log in, and join in the conversation.

To be confident in one's self is a positive attribute, until the moment that the confidence overtakes common sense. This is when overconfidence sets in and can often get you into trouble. This is the case in this week's episode where I share another anecdote from my life where I truly became too confident in my size and found myself in a situation where I had to learn a lesson the hard way, which is often the case. So sit down, log in and join in as a share with you my own ignorance. 

Regardless of what you are going through, often enough, a little levity can help you better manage your emotions and thoughts. In this episode, we take a little different direction and allow you to have a laugh at my expense as I share a childhood memory with you about me, my best friend, the river, and that one girl we wanted to impress. So sit down, log in, and have a little giggle on us.

As if grief weren't already difficult to overcome for the average person, what does one do when the prolonged grief becomes clinical depression.? In this episode, we discuss that very topic as we add to our discussion on grief. So log on and listen and join the conversation.

Life can deal all sorts of hands and when it comes to grief, the house is slinging similar cards. Grief is something that most people will experience at some point in their life, regardless of the reason, but not everyone will experience trauma-related grief. Trauma-related grief comes from those situations that typically occur suddenly and without warning which leaves people forever changed. In this episode, we get a little personal and share with you one example of traumatic grief and how it was overcome for one person. So log in, listen in, and join the conversation as we discuss traumatic grief. 

Life can be tricky and because of the many challenges we may face in our time, it is all too easy to lose focus on what's important and where we should divide our attention. It's in these times that we can all use a little help in determining what needs our effort. In this episode we discuss making an effort and when it may be time to rethink the effort we are exerting towards something. So pop in, sit down, and join us as we discuss making an effort.   

Life can get pretty hectic at times and often leave a person feeling as if he or she is drowning in a sea of uncertainty.  In this episode, we discuss a listener-requested topic on finding balance with family, career, and love life. While these specific areas are not the only areas where a person may need to find balance, they are arguably some of the most important areas. So, pop on in and be a part of the conversation as we discuss finding balance.   

One of the biggest obstacles we face in life is often our own self. We make a decision to follow a path, take a job, start a business, and sometimes even before we start we put so many holes in our dreams that there is no chance that it would ever float. In this episode, we discuss how easy it is to get in our own way of success and the simplest way to navigate that obstacle and finally take that chance on our self that we have been needing. 

Many people, including us, have thought before about what our purpose in this life is. What our reason for being on this big blue ball called Earth is and why we are gifted with the talents and abilities that we have. Unfortunately, not everyone has been able to tap into their answer to these questions and that is exactly what this episode is about. So, join the conversation as we discuss finding our purpose and the ways we managed to do it. 

How often have you had an idea, a dream, a passion that you wanted to accomplish but for one reason or another you never embarked on that adventure? How many times have you sat back and watched as others or even people you know succeed in areas where you knew you could make a difference? The only real reason, aside from all of the excuses, is the sheer fact that you never took a chance on yourself. Join us in the conversation about taking chances and hear what a difference it can make in your life.  

According to the American Addiction Centers, in 2017 it is estimated that 19.7 million people (12 and older) battled substance abuse. This number merely encompasses the substance abuse cases reported and does not include unreported cases and addiction cases that involved actions. Living with an addiction is difficult in its own right but what about living with someone you care about who has an addiction? This too is equally tough and gains less attention, but not today. In this episode, we discuss both topics and give our opinion on a starting point for both, people battling an addiction and people living with a loved one who has an addiction. Join us in the conversation as we continue to try to help those battling their addiction(s) and give some guidance to those who simply want their loved ones to win the battle over their addiction.    

It's all too easy for those not in an administrative position or upper-level management position to see those levels of leadership as detached at poor at leading, all the while refusing to acknowledge their lack of understanding of what it takes to fill that role. Upper-level management has a difficult job because the balance of the organization rests on their shoulders, but regardless of the understanding between the rank and file and the administration, individuals occupying those roles most constantly monitor their leadership ability. In this final episode of the series on leadership, we discuss strategies for these individuals to consider to help maintain an effective relationship with the rank and file and/or improve on these important skills. Join us in the conversation.  

If you're a newly promoted leader or even if you have been one for some time, there is always something to learn to make you a better leader. In this continuing episode on leadership, we discuss strategies that can help you be a more productive leader, adaptive to the changing times, and more in tune with your team. While the value of decades-long strategies is not lost, many aspects of life must move with the ebbs and flows of our changing society and the ever-changing psychological effects these societal changes have, leadership is one of these aspects. So join our conversation in part 2 of our series on leadership and see if there's something you can apply to your current role as a leader.   

In every profession, there are levels of leadership stretching from the newly hired employee with no experience to the CEO or upper management. Sadly, while there is a vast amount of information available to help individuals learn how to become a leader or a more proficient leader, it's not a topic that gets enough attention outside of individual interest and growth. In this episode, we start a three-part series in which we discuss our views on how to develop the individual leadership skills that have helped us move through our careers and what we have learned along the way. Join us in our conversation about leadership.Jocko Willink (Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win)https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250067057   

In a world so focused on creating equality and fairness, why is society so determined to make sure everyone is in their own little box? Why do so many desire to be seen as separate from everyone else yet tell the world we aren't trying hard enough to create unity? It seems that so many have been blinded with the desire to be "unique" that the label they've attached to themselves has only helped to further a divide that they so eagerly want to eliminate. Let's talk about it. 

All too often people lose enjoyment in things that once brought them happiness, the gem losses its luster. They become so fixated on the things that have stolen their happiness that they lose focus on what has been there the whole time. As complicated as life can be, it's these little negative things that become thieves in the night that rob them of their joy. Let's have a conversation about these little things in life and see if we can't take back the joy in life that we once had.   

Sadly, suicide is a reality for far too many people, it's one of those topics that doesn't get enough real and healthy conversation. The reality of suicide hit home with me many years ago, and I use the lessons I learned then to try to help people today. Join me in a real conversation about suicide and having to live as a survivor of a loved one that has taken their own life.

Just a few minutes of who I am and why we are all here.