CopThink Podcast

Therapist Kyle Keller talks about the signs and symptoms of panic and anxiety attacks. He describes ways to manage these episodes and strategies to treat them. He also talks about emerging drug-assisted therapies for PTSD.

July 7, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 44:10 ▪︎ 107.5MBOfficer Don Chouinard talks about his 33 years of patrol work, including a long tenure on the SWAT team and beginning his career as a rural cop. He shares his approach to making the job work him, and how best to support other cops.

JUNE 29, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 1:27:05 ▪︎ 118MBOfficer Tony Dean talks about growing up in Saint Paul and the perspective he gained for his work in the Gun and Gang Unit. He also reflects on his personality, personal challenges and the people who helped him along the way.

June 22, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 1:22:07 ▪︎ 101.71MBSergeant Ron Townsend talks about changes in his thinking about policing after recent events. He believes one solution is to talk more freely with each other about our experience of race on and off the job.

MAY 26, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 1:18:52 ▪︎ 117.5MB Officers Genevieve Frye and Darin McDonald describe the type of calls they like and really dislike. Darin talks about his career as a gay police officer, while Gen tells about some of the pressures of being a female cop. Both describe their tattoos and what a great conversation starter they are on the street.

MAY 14, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 46:06 ▪︎ 117.6MB Mark May and Brian Casey, Saint Paul police officers, compare notes on becoming a cop at the age of forty-five. They talk about the challenges of becoming a cop at that age, as well as the skills and experience they brought to the work.

March 31, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 52:44 ▪︎ 126.8MBRoxanne Prichard describes all the important functions sleep provides for the body and mind. She details how to create the best sleep environment and good routines (behaviors) that support restful and restorative sleep. Prichard also gives specific tips for shift workers.

March 10, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 1:08:08 ▪︎ 167MBMinneapolis police sergeant, Eric Hagel, and Ed Chionchio of Genesis House talk about their lives in recovery. Both describe themselves as thankful alcoholics and that life is progress not perfection. A healthy diet and exercise are integral elements of their sober life. Humility is willingness to listen and follow others who have been down this road before.

FEBRUARY 19, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 49:59 ▪︎ 119.9MBOfficers Dan King and Brian Wanschura recount an ambush attack and how their mental discipline prepared them for that night. They tell of the importance of preparing your mind as an officer and the mental exercises they practiced together on every shift. This ensured that they were “ready when the day chooses you”. King talks about his background as a paramedic, and how he always carried a tourniquet and used it that day to save himself.

FEBRUARY 5, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 47:01 ▪︎ 112.8MBCoach Sok of Field Training Associates, an expert on field training, tells about the components of an interactive field training model. Sok also shares his point of view on suicide prevention, involvement with Badge of Life, and the benefits of peer support.

JANUARY 21, 2020 ▪︎ RUN TIME 1:06:44 ▪︎ 168.7MBCommander Josh Lego is an expert on use of force and human performance under stress. He discusses how the removal of value judgements can influence an officer’s perspective on use of force. Casey and Lego also discuss the impact of pre-arrival priming on an officer’s actions and the usefulness of tactical disengagement.

DECEMBER 3, 2019 ▪︎ RUN TIME 54:32 ▪︎ 104MBKent Williams talks about the difficulties that come with the five strings of law enforcement culture where officers become pessimistic, non-trusting, control freaks who fight change and assess blame. This leads to a problematic police perspective, and Williams talks about healthy ways to offset this culture.

November 12, 2019 ▪︎ RUN TIME 1:06:21 ▪︎ 128.2MBAndy Lewis tells how he learned to understand, interact and work with horses as a mounted-police officer for over fourteen years. Lewis tells how he applies these same principles now while working out of squad car.

OCTOBER 23, 2019 ▪︎ RUN TIME 54:29 ▪︎ 130.7MBVang and Casey discuss the benefits of hobbies and outside interests for police officers. Vang describes his interest in lawn care and squirrel hunting. Vang and Casey consider the impact of body-worn cameras on officer camaraderie.

Chad Malmberg explores the similarities and differences of his police and military experience. He recounts the events that led to him receiving the Silver Star Medal. Malmberg describes the commonality of sacrifice, courage and discipline that both the military and police life require.

Caulkins continues his discussion with Casey about suicide prevention, warning signs and protective factors. Chris models how to talk to someone you suspect is contemplating suicide.

Chris Caulkins discusses facts and statistics about suicide and first-responders. He also talks about suicide risk factors and myths with host Brian Casey.

Listen to Brian Casey’s interview with Matt Flynn about his recovery journey to sobriety and his life in recovery as a police officer. Matt shares the struggles he has overcome and the rewards of sobriety.

CopThink Podcast explores current issues in policing and focuses on the question, “Why do police do what they do?” In each episode, host Brian Casey interviews a variety of guests from law enforcement and other disciplines. He and his guests discuss how cops think on (and off) the job.