The Staff Assistant Podcast

On June 14th, 1991 at 2:15am, five armed teenagers broke into a home in Salinas, CA, believing there was a safe with cash inside the house. For 48 minutes, they tortured a mother, a father, and their 17 year-old daughter. When the family did not produce a safe, they began raping the daughter, causing her father to resist and fight. The father was shot and killed. Twenty years later, I sat in a prison visiting room with one of the five inmates and witnessed his attempt to make amends to the mother. And I witnessed her forgiveness. In this episode, I am reunited with the mother, Cheryl Ward-Kaiser for a powerful interview about the true meaning of restorative justice, and the power of forgiveness and accountability. You can access The Staff Assistant Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Audible Podcasts.Links:https://www.theunion.com/news/local-news/this-victim-chooses-forgiveness/article_bfd8c820-d9b4-5737-b638-b06dea70acbb.htmlhttps://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/publications/121416-aclu-parolereportonlinesingle.pdfhttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/earning-freedom/55263https://casetext.com/case/people-v-drayton-121https://www.amazon.com/Being-Delivered-Through-Hard-Times-ebook/dp/B0CKHN31Z8

In this episode, I interview Valentino and Irma Rodriguez, the parents of Correctional Officer Valentino Rodriguez, Jr.Val Jr. worked as a correctional officer at both San Quentin State Prison and California State Prison Sacramento for over five years before he died of a fentanyl overdose in 2020. We discuss his family history, how Val Jr.'s death impacted their family, and get to know Val Jr. posthumously through the eyes of his parents. We also discuss the familiar topics of harassment, work place retaliation, suicide, addiction, and bullying.  

In this episode, we interview Tyler Caffee, the brother of Correctional Officer Jami Bowechop. Jami worked at the California State Prison, Corcoran for nine years before she died by suicide in 2016. Tyler shares about their family history, how Jami's death impacted their family, and reasons why he believes Jami took her own life: Jami reported a use of force incident as a whistleblower and kept a detailed journal about the harassment and retaliation she experienced at work. After being fired for a separate allegation, she took her own life at the age of thirty. You can access The Staff Assistant Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Audible or Google Podcasts.

Episode 49: SelenaIn this episode, we interview “Selena,” a female correctional officer who works in a maximum security correctional setting. She discusses growing up with a distant mother and an alcoholic father, and the impact these early relationships had when she became a parent herself. We explore her post-partum depression, lack of emotional connection with her child, and her suicidal thoughts. She also discusses her anxiety related to commuting to work, particularly during inclement weather.  “Selena” provides a look into the common issues most women are struggling with outside of work. 

In this episode, we interview board certified psychologist  Dr. Joel Fay. Joel spent six years in the US Army as a military police officer and as an investigative specialist. He joined the LAPD for a 5 year period, before transferring to the San Rafael Police Department, where he spent the next 23+ years. During his career in law enforcement, he worked a variety of positions including SWAT, hostage negotiation, canine, drug recognition and as a mental health liaison officer. While working for San Rafael PD, he obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology and became licensed as a clinical psychologist. It was following the tragic death of four Oakland police officers that he began seeing first responders in his private practice, and would do so after working his shift on patrol. Joel is the founder of the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat, which is a six day intensive retreat specifically for first responders and law enforcement, and the retreat is now facilitated by the First Responder Support Network. Joel is currently working in full time private practice in San Rafael, and continues to teach and consult with a variety of police departments in the Bay Area. https://www.joelfay.comhttps://www.frsn.org

In this episode, we interview CDCR Lt. Salvador Bermudez who works at California State Prison Los Angeles County. “Sal” as his friends know him, discusses his history of high blood pressure/hypertension that he left untreated for a prolonged period of time. We discuss the relationship between work stress and high blood pressure, and the unique challenges he has faced working at his institution. Sal's untreated hypertension has led to kidney failure and he is currently receiving dialysis three days a week. He has exhausted his leave credits and continues to work while he waits for a donor to provide him with a kidney transplant. Sal is married with two children, one of which has special needs. He is the sole provider for his family.Sal needs a kidney donor who is either O+ or O- blood type, who has no chronic medical conditions and someone who is not overweight. But even if you aren't a match, your donation (in his name) could move his name to the top of the donor list. To apply to begin the process to see if you could donate, please go to the website:https://usc.donorscreen.org/register/now If you know Sal, or have worked with him before, he could use your support. Please reach out to him. Once he receives a kidney donation, he plans to set up a catastrophic time bank so that he can have the donation surgery and recover at home afterward. If you don't have his contact information, feel free to reach out to me.

Target symptoms: anxiety, stress, depression, tension, lack of motivation, insomnia and difficulty concentrating. Check out The Staff Assistant Instagram Page - there is a pinned video to illustrate different tapping techniques.  This meditation utilizes guided visualization, breathing techniques, and bilateral stimulation (tapping) and is used commonly in EMDR therapy to induce relaxation and reduce anxiety.  Feel free to use this if you are having trouble going to sleep, going back to sleep, feel stressed or overwhelmed, or need help relaxing after a long day.

In this episode, we interview Lieutenant Scott McGee who currently works for a police department in Southern California. Scott describes himself as a “Professional Good Guy” and practitioner of "The Sisu Way."  Though typically difficult to define in English, Sisu is a Finnish word that describes someone who possesses strength and determination in the face of adversity, persistence, hope, grit, an unbeatable mindset full of courage, tenacity, resilience, will power, triumph and an unconquerable soul. With almost twenty years of service, Scott has worked different roles including patrol, community affairs, special operations, criminal investigations, and is a wellness instructor for his department. He discusses difficult critical incidents that he has encountered on the job, as well as personal struggles with his family. You can follow Scott at @scottmcgee or @TheSisuWay on Instagram, or check out his podcast called The Sisu Way on all major streaming platforms. 

In this episode, we interview Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Kate Pieper. Kate has been in professional practice for over 30 years and currently only see first responders and their families. She is the former Coordinator for the Northern California Trauma Response Network, is a part of the Sacramento EMDR Regional Network Leadership, and volunteers as an EMDR therapist for the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat for first responders.  She provides Critical Incident Stress Debriefing at incidents in Northern California, most recently the Camp Fire, CHP incidents and CalFire incidents. She is an adjunct professor for a local graduate school, teaching “Crisis Trauma, and Community Mental Health.” Kate is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant who provides consultation and training for other therapists to use EMDR with their clients.  Kate has provided departmental resiliency training to Cal Fire, CHP, Bakersfield Police Department, San Jose Police Department and the California District Attorney's Association, as well as other agencies. In addition to discussing her professional life, Kate discusses her childhood trauma, as well as her own suicide attempt. Kate discusses the difficulty she had in her marriage, as well as many medical issues that arose in her family.  She recalls the difficulties she has encountered with various clients, including suicide attempts, stalking and death threats. Kate is currently in private practice in Auburn, California and accepts Magellan, Blue Shield, Optum, and Anthem Blue Cross insurance plans. She also offers EMDR Intensives and individual cash rates for all first responders.

In this episode, we interview Eric, a correctional sergeant who has worked for multiple law enforcement agencies. He discusses the impact of losing his mother to cancer at ten years of age, and his subsequent placement into foster care. He also discusses his self-diagnosed Asperger's Disorder and continued difficulty reading social cues as an adult. He explains the trajectory of both his alcohol abuse and overeating in his adulthood, and the steps he has taken to  be successful in his recovery. He shares about his career, getting a DUI, going to rehab, losing colleagues to suicide, and his own suicide attempt.

In this episode, we interview retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant Kevin Briggs. Kevin has been dubbed, “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge” because of his work preventing suicides for over a decade while on patrol for the CHP in Marin County. Kevin is the first male guest to broach a very sensitive subject and discusses being sexually abused from age 8 to 10 by an adult male neighbor. He joined the US Army at age 18, attending jump school but due to a diagnosis of testicular cancer at age 20, was honorably discharged. He worked as a correctional officer for the California Department of Corrections from 1987-1990, working at Correctional Training Facility in Soledad and San Quentin State Prison. At the urging of a co-worker, Kevin applied with CHP and finished his career with CHP, working from 1990-2013. Kevin discusses his transition into retirement, his experience going to therapy, and his own family history of suicide. Kevin is currently active on the public speaker circuit, has been featured on a TED talk, and speaks at events internationally about suicide prevention.

Target symptoms: anxiety, stress, tension, lack of motivation, insomnia and difficulty concentrating. Check out The Staff Assistant Instagram Page - there is a pinned video to illustrate different tapping techniques.  This meditation utilizes guided visualization, breathing techniques, and bilateral stimulation (tapping) and is used commonly in EMDR therapy to induce relaxation and reduce anxiety.  Feel free to use this if you are having trouble going to sleep, going back to sleep, feel stressed or overwhelmed, or need help relaxing after a long day. 

In this episode, we interview retired NYPD Detective Matt Hickey. Matt worked for the NYPD from 1990 to 2010, working a range of positions, including Bronx and Manhattan Narcotics, as well as the NYPD's prestigious Hostage Negotiation Team. He discusses a series of events which led up to his suicide attempt in 2001, having his shield and gun taken, and the surprising response of having his department provide him with the treatment and help needed to return him to full duty.

In this episode, we interview retired NYPD Detective and New York Times best selling author Edward Conlon. Conlon writes and narrates a scripted historical podcast called Talk to Me, which tells the inside story of how the field of hostage negotiations was created. In the wake of major 1970's tragedies such as the Attica prison riot and the massacre of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics, the NYPD realized there was an urgent need to develop a system for handling hostage incidents. With news archives and first-hand accounts from hostage team founders Frank Bolz and Harvey Schlossberg, they bring to life cases large and small to explore what worked—and what didn't. The world's first hostage negotiation team pioneered the use of psychology in saving lives and created a model that is still used around the world today. Conlon is Harvard graduate, and wrote an autobiographical memoir called, "Blue Blood," which chronicles stories from his days patrolling the housing projects in the Bronx. Conlon later worked as a detective in the Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit in the South Bronx.  Years later, he returned to the NYPD to work at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

In this episode, we interview Homa Schweers, former NCAA athlete, firefighter, EMT, and correctional officer. She was the first female to graduate to from the SWAT/CRT Level 1 and Level 2 Operator Academy, earning two out of four of the top honors in the CRT Academy as “Top Operator” and “Top Gun.” She was recruited out of public service and into private executive protection details. Homa details trauma from her childhood, moving abruptly from Iran to the United States at age eight without her mother. She also recalls frequent verbal and physical abuse from her father, and the important role of sports in her life. Homa is currently a fitness coach for 1st Phorm and enjoys helping people achieve their fitness goals. She continues to work in executive protection and chronicles her recent battle with cancer. Homa is a warrior through and through. You can contact her on Instagram at @homa.schweers or online at https://www.alphasquadhoma.com/. 

In this episode, we interview fitness entrepreneur and firearm enthusiast Scott Howell. Scott discusses the importance of competitive team sports in shaping his core beliefs and values during childhood. He translated these experiences later into his career, first working as a fitness trainer, then executive manager of a large nationwide gym, and eventually as a business owner. Scott discusses what he calls his own “micro-traumas,” regrets, and significant negative events in his life. He discusses the impact of the George Floyd incident on his business, as well as the overall impact of the pandemic. Scott's personal values align closely with those who work in law enforcement - loyalty, self-reliance and preparedness. Scott is a friend and supporter of law enforcement, first responders and veterans. Check out his gym - Red Dot Fitness - in San Jose, California as well as his podcast, Iron Sights. 

In this episode, we interview “Hope,” a psychiatric technician who works in a correctional setting.  She discusses her need for acceptance and approval that stems from her early relationships with her parents. Hope reflected on her mothers constant criticism of her own body, as well as the criticism of her daughters bodies during childhood and adolescence. She also recalls experiencing both physical and verbal abuse at the hands of her father. Hope felt she was never good enough, and at the age of ten remembers wanting to commit suicide. She discusses periods of depression during adulthood, usually following the loss of a relationship, and what gains she has made in therapy recently.

In this episode, we interview “Brian,” a police officer from Pennsylvania. Straight out of the academy, he responded to an usual number of fatal accidents and suicides, earning him the nickname “Dr. Death.” He discusses the impact of these critical incidents, ultimately leading to debilitating anxiety and his own suicidal thoughts. After Brian's brother passed away in November 2021 from Lou Gherig's Disease (also known as "ALS"), he found himself unable to meaningfully respond to calls for service. He made the decision to seek therapy in July of 2022, and shares what his experience has been like thus far.

In this episode, we interview Oregon Department of Corrections Corporal Mychal Cohn. Mychal discusses the impact of having an emotionally and physically abusive step-father, and the greater trauma of then being removed from his mothers care. Mychal discusses his time working for the Oregon Department of Corrections and the impact the job had on his personal life, including divorce, heavy drinking and suicidal thoughts. Mychal discusses his history of therapy, peer suicides and his history of depression. Mychal is the host of his own podcast called Against the Herd Podcast and can be found on Instagram at @mychal.cohn and @againsttheherdpodcast.

Episode 35: SMPD CSO Ed BurnsIn this episode, we interview Santa Monica Police Department Community Service Officer Ed Burns. Ed discusses the significant impact his parents had on his life, including experiencing lack of affection and physical abuse. Living with an absent and alcoholic father, and an abusive, anxious mother, he learned to suppress and restrict his emotions from a young age, which later had a large impact on his relationships. Ed recalls his early years in Los Angeles County as an EMT, working on an ambulance during the 1992 LA Riots. He also discusses his twenty five years of service with Santa Monica PD as a community service officer. Ed is a trained accident reconstructionist and fatal accident investigator, and has witnessed most of the major critical incidents that have occurred in Southern California over the past several decades. Ed is a member of the SMPD peer support team, and discusses his own history of going to therapy. Ed is also a professional photographer and enjoys taking portraits for first responders. Check him out on Instagram at @edburnsphotography and @valiantimageportraits. 

In this episode, we interview retired Long Beach Police Department Sgt. Jason “Tiny” Lehman. Jason discusses his early life growing up in New York city, his early brush with law enforcement, and the role of sports in his life. He recalls his early years in Long Beach - describing himself as an aggressive patrol officer who “worked in the grey areas.”  This ultimately led to an in custody death, and Jason becoming suicidal. This event led to significant changes in his life - and he began interacting differently with community members. He discusses impactful critical incidents, peer suicides, and his own history of therapy. Jason aka “Tiny” is the founder of a community based non profit called “Why'd You Stop Me” - which is designed to build a bridge between police officers and community members. He is also a consultant for a national training agency called Lexipol.

In this episode, we interview “Clark” who is a correctional sergeant at a high security prison. He discusses being exposed to significant physical violence during his childhood - both physical abuse and domestic violence. He recalls feeling like his father might end up killing him, which eventually led to his own feelings of wanting to kill his father. The chaos during his childhood led to his own suicide attempt. Clark discusses his own history of therapy, suffering a life-threatening medical ailment, and his own marital instability. He also discusses his comfort working in a high-stress, dangerous environment and a desire to forge a new path in a different career. Clark provides a transparent look at his life, with the understanding that he was destined to a life in prison--either as an inmate or as a correctional officer.

In this episode, we interview retired Long Beach Police Department Sergeant Adam Sturgeon. Adam discusses stressors that occurred during his childhood and how that later had a large impact on his marriage. Adam discusses critical incidents that occurred over his sixteen year career with the Long Beach Police Department, the impact of his career on his marriage, and  how he was personally impacted by co-workers who committed suicide.  Adam and his family now live in Tennessee, and he is the host of his own podcast called Let's Grab a Cup Podcast. He is also a life coach and entrepreneur.

Episode 31: CDCR Sgt. Amanda JohnsonIn this episode, we interview Correctional Sgt. Amanda “Mandy” Johnson who works at Ironwood State Prison. Mandy is the reason that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation participates in the Pink Patch Project every October, which focuses on fundraising for breast cancer research and recipients. Mandy discusses her family legacy in law enforcement working for the Pomona Police Department - following in her father and grandfathers footsteps. She describes the impact of being the child of a police officer, and how that has helped her adjust to difficulties in her own career.Mandy was kind enough to demonstrate and participate in an anxiety reduction technique using visualization, breathing and bilateral tapping. 

In this episode, we interview Long Beach Police Department Correctional Sergeant Andrew Gonzalez. Andrew grew up in Long Beach, California, and discussed what childhood factors influenced him to pursue a career in law enforcement. Andrew worked for nine years as a correctional sergeant with Long Beach PD, before he decided to pursue a career change. He now works as a licensed marriage and family therapist and specializes in the treatment of first responders and law enforcement. Andrew discusses his own history of trauma and notable critical incidents. Andrew works currently as a therapist for CAV Family Therapy with offices in both Fullerton, CA and Murietta, CA. Andrew accepts Kaiser Permanente insurance and accepts clients who reside in California that may be looking for a therapist.

In this episode we interview Seal Beach Police Department Sergeant Jordan Mirakian. Jordan discusses his childhood, specifically the impact of his father coming out as a gay man when Jordan was thirteen years old.  He recalls having to go to work at the age of fourteen to help support his mother, and describes an incident as a teen that propelled him into a career in law enforcement. Jordan recounts the highs and lows of his career, including being awarded detective of the year in one agency and experiencing organizational betrayal in another. Jordan currently works as a patrol sergeant for Seal Beach PD, and is the anonymous face that runs and operates the Instagram and Facebook pages for Seal Beach PD. With the support of his chief, he utilizes humor, wit and sarcasm to engage in community policing. Using transparent communication and consistent community engagement, the Seal Beach Police Department has earned credibility in their city by way of social media.

In this episode we interview retired CDCR Lt. Kip Curtiss. Kip discusses the positive impact of watching his father interact and mentor sailors in the Navy, and how this shaped his own leadership style. Kip discusses losing his eldest brother in a house fire during childhood, and the impact on himself and his parents. Kip didn't join the department until the age of 42, working as a general contractor and volunteer firefighter previously. He initially worked at Valley State Prison (VSP) for women and transferred to the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF). He discusses the impact of being investigated, disciplined, and demoted - and how that experience helped him better balance his role at work. He ultimately promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant and became the peer support leader at SATF. He discusses the impact of numerous staff suicides that occurred over his career at SATF, as well as his faith. Kip is currently retired, but still working as a general contractor and is also the Peer Support Director and a board member for The Resiliency Project.

In this episode, we discuss the basics of the healthcare and insurance system, including the difference between PPO and HMO insurance plans. We also discuss how to access mental health services using your own health insurance, the in's and out's of the EAP system and the need to have reasonable expectations about peer support.

In this episode, we interview military veteran and police sergeant “Tom,” who is one of the co-founders of The Dark Horse Project. Tom discusses his time in the military, including traumatic events that occurred over his three deployments and the impact of those traumatic events on his personal life. Tom also discusses his career in law enforcement, working for a large urban law enforcement agency.  He discusses critical incidents he experienced during his military and law enforcement career and the loss of a close friend to suicide. He alludes to his need to help prepare his subordinates and coworkers for tactical situations, as a means of managing his own anxiety and PTSD. Tom helped co-found The Dark Horse Project with his military buddy Chris. The Dark Horse Project sponsors veterans and first responders on trips to Montana - to reconnect them with nature, engage them in recreational and therapeutic outdoor activities, and to help give them a support system to help them manage their stress and PTSD. If you or someone you know might benefit from this type of excursion, please don't hesitate to reach out to Chris or Tom at www.darkhorseproject.net or on Instagram at @darkhorseproject.

In this episode, we interview retired CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz who recently retired after 30 years of state service. He recently started a non-profit organization called Stand Up For Victims - an organization that provides education, advocacy, information and resources to victims of crime. He is also an advisory board member of the Golden State Communities Project, which works to improve public safety in communities in the state of California. He discusses his early childhood growing up in the San Joaquin Valley, the positive impact of growing up in a small rural town, and the negative impact of his parents divorce.  Ralph rose through the ranks, starting as a correctional officer at Wasco State Prison, eventually transferring to Corcoran State Prison, and then began promoting at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility initially to correctional counselor and subsequently to warden. He eventually promoted to Secretary, the highest ranking position in the department. He discusses critical incidents he experienced during his law enforcement career, the loss of a close friend to suicide, and the stress associated with working at the executive level. He reflects on his own mental health at different stages in his career and the toll it took on his family and his physical health. He shares his opinion about changes that have occurred in the department, consequences of early parole for inmates, worker's compensation, EAP and other related department issues. 

In this episode, we interview “Charlie” who is known online as Ten Eight Memes. Charlie discusses the impact of being the caregiver for his two aging and sick parents, as early as high school, and the difficulty he experienced starting his own life and career due to his family responsibilities. Charlie was formerly a police officer in Florida, and after experiencing three significant deaths in a very short period of time, he decided to take a break from policing and is now working as a police dispatcher. Charlie discusses his own experiences in therapy, his difficulty accessing mental health services through EAP, and discusses his struggle in managing his grief and depression.

In this episode, we interview CDCR Sergeant Ken Chappelle who originally worked at Mule Creek State Prison, and is now currently teaching cadets at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt, California. Sgt. Chappelle discusses critical incidents that occurred early in his career, incidents that he shares with cadets that continue to haunt him. He discusses ideas for improving academy training and methods for incorporating self care and stress resiliency into the curriculum. Sgt. Chappelle Is also a certified law enforcement chaplain, who works with the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy in Sacramento, as well as volunteers with the California Chaplain Corps. He discusses the important role of the Chaplain Corps and the vicarious trauma he and the other chaplains experience as a result.

In this episode, we interview San Quentin State Prison correctional officer “Mikey” who separated from the department and is now in law school. He discusses his history of depression, which he traced back to early childhood. He recalls the impact of being a latch-key kid and being home alone frequently. His depressive symptoms were exacerbated over time, as he experienced the deaths of several significant male role models, most recently Sgt. Polanco who passed away in 2020.

In this episode, we interview retired LAPD officer and background investigator Ken Roybal. He gave 35 years of service to the city of Los Angeles. He currently works as a consultant for individuals needing assistance with the background process for various law enforcement agencies. He also hosts his own podcast (The Police Applicant Podcast) and is known on Instagram as The Background Whisperer (@la_backgrounds13). www.police background.netHe discusses his own childhood trauma, which included considerable instability, neglect and abandonment by both of his parents. He recalls critical incidents that occurred during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles in 1992, and how his PTSD reappeared after the BLM riots started in 2020.  He shares about his battle with prostate cancer which began in 2017, and how the love from his wife ultimately saved him from a life of despair.

In this episode, we interview Sergeant Aaron Lohman who is a 15 year veteran of the NYPD, and works in NYPD's Health and Wellness Section. He is nationally known and locally respected - a fellow podcaster (The Notorious HFL Podcast) and is known on social media as Huge Fat Loser. He discusses his own childhood trauma and identifies the relationship between his trauma and poor coping during adulthood. By 2015, Aaron weighed over 425 pounds and had several events occur that helped open his eyes to changes that needed to occur in his life. He also works as a fitness coach and helps motivate his coworkers toward health and wellness, and teaches stress and resilience courses to NYPD police academy recruits. 

In this episode, we interview Sergeant Luna about sexual abuse she experienced as a child, her sexual orientation, the pervasive nature of sexual harassment inherent within the field of law enforcement, and the dynamics of being a female law enforcement officer in a male dominated profession.

In this episode, we interview “Larry,”  a former police officer, and meme lord behind Poorly Made Police Memes. Larry discusses his history of anxiety, starting in childhood when his mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He shares about one critical incident in particular that appears to be the origin of some PTSD symptoms. He describes the change in police culture and use of force policies that occurred after the George Floyd incident in Minneapolis—changes that led to his decision to voluntarily resign. 

In this episode, we interview Nick Wilson - who worked as a police officer in Orange County, and is the founder of The Resiliency Project. He discusses the impact of having a father who was alternatingly absent and abusive. He shares about the cumulative trauma and stress he experienced while working in his former department, in various positions. He talks about experiencing chronic injuries which led to maladaptive self-medicating and substance abuse, which culminated in crashing his patrol car and receiving a DUI, ending his law enforcement career. He also discusses his healing journey: entering detox, inpatient rehabilitation, receiving individual therapy and attending a trauma retreat. Nick is the founder of The Resiliency Project - a non-profit organization which focuses on providing free and confidential peer support to law enforcement and first responders. SPONSOR: www.custompinsandbuckles.com Link in Bio @custompinsandbucklesYou can access The Staff Assistant Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Audible or Google Podcasts.

In this episode, we interview Tim Fisher - who works as a firefighter in Orange County and is the co-host of the Let's Go Podcast. He discusses the impact of losing his brother at the age of seventeen, his own near death experience and the perspective that gave him in his life. He shares about the daily toll involved with being a firefighter - exposure to death, trauma and violence. He discusses factors that led to his divorce, resulting depression and the importance of going to therapy. Tim is a mental health advocate and supporter of firefighters nationwide. His podcast, the Let's Go Podcast, features ordinary people living inspirational lives.  

In this episode, we interview retired CDCR Sergeant Carlos Borges, who spent the entirety of his 27 year career at the California Institution for Men (CIM).  Sergeant Borges is one of the last of his kind, the old guard and old school supervisor who always took care of his staff. He discusses his childhood memories of the Kevin Cooper escape - that resulted in the massacre of a family in the city of Chino. He also discusses the impact of the murder of fellow correctional officer Manual Gonzalez, a major riot that occurred in 2009, and an incident that led to his resignation and premature retirement. He discusses the changes that have occurred over the past several decades in CDCR as well as his own adjustment to retirement. 

In this episode, we re-interview Josh one year after his decision to leave law enforcement to get an update on his business, his adjustment to civilian life and self-employment, and his residual PTSD and anxiety. We interview his wife Hilary about her own adjustment and changes she has noticed over the past year. We were also given the opportunity to interview their daughter Elizabeth, about changes that have occurred in their family. Hilary and Josh own and operate HC Design Co (@hcdesignco), a custom woodworking and fabric business. Check out their website:  www.hcdesignco.com

In this episode, we interview retired Sgt. Ian Pickett about medical retirement, PTSD, and critical incidents he experienced over his career. Sgt. Pickett also discussed his exposure to violence during childhood and how that led to desensitization to violence overall. He also discussed his time in the United States Marine Corps, losing friends to a military helicopter crash, and the impact of being forced to take a FDA blacklisted malaria pill.

In this episode, we have a discussion with my good friends Sean (from Episode 2) and Lisa about coping with depression and isolation around the holidays.  

In this episode, we talk to Joe - a correctional officer - about his injuries and chronic pain. We discuss pain management strategies, and the resulting insomnia and depression associated with chronic pain.

On this crossover episode, Ariel from Hot Mic on the Line joins in. We interview former correctional officer and current entrepreneur Jamil Syed about his history of alcohol abuse, sobriety and his mission to help others in law enforcement.

On this episode, we discuss the all too common, but rarely discussed trauma of miscarriage. 

On this episode, we interview grief expert and licensed clinical social worker, Jill Johnson-Young. She discusses her personal and professional experiences related to grief, strategies for supporting someone who is experiencing a loss, as well as research outcomes from examining the coping strategies of FDNY widows from September 11th, 2001.

In this episode, we interview Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami, who is best known for his pivotal role in prosecuting the Gabriel Fernandez case. Jon discusses his own childhood trauma, his time as an infantryman in the US Army, and his difficulty navigating complex child abuse cases.

In this episode, we have a pre-show discussion regarding the tendency for history to repeat itself. We also interview retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo about his three decades of public service, working difficult child abuse cases, and coping with stress.

In this episode, we interview Wade - current Sergeant and Army veteran, about his experiences with suicidal co-workers and family members. He also shares about his own history of suicidality.

In this episode, we discuss how a person acquires the ability or capacity to commit suicide. We also interview Tony, a current Sergeant and “Inmate Whisperer,” specifically about his personal life. Tony discusses the impact of divorce, child custody issues and grief in his life.