The Watch Your Six Podcast: Real, Relevant, and Life-Changing Resources for Law Enforcement Officers and Families

Does our integrity as a cop extend to our personal lives?  Are we truly keeping our oath of office and maintaining our integrity if we don't lie, cheat, or steal...on the job?  In this episode, Jonathan discusses integrity and suggests that it extends to - or rather begins with - our personal lives.  He also explains the reasons that this episode is the final episode of the Watch Your Six Podcast...at least for now.

Behavior change starts with motivation from the heart. Oftentimes, "we know" that we should take action to improve our health, but that information doesn't translate into lifestyle changes. In this episode, Jonathan discusses his personal health journey and motivation for transitioning to a whole foods plant based lifestyle. He provides personal testimonies, health benefits, and offers resources for you to explore further.

In Back to the Future II, time slips into an unfavorable alternate reality after Marty McFly's sports almanac slips into the hands of his arch-nemesis Biff. Like that point in time, the trajectory of our lives hinges on whether or not personal relational needs are met or unmet. When unmet, we spiral into unhealthy thought patterns, unproductive behaviors, and possible painful outcomes. In this episode, Jonathan explains the potential and pain of relational needs and discusses how to empty the "emotional cup" of negative emotions that can free us to live more healthy and productive lives.

We all have needs. That truth is easy to grasp. Understanding what those needs are, how they are met, and the impact of unmet needs on our lives, families, and profession is not as easy. In this episode, Jonathan explains that the driving force behind behavior is the condition of the heart and whether 10 key relational needs are being met. While positive psychology and mindfulness can be beneficial to our overall well-being, they do not truly address the heart. Do you have the heart to be a thriving cop?

We are created with a capacity for experiencing emotion, and that capacity for experiencing emotion has been called the emotional cup.  In order to make good decisions as leaders, officers, spouses, and parents, we must understand what is filling our emotional cup - the principle of self-awareness.  In this episode, Jonathan lays the groundwork for becoming more self-aware and making good decisions by introducing the HALT principle for recognizing unmet needs and the influence those unmet needs have on our decision-making process.

What is the reason for all the mass school shootings, and how do we stop them? The United States Secret Service recently released (July 2018) their 32-page report "Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model," which reveals the results of their extensive research and interviews with school shooters.   In this episode, Jonathan summarizes the report with one essential truth and explores the heart of the matter more deeply. Find more information and resources, including show notes at www.JonathanOParker.com/podcast.

In the face of tragic deaths, line of duty deaths, and suicides of officers, we often find ourselves pondering the meaning of life. If we could ask one of the wisest people to ever have lived, what would he tell us matters most in life? In this episode, Jonathan talks about the answer that came from both a retired cop and one of the wisest men in recorded history. The only question is whether or not you will choose to follow this advice.

It's called the #LipSyncChallenge, and it's all the rave.  Law Enforcement officers and agencies around the country are producing videos of them lip syncing to their favorite songs. But should we be thinking more critically about our image and the impact of dancing cops, ice bucket challenges, selfie cops, and lip sync challenges? In this episode, Jonathan reflects upon the pros and cons of participating in such activities and discusses the necessary outcomes that must take place regardless of whether or not we like what is taking place.

The reason why you fail to accomplish your goals is simple...you quit. But understanding why you quit rather than pressing on to success is not as simple. In his book, Mojo, author Marshall Goldsmith provides 6 reasons why people quit before achieving their goals. In this episode, Jonathan discusses those 6 reasons and relates them to law enforcement and the Watch Your Six concept.

With all the talk of body cameras and public outrage, it seems that everyone knows the law, their rights, and our jobs better than we do. But what are we doing to shift the narrative, build relationships, and educate our communities? In this episode, Jonathan discusses five Supreme Court Cases and offers several ideas that will help those serving in law enforcement engage and educate our community members regarding the reasons why we do what we do so that we can build trust and strengthen relationships.

There's always more to the story, and police officer body-worn cameras have been revealing the truth more and more frequently. What we're finding, however, is that crisis is inevitable. How we respond to the crisis makes all the difference. In this episode, Jonathan talks about Melissa Agnes' Crisis Ready™ Formula for managing controversial issues, and points out that humility is a key leadership ingredient for building trust and relationships with the community even when the video evidence reveals justified actions.

Mentoring is a form of development where one person invests time, effort, and their experience in assisting the growth and ability of another person. Jonathan explains that mentoring could be the key to shaping the heart and character of officers towards an enduring and more positive legacy in law enforcement. In this episode, Jonathan outlines six action steps to create successful mentoring relationships as presented in the book One Minute Mentoring by Ken Blanchard and Claire Diaz-Ortiz.

Adam Davis is an author and speaker who uses his experience as a law enforcement officer to offer hope and encouragement to others who continue to serve.  In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Adam about his journey into and out of law enforcement, the reason officers need to prepare spiritually for the challenges they will face on the job, and his newest 365-day devotional Behind the Badge.

In 1942, the British "V-Force" was a group of stay-behind troops in Burma that were assigned to harass, sabotage, and ambush the Japanese forces if they invaded India. In this episode, Jonathan talks about "V-Force" leadership - 4 critical traits, without which your leadership as a police supervisor will be constantly sabotaged and ambushed by low morale, bad decisions, and unloyal troops.

The law enforcement profession is at a place of dis-ease, a place of disconnect with certain segments of our society, but we don't quite know what to do.  In this episode, Jonathan suggests that real growth and change can begin with this one not-so-simple leadership exercise challenge. It comes at the point of intersection of several recent conversations on the identity crisis in law enforcement, learning to effectively communicate, and leadership. Are you willing to take the challenge?

Michelle Moon is a police wife whose hope is to educate and raise awareness about the important roles marriage and family play in managing critical incident stress and other work-related stress in law enforcement. In this episode, she talks with Jonathan about seven very practical tips that will equip and assist spouses in supporting their officer through critical incident stress.

Our words have power.  Learning to use them effectively can improve our marriages, interpersonal relationships, and police-community interactions.  In this episode, Jonathan talks about the power of our words and provides a very practical process for filtering what we are about to say.  Is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind?

Every year in May, thousands of officers and survivors journey to our nation's capital for National Police Week where we honor those who have died the previous year in the line of duty. In this episode, Jonathan talks about the foundational view of service in this profession as being a calling, the sacrifice that sometimes accompanies the calling, and offers tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Are we law enforcement or peace officers?  Is there a difference?  How can we bring peace to our communities when we don't truly know or understand peace?  In this episode, Jonathan continues the discussion on the identity crisis in our profession by talking with Pastor, Chaplain, and decorated Law Enforcement veteran Ryan Dunlap, the founder of the 12 initiative, who talks about identity and understanding our purpose.  He discusses being hardened vs strong, legal vs moral, and skillset vs mindset to present a new paradigm for service.

Financial Cop Nick Daugherty is back talking with us about the next steps towards financial wellness. In this episode, he builds upon the initial steps of budgeting and eliminating debt by discussing emergency savings funds, the importance of having a will, and the basics of life insurance. Nick retired from the Grand Prairie, TX Police Department where he continues to serve as a Reserve Officer.  After working to eliminate over $80,000 in consumer debt, he was introduced to Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Program.  He later became a Master Financial Coach, and has taught thousands of First Responders his "Building Financial Strength" Course. 

Police wife, Chaplain, and Bless the Badge founder Lisa Lerner joins Jonathan to discuss four tips for improving communication in your marriage and beyond.  She has been married for over 28 years to Chuck, a 30 year law enforcement veteran.  Her journey has led her to develop tactical relationship training for officers and spouses so that their marriages can thrive a career in this profession.

Who are we? The recent police shooting death of Stephon Clark in Sacramento brings to light once again the issue of police-community relations and the tensions that exist. How do we positively drive culture and perceptions of policing in the United States in the face of the challenges? In this episode (part 2 of 2), Jonathan suggests that the issue is one of identity, and revisits the debate surrounding law enforcement officers as warriors or guardians.

Who are we? The recent police shooting death of Stephon Clark in Sacramento brings to light once again the issue of police-community relations and the tensions that exist. How do we positively drive culture and perceptions of policing in the United States in the face of the challenges? In this episode (part 1 of 2), Jonathan suggests that the issue is one of identity, and revisits the debate surrounding law enforcement officers as warriors or guardians.

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.  We often quote this saying when referring to the line of duty deaths of fellow officers.  But where did this saying originate, and how might it apply to each one of us?  In this episode, Jonathan explains the origins of this saying as a verse from the Bible in which Jesus laid down His life for us.  If we accept the love and sacrifice of our fellow officers, then shouldn't we also consider the sacrifice of Jesus and how He responded in the days before His death to those who were close to Him, hostile to Him, and ignorant of Him?

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of the Christian faith.  But is there evidence to support this truth claim, and if so, what verdict will we issue once we place the Resurrection on trial?  In this episode, Jonathan presents four "exhibits" arranged as Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience in a logical, reasonable, forensic way that cops understand.  This apologetics approach to faith and spirituality was first examined in Episode 006 with Homicide Detective J. Warner Wallace.

As a young officer, Jonathan learned quickly that there tends to be this proverbial "blacklist" among certain supervisors within any given agency.  The practice of blacklisting certain officers due to prior offenses, personality clashes, or preferences concerning policing is an unfortunate reality that affects morale and overall organizational success.  In this episode, Jonathan discusses the blacklist, the role of great leaders in a culture where it exists, and then offers four practical steps for growing beyond it if you have been or are the victim of this practice.

Once you learn something, it never leaves you.  Or does it?  Whether you are standing in front of others speaking or conducting training one-on-one as a Field Training Officer or mentor, you must understand the fundamentals of adult learning if you are going to connect with your audience and your message is going to stick.  In this episode, Jonathan discusses the principles of adult learning by talking about what makes adult learners different, the three learning styles, and how you can effectively apply this knowledge.

Public speaking is largely a skill that is developed.  Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "All the great speakers were bad speakers at first."  In this episode, Jonathan and his daughter Olivia delve deeper into the topic of public speaking by discussing the three key principles for developing a great public speaking presentation.  Be sure to also listen to Episode 059 about overcoming your fear to become a great public speaker.

Even the thought of speaking in front of an audience is enough to send some of us into a panic. But if you're in law enforcement, there will be times when you're called upon to speak at a community group, conduct training, talk to students at a school, or go before a panel of interviewers for your next promotion. In this episode, Jonathan, with the help of his daughter Olivia as a special guest, draws upon his experience as a professional communicator to offer four tips for overcoming your fear and becoming a great public speaker.

As if we needed something else to stress about, the reality is that cops pay taxes too. With extra jobs, special equipment, divorces, and other unique considerations for those of us serving, we need all the help and advice we can get. In this episode, Jonathan shares five tips from a CPA that could help reduce the stress of tax time for you and your family. Who knows...you might even save money in the learning process.

So far, 2018 has proven to be deadly for law enforcement officers.  There have been multiple officers killed or wounded by gunfire, and many wonder if there is any end in sight.  In this episode, Jonathan discusses three tactical considerations for officer safety that could save your life and ensure that you go home at the end of your shift.  For some, this episode is a review of your training and a reminder to avoid complacency.  For others, this episode will present new tactics and ideas that you will have to pursue further.

Police wife and Faith.Wife.Hero founder Crystal Ienni joins Jonathan to discuss four things every police wife, and especially new police wives, need to know about life as a law enforcement spouse.  She started Faith.Wife.Hero in Northern California after realizing there was little support available for spouses in her area.  In this episode, she shares insight and encouragement for all of our blue families.

An often overlooked aspect of police life is the toll it takes on us as parents, especially fathers.  We give so much of our lives to the needs and concerns of others, that we are physically and emotionally exhausted when we get home. Given the prevalence of divorce, our time with our children is even further divided. In this episode, Jonathan talks about leadership from the perspective of the important role of fathers and male role models in the lives of children, and offers practical advice for how we can engage them daily in meaningful ways.

Great leaders understand the importance of a building a team. In this episode, Jonathan continues the series on leadership with an emphasis on preparing or developing yourself as a police supervisor. Learn how to overcome insecurity, stop micromanaging, and create a team that you can trust to accomplish your vision as part of the organization's vision.

In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke twice of the “unspeakable horrors of police brutality.”  The issue of race relations in our nation, and especially concerning policing, is at the forefront of our minds.  In this episode, Jonathan discusses what we can do as the law enforcement community to bring about healing and reconciliation.  He also interviews David Stynchcombe, Grandson of former Fulton County, GA Sheriff LeRoy Stynchcombe, about his Grandfather's interactions with Dr. King, Jr.

One of the greatest pitfalls for a person in the position of leadership is to be disconnected from the people he or she serves.  We often describe that supervisor as having forgotten where he came from.  In this episode, Jonathan provides three ways for leaders - police supervisors, spouses, and parents - to build relationships and build morale among the team.  By doing so, they will also see an increase in results and production.

To become a great leader, you have to become a great version of yourself first.  In this episode, Jonathan begins the New Year (2018) with three tips for becoming more self-aware in the process towards personal development and developing yourself as a leader. The episode includes a recommended reading list, and concludes with a very practical word of wisdom for approaching life in the New Year.

Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about!? In this episode, released on Christmas Day 2017, Jonathan talks about Charlie Brown's quest to find the true meaning of Christmas. He finds out that it is ultimately not about presents, but about presence - the presence of Jesus Christ who came as a baby born in Bethlehem.  Find out what gifts are wrapped up in the meaning of His birth.

Connie Fraser has been a 911 dispatcher in Calgary, Alberta since 1998. She has worked as a call evaluator, dispatcher, supervisor and trainer, and developed an innovative course to build 911 dispatcher resilience through mental preparedness. In this episode, Connie talks about the often overlooked trauma that dispatchers face, as well as the steps for developing mental readiness in all first responders, especially dispatchers.

Nick Daugherty retired from the Grand Prairie, TX Police Department where he continues to serve as a Reserve Officer.  After working to eliminate over $80,000 in consumer debt, he was introduced to Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Program.  He later became a Master Financial Coach, and has taught thousands of First Responders his "Building Financial Strength" Course.  In this episode, he talks about developing the mindset of building financial strength and changing the behaviors that lead us into debt and other financial pitfalls.

​​Are you one of those people who sets lofty goals for the New Year only to feel discouraged a few weeks later?  Perhaps you've listened to the podcast and want to know how to truly "watch your six."  In episode 046, Jonathan outlined six tips for preventing a personal or professional crisis.  In this episode, he explains SMART goals and helps you create a personal action plan to bring about real and positive change this time around.

In most cases, personal crises like suicide, divorce, bankruptcy, or heart attack are the culmination of ongoing problems that have built up over time.  Rather than addressing the issues head on, we oftentimes ignore the pain and problems until they become overwhelming and incapacitating.  In this episode, Jonathan provides six very practical, relevant, and proactive tips for staying healthy and preventing a personal crisis before it starts.

Tim Rupp is a retired Police Sergeant with over 10 years of full-time experience as a Pastor.  He understands the need for protecting houses of worship, and is qualified to teach us how.  In this episode, he talks about his personal connection to the church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, as well as his book Pistol in the Pulpit, a guide for churches and pastors regarding church safety.

The legend of the Tin Man, a lumberjack named Nick Chopper, says that a spell was cast on his axe.  One by one, his limbs were chopped off and replaced by the tinsmith.  Soon, the lumberjack could produce more chopped wood with his tin body than his human body.  The only problem was that the tinsmith forgot to replace the lumberjack's heart, leaving him empty and devoid of emotion.  Like the Tin Man, many cops are production machines, but it has come at the expense of their heart.  In this episode, Jonathan shares a recent message from Cop Church Chattanooga in which he asks the question, "How do we connect with an invisible God when the painful, cutting experiences of life have left us with a negative, distant, or emotionless view of Him?"

Krysia Baron served for 24 years as a Federal Officer with the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service.  Her life, family, and career was forever changed on December 5, 2013 when her husband, Sgt. Robert Baron of the Sandoval County, NM Sheriff's Office, was struck and killed while investigating a traffic accident.  In this episode, Krysia shares her journey and candidly speaks of how others can best support a spouse and family in the wake of such a tragedy.  As the current President of the New Mexico Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), she also provides advice and information in the unfortunate case that a death occurs.  This episode is Part 2 of 2.

Krysia Baron served for 24 years as a Federal Officer with the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service.  Her life, family, and career was forever changed on December 5, 2013 when her husband, Sgt. Robert Baron of the Sandoval County, NM Sheriff's Office, was struck and killed while investigating a traffic accident.  In this episode, Krysia shares her journey and candidly speaks of how others can best support a spouse and family in the wake of such a tragedy.  As the current President of the New Mexico Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), she also provides advice and information in the unfortunate case that a death occurs.  This episode is Part 1 of 2.

Ron Leonard and his rescue dog Molly are making a huge impact on law enforcement and first responders.  Ron is a Chaplain for Canines for Christ, and Molly is a therapy dog who brings encouragement and healing to those who struggle with everything from PTSD and depression to physical health issues.   In this episode, Ron talks about the work of therapy dogs, how to become a volunteer, how to certify a therapy dog, how to request a visit from one of the dogs located across the United States, and much more.

Michael J. McSellers is a United States Marine Corps veteran who has served the Common Wealth of Virginia as a Law Enforcement Officer, Chaplain, and Coordinator for the Rise Christian Police Conference held each year during National Police Week.  He is also the host of the Faith on the Force Podcast, which is a new podcast bringing attention to the issues that law enforcement officers around the country face on a daily basis.  In this episode, Michael is very transparent about dealing with PTSD, and talks about how he and his family overcame the issues so that he could return to work and help others on their journey towards healing.  This is part 2 of 2 episodes that comprise the interview with Michael.

Michael J. McSellers is a United States Marine Corps veteran who has served the Common Wealth of Virginia as a Law Enforcement Officer, Chaplain, and Coordinator for the Rise Christian Police Conference held each year during National Police Week.  He is also the host of the Faith on the Force Podcast, which is a new podcast bringing attention to the issues that law enforcement officers around the country face on a daily basis.  In this episode, Michael is very transparent about dealing with PTSD, and talks about how he and his family overcame the issues so that he could return to work and help others on their journey towards healing.  This is part 1 of 2 episodes that comprise the interview with Michael.

Police wife and Badge of Hope Kansas City ministry leader Heidi Hogan is back with specific and practical advice for law enforcement spouses about improving your marriage.  In this episode, she outlines the common struggles that police wives face, shares some of the struggles from her own journey, and suggests four ways for showing honor, respect, and love to your spouse.

Robert Starnes is a Lieutenant with the Hamilton County, TN Sheriff's Office, where he has served for 34 years. He is the past President of the TN Law Enforcement Training Officers Association, presently serves on the Board of Directors for the TN Public Safety Network, and has served his community through the Forgotten Child Fund, the Chattanooga Homeless Shelter, and TN Donors Services for promoting organ donations.  In this episode, Robert talks about the sudden and unexpected death of his 9-year old daughter Jesse Anna, and how that tragedy propelled him to lose over 170 pounds, compete as an IronMan athlete, and continue his career.