Podcasts about first responders

This episode we join a former southern cop who is now a lawyer. We talk about his reasons for going to the (semi) dark side and much more. Old school feel to this podcast with heavy drinking and plenty of rants, enjoy. Please patronize and support the LEO businesses that made this podcast possible.Sunday podcasts are brought to you by my friends over at OfficerPrivacy.com OfficerPrivacy has software that allows you to quickly remove your personal information from the internet. Use their software FREE for 14 days. Or their team of LEO's will remove your info for you. Sign up and feel safe again.How are First Responders hitting huge fitness / body/ health goals? Don't miss this one! Fit Responder Fit Responder is the top remote coaching program for first responders around the US. Having support that understands the demands and stressors of the job helps when you need an effective and realistic action plan to make your goals reality  Follow FIT RESPONDER for tips, guides, memes, etc. https://fitresponder.com/ ⁠⁠PMPM coins - www.ghostpatch.comPMPM Merch - https://poorly-made-police-memes.creator-spring.com/?https://linktr.ee/Poorlymadepolicememes⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4MYCYDRPX8ZU4⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thethinlinerockstation.com/

Send us a textThe calls keep coming, but the solutions don't. We sit down with crisis clinician and EMDR therapist Morgan Yaskus to trace how a frayed safety net pushes first responders into impossible roles—and how that mismatch breeds moral injury. From long drives to the nearest DMV or ER to midnight discharges with no plan, we map the structural barriers that turn compassion into exhaustion and good intentions into public criticism.Morgan shares what mobile crisis teams can do well—resolving most calls on scene, staying with families after deaths, and offering a humane handoff—and where policy still ties everyone's hands. We talk about the revolving door of brief psychiatric evaluations, the bureaucratic maze of IDs and benefits, and the social media spotlight that amplifies one bad moment over a hundred quiet saves. Small towns feel this even harder: everyone knows everyone, scanners travel fast, and rumors outrun the facts.We also get practical. Morgan explains how EMDR intensives can speed recovery from single‑incident trauma, why embedded wellness trainings reduce stigma, and how family wellness programs give spouses and kids tools to navigate shift work, hypervigilance, and communication breakdowns. The theme isn't “do more with less.” It's “build a system that holds what responders are asked to carry,” with warm handoffs, guaranteed short holds, transport support, and streamlined ID recovery to break the cycle.If you care about first responder mental health, this conversation is a map and a motivator. Listen, share with your team, and send this to someone who thinks burnout is a willpower issue. Then tap follow, leave a quick review to help others find the show, and tell us: what single policy change would make the biggest difference where you live?To contact Morgan, go to her website at www.bewildandrooted.comFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Assemblymember John Harabedian's (D-Pasadena) Mortgage Forbearance Act, has been signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.AB 238, the Mortgage Forbearance Act, provides essential relief to survivors of the Los Angeles Fires by allowing a pause on mortgage payments for up to a year. Fire victims entering into forbearance will not face any penalties or credit damage during the pause in payments. Importantly, the bill also prohibits lenders from requiring lump sum payments at the conclusion of the forbearance period, allowing homeowners to focus on rebuilding.“For months since the fires, survivors have been forced to make two housing payments: one for their temporary rental accommodations and another mortgage payment for a house that either doesn't exist anymore or is uninhabitable due to smoke and ash damage. AB 238 will ease the financial burden that too many families are facing by allowing them to pause their mortgage payments for up to a year while they get back on their feet,” said Assemblymember Harabedian (D-Pasadena).After the fire, Assemblymember Harabedian worked with the Governor to secure initial commitments of 90-day forbearance periods from nearly 400 lenders in California. AB 238 takes effect immediately. If you encounter any difficulties with your servicer, please notify the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) which is charged with ensuring your rights under this new law are upheld. You can also contact Assemblymember Harabedian's district office at (626) 351-1917 for assistance.The Governor's decision has brought us a step closer to recovery.

Tactical Transition Tips Round 107 of the Transition Drill Podcast offers practical guidance and career readiness for veterans and first responders, organized based on how far out your exit is. In this episode, how a “I deserve this” mindset can quietly limit your growth.You've earned a lot in your career. You've done hard things that most people will never do, and you've absorbed stress that doesn't shut off just because the shift ends or the deployment's over. So it makes sense if there's a quiet thought in the background that says, “This should count for something.”This episode is about that invisible story. Not the loud version where you say you're owed something, but the subtle version that leaks into your patience, your tone, and your expectations. The problem isn't pride in your service. The problem is when you carry a scorecard into the civilian world and expect the world to agree with it.Because civilian hiring doesn't run on moral credit. It runs on value, timing, and fit. If you show up with even a hint of “I'm owed,” people can feel it. And you can do everything right on paper while your posture quietly pushes doors closed.So we're getting practical. We're talking about how entitlement forms, how it shows up, and how to rewrite the story now while you're still serving, so you're not learning this lesson the hard way in the middle of a job search or a new career.Here are the transition-specific tips we break down:Close Range Group (Transitioning within a year): Replace “What I Deserve” With “What I'm Building”This shifts your focus from chasing a payoff to choosing the next right move that builds skills, momentum, and options.Medium Range Group (Transitioning in 3 to 5 years): Test Your Expectations Against Civilian RealityYou'll compare what you think you should get with what roles actually require and reward, so your plan is based on truth, not assumptions.Long Range Group (Transitioning in a decade or more): Learn Humility Before Life Forces You ToYou'll train coachability and resilience now, so feedback, rejection, or a detour later doesn't turn into offense or ego-driven decisions.If you've ever felt misunderstood by the civilian world, this one's for you. It'll help you show up cleaner, calmer, and harder to ignore.Get additional resources and join our newsletter via the link in the show notes.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10Blue Line RoastingGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://bluelineroasting.comPromocode: Transition10

We start off talking about a Fort Worth firefighter who had to fight to get his on-duty injuries covered by workers comp, a Florida boat captain who got a little greedy, and is ERCOT ready for the upcoming winter blast?  LINKS:Florida Keys boat captain accused of selling kilos of cocaine found at seahttps://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-severely-burned-firefighter-injured-workers-compensation/287-fdaea618-7b6c-4b0a-aacd-9184f99a67a3https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/ercot-winter-weather-advisory-texas-power-grid-updates-dfw-forecast-dallas/287-aec36113-1b6d-4076-a77e-c1d82ba9fdbc?tbref=hpThe Treehouse Show is a Dallas based comedy podcast. Leave your worries outside and join Dan O'Malley, Trey Trenholm, Raj Sharma, and their guests for laughs about funny news, viral stories, and hilarious commentary.The Treehouse WebsiteGet MORE from the Treehouse Show on PatreonGet a FREE roof inspection from the best company in DFW:Cook DFW Roofing & Restoration CLICK HERE TO DONATE:The RMS Treehouse Listeners Foundation

In this powerful episode of The Van Deeb Podcast, Van sits down with Kelly Koepsell, Chapter Director of the First Responders Foundation, to explore the life-changing programs helping first responders, veterans, and their families.Kelly shares eye-opening stories about service dogs, mental and behavioral health programs, nationwide outreach, and the unseen challenges first responders face every day. Van and Kelly also break down creative ways businesses and community members can meaningfully support these heroes.This conversation is inspiring, emotional, and a reminder of why strong communities matter.

Send us a textThe toughest calls rarely end when the sirens go quiet. We sat down with Alaska-based counselor Morgan Yaskus to explore how real support for police, fire, EMS, dispatchers, and paramedics takes shape in small communities where everyone knows your truck, your shift, and your business. Morgan spent three years on a nonprofit-led mobile crisis team working alongside first responders through MOUs, navigating scenes that were neither strictly medical nor criminal. That proximity reshaped how debriefs happen, how trust is earned, and why cultural competence matters more than any script.We get honest about the barriers that keep first responders from care: parking outside a therapy office that sits between the firehouse and PD, the risk of being recognized by neighbors, and the thin bench of clinicians who truly “get it.” Morgan breaks down what helpful looks like—clear boundaries, discreet logistics, and a therapist who understands dark humor without pathologizing it. We challenge voyeuristic “worst call” questions and focus instead on regulation, meaning-making, and peer-informed support that fits the tempo of the job.Beyond the room, access and policy loom large. Telehealth opened doors, but interstate licensure compacts and reimbursement rates remain sticking points in places with higher costs of living. We talk ethical realities in rural practice, the trade-offs when conflicts of interest are unavoidable, and the duty to serve when the alternative is no care at all. If you're a responder, a clinician, or a leader trying to build a healthier department, you'll leave with practical steps for debriefs, privacy, and finding culturally competent help.If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with your team, and join us for Part 2!To reach Morgan, go to www.bewildandrooted.comFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Jillian Crane, President and CEO of First Responders Children's Foundation, who shares the organization's 25-year history and mission to support children of first responders, including their national expansion of programs and services. She discusses her background transitioning from serving on the board to actively leading the foundation and highlights their key initiatives, including scholarships, emergency hardship grants, mental health programs, and community engagement activities. Jillian emphasizes the importance of supporting first responder families and encourages viewers to get involved through donations, volunteering, and following the foundation's activities on social media platforms.

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with Dr. John Cusatis, founder and CEO of Aquatic Research Laboratory. A dedicated US Air Force veteran and first responder, Dr. John shares his mission to enhance public health and safety through innovative water treatment solutions. He recounts his journey from raising northeastern blue tilapia to developing groundbreaking products like Aqua Dichlor and Fluoride Be Gone, aimed at eliminating harmful contaminants from our water and consumables. Dr. John dives deep into the science behind these products, explaining how they work at a molecular level to detoxify and purify. He also discusses the alarming presence of fluoride and other chemicals in our everyday lives, and the importance of informed consumer choices. With heartfelt stories of personal impact, including how his products have helped families, Dr. John emphasizes the role of faith and community in fostering wellness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in health, safety, and the science of clean living. Discover more about Dr. John and his work at chembgone.com use code living the dream for a discount on the products.Support the show

This is a "Best of" from January 16, 2023, Episode 24 in remembrance of Mark Schieber, who passed away on November 17, 2025.  We sit with former MSP assistant warden and historian Mark Schreiber to trace Missouri corrections from segregated tiers and whistle calls to cameras, structured movement, and a museum that fights tornadoes and time. Stories of investigations, integration, inmate culture, and saving archives reveal how people, not just buildings, define the work.• starting at MSP in 1968, early mentorship and undercover work• major cases, investigations and use of force evolution• pay, professionalism and building maximum-security capacity• integrating a segregated prison and managing factions• “colonist” inmates, reentry fears and modern life gaps• cameras as deterrence, logistics during riots and moves• preserving history: ledgers, photos and museum plans• EF3 tornado damage, tours recovery and future headquarters• inmate art, tools like line sticks and Oregon boots• new book Forgotten Shadows and why people matter mostHere is Mark's Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/mark-schreiber-obituary?id=60095560Shanks to Shakers: Reflections of the Missouri State PenitentiarySomewhere in Time (170 Years of Missouri Corrections)Send us a text Support the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Firefighter Ray Wynn died of cancer caused by the gear he wore to fight fires. He discovered this after he was diagnosed with cancer and began his research with his wife Jean. After years of working with many people Jean joins the YJHTL podcast share -  Honoring our Heroes Act 2025 PASSED, signed by the President and Now it is LAW  January is designated as Firefighter Cancer Awareness month as many departments around the country continue to take steps to educate and train First Responders. It will be retroactive to Line of Duty Deaths from Jan 2020 and should Include child education benefits and has a few other key rules. It will include 20 types of cancers- brain, lung, prostate, breast, esophageal, bladder, brain, cervical, colon, colorectal, kidney, leukemia, malignant melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkins's lymphoma, ovarian, skin, stomach, testicular, thyroid      This is a HUGE first step, and we are very thankful for all the support and hard work so many put into lobbying to get this legislation pushed through from the union reps, firefighters, lobbyist, surviving spouses and families,  Democrats and Republicans that worked together and voted for this much needed change.  We have many people that have supported these efforts, and I am proud of the accomplishments our Honoring Our Fallen Heroes ACT activism group made and are actively still working to help families.  Thank you from all our First Responder Families. 

This episode we go to the Midwest and speak with a newer cop who takes issue with some of those of his generation. We also talk front line leadership, special assigments, Buffalo's, and much more. Please patronize and support the LEO businesses that made this podcast possible.Sunday podcasts are brought to you by my friends over at OfficerPrivacy.com OfficerPrivacy has software that allows you to quickly remove your personal information from the internet. Use their software FREE for 14 days. Or their team of LEO's will remove your info for you. Sign up and feel safe again.How are First Responders hitting huge fitness / body/ health goals? Don't miss this one! Fit Responder Fit Responder is the top remote coaching program for first responders around the US. Having support that understands the demands and stressors of the job helps when you need an effective and realistic action plan to make your goals reality  Follow FIT RESPONDER for tips, guides, memes, etc. https://fitresponder.com/⁠⁠PMPM coins - www.ghostpatch.comPMPM Merch - https://poorly-made-police-memes.creator-spring.com/?https://linktr.ee/Poorlymadepolicememes⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4MYCYDRPX8ZU4⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thethinlinerockstation.com/

Shaun from I'VE GOT YOUR BACK introduces us to Carl from Mental Health Technologies with Sarah from The Self-Care Path, LLC to discuss the simplicity of a peer support app that provides the effective and genuine connections first responders need when mental health is on the line.

Tactical Transition Tips Round 106 of the Transition Drill Podcast offers practical guidance and career readiness for veterans and first responders, organized based on how far out your exit is. In this episode, how the negative noise impacts your outlook and transition preparation.If you're active duty military or a working first responder, your transition mindset is getting shaped right now, whether you mean for it to or not. This episode is about how social media and online commentary can quietly start planning your future for you, especially when the loudest voices are the most bitter.You've probably noticed it. Rage bait. Outrage clips. “Here's why the job is broken” takes that get more traction than the quieter stories of people who rebuilt their lives and moved forward. The problem isn't that hard stories exist. They do. The problem is when you absorb someone else's resentment like it's objective guidance, and you start rehearsing a future you never actually chose.We're going to talk about discernment. Not disengaging. Not pretending transition is easy. Just learning how to separate lessons from emotional residue, and how to stop confusing volume with credibility. Because attention isn't neutral. What you keep feeding yourself starts teaching you what to expect, what to fear, and what to resent.Here are the transition tips from this episode:Close Range Group (transitioning within a year, or it's happening right now): Filter Voices by Outcomes, Not VolumePay attention to whether someone's stable and building a life now, not how confident or angry they sound, because your expectations and confidence can get hijacked at the exact moment you need clean execution.Medium Range Group (transitioning in 3 to 5 years): Study Patterns, Not ComplaintsUse other people's outcomes as data by looking for repeat themes in who struggles and why, so you're preparing with ownership instead of collecting grievances that don't help you plan.Long Range Group (transitioning in a decade or more): Build an Identity That Doesn't Need an EnemyStart widening who you are outside the uniform or badge now, so you don't end up needing blame or bitterness later to explain what feels like an identity loss.Get additional resources and join our newsletter via the link in the show notes.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15

Send us a textStrength without silence. That's the thread running through our conversation with Jeff Dill, a former battalion chief turned licensed counselor and the founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance. Jeff has spent years validating firefighter and EMS suicide data, building workshops from real-world stories, and leading behavioral health efforts for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. He brings hard-won clarity on what actually helps: simple language, daily habits, and policies that protect people when the job wears them thin.We break down the internal size up, a practical check-in that asks, “Why am I acting this way? Why am I feeling this way?” It helps catch irritability, isolation, and sleep loss before they morph into bigger risks. Jeff draws a vital line between PTSD and moral injury—showing how betrayal, guilt, and shame often sit beneath the surface while treatment chases fear and trauma. Forgiveness becomes a survival skill, not a pass for bad behavior, and we talk about how to practice it without forgetting or restoring unsafe trust.From there, we get tactical. Sleep debt, high call volumes, and 24-hour shifts push good people into impulsive decisions. Cultural brainwashing tells responders to be brave, strong, and self-reliant—until that story keeps them from getting help. We dig into the data, including surprising patterns among women in fire and EMS, and outline what a proactive program looks like: family education, annual mental health checkups, vetted clinicians outside insurance for privacy, real-time aftercare after tough calls, and telehealth to reach rural members. Leaders will hear budget-smart ways to protect training from the chopping block, and crews will gain language for checking on a partner without making it awkward.You can reach Jeff at the following websites:For the Firefighter Behavioral Alliance (FFBA), please go to: https://www.ffbha.org For the moral injury white paper, download it by clicking: https://www.ffbha.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Moral-Injury-White-Paper-2-9-23.pdf For the Firefighter Behavioral Alliance (FFBA) Facebook page, please go to https://www.facebook.com/FirefighterBehavioralHealthAllianceIf you're a firefighter, EMT, dispatcher, or cop—or you love someone who is—you'll walk away with tools you can use today and a clearer picture of how to build a healthier culture tomorrow. Subscribe, share this with your crew, and leave a review so others can find it. You're not alone.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Hosts:   Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer   Episode Overview   It's the kickoff to 2026 for "When The Call Hits Home"! Jennifer and Ashlee reunite after the holidays each with a few survival stories to share about sick kids, hospital visits, and football games. This episode takes a deep dive into mental health in the world of first responders, focusing on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the concept of Post Traumatic Growth.   Key Topics Discussed PTSD: Clinical & Real-World Definitions What PTSD means according to the diagnostic manual, how its definition and understanding have evolved. Early understanding of trauma as mainly war or abuse, contrasted with today’s broader view (cumulative events, “big T” and “little T” trauma). Common symptoms: not just flashbacks & nightmares also avoidance, numbness, irritability, concentration issues, and impulsivity. First Responders & Mental Health Unique challenges faced, stigma around seeking help, and how even “expected” work-related trauma can have serious mental health impacts. Barriers to mental health support historically, and how policy is slowly catching up (e.g. recognizing PTSD as a compensable injury). The Power of Resilience & Growth Resilience as “bouncing back” – Rocky Balboa style! Introduction to Post Traumatic Growth: moving beyond survival to genuine transformation. Five domains of post traumatic growth: Appreciation of life Relationships with others New possibilities Personal strength Spiritual change Real-world examples of first responders not just surviving trauma, but thriving and inspiring meaningful change in themselves and their communities. Family Matters How PTSD and growth impact the family dynamics of first responders; encouragement for family-wide healing and mutual support. Personal stories, including the hosts’ own experiences as children of first responders. Therapy: Beyond Diagnosis The importance of not just earning diagnoses, but focusing on recovery, growth, and positive psychology. Shout-outs to the transformative process of therapy and the courage it takes to seek help. A Symbolic Reflection The Japanese art of Kintsugi, repairing broken pottery with gold, serves as metaphor for healing: your flaws and brokenness can become strengths and sources of beauty.   Don’t Forget Shop the merch store for some WTCHH swag! Stay tuned for exciting announcements and new episodes in the new year. If this episode resonated with you, please share your thoughts and stories with us - we love hearing from you! For questions or more info, reach out to the hosts, and remember: When the call hits home, Jennifer and Ashlee are here for you. Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms! Follow Us: - Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast - Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome - Whenthecallhitshome.com --- This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.  WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Elisha Show, Amb. Elisha welcomes pediatric emergency medicine physician assistant, U.S. Navy combat medic veteran, and author Johnnie Gilpen for an unforgettable conversation on resilience, mental health, and being a good human

Every officer remembers that first call where nothing went according to plan. Voices raised, emotions running hot and no checklist that fully fits the moment. Policing demands more than memorized scripts and policy citations. It requires presence, awareness and the ability to read a room in real time. On this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, we explore why those human skills matter more than ever and how officers can develop them without sacrificing professionalism or safety. Jim Dudley is joined by Sergeant Alex Mann of the Norfolk County (Mass.) Sheriff's Office in Massachusetts, author of “The Law of Improv for First Responders.” With nearly three decades in corrections and more than a decade performing improv and stand-up comedy, Mann has developed a training approach that blends improv principles with real-world law enforcement communication. His work focuses on presence, adaptability and intentional action, helping officers navigate high-stress encounters, mental health crises and everyday conflicts with greater confidence and control. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

This episode we have a newer cop out of Virginia. He talks getting into law enforcement with both of his parents having legal troubles in his childhood. We talk current issues for cops in VA, lazy new guys, new years resolutions, and so much more. Please patronize and support the LEO businesses that made this podcast possible.Sunday podcasts are brought to you by my friends over at OfficerPrivacy.com OfficerPrivacy has software that allows you to quickly remove your personal information from the internet. Use their software FREE for 14 days. Or their team of LEO's will remove your info for you. Sign up and feel safe again.How are First Responders hitting huge fitness / body/ health goals? Don't miss this one! Fit Responder Fit Responder is the top remote coaching program for first responders around the US. Having support that understands the demands and stressors of the job helps when you need an effective and realistic action plan to make your goals reality  Follow FIT RESPONDER for tips, guides, memes, etc. https://fitresponder.com/⁠⁠PMPM coins - www.ghostpatch.comPMPM Merch - https://poorly-made-police-memes.creator-spring.com/?https://linktr.ee/Poorlymadepolicememes⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4MYCYDRPX8ZU4⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thethinlinerockstation.com/

Send us a textIn part 2 with Alexa Silva, we discuss how love doesn't clock out when the tones drop. We sat down to unpack what really happens when a first responder's world of shift work, hypervigilance, and on-call stress collides with the everyday demands of family life—and why even strong couples can drift into silence, scorekeeping, and resentment without clear structure and care.Across a candid, fast-moving conversation, we dig into how intimacy has to evolve over time, especially when schedules are brutal and sleep is scarce. We talk about the danger of tallying sex and affection, the quiet slide into emotional affairs powered by loneliness and praise, and the small, steady actions that rebuild safety: consistent compliments, micro-moments of touch, and explicit “ask for what you need” scripts. You'll hear practical frameworks for decompression after shifts, deciding whether you want listening or solutions, and using shared calendars to lower friction when overtime or call-outs derail plans.We also get honest about money, overtime, and the resentment loop that forms when one partner feels like both parents while the other chases a bigger paycheck. There's a path out: monthly “state of us” check-ins, clear rules for spending, and tradeoffs made in daylight instead of assumptions made in anger. We cover role clarity—your spouse can be your partner, not your therapist—plus the kind of self-care that actually restores a nervous system hammered by trauma exposure. Whether you're a cop, firefighter, medic, dispatcher, or the person holding down the fort at home, these tools meet the reality of your life.If you're ready to replace mind reading with honest asks and turn resentment into repair, hit play. Then tell us what changed after you tried one tool. Subscribe, share with your crew, and leave a review to help more first responder families find the support they deserve.To reach Alexa, here is the link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexa-silva-chelmsford-ma/1140390Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.This episode was recorded on location at the ECHO 2025 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.In this recording, we sit down with Louisville Metro Chief of Police Paul Humphrey, Lt Brent Willen and Chief Pilot Jason Sattich. In this episode, we explore personal journeys in law enforcement, highlighting the power of mentorship and the necessity of fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. A key focus of our discussion is the innovative Louisville Metro Summit Wellness Center for First Responders, created to help Louisville's police officers and emergency workers combat the intense physical, psychological, and emotional demands they face while serving our community.With a holistic approach centered around the five pillars of wellness—Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Social, and Financial—the center is dedicated to building resilience in their officers, enabling them and their families to thrive in the face of adversity. Since October 2024, over 350 officers have received mental health services, and Pro Team Tactical has provided more than 2,000 physical rehab sessions, significantly reducing recovery time for musculoskeletal injuries. Join us as we emphasize the importance of investing in our officers and building strong relationships within departments to elevate and enhance overall effectiveness. We'll also explore the dynamics of internal marketing in aviation units, showcasing the value of trust, communication, and technology in boosting operational efficiency.From personal career paths and critical incident responses to the impact of upgraded equipment and the significance of community support, this episode is packed with valuable insights aimed at inspiring and empowering our community.Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Metro Aviation and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch 

Tactical Transition Tips Round 105 of the Transition Drill Podcast offers practical guidance and career readiness for veterans and first responders, organized based on how far out your exit is. In this episode, we focus on what we quiet carry from these careers.There's “stuff” most active-duty service members and first responders carry, but rarely name out loud: the baggage from these careers. The calls, deployments, injuries you pushed through, the leadership failures that still irritate you, the mistake you haven't fully forgiven yourself for, the burnout you've learned to function with. When an end date starts feeling real, that “stuff” doesn't disappear. It starts showing up in how you think, how you talk, and how you picture your future.This episode isn't about digging up the past for the sake of it. It's about separating emotion from information, so you can keep the lessons without letting the weight run your next chapter. Because whether you like it or not, your experience is already shaping what you'll do after the uniform. The question is whether you'll carry it intentionally, or let it quietly steer your decisions.Here's how we put it into practical steps based on where you are right now:• Close Range Group (transitioning within a year): Turn Your Hardest Experiences into Problem Solving Skills. Write out a few defining moments, separate what happened from what you learned, and turn those lessons into clear language you can use in interviews instead of oversharing or underselling yourself.• Medium Range Group (transitioning in 3 to 5 years): Build a purpose-driven project. Start a small, personal-aligned project (mentoring, teaching, writing, coaching, creating, a side venture) to test how your experience creates value outside the uniform and get real feedback before transition becomes urgent.• Long Range Group (transitioning in a decade or more): Write Your Career Story Now. Capture lessons, failures, and growth while details are still fresh, so your future leadership, promotions, and eventual interviews are built on a real record, not fuzzy memory.If you've been telling yourself “I'm good,” you might be. This is just making sure what you've carried becomes direction, not drag. Get additional resources and join our newsletter via the link in the show notes.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:Blue Line RoastingGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://bluelineroasting.comPromocode: Transition10GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15

Send us a textThe badge asks for everything, then hands you a shift change and a smile. We sat down with returning guest,  licensed clinical social worker Alexis Silva, to dig into the quiet realities behind the uniform: why trust is scarce, why stigma is sticky, and how substance use becomes a steady companion long before it becomes a crisis. Alexis works almost exclusively with first responders, military, and veterans, and brings her own sobriety and family experience to the table. That honesty opens a door many are afraid to touch—because careers are on the line, documentation feels risky, and walking into a room where you don't have to translate the language of the job can be the difference between shutting down and speaking up.We break apart common myths: not every struggle is trauma from the job; for many, it starts with childhood adversity, genetics, and family patterns. Alcohol, THC, and benzos promise relief and steal sleep, fueling irritability, poor decisions, and conflict at home. We unpack the tipping point where use shifts from choice to maintenance—when your body drives the next drink—and why matching care to risk matters. Sometimes inpatient comes first, then outpatient therapy and groups, so progress isn't crushed by daily stress. We also go beyond substances to behavioral addictions like gambling, tracing how the chase hooks into the same adrenaline circuits that make first responders so good under pressure.Across the hour, we map practical steps you can use today: how to assess risk without shame, how to reset routines every few career years, what honest partner check-ins sound like, and how peer support and culturally competent clinicians reduce fear of being “the problem” at the station. If you've wondered whether your coping is helping or hiding, this conversation offers a clear path forward—grounded, direct, and built for people who don't have time for fluff.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help other first responders find it. Your story isn't a liability—it's a starting point.If you want to reach Alexa, please go to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexa-silva-chelmsford-ma/1140390Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Police Officer Arrested and Convicted, Sent to Prison, Was It Fair?. The Case of Stephanie Mohr. Was a police officer unfairly prosecuted and sent to prison by the Department of Justice? That question sits at the center of a Special Episode available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major Podcast networks. Former Prince George's County, Maryland police officer and K9 handler Stephanie Mohr is telling her story, one that spans nearly three decades, from a routine call for backup outside Washington, D.C., to a federal conviction, a 10-year prison sentence, and ultimately a Presidential Pardon. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. “This was never just about one incident,” Mohr says. “It became about making an example of me.” A Routine Call That Changed Everything In 1995, Mohr was a relatively new K9 handler when she responded to a suspected burglary in Takoma Park, Maryland. At the time, the area was experiencing a series of break-ins. Two suspects were discovered on the roof of a building, and during the arrest, Mohr's police dog bit one of the men as he attempted to flee. Police Officer Arrested and Convicted, Sent to Prison, Was It Fair? Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . What followed was anything but routine. Years later, Mohr was charged and ultimately convicted in 2001 of a federal civil rights violation, becoming a police officer arrested and convicted, sent to prison for actions she maintains were lawful and consistent with her training. “I did what I was trained to do,” Mohr explains. “I never imagined it would cost me my career and a decade of my life.” An Extraordinary Prosecution According to Mohr and her supporters, the D.O.J. pursued her case with unusual intensity. After an initial trial, prosecutors sought a retrial and even brought a witness, an illegal immigrant, back into the United States from another country to testify against her. Police Officer Arrested and Convicted, Sent to Prison, Was It Fair? Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. “Who does that?” Mohr asks. “It felt like they were determined to secure a conviction at any cost.” During the second trial, federal prosecutors introduced testimony portraying Mohr as a problematic officer with a pattern of targeting minorities, claims she has consistently denied. “That narrative was devastating,” she says. “It wasn't true, but it stuck.” The result was a 10-year federal prison sentence, which Mohr served before being released in 2011. A 19-Year Fight for Justice Mohr's case eventually caught the attention of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund (LELDF). After reviewing the facts, the organization committed to what would become a 19-year battle to clear her name. Police Officer Arrested and Convicted, Sent to Prison, Was It Fair? Special Episode. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. “Stephanie wasn't guilty of anything,” the LELDF later stated. “Her case represented a dangerous precedent for law enforcement officers nationwide.” Mohr became the first police officer supported by the LELDF to ultimately receive a presidential pardon. In December 2020, President Donald J. Trump granted Mohr a full and unconditional pardon, bringing long-awaited closure to a case that had followed her for 25 years. “For me, the pardon wasn't about politics,” Mohr says. “It was about finally being able to say: I was telling the truth.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Life After Prison and After the Pardon Following her release, Mohr rebuilt her life quietly. She worked as a Property Standards Inspector and later a Construction Standards Inspector for Prince George's County before moving on to a similar role with St. Mary's County government. Police Officer Arrested and Convicted, Sent to Prison, Was It Fair? “My dogs saved me as much as I saved them,” she says with a smile. You Be the Judge The story of Stephanie Mohr raises difficult questions about accountability, prosecutorial power, and whether justice was truly served. The special episode can be found on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. Was this a fair conviction, or did the D.O.J. go out of its way to make an example of a police officer? “That's not for me to decide anymore,” Mohr says. “I've lived with the consequences. Now I just want people to hear the full story.” Supporting First Responders This Special Episode is also part of a broader mission focused on saving and rebuilding the lives of First Responders. Stephanie Mohr's story is more than a headline, it's a cautionary tale, a fight for redemption, and a reminder that justice is not always as simple as a verdict. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Interested in being a guest, sponsorship or advertising opportunities send an email to the host and producer of the show jay@letradio.com. Listen to this special episode on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and most major podcast platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Police Officer Arrested and Convicted, Sent to Prison, Was It Fair? Attributions Police Defense USA Today Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The $1 Mission changing the Military is happening behind the scenes and most people never hear about it. In this week's episode on Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Robert Irvine, Chef, Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist, Tireless Supporter of our Nation's Veterans, Military, Families and First Responders and Founder of the Robert Irvine Foundation. Together, they explore how modernizing the military food service, improving nutrition, and focusing on human performance directly impact readiness across the Joint Forces. From major installations to daily life for Servicemembers and their Families, this conversation highlights why fuel, recovery, and leadership matter.

Join Mark and JP as they discuss their career, military dives, medals, stolen valour and more!Due to a technical issue, a portion of this episode has been lost. To learn more about JP and his business, visit the sites below!His LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-philip-lacasse/?originalSubdomain=caHis Website: https://www.garvielstudio.com/40-hours-of-40kJP is the owner of Garviel studio. He is also a Canadian Armed Forces veteran with 23yrs of service.His charity, 40 Hours of 40K, first originated in the United Kingdom, and was created by our very own Warhammer Hero, Andrew Weller, a member of the Royal Air Force. Their charity, CALM (campaign against living miserably), focuses on raising awareness of men's mental health and suicide prevention in the UK. After being involved with them for the past 2 years as an artist, he traveled to Lincoln, UK, in September 2022 to meet with the team and present his idea of expansion. MERCH: ⁠https://www.wgy6.ca/Operation-Tango-Romeo.html⁠Sponsored by ShopVeteran.ca by Canadian Legacy Project- Support Veteran owned businesses and register your Veteran owned business for free. All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host. The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.Creator and Host Mark MeinckeSponsored by ⁠ShopVeteran.ca⁠ by Canadian Legacy ProjectProduced by Jessika DupuisSupport a Hero ⁠HERE⁠Recover Out Loud!Book your Guest Appearance ⁠HERE⁠ Find the OTR podcast onFacebookInstagramSpotifyYoutube#JP Lacasse#JTF2 Special Forces#Canadian Army#Close Protection Operator#Devon Larratt#Garviel Studio#40 hours of 40 K Canada#Veteran Support#Art Therapy

Join "Mind Over Murder" co-hosts Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley as they discuss the new book "The Worst Day: A Plane Crash, A Train Wreck, and Remarkable Acts of Heroism in Washington, DC" with author Bruce Goldfarb.  It tells the true story of the disaster of Air Florida Flight 90, which crashed into the Potomac River just after takeoff from Washington DC's National Airport in a blizzard. At the same time, a DC Metro train derailed, resulting in multiple deaths-- a tremendous challenge for first responders from throughout the region.Goodreads: The Worst Day: A Plane Crash, A Train Wreck, and Remarkable Acts of Heroism in Washington, DChttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228645067-the-worst-dayAmerican Detective TV series: Colonial Parkway Murders:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp3rNRZnL0EWashingtonian: A Murder on the Rappahannock River:https://www.washingtonian.com/2019/06/27/murder-on-the-rappahannock-river-emerson-stevens-mary-harding-innocence-project/WTKR News 3: One year after development in Colonial Parkway Murders, where do things stand?https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/historic-triangle/one-year-after-development-in-colonial-parkway-murders-where-do-things-standWon't you help the Mind Over Murder podcast increase our visibility and shine the spotlight on the "Colonial Parkway Murders" and other unsolved cases? Contribute any amount you can here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/mind-over-murder-podcast-expenses?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customerWTVR CBS News:  Colonial Parkway murders victims' families keep hope cases will be solved:https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/colonial-parkway-murders-update-april-19-2024WAVY TV 10 News:  New questions raised in Colonial Parkway murders:https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/new-questions-raised-in-colonial-parkway-murders/Alan Wade Wilmer, Sr. has been named as the killer of Robin Edwards and David Knobling in the Colonial Parkway Murders in September 1987, as well as the murderer of Teresa Howell in June 1989. He has also been linked to the April 1988 disappearance and likely murder of Keith Call and Cassandra Hailey, another pair in the Colonial Parkway Murders.13News Now investigates: A serial killer's DNA will not be entered into CODIS database:https://www.13newsnow.com/video/news/local/13news-now-investigates/291-e82a9e0b-38e3-4f95-982a-40e960a71e49WAVY TV 10 on the Colonial Parkway Murders Announcement with photos:https://www.wavy.com/news/crime/deceased-man-identified-as-suspect-in-decades-old-homicides/WTKR News 3https://www.wtkr.com/news/is-man-linked-to-one-of-the-colonial-parkway-murders-connected-to-the-other-casesVirginian Pilot: Who was Alan Wade Wilmer Sr.? Man suspected in two ‘Colonial Parkway' murders died alone in 2017https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/01/14/who-was-alan-wade-wilmer-sr-man-suspected-in-colonial-parkway-murders-died-alone-in-2017/Colonial Parkway Murders Facebook page with more than 20,000 followers: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCaseYou can also participate in an in-depth discussion of the Colonial Parkway Murders here:https://earonsgsk.proboards.com/board/50/colonial-parkway-murdersMind Over Murder is proud to be a Spreaker Prime Podcaster:https://www.spreaker.comJoin the discussion on our Mind Over MurderColonial Parkway Murders website: https://colonialparkwaymurders.com Mind Over Murder Podcast website: https://mindovermurderpodcast.comPlease subscribe and rate us at your favorite podcast sites. Ratings and reviews are very important. Please share and tell your friends!We launch a new episode of "Mind Over Murder" every Monday morning, and a bonus episode every Thursday morning.Sponsors: Othram and DNAsolves.comContribute Your DNA to help solve cases: https://dnasolves.com/user/registerFollow "Mind Over Murder" on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderOverFollow Bill Thomas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillThomas56Follow "Colonial Parkway Murders" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCase/Follow us on InstaGram:: https://www.instagram.com/colonialparkwaymurders/Check out the entire Crawlspace Media network at http://crawlspace-media.com/All rights reserved. Mind Over Murder, Copyright Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley, Another Dog Productions/Absolute Zero ProductionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mind-over-murder--4847179/support.

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.This episode was recorded on location at the ECHO 2025 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.In this recording, we sit down with Louisville Metro Chief of Police Paul Humphrey, Lt Brent Willen and Chief Pilot Jason Sattich. In this episode, we explore personal journeys in law enforcement, highlighting the power of mentorship and the necessity of fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. A key focus of our discussion is the innovative Louisville Metro Summit Wellness Center for First Responders, created to help Louisville's police officers and emergency workers combat the intense physical, psychological, and emotional demands they face while serving our community.With a holistic approach centered around the five pillars of wellness—Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Social, and Financial—the center is dedicated to building resilience in their officers, enabling them and their families to thrive in the face of adversity. Since October 2024, over 350 officers have received mental health services, and Pro Team Tactical has provided more than 2,000 physical rehab sessions, significantly reducing recovery time for musculoskeletal injuries. Join us as we emphasize the importance of investing in our officers and building strong relationships within departments to elevate and enhance overall effectiveness. We'll also explore the dynamics of internal marketing in aviation units, showcasing the value of trust, communication, and technology in boosting operational efficiency.From personal career paths and critical incident responses to the impact of upgraded equipment and the significance of community support, this episode is packed with valuable insights aimed at inspiring and empowering our community.Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Precision Aviation Group.

We walk through the hard truths of hospital escorts: layers of security vanish, complacency creeps in, and small mistakes become big risks. From intel control to room setup, we share a field-tested checklist to keep officers, medical staff, and the public safe.• controlling timelines and blocking leaks• gathering inmate intel and risk factors• conducting full inmate and vehicle searches• using maximum restraints and wheelchairs• hospital reconnaissance and secure entry points• room layout, line of sight, and door control• protecting medical staff during care• anti-fatigue tactics and accountability• professionalism in public and clear communication• training needs and administrative supportMake sure you like, subscribe, go to our website and check it out thereAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI is cutting-edge software designed to track inmates and assets within your prison or jail. Command PresenceBringing prisons and jails the training they deserve!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

This episode we go out west and speak with a new trooper. We talk about young guys trying to do the job post Floyd. Other topics - Blue Falcons, Big SGT, discretion, branches of government and much much more. Please patronize and support the LEO businesses that made this podcast possible.Sunday podcasts are brought to you by my friends over at OfficerPrivacy.com OfficerPrivacy has software that allows you to quickly remove your personal information from the internet. Use their software FREE for 14 days. Or their team of LEO's will remove your info for you. Sign up and feel safe again.How are First Responders hitting huge fitness / body/ health goals? Don't miss this one! Fit Responder Fit Responder is the top remote coaching program for first responders around the US. Having support that understands the demands and stressors of the job helps when you need an effective and realistic action plan to make your goals reality  Follow FIT RESPONDER for tips, guides, memes, etc. https://fitresponder.com/⁠⁠PMPM coins - www.ghostpatch.comPMPM Merch - https://poorly-made-police-memes.creator-spring.com/?https://linktr.ee/Poorlymadepolicememes⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4MYCYDRPX8ZU4⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thethinlinerockstation.com/

In Round 104 of the Tactical Transition Tips on the Transition Drill Podcast, transition doesn't just test your resume, it tests your reputation, especially if you're a veteran or first responder whose career can be judged by optics instead of context. If you don't own your story with calm clarity, someone else will shape it for you, and you'll be stuck responding instead of leading. In this Tactical Transition Tips episode, you're going to look at a transition stressor that rarely gets talked about early in a career: the “trailer” you tow into every interview, background, lateral process, and post-service environment, even when you did your job professionally for years. In high-liability professions, being cleared doesn't always mean being untouched, and pieces of your history can linger through investigations, complaints, policy reviews, rumors, or public attention. This isn't about spinning your story or pretending nothing happened. It's about being prepared to explain your career with accuracy and credibility, without defensiveness, over-explaining, or blame. Your narrative already exists. The only question is whether you take ownership of it before someone else reads it back to you in a hiring process. You'll hear what “control the narrative” actually means in practice: clear facts, clear outcomes, and clear lessons, delivered with professional tone, because credibility lives in how you carry the explanation, not in a perfectly polished line. Close Range Group (transitioning within a year): Own Your Story Before Someone Else Does — Identify the moments that could raise questions and write a factual explanation: what happened, what the outcome was, and what you learned. You're doing this now so you don't get forced into a reactive, emotional explanation when the stakes are highest. Medium Range Group (transitioning in 3 to 5 years): Choose mentors who will vouch for character, not just skill — Build relationships with people who've watched how you operate over time, then tighten your habits in writing and communication so your reputation holds up even when something gets read out of context. Long Range Group (transitioning in a decade or more): Live like everything is reviewable — Operate with discipline and professionalism now, because most career damage comes from patterns, and patterns are what people use to decide whether they trust you later. Get additional resources and join our newsletter via the link in the show notes.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10Blue Line RoastingGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://bluelineroasting.comPromocode: Transition10

Send us a textThe most downloaded conversation of the year returns for a reason: it's the raw, practical guide first responders and their families keep asking for. We sit with Sgt. Michael Sugrue—Air Force security forces veteran, Walnut Creek Police sergeant, and author of Relentless Courage—to talk about the weight of hundreds of traumatic calls, how a 2012 shooting upended his life, and the exact steps that pulled him back from the edge.Michael breaks down why suicide remains the top threat for police, fire, EMS, and dispatch: a culture that prizes invincibility, training that skips mental readiness, and an identity so fused to the job that retirement can feel like free fall. He explains how “silent” suicides hide in line‑of‑duty risks, why official counts underreport the crisis, and what leadership must do to turn the tide. We go deep on solutions: culturally competent therapy, confidential peer lines, retreats like West Coast Post‑Trauma Retreat and Save A Warrior, and daily practices—meditation, gratitude, strength work, honest conversations—that sustain real resilience.We also challenge common myths. Therapy doesn't take your gun; it gives you your life back. EMDR helps many but not all; the real power is a personalized toolkit. Early intervention keeps stress acute and treatable; waiting turns injuries into entrenched patterns that cost careers and families. Michael's book, co‑authored with Dr. Shauna Springer, bridges the gap between gut‑level storytelling and clear psychology, giving responders and loved ones a shared language to start hard conversations and map a path forward.If you serve—or love someone who does—this is a roadmap to stay in the fight without losing yourself. Hit play, share it with a partner or teammate, and let's normalize help as a standard of care. If the episode resonates, subscribe, leave a quick review, and pass it to one person who needs to hear it today.You can reach Michael on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgtmichaelsugrue?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appSupport the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

This episode discusses the benefits of drone as first responder (DFR) programs for police departments and public safety offices. Guest Biographies Officer J. "Matt" Rowland is a 20-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) located in Fort Wayne, IN. He was a founding member of the FWPD Air Support Unit (ASU) in 2017. He spent 15 years in the Operations division and served 6 years during that time as a hostage negotiator. He is a certified instructor both in the classroom and emergency vehicle driving. Todd Withers is a 34-year veteran of law enforcement with the last 28 years at the Beverly Hills Police Department. He is currently a Lieutenant in charge of the Real Time Watch Center and UAS/ Drone program. He holds a Master of Science Degree from California State University, Long Beach in Emergency Services Administration and is a certified FAA Part 107 UAS Pilot. Don Redmond is a retired Chula Vista Police Captain with over 25 years in law enforcement and now serves as Vice President of Drone as First Responder (DFR) at BRINC Drones. He works with public safety agencies to advance drone technology, improve response times, and save lives. During his career, he was instrumental in developing Chula Vista PD's pioneering Drone as First Responder program, which has become a national model. Dr. Tom Christoff is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA where he is responsible for leading projects involving local assessments, research, and developing technical assistance for agencies nationwide.  Dr. Christoff recently served as a Project Director on a COPS Office project where he oversaw the development of a technology implementation guide and six case studies highlighting agencies using technology in innovative ways.

It is the quiet week between Christmas and New Year's. The guests have gone home, the adrenaline has worn off, and you are likely left with a heavy realization: The holidays didn't fix it. If you are currently Googling "how to get a divorce" or secretly looking up attorneys while your spouse is in the other room, you are not alone. Next Monday, January 5th, is known in the legal industry as "Divorce Day," where inquiries skyrocket by 25%. But before you make a call that you cannot unmake, Susan Guthrie has a message for you: Stop. Just breathe. In this urgent and deeply practical solo episode, Susan reveals why the "smartest people" wait until March to file, and exactly what they do in January instead. Drawing on 35 years of practice, she breaks down the "Broken Promise" theory, the danger of the "New Year's Resolution Bomb," and why urgency is the enemy of a good divorce. If you are feeling the pressure to act, this episode is your permission slip to pause, plan, and protect your future before you ever step foot in a courtroom. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The "Broken Promise" Theory: Why the holidays amplify marital cracks rather than fixing them. The January vs. March Strategy: Why amateurs rush to file in January, while strategists use the month for "vetting and verification". The 3 Critical Questions: What you must ask yourself before you hire a professional (hint: do you know the "business reality" of your marriage?). The "First Responder" Rule: Why your first call should almost never be to a lawyer—and who you should call instead. The Financial Reality Check: The sobering statistic about the 41% drop in household income for women post-divorce and how to prevent it. Mistakes to Avoid: Why hiring a "shark" out of fear is the fastest way to burn through $30,000+.   FEATURED RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS: FREE DOWNLOAD: The "January Strategy Calendar" Don't spin your wheels this month. Susan has created a free 4-week "Pre-Season" planner to help you audit your emotions, gather financial documents, and vet professionals before you file.

On this episode of MACABRE Exhumed, we've dug up an episode of the spooky kind. This episode is all about our beloved first responders who are trained to face chaos, tragedy, and death—but some experiences fall far outside the boundaries of logic and reason. In this episode, we explore chilling accounts of the paranormal from first responders and healthcare workers .Spotify exclusive feed subscribers get ad free content, early access and exclusive bonus episodes .Paid supporters on Patreon, Join us for Macabre Movie Nights and Game Nights :⁠⁠⁠⁠ Macabre Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Send in your stories for a future listener episode!Email us at thatssomacabre@gmail.comJoin our private Facebook Group at :⁠⁠⁠⁠ MacabrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Macabre Exclusive Merch ⁠⁠ www.gothiccthreads.com

This episode we return to GA. My guest works at perhaps one of the best agencies I have ever heard about. We get into several topics - Leadership, Training, accountability, and mental health. Obviously it never gets to serious and there are lots of side quests along the way. Please patronize and support the LEO businesses that made this podcast possible.Sunday podcasts are brought to you by my friends over at OfficerPrivacy.com OfficerPrivacy has software that allows you to quickly remove your personal information from the internet. Use their software FREE for 14 days. Or their team of LEO's will remove your info for you. Sign up and feel safe again.How are First Responders hitting huge fitness / body/ health goals? Don't miss this one! Fit Responder Fit Responder is the top remote coaching program for first responders around the US. Having support that understands the demands and stressors of the job helps when you need an effective and realistic action plan to make your goals reality  Follow FIT RESPONDER for tips, guides, memes, etc. https://fitresponder.com/ ⁠⁠PMPM coins - www.ghostpatch.comPMPM Merch - https://poorly-made-police-memes.creator-spring.com/?https://linktr.ee/Poorlymadepolicememes⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4MYCYDRPX8ZU4⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thethinlinerockstation.com/

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Send us a textFrom crime and trauma scene cleanup to midnight dispatch and station kitchens, we gathered the most powerful lessons from a year of conversations with first responders, clinicians.Here are the links for all the episodes: Krista Gregg (E.188): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-188Jessica Jamieson (E.192): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-192Beth Salmo (E.204): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-204Elizabeth Ecklund (E.207): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-207Gordon Brewer (E.211): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-211Bill Dwinnells (E.220): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-220Deidre Gestrin (E.221): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-221Adam Neff (E.222): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-222Renae Mansfield (E.225): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-225Amanda Rizoli (E.227): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-227Blythe Landry (E.228): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-228Stephanie Simpson (E.229): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-229Lisa Trusas (E.231): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-231Joe Rizzuti (E.233): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e-233Justin Jacobs (E.235): https://Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton explore one of the most heartbreaking truths in first responder families (Amazon Affiliate): your children often feel your absence long before you ever realize you're gone. You provide, you protect, you show up exhausted but determined — and still, your kids quietly carry the weight of your schedule, your stress, and your emotional unavailability. This episode reveals why first responder parents unintentionally leave their kids feeling unseen and unheard — and how to repair connection in ways that last a lifetime.

In Round 103 of the Tactical Transition Tips on the Transition Drill Podcast, some mornings you wake up and you're already behind, not on tasks, but in your head. The list isn't a list anymore. It's a pile. Career decisions collide with money decisions. Money decisions collide with family pressure. Family pressure collides with location, timing, and the question you keep dodging: what happens when your current lane ends.This episode is about transition overload, what it actually is, how it sneaks in, and why it's dangerous even when you're still performing well. Transition overload isn't being busy. It's too many major decisions competing for the same mental space at the same time. When that happens, you don't just feel tired. Your judgment gets less accurate. You start bouncing between tasks, chasing quick relief instead of clear outcomes. You either rush decisions to collapse the pile, avoid decisions by staying in research mode, or do a little of everything and finish nothing.The point here isn't to grind harder. It's to protect decision quality. Because the quiet risk of overload is the quiet decision. The one you make just to reduce uncertainty. The one that turns into a path you didn't fully choose.This episode breaks down the difference between pressure with order and pressure without order, and why the second one feels endless. It also gives you three practical moves based on your timeline, so you can keep your transition deliberate instead of reactive.Close Range Group (transitioning within a year): Sequence Your Transition, Don't Pile It.Pick one primary lane for the next 60 to 90 days and put everything else in maintenance mode so you stop burning bandwidth on competing priorities.Medium Range Group (transitioning in 3 to 5 years): Reassess Your “Wish” List.Write out the expectations you've been carrying and renegotiate what still fits so you don't build a future plan around an outdated version of yourself.Long Range Group (transitioning in a decade or more): Put Buffers in Place to Avoid Panic Choices.Build financial, skill, and personal buffers now so future decisions don't get made under threat when timelines change fast.If you've felt friction instead of focus, this episode will help you spot what's happening and slow the pile down before it shrinks your options.Get additional resources and join our newsletter via the link in the show notes.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15

WWWWWWWWELCOME to the return of 40 For 40, our bowl preview series where every bowl game gets its own episode and each episode is exactly as long as that game deserves.Who decides what “deserves” means? We do! Thank you for askingNow through December 31, 100% of proceeds from all PTKU merch sales will be donated to Trans Ohio. Visit preownedairboats.com to purchase BRAND-NEW BLUE SHARKS GEAR #EXCLUSIVEThis episode was produced by Michael Ray SurberFullcast theme 40 For 40 intro arranged and performed by Russell PowellFullcast theme 40 For 40 outro arranged and performed by MattDID YOU KNOW: Spencer and Holly write Channel 6, a year-round newsletter that is mostly about football, until it's notBefore the world ends (again), treat yourself to Jason's critically praised novel and other workTravel in your mind palace to Phantom Island, Ryan's new show with Steven Godfrey, which is not a college football show because another simply cannot existCheck out Surber's band Killer Antz and his new show Podcasterino

Send us a texton this episode of To The Top Jeremy Sonny and Al sit down and discuss the topic of dealing with younger faster grapplersWe also discuss the topic of ego and training environment We hope you guys enjoy this episode and thank you for tuning in

Send us a textWhen the lights are flashing and the clock is ticking, we train for everything—except the weight we carry home. We sit down with Coast Guard veteran and grief coach Justin Jacobs to unpack the invisible load of moral injury, the shock of losing the uniform, and the quiet ways unprocessed grief leaks into performance, relationships, and health. From the chaos of capsized boats to the stillness after a tough outcome, Justin names what many feel and few say out loud.We explore how grief hides inside anxiety, depression, and burnout, and why so many transitions—retirement, reassignment, even a “first civilian job”—feel harder than expected. Justin explains decision fatigue after service, when structure vanishes and every choice suddenly feels permanent. He offers a simple reframe: plan early, expect detours, and treat course corrections as progress, not failure. Along the way, we draw clear parallels between the Coast Guard and first responders—rapid action, limited bench strength, and constant pressure to move on to the next call.Most importantly, we get practical. Think “mental PPE”: a shared vocabulary for moral injury, short decompressions after hard calls, peer check-ins that don't try to fix but do make space to feel. We talk about what genuinely helps the bereaved—curiosity, presence, honest permission to tell the whole truth about the person who's gone—and what to retire forever, including hollow platitudes that minimize real pain. Justin's own story of loss and growth brings empathy and precision to every tool he shares.If you serve, lead, or love someone who does, this conversation is a field guide for staying human under pressure and building a culture that protects people as fiercely as it protects the mission. Listen, share with your crew, and tell us what “mental PPE” looks like in your world. If this resonates, follow, rate, and review so more first responders can find it—and subscribe for more candid, actionable conversations.His Instagram is @manlygrief His Website is: http://www.manlygrief.com Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Five years in, the mission feels sharper than ever: equip correctional professionals with tools, mindset, and purpose that hold up under real pressure. We look back on a year of travel and training, thank the partners who help us serve, and pull together the most impactful moments from conversations that changed how we read risk, teach skills, and define what a good day on the tier looks like.Greg Williams and Brian Marren break down human behavior pattern recognition in a way that clicks on contact: master the baseline, spot the deviation, act before escalation. From the “watching the watcher” concept to recalibrating your mind at every threshold, their insights show why anticipation beats reaction and why prisons are the ultimate classroom for sense-making. We build on that with practical training talk from Myles Cook, who turns skills into a repeatable process: define the real problem, design adult-learning solutions, and leave with a pitch your leaders can approve and measure. It's training that sticks because it solves something that hurts.We also get grounded in purpose with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, who frames corrections as a life of daily sacrifice in service of public safety. That perspective threads through Pete Bloodworth's story of earning trust at USP Marion, where open bars and lever locks demanded courage and clarity, and Jimmy Cummings walks us through a can't-make-this-up escape tale that proves the job will surprise you no matter how many shifts you've worked. Along the way, we share updates on my upcoming new books—The Weight of Justice and Echoes of the OzarksIf these insights help you work smarter and safer, tap follow, share with a teammate, and leave a review on your podcast app. Your support helps more officers find tools that matter and keeps this community learning together.Send us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI is cutting-edge software designed to track inmates and assets within your prison or jail. Command PresenceBringing prisons and jails the training they deserve!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Well it is Christmas, and what have we done. This episode fears the whole gang. We do the present exchange, go on rants, and actually talk a little shop towards the end. Also a very special gift for all those long time listener. Please patronize and support the LEO businesses that made this podcast possible.Sunday podcasts are brought to you by my friends over at OfficerPrivacy.com OfficerPrivacy has software that allows you to quickly remove your personal information from the internet. Use their software FREE for 14 days. Or their team of LEO's will remove your info for you. Sign up and feel safe again.How are First Responders hitting huge fitness / body/ health goals? Don't miss this one! Fit Responder Fit Responder is the top remote coaching program for first responders around the US. Having support that understands the demands and stressors of the job helps when you need an effective and realistic action plan to make your goals reality  Follow FIT RESPONDER for tips, guides, memes, etc. https://fitresponder.com/ Frontline Optics is a First Responder owned and operated sunglasses company based out of San Diego. They offer Polarized UV400 sunglasses backed by a “No Questions Asked” Replacement Program. In addition, a portion of all sales directly benefits the First Responders Children's Foundation supporting the families of our Brothers and Sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. Try them risk free with free shipping and 30 day free returns or exchanges. Wear them on or off duty, beat them up, hit them up, get a new pair!⁠⁠https://frontline-optics.com/discount/PMPM15⁠⁠PMPM coins - www.ghostpatch.comPMPM Merch - https://poorly-made-police-memes.creator-spring.com/?https://linktr.ee/Poorlymadepolicememes⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4MYCYDRPX8ZU4⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thethinlinerockstation.com/

Send us a textWhat if the most powerful tool on a crisis scene isn't a badge or a diagnosis, but a practiced partnership? We continue our conversation with Dr. Sarah Abbott about co-response and unpack how pairing clinicians with police changes the outcome of calls involving mental health, substance use, and high-stress events—from domestic incidents with kids present to house fires and welfare checks where information is thin.We trace the arc from a pioneering certificate at William James College to statewide intensives built on scenario-based, hands-on training. Instead of chasing labels, the curriculum teaches behavior reading, de-escalation under pressure, and language that preserves dignity while lowering risk. We dig into veterans' mental health and firearm culture, highlighting lethal means safety training that helps clinicians speak credibly about storage, temporary transfer, and time-limited access without shaming or seizing. A vivid field story shows how clear communication with dispatch and officers can soften the room, protect everyone on scene, and build trust that lasts past one call.The conversation widens to where co-response goes next. Through Abbott Solutions for Justice and the International Co-Responder Alliance, these practices are spreading across states and overseas, with growing momentum on college campuses that function like small cities. We explore why campus police and clinicians need shared playbooks, how programs like Johns Hopkins are leading, and what it takes to turn skepticism into skill—consistently, respectfully, and at scale. If you care about first responder wellness, community safety, and practical tools that work at 2 a.m., this is your roadmap for doing crisis response better.Subscribe for more conversations on co-response, first responder mental health, and practical de-escalation. Share this episode with a colleague who needs these tools, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.To reach Sarah, please visit her website at: https://www.abbottsolutionsforjustice.comSarah can also befound on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-solutions-for-justice-llc/?viewAsMember=trueFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Send us a textCrises rarely look like TV. Most calls aren't bank robberies; they're frantic welfare checks, neighbor standoffs over fences, a parent terrified for a missing teen, or someone hearing voices at 2 a.m. We sit down with Dr. Sarah Abbott, a pioneer of the police–clinician co-response model, to unpack how pairing a trained clinician with officers at the point of contact reshapes outcomes: fewer arrests, fewer injuries, and far more dignity for the person in distress.Sarah shares the origin story from Massachusetts, where “jail diversion” began as a humane alternative for low-level offenses tangled with mental illness and grew into a comprehensive crisis response approach now spreading nationally and internationally. We get honest about the early skepticism and what changed minds: consistent data, strong command support, and the day-to-day reality that most police work involves behavioral health, not crime. We also go inside Section 12—involuntary transport in Massachusetts—and why sending officers with little background information is risky for everyone. The fix is coordination and clarity: share what you legally can, add a clinician to the response, and approach the door with a plan rooted in safety and rapport.Training is the force multiplier. Sarah breaks down how academy curricula evolved to center practical de-escalation and communication, then explains why the biggest gains come later with advanced, scenario-driven refreshers once officers have real street context. We talk tactics for engaging someone in psychosis without lying or escalating, why 988 is essential but not a complete substitute, and how blending 988, CIT, and co-response builds a smarter, safer safety net. We close with Sarah's work at William James College and the new Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health, designed to scale what works across departments and borders.If you care about first responder mental health, public safety, and better outcomes for people in crisis, this conversation offers a clear roadmap. Listen, share it with your team, and leave a review so more agencies can find these tools and put them to work in their communities.To reach Sarah, please visit her website at: https://www.abbottsolutionsforjustice.comSarah can also befound on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-solutions-for-justice-llc/?viewAsMember=trueFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Brent Tucker is a retired US Army Delta Force operator and Purple Heart recipient with a 20-year career in Special Ops. He served as both a Green Beret and a Delta Force operator, completing 13 combat deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and other undisclosed locations. He is the host of the Tier 1 Podcast and the owner and founder of First Responder's Coffee, Cigar, & Cask Company. Brent was recently sued by Rob O'Neill for 25 million dollars in a defamation lawsuit. Rob claims that Brent made false claims, stolen valor accusations, and conducted a "malicious and calculated smear campaign," claiming that Rob did not kill Osama Bin Laden. Tier 1 Podcast: https://tier1podcast.com/ FRCC: https://frcc.shop/   Today's Sponsors: Montana Knife Company- https://www.montanaknifecompany.com LMNT- https://www.drinklmnt.com/clearedhot  

Send us a textWhat does it take to build mental health care that first responders actually trust? We sit down with former Revere police officer Joe Rizzuti, whose journey from stacked line-of-duty trauma and alcohol use to peer support leadership strips away the clichés and gets to what works. Joe's story starts with a tough childhood, a military turnaround, and a policing career shaped by high-stakes cases and a deep love for community. It also includes administrative betrayals, devastating calls, and the moment he walked into On-Site Academy expecting a firearms range and found a lifeline instead.From there, Joe breaks down how cultural competence changes outcomes. If a clinician doesn't understand roll call, shift work, gallows humor, and the weight of cumulative stress, trust collapses. He explains how he vets treatment programs—On-Site for acute resets, First Responder Wellness in California for intensive trauma work, and union-aligned options like IAFF Centers of Excellence—while calling out profit-first models that fail responders. We talk insurance constraints, travel realities, and why credibility is earned one referral at a time.We also tackle the retiree cliff and why too many officers and firefighters struggle within five years of leaving the job. Joe's answer: a coaching model adapted from recovery support that restores purpose, routine, and community long before the badge comes off. The takeaway is clear—care must be team-driven, ego-free, and relentlessly practical. If you lead, remove barriers. If you treat, learn the culture. If you're a peer, keep checking in long after the headlines fade. If you are interested, please visit the Onsite academy at https://onsiteacademy.org/ Visit the NEPBA at https://www.nepba.org/Subscribe, share with a teammate who needs it, and leave a review to help more first responders find this conversation.Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast