Enduring The Badge

Send us a textCan you recall a time when you felt truly shaken? A moment where your nerves were jangled and your mind was in turmoil? Our guest for today, Mike Arena, a retired police officer, experienced a life-altering event that took him on a whirlwind journey between five different police departments in two states over the span of a decade. He pulls back the veil on his final officer-involved shooting in Ventner and the profound emotional and mental impact it had on his life.In this deeply personal and intense conversation, Mike recounts the harrowing aftermath of the shooting, the anguish of waiting for the grand jury's decision, and grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts. His willingness to expose his vulnerabilities and his courageous decision to seek help is a poignant reminder of the hidden mental health struggles many in law enforcement face. We delve into the pivotal role of his outpatient rehabilitation program and the catharsis he found in being open about his experiences.We wrap up

Send us a textPicture the burden of donning a badge — the weight of responsibility, the constant scrutiny, the life-or-death decisions made in split seconds. Can you imagine living in what retired bond enforcement officer Gary Eddington calls the 'zero mistake world'? In our enlightening conversation with Gary, we uncover the stark reality of law enforcement, painting a picture that extends well beyond the scope of TV drama.Thirty years in Southern California's law enforcement have shaped Gary in ways unimaginable, experiences he's chronicled in his riveting book, Outside the Wire. From the fresh-eyed Police Explorer to the seasoned officer commanding a task force in Los Angeles, Gary's journey is layered with stories of resilience, courage, and the profound impact of his father's tragic murder when he was only three weeks into the academy. His story takes a more profound turn as we discuss his pivotal role in the Joint Terrorism Task Force post 9/11, where distinguishing real th

Send us a textWhat if your darkest moments could guide you to the highest peaks of your personal journey? Our special guest, Ryan Phillips, is a living testament to this transformative power of resilience. Once a law offender, Ryan is now an advocate for mental health, using the lessons from his own struggles to illuminate the silent battles that many people fight.Ryan candidly shares his personal journey, marked by memory decline, ADHD, addiction, and a childhood concussion that may have triggered these battles. He opens up about his days in Canada's hockey culture, shedding light on the trauma masked by the glamour of sports. His story is a testament to a decade's worth of resilience, coping with anxiety, depression, and sobriety. But Ryan's journey doesn't stop at personal battles. He's been across Canada, Southeast Asia, and Cambodia, transforming his struggles into a beacon of hope and understanding for those grappling with mental health challenges.The episode takes a deep dive i

Send us a textDiscover how to navigate the intricate world of workplace challenges from the perspective of a former deputy sheriff and SWAT team member. Bridget Lawsheild, my esteemed guest for this episode, is not just an attorney but also a wellness advocate. She presents her insights into dealing with unfair treatment, harassment, discrimination, and hostile work environments. Bridget's unique blend of professional law enforcement and legal experience gives her insights that are truly invaluable. Transitioning from roles that have become a core part of our identities is no easy feat, and Bridget knows this first hand. She shares her personal journey from being part of a SWAT team to founding her wellness program and law firm, Lady Law Shield. Bridget also highlights the importance of standing up against an unjust work environment and the power of a solid support system. She talks about the mental strength required in SWAT competitions and how it can be harnessed to face adversities in the workplace an

Send us a textImagine harnessing the power of human connection and shared experiences to empower others and navigate life's various challenges. That's precisely what you'll grasp from our enlightening conversation with Dr. Tia White, a culturally competent therapist, and Officer Jake Steyer. In a world where the stigma over mental health is slowly lifting, our narrative dives into the crucial role peer support plays in our mental health, family dynamics, and overall well-being. The compelling stories shared in this episode unravel the magic behind lending an ear, validating experiences, and manifesting connections in our work and family lives.Picture this - a team of different ranks, all driven by the same purpose, to provide peer support to individuals needing it. Fascinating. As we journey through the episode with Dr. White and Officer Steyer, we discuss the empowering role of peer supporters and the profound impact they can make by merely staying in their lane. They guide us on how to take t

Send us a textWhat if we told you that one law enforcement officer uses social media to spread positivity and create a support system for his peers? Join us as we sit down with Sergeant Eric Tung, who's making waves with his uplifting content and commitment to mentorship in the challenging field of law enforcement. With 16 years of experience, Eric shares his journey through various roles, including K9 officer, Field Training Officer, and his current position overseeing hiring and recruiting.Stress and trauma are unavoidable aspects of a police officer's career, but Eric believes that vulnerability and peer support can make all the difference. We delve into his experience with an officer-involved shooting, discussing the importance of having a solid support system to navigate the aftermath. Eric also emphasizes giving ourselves, and others grace in this demanding profession.As our conversation unfolds, we learn about Eric's passion for using social media as a platform for positivity and connect

Send us a textImagine if you could hone the skill of resilience to face life's challenges with confidence and grace. We're excited to have Dr. Tia White, a public safety, wellness, and empowerment specialist, and Jake Steyer, a seasoned police officer, join us to debunk the misconception of resilience as merely bouncing back and help us explore how it can be nurtured and cultivated throughout our lives.From learning to ride a bike to handling the unique challenges of police work, our guests share invaluable insights on developing resilience. We discuss the importance of knowing oneself and understanding our core values and strengths within the five pillars of being a holistic person: social, spiritual, physical, emotional, and psychological. Developing resilience is a perishable skill that must be maintained and practiced regularly to remain effective.We also delve into various tactics for building resilience, such as creating routines and engaging in activities like endurance sports, drawing, and j

Send us a textImagine being a first responder constantly facing high-stress situations, unbearable emotional experiences, and physical danger. How can one cope with the mounting pressure and maintain mental and emotional health? Today, we're honored to have retired Los Angeles Sheriff's Department sergeant Danny Coon, founder of the Bulletproof First Responder, share his invaluable insights on post-traumatic stress, injury, and suicide prevention in first responders.In our eye-opening conversation, we discuss the challenges first responders face, including the emotional toll of witnessing tragedies like the death of a child and the impact of high-stress situations like the Los Angeles riots of 1994.This episode will shed light on the often-overlooked struggles first responders face and provide practical advice, resources, and strategies for overcoming these challenges. Whether you're a first responder or someone who wants to understand and support these brave individuals better, join us for thi

Send us a textWhat if we told you that it's possible to emerge stronger and wiser from adversity and trauma? Our guest, Jessica Depatie, a documentary film producer and journalist, shares her insights on the concept of post-traumatic growth and how it has manifested in her own life. Together, we discuss her project, "The Dark Knight of Your Soul," and its potential benefits for the first responder and veteran communities.We dive deep into the relevance of ancient Greek myths of heroism in today's world and their connection to depression and PTSD among first responders and veterans. Jessica and I also explore Chris Berth's idea of the 'invisible actor at the center of the world,' offering an alternative narrative to the flawed hero's journey. Additionally, we discuss the challenges faced by police officers, first responders, and veterans, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of our narratives and accepting our imperfections.Finally, Jessica and I highlight the

Send us a textFor over two decades, Adam served as a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin, facing the unimaginable challenges of the job. But one fateful day, he was involved in an officer-involved shooting. Although cleared of any wrongdoing, Adam's life took a harrowing turn.The aftermath of that incident plunged him into a dark abyss of despair, and his mental health deteriorated rapidly. He resorted to dangerous coping mechanisms, even contemplating ending his own life. The sound of the pin striking as he drew the trigger became an eerie echo of his pain.But here's where the story takes an extraordinary turn. Adam, a true warrior, fought his way back from the brink. Today, he stands as a symbol of resilience; his scars transformed into a beacon of hope for others.Through his initiative, Stop the Threat - Stop the Stigma.org, Adam is determined to shatter the barriers surrounding mental health. He shares his raw and unfiltered experiences, leaving no detail untold, hoping to foster understanding

Send us a textTeena's extensive 26-year career in law enforcement has equipped her with invaluable insights that she now imparts through her training facility. At Fortis Tactical Systems, Teena and her husband offer a wide range of courses, including concealed weapons permit classes and specialized training for women in law enforcement. While you might initially think that these topics are only relevant to women, Teena's ideas challenge that assumption and offer valuable lessons for all listeners.In addition to discussing women in law enforcement, we will also delve into the topic of peer support. Teena has been an integral part of the peer support team in South Carolina for several years, and she will share her experiences and insights on building resilience. So, whether you're interested in law enforcement, passionate about empowering women, or curious about the importance of peer support and resilience, this episode is packed with valuable information you won't want to miss.As a First R

Send us a textThe founder of Public Safety Preservation. Gray Reed founded this non-profit to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention among first responders. He did it because of his battle with mental health and worried for the safety of his newly born daughter.  He was eventually diagnosed with cumulative PTSD. He had to resign from his position as a corrections officer. He spent some time in law enforcement, but most of his time was spent in corrections. And we will look at what being a corrections officer is like. Because we still need to properly present the picture of what happens inside those prison walls. We'll also discuss how he received therapy, specifically EMDR, and how that benefited him.As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you

Send us a textMatt has risen to the position of Chief Deputy. During his 29 years with the police, he has worked in jail, patrol, and traffic. Police training, academy motors, drug investigation, and the SWAT unit, an extraordinarily busy SWAT team that has served over 700 missions.He has participated in or commanded those missions. And those missions are against some of the worst people, the Mexican drug cartel on the Mexican border in the United States. He'll go over how that manifests itself in their day-to-day operations. As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you where you want to be and ensure a happy and healthy career.Podcast Website www.enduringthebadgepodcast.com/Podcast Instagram www.instagram.com/enduringthebadgepodcast/Podcast Facebook www.facebook.c

Send us a textNik is employed with First Response Mental Health. He's a key player in the development of a peer support software that connects people who need assistance and teaches them how to do so successfully and quickly. Nick will discuss the platform, which is extremely cool and has a lot of fantastic features that you'll want to use if you need to efficiently and effectively connect a group of people.As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you where you want to be and ensure a happy and healthy career.Podcast Website www.enduringthebadgepodcast.com/Podcast Instagram www.instagram.com/enduringthebadgepodcast/Podcast Facebook www.facebook.com/EnduringTheBadgePodcast/Podcast Calendar https://calendly.com/enduringthebadge/enduring-the-badge-podcastPersonal

Send us a textJeff has served in a variety of law enforcement roles, and he'll discuss some of those experiences, but most importantly, I've talked to Jeff about his leadership style, and Jeff has a terrific leadership style. He enjoys leading with courageous nobility and feels that by doing so, he can transform the world. And I believe it after listening to Jeff on this episode. You'll get a lot of wonderful ideas on how to be a good leader and how to be a good person in general. And you, too, can make a difference by being a great person in the world.As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you where you want to be and ensure a happy and healthy career.Podcast Website www.enduringthebadgepodcast.com/Podcast Instagram www.instagram.com/enduringthebadgepo

Send us a textChris is a fantastic person. He fought crime in some of Phoenix's meanest and most dangerous streets. They're known to be riddled with drug cartels, and we'll look into that. We'll also talk about him being involved in three cop shootings and losing a close buddy in one of them, as well as the other officers who were killed while he was in the Phoenix police department. This is an awesome narrative about his success, but he is also incredibly committed to giving back. He has become a champion for mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Not only that, but he wrote an outstanding book called When That Day Comes Train for the Fight.As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you where you want to be and ensure a happy and healthy career.P

Send us a textDr. Tia White and Sergeant Jake Styer have joined forces to form Therapist Safety Solutions, and you may be wondering what that is. That is a company that is designed to keep therapists or other social workers or those dealing with mental health issues safe on the street, in their offices, and possibly even in their workplace environments.Jake has a strong training background. A lot of self-defense techniques and law enforcement experience. And because Dr. White has a lot of experience in social work, they've come together to form this company that provides amazing solutions to those who need to improve their safety.As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you where you want to be and ensure a happy and healthy career.Podcast Website www.enduringtheba

Send us a textHeather is a phenomenal leader and a very strong woman. Heather will give a remarkable story, but she also teaches for Street Cop. Her former spouse, who was also a law enforcement officer, allegedly assaulted her for four hours in 2008, holding a knife to her throat and a gun to her head, but she managed to survive. She will go into great detail when she explains how it occurred. It's an extremely moving tale, and you'll learn what she has accomplished since then. She is a fantastic advocate for women and anyone experiencing domestic violence.As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you where you want to be and ensure a happy and healthy career.Podcast Website www.enduringthebadgepodcast.com/Podcast Instagram www.instagram.com/enduringthebadgepo

Send us a textDr. Violet is a former dispatcher who saw the need for dispatchers to have a better workplace, better wellness, and overall success in their dispatching career. We'rWe will into what she's doing for them and her research into it. We'll also discuss her business, which assists agencies in obtaining grants to improve their existing buildings or future buildings.As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you where you want to be and ensure a happy and healthy career.Podcast Website www.enduringthebadgepodcast.com/Podcast Instagram www.instagram.com/enduringthebadgepodcast/Podcast Facebook www.facebook.com/EnduringTheBadgePodcast/Podcast Calendar https://calendly.com/enduringthebadge/enduring-the-badge-podcastPersonal Coaching https://calendly.com

Send us a textGlenn was a military member. He is an author and has experience in law enforcement. We're going to concentrate on Glenn's career in law enforcement and how he worked as a SWAT team hostage and negotiator. What it truly looks like to be one and how he was able to save countless lives by using nonviolent means of negotiation. Glenn's loss of a partner in the line of duty and the impact it had on him and his department will also be covered.As a First Responder, you are critical in keeping our communities safe. However, the stress and trauma of the job can take a toll on your mental health and family life. If you're interested in personal coaching, contact Jerry Lund at 801-376-7124. Let's work together to get you where you want to be and ensure a happy and healthy career.Podcast Website www.enduringthebadgepodcast.com/Podcast Instagram www.instagram.com/enduringthebadgepodcast/Podcast Facebook www.facebook.com/EnduringTheBadgePodcast/Podcast Calendar https://calendly.com/en