Mental Agility for Forensic Scientists

Join Jen in a discussion with Forensic Scientist Kortney Stock, who is also trained as a Yoga For First Responders (YFFR) instructor.  YFFR  offers yoga classes to public safety that are job-specific and culturally informed for the purposes of processing stress, building resilience, and enhancing job performance. Kortney shares with great authenticity and vulnerability as she describes her journey as a practitioner of forensic science and the inner work she has completed to keep a healthy mindset.  Kortney explains the power of using YFFR as a tool to process the inevitable stress encountered in the first responder and forensic community.  She will be bringing a specialized YFFR workshop to the MAFS 2021 Fall Meeting, so be sure to register and check it out!Host: Jen Dillon -  Jdillon4n6@gmail.comSponsored by: Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists - mafs.netMusic: Joseph McDadeYoga For First Responders - yogaforfirstresponders.org

Drug chemists work the highest number of cases in a forensic laboratory and are tasked with handling emerging synthetic drug variations and how they are dealt with via ever changing drug laws.  Topics in this episode include the real and perceived stress surrounding the presentation of fentanyl and carfentanyl in the laboratory submissions, and the fear factor involved with the responsibility of handling drugs and the publicized cases of analysts who have abused that privilege.  Audra shares some personal stories about the stressors she has experienced on the job.Host: Jen Dillon -  Jdillon4n6@gmail.comSponsored by: Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists - mafs.netMusic: Joseph McDade

Jen Dillon dissects the second half of the four agreements as described by author Don Miguel Ruiz. She shares how applying the agreements to the workplace has helped with her ability to show up as the best version of herself - without self-judgment, blame, or guilt about what that version may look like on any given day.  This book is about the relationship we have with ourselves, and the perception of who we think we SHOULD be vs. who we are actually being.  Jen describes her take on the application of the agreements to the field of forensic science, and how we can improve upon our work and ourselves if we take the time to hone these skills. This episode completes the discussion on the book and covers agreements:3. Don't make assumptions4. Always do your bestHost: Jen Dillon -  Jdillon4n6@gmail.comSponsored by: Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists - mafs.netMusic: Joseph McDade

Join Jen Dillon as she delves into the first half of the four agreements as described by author Don Miguel Ruiz. She shares how applying the agreements to the workplace has helped with her ability to show up as the best version of herself - without self-judgment, blame, or guilt about what that version may look like on any given day.  This book is about the relationship we have with ourselves, and the perception of who we think we SHOULD be vs. who we are actually being.  Jen describes her take on the application of the agreements to the field of forensic science, and how we can improve upon our work and ourselves if we take the time to hone these skills. This episode is an introduction to the book and covers the first two agreements:1. Be impeccable with your word2. Don’t take anything personallyHost: Jen Dillon -  Jdillon4n6@gmail.comSponsored by: Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists - mafs.netMusic: Joseph McDade

Join Jen as she describes the ancient practice of yoga nidra and how it can be used as a technique to systematically downshift our brain wave states to the most restorative level. Healthy brain wave activity is important for mental health, and many of us are spending too much time in the hyper-aroused states, leading to feelings of exhaustion.  By spending some time in the slower brain wave states, we may experience great restoration in a limited amount of time. In fact, 1 hour of advanced yoga nidra practice is said to be equivalent to 4 hours of deep sleep! She explains the health benefits of the practice - from coping with daily stress to resolving trauma, chronic pain and insomnia. She also delves into the science behind sleep and the associated brain wave states and describes what a yoga nidra experience is like should you be interested in trying it out.Host: Jen Dillon - jdillon4n6@gmail.comSponsored by: Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists - mafs.netMusic credit: Joseph McDade

In this conversation, Amy and I discuss how our own mindfulness practices have been put to work during this global pandemic. We talk about how the role of reflection and re-evaluation of our life goals have provided a chance for growth and opening up when so many may feel like shutting down.  Amy provides a practical path to create change by getting a clear understanding of our priorities and values so we may then take manageable steps toward fulfilling the goal.  She shares many of her personal practices and how to develop a day-to-day way of mindful living so we can move toward being our best self.  This is a great chance to reflect on 2020 and set ourselves up to move forward in 2021.Host: Jen Dillon -  jdillon4n6@gmail.comSponsored by: Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists - www.mafs.netMusic: Joseph McDade

Dr. Janka explains the differences between a wellness program and disease management and emphasizes that we all need to develop resources, have a plan and support system in place for our well-being.  But we don’t have to wait until we experience a critical incident to put our plans into action.  He breaks down what happens physiologically and emotionally when we experience a traumatic event and explains what vicarious trauma is and how the technique of compartmentalization can be applied to prevent personalization of our work.  Finally, Dr J and I talk about workplace peer support programs and how we might be able to integrate them into a forensic setting.  Host: Jen Dillon jdillon4n6@gmail.comSponsored by Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists: www.mafs.netMusic Credit: Joseph McDade

On this episode, I speak with my good friend and yoga soul sister, Jen Elder, who serves as the Wellness Program Manager at a state women's prison.  Jen and I discuss how the practice of yoga is so much more than the physical postures, how taking a trauma-informed approach to the practice can lead to healing on a holistic level, and exactly what it looks like when you are supporting the mental well-being of both the staff and offenders of a prison population.  She reminds us that the only real cage we can put ourselves in is the rabbit hole of our mind, and she strives to empower and heal the women she serves to climb out of that space so they may build a brighter future for themselves.  Our talk includes a discussion on COVID-19 and mental health in the workplace, and how the silver lining in all of this is the way we've become more connected. Music credit: Joseph McDadeSponsored by the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists mafs.netHost: Jen Dillon - jdillon4n6@gmail.com

Jen shares a conversation with Juliet Oppenheim, a first responder and yoga instructor, about how a dedicated self-care practice can help reduce the recovery time needed after a stressful incident on the job and prevent burnout. Host: Jen Dillon - jdillon4n6@gmail.comSponsored by: MAFS - mafs.netMusic credit: Joseph McDade

Special bonus episode discussing ways to ride the waves of stress during the COVID-19 health crisis. 

The purpose of this program is to provide a platform in which we can develop a set of skills to cultivate resiliency and sustainability in the workforce. This episode breaks down the science of stress and describes how we can shift our mental patterns to support a healthy autonomic nervous system.Host: Jen Dillon - jdillon4n6@gmail.comMidwestern Association of Forensic Scientists: www.mafs.netMusic credit: Joseph McDade