The Squad Room: Police Health | Development | Leadership

Dr. John Delony is a New York Times bestselling author, mental health and wellness expert, and host of the very popular podcast The Dr. John Delony Show. What is not as well known about this famous figure is that his father was a cop - a homicide detective in fact and John knows first hand how a career in law enforcement can impact an entire family - particularly how our jobs often create anxiety in our loved ones.   John holds two PhDs—one in counselor education and supervision, and another in higher education administration. John works with financial guru Dave Ramsey and before joining Ramsey Solution, John spent two decades working as a senior leader, researcher, and professor at multiple universities. He also spent years working in crisis and emergency response which he talks about during the interview.  John has written extensively about anxiety and how to navigate our ever-increasingly anxious lives. His new book, Building a Non-Anxious Life is a fantastic read that I highly recommend to everyone listening or watching. In this book, he breaks down six choices we have to make in order to break free from anxiety. In the interview, we go through his six choices and how they relate to us as cops.  As someone who has a constant low-hum of anxiety going on in my brain at all times, I found this book to be a huge resource for me and even if you feel like you’re not an anxious person, the book is full of actionable advice on how to create a mindset for success.  If you’re familiar with John, you know that he’s funny, sharp-witted and a fan of punk rock and he absolutely delivers in this interview with us.  You can follow him on Instagram @johndelony  or follow his show on YouTube.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. TactiScan is a portable drug screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite with no officer exposure. TactiScan is a reusable pocket-sized narcotics screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite that connects by bluetooth and limits officer exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Learn more at tactiscan.com.

During his 29-year career in law enforcement, Jeff McGreevy was an early pioneer of peer support programs in Southern California. A USMC veteran, Jeff has been involved in officer wellness since 2004 when he was recruited to be a founding member of his department’s trauma support team which later evolved into peer support. Jeff has extensive training and experience in debriefing personnel after traumatic events, Critical Incident Stress Management, coordinating peer support response after critical incidents, and was an instructor for Tactical Decision Making Under Stress training. Jeff leads the Ventura County Peer Support Coalition which brings together all Police, Fire, and EMS agencies together quarterly. He also has some unique experience having worked for a nonprofit that provided confidential trauma-informed counseling for first responders and their families prior to joining the team at First Responder Wellness as a Public Safety Advocate.  During his 29-years of service, Jeff worked several challenging assignments including patrol, field training officer, community policing, Special Enforcement Unit, SWAT team member for 10 years, and he also worked as a K-9 handler with a cross-trained patrol/explosive detection K-9. He spent a short time on an FBI Gang Task Force and was a Detective working Gang investigations and Robbery & Violent crimes cases.  Jeff and his wife Andrea have been married for over 35-years and have 2 children, and 2 grandchildren. In 2012, their lives were turned upside down when Jeff was nearly paralyzed in an accident and Andrea was diagnosed with stage-3 breast cancer. After nearly 2-years of treatment, Andrea was finally cancer-free and they have found ways to give back to try and help others in need and honor fallen first responders.  Jeff has been the recipient of dozens of awards including The Medal of Valor; Supervisor of the Year 2018; Community Member of the Year 2018; Awesome in Autism 2019; American Cancer Society Staff Partnership award in 2021; and the Oxnard Police Department Chief’s Award of Excellence 2020, which was a joint award to Jeff and his wife Andrea for their community engagement efforts.  Follow him on Instagram @tombstonecourage and you can learn more about First Responder Wellness here.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. TactiScan is a portable drug screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite with no officer exposure. TactiScan is a reusable pocket-sized narcotics screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite that connects by bluetooth and limits officer exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Learn more at tactiscan.com.

Shawn is the founder of 1st Responder Conferences and a retired deputy from the King County Sheriff's Office in Seattle, WA. Shawn retired in 2022 after 25 years of service as a Wellness and Resiliency Detective and a therapy K9 handler.  During her career, Shawn worked patrol, as an undercover detective, a detective in the warrant unit, transit patrol and as an explosive K9 handler. She was also on the peer support team for 16 years and was a team leader for several years At their conferences, they are dedicated to promoting awareness surrounding the difficulties of the profession and inspiring conversations that minimize the stigma associated with the layered stressors our first responders experience. They provide education, mental health tools, and resources for agencies, first responders, and their families. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for all who dedicate themselves to protecting and serving others. Follow them on Instagram at @1st_responder_conferences or visit their website here to see a calendar of their events. If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. TactiScan is a portable drug screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite with no officer exposure. TactiScan is a reusable pocket-sized narcotics screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite that connects by bluetooth and limits officer exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Learn more at tactiscan.com.  

On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. Travis describes himself as a recalibrated warrior and he’s also a motivational speaker, actor, author and an advocate for veterans and amputees. Travis is also the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Tough as They Come, and his new book Bounce Back: 12 Warrior Principles to Reclaim and Recalibrate Your Life. In September 2013, Travis and his wife Kelsey founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist post 9/11 veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation. The veteran and their families receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses paid, barrier-free vacation to Maine where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s great outdoors. You can follow Travis on Instagram @ssgtravismills If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. TactiScan is a portable drug screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite with no officer exposure. TactiScan is a reusable pocket-sized narcotics screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite that connects by bluetooth and limits officer exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Learn more at tactiscan.com. If you’re looking for challenge coins for your agency or specialty unit, check them out at SignatureCoins.com. You can create a coin in as little as 24 hours and they offer free graphic design, free next day shipping in the US, and industry-leading turnaround times. That’s signaturecoins.com  

Travis Gribble is a 24-year law enforcement veteran and founder of My Arena. Travis spent 11 years at a Sheriff’s Office in Michigan before lateralling to a large agency in Arizona where he worked as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, and as a SWAT assistant team leader and SWAT sergeant.  In 2016, Travis experienced a call that would change his life forever. He shares the story of that call with us today. In 2021, Travis sought and was awarded a Post-Traumatic Stress Injury medical retirement. A short time later, he was asked to share about his experience and he hasn’t stopped sharing it since.  You can follow Travis on Instagram @my_.arena  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. TactiScan is a portable drug screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite with no officer exposure. TactiScan is a reusable pocket-sized narcotics screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite that connects by bluetooth and limits officer exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Learn more at tactiscan.com. If you’re looking for challenge coins for your agency or specialty unit, check them out at SignatureCoins.com. You can create a coin in as little as 24 hours and they offer free graphic design, free next day shipping in the US, and industry-leading turnaround times. That’s signaturecoins.com  

Did you know that 15% of men say they have no close friends? None. 53% of women say they feel lonely at work. 17% of the general population say they routinely experience deep loneliness. What’s scary is loneliness is linked to our longevity and health. Going through life lonely is the equivalent of smoking nearly a pack a day.  Now, that’s not specific to first responders. Add in rotating shifts, working weekends, the hypervigilance roller coaster, and our physiological reactions to job stress and I think it’s safe to say that many cops - whether they admit it or not - are very lonely.  Dr. Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH, is on the faculty of both the Harvard Medical School and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His new book, “Project Unlonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection” explores how loneliness takes root in our lives, how we as social creatures require deeper human connections than we’re currently getting, and what we can do to create more meaningful relationships.  As creator of The Foundation for Art & Healing, Dr. Nobel has become a prominent advocate for creative engagement and how it improves our lives, integrating that work into traditional medical care, as a path to healing as he has revealed that an important component of the healing process is engaging in creativity. Dr. Nobel graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University within the Science and Human Affairs program. He received his medical education at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his internal medicine residency at the Beth Israel Hospital, Boston. Board-certified in both Preventive Medicine and Internal Medicine, Dr. Nobel also holds Master’s Degrees in Epidemiology and Health Policy from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.  Loneliness seems to be an inevitable result of our modern world, and it is perhaps one of the harder things for us to admit we’re struggling with.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. TactiScan is a portable drug screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite with no officer exposure. TactiScan is a reusable pocket-sized narcotics screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite that connects by bluetooth and limits officer exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Learn more at tactiscan.com.

Sabrina Reich is a 19-year police leader of a large university police department in California. She’s also a wife, and mom of two, focused on sharing leadership tips and lessons learned for a better life. Sabrina is building a movement of courageous leaders through enabling strong trust and partnerships because communities deserve to be safe. In this episode, Sabrina shares her journey towards becoming anti-fragile by facing fear head on in her own personal development. It began when she was 10 years old and her home was broken into while the family slept. As the catalyst towards her career in law enforcement, it began a journey for Sabrina as she’s learned to use the stressors of the job to create a more resilient person for herself and her family. That’s being anti-fragile.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. TactiScan is a portable drug screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite with no officer exposure. TactiScan is a reusable pocket-sized narcotics screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite that connects by bluetooth and limits officer exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Learn more at tactiscan.com.  

On October 1, 2017, Sergeant Josh Bitsko found himself on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, about to confront the deadliest killer in U.S. history. Through a weird combination of fate and initiative, Josh found himself leading the assault team of only four officers against a heavily fortified and well-organized murderer. Only six weeks later, a suspect held a gun to his head during a fight. Soon after that, his wife told him she wanted a divorce, his brother committed suicide and he lost his dad to cancer.  But Josh’s story isn’t a sob story. It isn’t a depressing story. It isn’t a trauma story.  It’s a resilience story.  On today’s episode, we’re fortunate enough to have Josh walk us through his early career up to that fateful night of the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival and the aftermath of personal tragedy that awaited him. Josh shares how he mismanaged the trauma and stress, and how he was able to dig himself out of the rubble of his personal life and use the lessons he’s learned to help other cops avoid making the same mistakes.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. TactiScan is a portable drug screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite with no officer exposure. TactiScan is a reusable pocket-sized narcotics screening device designed to detect illicit narcotics onsite that connects by bluetooth and limits officer exposure to potentially dangerous substances. Learn more at tactiscan.com. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. If you're looking for a challenge coin to show your pride in a specialty unit, celebrate a retirement, or need something to give out to supporters, look no further than Signature Coins. Signature Coins has industry-leading turnaround times, free artwork design and free shipping inside the U.S. Visit signaturecoins.com and use the coupon code thesquadroom and you'll get free sequential numbering on the coins in your order.

Oftentimes, it’s the minor things that can set us off and send us spiraling out of control, handing over our sovereignty to anxiety and anger. Getting cut off in traffic, waiting in long lines… A bad haircut can be one of those things.  In this episode I share the story of how a hair stylist (that’s being generous) took to my head as if storming the beaches of Normandy, and how it gave me the opportunity to practice the BADGES model of self-awareness to keep me calm, centered, and here laughing about it.  Are you struggling with losing control over something as simple as a haircut? Have you been surprised by your emotional reactions to seemingly simple things in your life? Do you find that you’re struggling with feelings of being overwhelmed by daily life?  Join us in the mountains outside Denver, Colorado November 9 - 12th for a special four day men’s retreat for first responders and veterans. Any current, former, or retired cop, firefighter, dispatcher, or custody professional can join us along with any current or former military personnel.  For four days  ✅ You’ll have time to prioritize your personal growth so you can dive deep into the work we’ll be doing which means you’ll be ready to tackle 2024 and beyond.  ✅ You’ll be invited to challenge yourself, your current beliefs and your habitual patterns so you can gain clarity about what’s holding you back, which means you’ll finally be able to make the progress you want but can’t seem to get.  ✅ You’ll learn deep - even hidden - truths about how the job has affected your life so you can stop wondering if you’re the only one which means you can finally begin to make sense of it all.  ✅ There won’t be any “civilians” attending so you can feel welcomed and amongst true brothers, safe from special interests and anti-cop attitudes which means you can relax and have fun while doing the work.  ✅ You’ll learn strategies to reclaim your life outside of public service so you can reconnect with the people who are the most important to you.  ✅ You’ll leave with new friends who are committed to their personal growth like you are. Men who are in your corner to cheer you on which means you’re not alone.  If you have any questions, please let me know. I’m happy to jump on a call or simply answer questions by email. Just reply to this.  You can learn more at manuncivilized.com/heroesjourney If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays.

In this episode, I share the story of how I realized something was really wrong with me and how the job was changing me in all the wrong ways. Plus, I share details on our men’s retreat for current, former, and retired first responders and military veterans.  Join us in the mountains outside Denver, Colorado November 9 - 12th for a special four days men’s retreat for first responders and veterans. Any current, former, or retired cop, firefighter, dispatcher, or custody professional can join us along with any current or former military personnel.  Use the coupon code SQUADROOM to get $200 OFF your package for the event.  You can learn more at manuncivilized.com/heroesjourney Why are retreats so powerful?  When I surveyed my audience a while ago, one of the biggest requests I got was for a retreat. I was surprised: People were lacking purpose in their job and they wanted to reclaim it. Some were wondering if this was truly the calling they still wanted and if not, what was next for them?  Men were feeling disconnected from their families and they wanted to reestablish connection.  The mandatory overtime and staffing shortages put their health and wellness on the back-burner and suddenly, they found themselves burned out without a plan.  They were so busy with just getting-by that they were missing out on enjoying life. Retirement was a tough transition and suddenly their friendships disappeared.  …and much more.  Here are my observations and experiences.  Retreats give you dedicated time to focus. In our daily lives, we try to get a few minutes here or there to read, journal, plan or set goals but we need days and hours, not minutes to get clear on what we need.  Distractions get taken away. Being away from the daily routine is a powerful provocation for insights as your body and brain have time to settle down.  You connect with other people doing the same work. There’s an inherent loneliness in adulthood, especially for those wanting to improve. A retreat is like getting your own support system that stays with you after the weekend is over. Because you’re surrounded by others doing the work, you’ve got support when difficult emotions or past experiences come up.   Join us for this powerful experience. We’d love to have you.  Don’t forget the coupon code SQUADROOM is worth $200 off tuition.  Grab your spot before it sells out.  

Dave Boyd is the President of UNcivilized Inc, a men's coach, a workshop facilitator, a husband, a father, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, an ex-MMA fighter, a CrossFit coach, and a former first responder who served as a firefighter, a 911 telecommunicator, and lastly as a local law enforcement officer with nearly 20 years of combined service. In this episode, we cover a wide variety of topics and you’ll learn:  The crazy call that eventually caused him to hang up the gun belt.  How we became friends years ago as a result of this podcast How Dave managed the stress of multiple challenging careers and what he’d do differently.  … and much more.  Including details of our first cohosted retreat! Join us in the mountains outside Denver, Colorado November 9 - 12th for a special four day men’s retreat for first responders and veterans. Any current, former, or retired cop, firefighter, dispatcher, or custody professional can join us along with any current or former military personnel. Use the coupon code SQUADROOM to get $200 OFF your package for the event. You can learn more at manuncivilized.com/heroesjourney You can find him on Instagram @uncivilized_dave. If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. inTime is the leading schedule management system for public safety agencies. Their cloud-based system and app gives your agency control over overtime budgets, subpoena compliance, vacation requests and much more. Learn more at intime.com/thesquadroom.   

In this short episode I share the story of my chance to meet Eddie Van Halen...and how I screwed it up. But that screw up led to one of my favorite conversations ever - with a Rock God no less.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. Make sure to tag me on IG @thesquadroom so I can cheer you on and support you!  

I recently passed the 18th anniversary of the day I entered the academy. The occasion provoked some introspection and on this episode I share 18 lessons I've learned throughout my career to this point - lessons often learned the hard way.  It's certainly not a comprehensive list but I incuded things that I think can help someone avoid some of the common mistakes I've made, and I've seen made by others.  I'd love to hear what lessons you have for others, or things you've learned. Drop me a DM @thesquadroom or shoot me an email at garrett@thesquadroom.net.  Here's a link to the original Instagram post that prompted this episode.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays.  

Matthew Thomas is currently the Chief Deputy of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona. Matthew works with one of the most famous sheriffs in the county, Mark Lamb. Matthew has a long career in SWAT and undercover work and fighting the ever-encroaching influence and the Mexican drug cartels with over 700 SWAT missions in his career. Matthew is also the author of the book Interceptors: The Untold Fight Against the Mexican Cartels. In this episode, we cover a wide variety of topics and get his advice on how to:  Build a successful marriage in a law enforcement career Lead in any organization regardless of rank Deal with tough times based on his own experience.   Be open to learning throughout your career.  … and much more.  You can find him on Instagram @deputy_onetime and his website is onetimenation.com As we talk about in this episode, new leader’s are often left without support or direction on how they can develop into their full potential. That’s why I created The Leader’s Workbook, a FREE resource for anyone who is, or wants to be, a leader in their agency and wants to learn how to expand their influence and contribution. You can get it here, absolutely free.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. Make sure to tag me on IG @thesquadroom so I can cheer you on and support you! A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. inTime is the leading schedule management system for public safety agencies. Their cloud-based system and app gives your agency control over overtime budgets, subpoena compliance, vacation requests and much more. Learn more at intime.com/thesquadroom.  If you're looking for a high quality challenge coin for your agency or special event, make sure you call signaturecoins.com. They're made in the USA and they can deliver coins as quickly as 24 hours, plus they offer free graphic design, and free shipping in the U.S.  

Dr. Rick Hanson is a renowned psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, and meditation teacher known for his expertise in the field of neuroscience and positive psychology. With a deep understanding of the brain and its capacity for change, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals cultivate happiness, resilience, and well-being. Dr. Hanson has authored several influential books, including his newest book “Making Great Relationships: Simple Practices for Solving Conflicts, Building Connection, and Fostering Love”, "Hardwiring Happiness" and "Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakeable Core of Calm, Strength and Happiness," and his teachings and insights have inspired countless people around the world to transform their lives through mindfulness and self-empowerment. In this episode you’ll learn:  What the parable of The Two Wolves means to Rick, and how to use it in your own life.  How our bodies “negativity bias” sets us up for failure in high stress careers and how we can combat that with a simple exercise.  How neuroplasticity and mindfulness can actually rewire your brain and help resolve trauma.  How a gratitude practice is the fastest way towards changing a bad mood or attitude.  How to recover from big mistakes.  You can learn more about Dr. Rick Hanson at rickhanson.net and on Instagram at @rickhansonphd His podcast, which I highly recommend for anyone interested in psychology or personal development is Being Well and is available on all the podcast platforms.  In this episode, we talk about the parable of the two wolves. If this is an idea that interests you, I created The Good Wolf Journal, a FREE 7-day journal to help you learn a practice of gratitude, how to keep negativity at bay, and how you can serve others by helping them feed their own Good Wolf. It’s available at thesquadroom.net/thegoodwolfjournal for free.  If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. New leader’s are often left without support or an idea of how they can develop into their full potential. That’s why I created The Leader’s Workbook, a FREE resource for anyone who is, or wants to be, a leader in their agency and wants to learn how to expand their influence and contribution. You can get it here, absolutely free.  Make sure to tag me on IG @thesquadroom so I can cheer you on and support you! A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. inTime is the leading schedule management system for public safety agencies. Their cloud-based system and app gives your agency control over overtime budgets, subpoena compliance, vacation requests and much more. Learn more at intime.com/thesquadroom. 

SWAT Officer Brandon Griffith was in the best shape of his life at 26 years old when he collapsed dead in his living room from a sudden cardiac arrest.  His wife started CPR while calling 911 and he was eventually shocked back to life with a defibrillator.  In this episode you will learn:  Brandon’s description of what it was like to be shocked with an AED (he remembers the whole thing!). How he fought to come back to work, even with a defibrillator implanted in his chest.  Why Brandon believes it’s a moral imperative that law enforcement equip and train themselves to respond to cardiac events.  Brandon’s mindset about life and death after experiencing both! The story is bananas and you’ve got to listen to how he describes feeling the shock.  In the aftermath of his cardiac arrest, Brandon formed Griffith Blue Heart, a non-profit dedicated  to improving law enforcement’s ability to respond to cardiac arrests in the field. Brandon and his team help agencies raise funds, train employees, and create policies to deploy AEDs into the field.  You can learn more about his organization at griffithblueheart.com. If you’re looking for a little extra joy in your life, sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. New leader’s are often left without support or an idea of how they can develop into their full potential. That’s why I created The Leader’s Workbook, a FREE resource for anyone who is, or wants to be, a leader in their agency and wants to learn how to expand their influence and contribution. You can get it here, absolutely free.  Make sure to tag me on IG @thesquadroom so I can cheer you on and support you! A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. inTime is the leading schedule management system for public safety agencies. Their cloud-based system and app gives your agency control over overtime budgets, subpoena compliance, vacation requests and much more. Learn more at intime.com/thesquadroom.

Micromanagers usually lack trust in their coworkers so they feel they need to obsessively watch over them. What's missing, is that the micromanagers also lack trust in themselves, and all that behavior is an outward expression of an inner turmoil.  In this episode, I share some quick insights into how you can avoid becoming the dreaded micromanager no one wants to work with.  Sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. Make sure to tag me on IG @thesquadroom so I can cheer you on and support you!  

Ryan Allen, a successful K9 handler for his department, didn’t think much about the bee sting he got on the way home from the gym. What happened next turned this small thing into a nightmare of panic, grief, guilt and difficult decisions.  Six months later, Ryan’s wife Whitney buried her young husband and was left to figure out how to parent two young boys by herself.  In the aftermath of Ryan’s death, Whitney pursued her own healing and eventually decided to become a grief counselor, helping other widows deal with the massive loss.  In this episode, Whitney shares ideas on how to find joy after loss, and how to navigate the feelings of guilt that come from being happy after someone is gone. She also shares strategies on how we can help our friends and partners when they’re faced with a sudden loss in the family.  You can learn more about Whitney at whitneylynallen.com or on Instagram @whitneylynallen. Her book, Running in Trauma Stilletos: A Raw Look at Grief and Life after Loss is available on Amazon.  Sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. Make sure to tag me on IG @thesquadroom so I can cheer you on and support you! A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. inTime is the leading schedule management system for public safety agencies. Their cloud-based system and app gives your agency control over overtime budgets, subpoena compliance, vacation requests and much more. Learn more at intime.com/thesquadroom.

Have you just gotten promoted or looking to promote soon? This episode might save you a lot of heartache. 10 years ago this week I was promoted to sergeant. And then, just about a year ago I was promoted to lieutenant. In that time I’ve had some wins…and a whole lot of losses. I’ve also read a ton on leadership and been able to try out a lot of those academic theories in the real world. Then, I went back to academia and got my Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Sector Leadership and Management.  So suffice it to say, I’ve got some experience being a front line supervisor.  And here’s the biggest tip I didn’t even include on the list…that being a front line supervisor is much easier than being a front line leader.  When in doubt, be the leader.  In this episode, I share 11 tips for new supervisors that I think are important for you to know. It’s not a complete list - that would take many episodes and perhaps I’ll do more if you like these. But, this is 11 issues that I commonly see. Some are mistakes I made, some are common problems, and some might help you think about your role a little differently.  New leader’s are often left without support or an idea of how they can develop into their full potential. That’s why I created The Leader’s Workbook, a FREE resource for anyone who is, or wants to be, a leader in their agency and wants to learn how to expand their influence and contribution. You can get it here, absolutely free.  Sign up for Tactical Tuesdays, a FREE weekly email where we bring you a few tactics, tips and strategies to help you succeed in the week ahead. It may be about a book I want to share, gear I’ve found useful, an inspiring quote, or anything else I think you’d like. To sign up for the Tactical Tuesdays email list, you can visit thesquadroom.net/tacticaltuesdays. Make sure to tag me on IG @thesquadroom so I can cheer you on and support you! A special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode. Want to make it difficult for criminals to discover your home address? I use OfficerPrivacy and you should, too. Check out the special deal at OfficerPrivacy.com/thesquadroom where you'll get two free months of monitoring and data removal plus a FREE Cell Phone Privacy Device when you sign up. inTime is the leading schedule management system for public safety agencies. Their cloud-based system and app gives your agency control over overtime budgets, subpoena compliance, vacation requests and much more. Learn more at intime.com/thesquadroom.