Episodes

FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Episode 019 Peer support isn't just about formal programs and training manuals. It's about being there for each other when times get tough. In this episode, we dive into a real-life story that illustrates how simple acts of connection can have a huge impact. We meet Kevin, an officer who’s been silently struggling, and Elena, his partner, who notices the change and reaches out. This isn’t about fixing problems; it's about creating a space where honesty ca...

FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Episode 018 Darnell Price's story is a powerful reminder of how the weight of our work can catch up to us, even the toughest among us. After years of being a detective in Special Victims, he finds himself paralyzed by the very cases he once tackled with relentless determination. The episode dives into what happens when an officer’s emotional container overflows, and how this can impact not just their work, but their personal lives too. It’s also about the...

We gotta pay attention to our partners, folks. In this episode, we dive into the signs that indicate one of our own might be struggling. It's about noticing the small changes that can lead to big problems down the line. We share the story of two Texas officers — one who nearly fell through the cracks because no one saw the signs, and another who made sure that didn't happen again. We’re not here to diagnose or play therapist; we’re here to teach you how to recognize the need for support before i...

Episode 016 FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Brian Kowalski’s story hits hard. He survived a tragic car accident that took his partner Mike Hennessey’s life, and now he’s grappling with the aftermath. Four months later, he’s back on patrol, but not the same guy he used to be. The shaking in his hands has stopped, but the trauma is still heavy. Brian’s story is a real look at survivor's guilt and the struggle to regain composure while on the job. It’s not just about getting back behind th...

Episode 015 FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Dale Pritchett's story isn't some dramatic rescue or heroic takedown—it's about the real weight we carry after a justified shoot. This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of how even a clean shoot can haunt us long after the scene is cleared. Dale’s been on patrol for 28 years, yet he's still replaying a call from three years ago, and he's not alone in this struggle. We’re talking about the hidden toll of our job and the struggle to find real ...

Share Your Story FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Episode 014: This episode dives deep into a tough but critical topic: the reality of facing assault from within the ranks. We're talking about Jessica Ramirez, a rookie officer who found herself in a nightmare scenario with her field training officer. Instead of letting that betrayal crush her spirit, Jess turned her pain into purpose, fighting to create change in a system that often silences victims. We’ll break down what it takes to rep...

Share Your Story FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Episode 013: Megan Sorensen's story takes us on a wild ride through the intense world of policing, where just three seconds changed everything. In a moment of routine, she found herself facing a life-or-death decision that led to the tragic shooting of a teenager holding a cell phone. Despite being cleared by the grand jury and the department, Megan grapples with the haunting reality of moral injury, which shakes her belief that doing eve...

Share Your Story FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Episode 012: We’re diving deep into the real-life story of Dan Kowalski, a former cop who got hit hard with a line-of-duty injury that flipped his world upside down. This isn’t just a tale of physical pain—oh no, it’s about losing a career, a partner, and trying to figure out who you are when everything you’ve built crumbles. Dan’s been on this rollercoaster for 11 months, and guess what? He’s still figuring it out, which we all know can ...

Share Your Story Episode 011: Marcus Hayes, a dedicated officer, thought he was doing everything right in his role as a domestic violence liaison. But after responding to the same couple's calls multiple times, a tragic event unfolded that forced him to confront the harsh reality of his job. In this episode, we dive into Marcus’s story, exploring the emotional toll of police work and the concept of moral injury that many officers face. It’s a raw and real look at how even the best intentions som...

Share Your Story Episode 010: The Resilience Overview Series Part 7: Welcome to the grand finale of our resilience series! Get ready, because we’re going to explore how your health affects your ability to cope with the challenges of law enforcement. It’s not just about having a strong mindset; it's about establishing a solid foundation through good health practices. In this episode, we’ll highlight the importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and how they are interconnected with your ment...

Share Your Story Episode 009: The Resilience Overview Series Part 6: Hey everyone! Today, we're all about collaboration—it's such an important part of what we do! We're diving into how building strong relationships and having a solid support system can really boost resilience in law enforcement. There’s a lot of research that shows having a good support network not only helps prevent PTSD but also speeds up recovery from tough situations. That said, we know that the culture of policing can somet...

Share Your Story Episode 008: The Resilience Overview Series Part 5: Today, we’re diving into the concept of tenacity, and trust me, it’s a game-changer! Tenacity is all about getting back up when life (or work) knocks you down. We’ll explore how to keep moving forward, even when things get tough, and why a little thing called realistic optimism should become your new best friend. Spoiler alert: it’s not about pretending that everything is perfect, but rather about learning from the challenges ...

Share Your Story Episode 007: The Resilience Overview Series Part 4: Today, we’re diving into something super important: how your brain thinks can actually change the game for your mental health. We’re talking about reasoning and its sneaky power to either help you bounce back or leave you feeling stuck. It’s all about how you interpret those tough moments – like, do you see a setback as the end of the world or just a bump in the road? We’ll explore cognitive traps that might be holding you bac...

Share Your Story Episode 006: The Resilience Overview Series Part 3: We’re diving deep into the often untold stories behind the badge, focusing on the emotional and mental toll that policing takes on our brave officers. Today, we’re unpacking the concept of composure —managing those wild emotions, especially when the heat is on. Think of it as your superpower for staying cool under pressure! We’ll explore how your brain reacts during high-stress situations and share some nifty tools to help you...

Share Your Story Episode 005: The Resilience Overview Series Part 2: The first domain we’re unpacking is vision—a huge part of the predictive six-factor resilience model. What does it mean to have a clear sense of purpose? It’s about knowing what drives you and why you do what you do. Research indicates that a strong vision can be the key to resilience, particularly when facing traumatic events. We’ll share powerful stories illustrating the difference between officers who have a well-defined pur...

Share Your Story Episode 004: The Resilience Overview Series Part 1: Ready to unpack some serious truths about policing? Police Speak is your go-to source for everything related to resilience in law enforcement. Each week, we explore the gritty realities of police work, from intense encounters to the emotional aftermath that often goes unnoticed. This episode marks the beginning of our journey through the Predictive Six Factor Resilience Model, also known as PR6. What’s that, you ask? It’s a ro...

Share Your Story Episode 003: Today, we dive deep into the poignant journey of Detective James Keller, who finds himself at a critical juncture after years of investigating child abuse cases. He's been on the job for 14 years, but after seven in Special Victims, the emotional weight is starting to crush him. Picture this: it's 1:39 AM, he's sitting in his truck, contemplating whether he can continue this brutal line of work. We unpack the unseen toll that policing takes on mental health, explori...

Share Your Story Episode 002: Detective Jennifer Martinez’s story is a deep dive into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with working in the Crimes Against Children unit. She's a pro, but after a particularly heart-wrenching case, she finds herself spiraling, struggling to balance her job and her family life. The episode really hits home on how the weight of trauma doesn’t just disappear when you clock out. I mean, who knew that the brain could be such a drama queen, right? We explore how Je...

Share Your Story Episode 001: We’re diving into a raw and real conversation about the hidden struggles behind the badge. Angela Reyes, a seasoned SWAT operator, faced a life-altering moment when her partner was tragically killed during a routine operation, leaving her grappling with the weight of trauma and self-doubt. This isn’t just a story of loss; it’s about the unraveling of her identity and the tough road to rebuilding trust in herself. We chat about how trauma can turn your brain into a p...

Send us a text Hey there! Ever wonder what happens after the headlines fade and the adrenaline wears off? Let me introduce you to Police Speak, your inside look into the real lives of our everyday heroes - the law enforcement officers who tackle unimaginable situations. Join us as we peel back the curtain on the emotional aftermath of critical incidents. It's not just about one pivotal moment but the journey beyond it - the sleepless nights, the family struggles, and the incredible courage th...