The LEO First Podcast

Latest Episodes:

"I didn't understand her" featuring Sheriff Will Akin Aug 07, 2024

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In part one of the LEO First Podcast, join us for an eye-opening conversation with Sheriff Will Akin of the Clay County Sheriff's Office. A US Army veteran and former officer with the Phoenix Police and South Bend Police Departments, Sheriff Akin brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to mental health in law enforcement. Discover how his role model mother, family life, and college education have shaped his perspective. Don't miss Part Two coming out next week!

#MentalHealthMatters #PoliceLeadership #USArmyVeteran #LawEnforcement #FamilyFirst #FirstResponders #EmergencyServices #FirstResponderLife #HeroicDuty #FrontlineHeroes #ResponderLife #EmergencyResponse #RescueTeam

I Thought I Was Gonna Die featuring Chris Martinez Aug 02, 2024

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🚔 New Episode Alert: The LEO First Podcast 🚔

This week, we're honored to feature Christian Martinez AKA Kable, a retired law enforcement officer with 24 years of service. Chris' extensive career includes 8 years with Hialeah Police, 16 years with Miami Gardens Police, 4 years in the Army, and 2 years in the National Guard. Despite his professional success, Chris faced significant personal battles, including depression, PTSD, suicidal ideations, and substance abuse, which led him into a dark place.

Chris' turning point came when he found faith, transforming his life and igniting a passion for advocacy. Now, he champions physical and mental wellness, stressing the importance of having a crisis plan in place. His story is not just a testament to resilience but a vital message for those facing similar struggles or supporting others who do.

Join us for an eye-opening episode as Chris shares his journey of overcoming adversity and his mission to promote wellness and preparedness.

#LEOFirstPodcast #LawEnforcement #MilitaryVeteran #MentalWellness #PhysicalWellness #CrisisPlan #Faith #OvercomingAddiction #Resilience #PTSDRecovery #Inspiration #Podcast #WellnessJourney #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #TransformationTuesday #YouAreNotAlone #PodcastLife #ListenNow #Subscribe

Leadership and Tactical Communication with Captain Kory Flowers Jul 24, 2024

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New Episode Alert!

Join us on the LEO First Podcast as we sit down with Captain Kory Flowers, a 25-year veteran of the Greensboro Police Department.

Captain Flowers is not just an expert in law enforcement but also a renowned trainer on subversive criminal groups, leadership, and tactical communication.

His insights have been featured in top publications like Police One, Police Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times, and he's a familiar voice on the Street Cop Podcast.

In this episode, we dive into his experiences, the importance of effective communication in law enforcement, and his impactful work with Run Well, a mentorship program for young men.

Don't miss this engaging conversation with a leader dedicated to shaping the future of policing!

#police #lawenforcement #policeofficer #policetraining #leadership #firstresponders #swat #family

Special "Trump" Edition featuring Michael Sugrue Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Join us on The LEO First Podcast for a special "Trump" edition featuring Michael Sugrue. In this powerful episode, Michael shares his harrowing experiences from two critical incidents. During the first shooting, his body broke down under immense stress, leaving a lasting impact on his mental health. The second shooting was fatal, where Michael had to make the life-altering decision to take another man's life.

Michael's candid discussion sheds light on the mental toll faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of mental wellness. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation.

Catch up on Michael's previous appearance in Episode 19 from July 2023, and check out our in-depth discussion on the Rayshard Brooks case in Episode 8, "The .25 Decision," from June 2020.

Tune in now and let's continue the conversation on mental health in law enforcement.

#leofirstpodcast #MichaelSugrue #mentalhealth #lawenforcement #FirstResponder #MentalWellness #PoliceCommunity #PodcastLife #TrueCrimePodcast #PoliceStories #developthepolice

Episode 50 - A Milestone featuring Michael Laidler Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the milestone 50th episode of the LEO First Podcast! I'm Michael Laidler, your host, and I couldn't be more excited to reach this significant point in our journey. We started this podcast back in 2019, took a necessary break from 2020 to 2023, and came back stronger than ever with 40 incredible episodes from May 2023 to June 2024.

As we look ahead to episodes 51 through 100, I promise you an epic lineup of content. We aim to continue inspiring and informing our listeners with fresh and engaging discussions. But I need your help to make it even better! I'm looking for your suggestions on guests you'd love to hear from and topics you're passionate about. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of the LEO First Podcast.

Thank you so much for your continuous support. Your views, likes, shares, and comments have been instrumental in our growth. Let's continue this journey together—like, share, and comment to help spread the word. Here's to the next 50 episodes and beyond!

#podcast #lawenforcement #police #mentalwellness #mentalhealth

Finding Strength in Struggle: Mike Schentrup's Story | LEO First Podcast Episode 49 May 22, 2024

Show notes

Episode 49 of the LEO First Podcast features Mike Schentrup, a seasoned law enforcement officer with 25 years of service at Gainesville PD. As a dedicated father and husband of nearly three decades, Schentrup shares insights from his personal and professional journey. Amidst personal losses, including the passing of his wife's parents and brother due to COVID-19, Schentrup maintains a resilient, "glass half full" perspective on life. He emphasizes the importance of celebrating success and fostering a competitive spirit. Schentrup's dedication extends beyond policing; he actively engages in community work, including his involvement with the Florida Council for Sexual Violence. With a commitment to trauma-informed response and the "Start by Believing" campaign, Schentrup demonstrates his passion for making a positive impact. As a lifelong learner, he recommends essential reads like "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and "How to Win Friends and Influence People." In his final words, Schentrup encourages generosity and offers valuable advice for those looking to start a business, advocating for proactive networking on platforms like LinkedIn.

#PersonalGrowth #LEOFirstPodcast #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #developthepolice

Leadership, Legacy, and Family: Insights from Chief Keith Grounsell | LEO First Podcast Episode 48 May 08, 2024

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In episode 48 of the LEO First Podcast, Keith Grounsell, Chief of Police at the Laurens Police Department, shares his inspiring journey balancing the responsibilities of law enforcement with the joys and challenges of family life. With four children, including a 6-year-old adopted from a troubled background, Keith emphasizes the importance of family values and staying mentally resilient in the face of demanding situations. Having dedicated much of his career to drug investigations, Keith reflects on the necessity of maintaining perspective and avoiding becoming jaded. He discusses his book series, "A NARC'S TALE," shedding light on his experiences and lessons learned. As he enters the final phase of his fifth book, a children's book, Keith underscores the significance of leaving a legacy and setting achievable goals both personally and professionally. With a commitment to physical fitness and leading by example, Keith imparts valuable insights on leadership and making a positive impact in the community. Don't miss this compelling episode filled with wisdom and encouragement.

#LEOFirstPodcast #Family #MentalResilience #LeadershipJourney #LegacyBuilding #developthepolice

Episode 47: From Music to Service: Lindsay McCall Long's Journey Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

In Episode 47 of the LEO First Podcast, we bring you the inspiring story of Lindsay McCall Long. Born in the Bay Area to parents deeply entrenched in the music industry, Lindsay's life took an unexpected turn after her father's passing at the age of 17. Retiring from Tempe PD three years ago, Lindsay shares her unique journey, having initially diverged from a musical path to embrace a career in law enforcement.

Having spent 14-15 years in Georgia, Lindsay's first venture into law enforcement was with Gwinnett County PD, the largest in Georgia. The experience was transformative, as she navigated the challenges of the academy and learned both good and bad methods from seasoned officers. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, stating, "You take you with you."

The narrative takes a poignant turn as Lindsay explains her personal struggles, including a diagnosis of postpartum disorder after the birth of her second child. She opens up about a critical incident on October 29, 2018, where she was shot three times, highlighting the cumulative stress faced by law enforcement officers. Lindsay sheds light on the often-hidden realities of trauma and the ongoing battle with depression.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the intense changes brought about by trauma and the importance of seeking help. Lindsay provides details on where people can connect with her, including Lindsaytalks.com and LinkedIn. In her final words, she encourages everyone to be their own best advocate.

#theLEOFirstPodcast #music #Trauma #MentalHealthAwareness #developthepolice

Episode 46: Resilience and Reflections: A 23-Year Law Enforcement Journey featuring Ray Beshirs Apr 09, 2024

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In Episode 46 of The LEO First Podcast, join us for a compelling conversation with Ray Beshirs, boasting 23 years of experience in law enforcement in the DFW area. Explore Ray's remarkable journey, from growing up in poverty to becoming a dedicated supervisor with a passion for training. Uncover the lessons he learned along the way, including the importance of quality control and the necessity of passion in an instructor.

Ray shares his unique perspective on resilience, having experienced homelessness at the age of 17. Despite not having a degree, he emphasizes the significance of empathy when walking in the shoes of others. Gain insights into the challenges of financial planning for retirement in law enforcement and the importance of open communication with family.

Discover the impact of friendships both inside and outside of law enforcement and how Ray believes the manner of disagreement can make a difference. Explore the benefits of good health and the need to increase police explorer programs. Ray sheds light on his role as a public service officer and provides details on where you can connect with him - on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

In his final words, Ray encourages everyone to stay safe and emphasizes the importance of reaching out if needed. Don't miss this opportunity to gain wisdom from Ray Beshirs' extensive law enforcement career.

#theLEOFirstPodcast #officer #Police #Career #developthepolice

Episode 45: Insights from the Frontline featuring John Vik Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

In Episode 45 of the LEO First Podcast, join us for an exclusive conversation with John Vik, a distinguished member of the Lancaster Sheriff Office. Discover the intricacies of professional standards, hiring and firing, and internal affairs as John shares his journey of starting professional standards from scratch. Gain valuable insights into the transformative effects of working in professional standards and how it has shaped John's perspective on the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Explore the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officers, from the rarity of investigations to the profound impact of traumatic events. John provides a glimpse into the core values of compassion and empathy that form the foundation of community policing. Learn about the role of police officers as problem solvers and the intentional efforts required in personal relationships, both within the family and the community.

Learn about John's experience at the FBI National Academy in the fall of 2022, where he underwent 10 weeks of intensive training. Understand the critical role of local and state cooperation in combating crime, as emphasized by the FBI. John also shares insights into maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health in a demanding profession.

Looking to connect with John Vik? Learn about job opportunities at the Lancaster Sheriff Office (@lsonebraska) and find him on LinkedIn. Don't miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of law enforcement from someone who believes it is the best career in the world.

#theLEOFirstPodcast #ProfessionalStandards #CommunityPolicing #FBINationalAcademy #PublicSafety #developthepolice

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