Law Enforcement Episodes

It’s not easy to admit you’re struggling, especially when you’re supposed to be the strong one. Brad Savage, a 15-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, knows this better than most. From serving in Canada’s largest cities to its most remote communities, Brad has seen and endured more than many can imagine. But his story isn’t just about the job; it’s about the unspoken struggles and silent battles so many first responders face—and the courage it takes to confront them. In this episod...

In this episode of After the Tones Drop , we talk to Ryan Mink—former Army infantryman, law enforcement officer, and now a financial planner who actually gets it . This guy has seen it all, from the chaos of the battlefield to the mayhem of the streets, and now he’s using that hard-earned wisdom to help first responders stop screwing up their finances. Ryan’s no stranger to stress, and he’s using his unique background to show Ohio’s public servants how to plan for the future without losing their...

This episode isn’t your average fitness chat. Erin and Cinnamon sit down with Monica Crawford, the brains (and brawn) behind Five-O, Fierce, and Fit , an online fitness and nutrition coaching biz that’s all about getting female first responders strong, healthy, and thriving. Monica’s been through the ringer herself—working in a toxic police department that was tanking her mental and physical health—so she knows a thing or two about what it takes to pull yourself out of the gutter and level up. M...

This episode is for anyone who’s faced the darkness and found the courage to seek the light. It’s for the warriors, the wounded, and anyone who believes in the power of second chances. Today’s guest is the ultimate comeback kid, Rocco Besednjak—a retired cop and Navy vet who stared down the barrel of despair and came out the other side swinging. Rocco’s story isn’t just a tale of survival; it’s a saga of transformation. After being medically retired due to severe injuries, Rocco faced the gut-wr...

Grab your headphones! In today’s episode, we sit down with Nicole Junkerman, whose incredible journey from police officer to certified Death Doula and Grief Recovery Specialist is nothing short of inspiring. She’s here to talk about her transformation and how she's helping others find peace in their final moments through her venture, Positive Passing, LLC. Nicole started her career wearing a badge, dedicated to serving and protecting. But after an injury forced her to hang up her uniform sooner ...

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Hickory, a police sergeant who's spent over 20 years on the force, diving deep into his own struggles with addiction and trauma. Jonathan rose out of the dark and emerged a published author of a book turned movie entitled "Break Every Chain." Jonathan doesn't hold back on the tough stuff, emphasizing how vital mental wellness, resilience, and suicide prevention are for folks like him in law enforcement. Teaching a class at a regional academy, Jonathan u...

In a special feature during their season break, After the Tones Drop presents an insightful episode from "The Next Shift Podcast" entitled "YOU ARE NOT ALONE," hosted by Jess Flores. This episode delves into the complex emotions and experiences that many first responders face when transitioning out of active service. Jess, drawing from her personal journey of leaving law enforcement 7.5 years ago, shares the profound sense of isolation she encountered—an experience echoed by her former colleague...

Okay, folks, strap in. We've got AK Dozanti on the show, a former Deputy Sheriff turned First Responder Coach & Specialist. AK's been through the ringer—burnout, depression, PTSD, adrenal fatigue—you name it. Now she's on a mission to help first responders not just cope with chronic stress but actually prevent burnout. That's right, PREVENT it. AK's done it all. She’s been a Deputy, a Criminal Court Victim Advocate, and even a yoga instructor. Yeah, yoga. Because first responders need something ...

Welcome to today's episode where we explore the lives of Samie and Ryan, a couple who both serve as first responders, balancing their demanding careers with raising a young family. They share their story from how they met and got engaged, to the conscious decision to prioritize their relationship and family life above all else. Communication, trust, and understanding play pivotal roles in their relationship, especially given the unpredictable nature of shift work and the intense demands of their...

Imagine swapping handcuffs for yoga mats—that's exactly what Vance Rowe did. From tackling law enforcement's high-pressure cooker to embracing the zen of yoga, Vance's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He gets real with us about his battle with alcohol, a moment caught on video that jolted him awake to the need for change. It's all about hitting rock bottom and finding that ladder to climb out. Vance dives into the deep end, talking about the importance of looking after your mental and phys...

In our latest episode of Erin and Cinnamon kick things off with a real-life snippet of gallows humor so perfectly timed, it could only come from a place of deep understanding and shared experience. But don't worry, the details are our little secret. As we unpack the topic, it's clear that gallows humor sits in a unique spot—it's like walking a tightrope between what helps us cope and what might just be a band-aid on a bullet wound. They delve into the heart of why this kind of humor isn't just a...

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of corrections with none other than William Young, a seasoned pro who's been navigating the complex corridors of correctional facilities since way back in 2005. Imagine working everywhere from the sanitation details to the tense atmosphere of segregation - William's done it all. But that's not where his story ends. He's on a new mission these days, shaping up to be the go-to guy for Wellness and Retention within his agency. Yeah, you heard that right, he'...

Today's episode is a must-listen. We're talking with Larry Turner, a man whose life reads like an adventure novel. After serving in the U.S. Army and the Columbus Division of Police, Larry faced a turning point with the loss of a close friend. But instead of letting it defeat him, he channeled his grief into action. Larry's now the proud owner of Killbuck Creek Distillery, where every bottle tells a story of honor and remembrance. His journey took a transformative turn with Save A Warrior, an ex...

In the often unseen shadows of law enforcement, a weight is shouldered by officers — a weight composed of responsibility, sacrifice, and the silent battles waged within. Meet Davin, a seasoned 33-year law enforcement veteran, whose extraordinary journey is a testament to resilience and redemption. From the rigorous roles of K9 Handler to SWAT team member, Davin has not only witnessed but personally weathered the profound psychological toll that policing extracts. His narrative takes an unexpecte...

It is such a demanding world for first responders, who confront a lot of physical and mental challenges, the need for holistic health and performance optimization is essential in every scenario they encounter. A physical therapist and the founder of Bell Performance Therapy, Dr. Brandon Bellman, joined us in today's episode. Dr. Bellman's journey began following the encounter of two injuries, which our guest got from being a high school athlete and having to experience both excellent and poor me...

Many first responders find themselves forced to retire or leave their careers due to injury or other circumstances, and this can lead to feelings of uncertainty and a lack of purpose. Jess, however, took her own experience of losing her job and turned it into an opportunity to help others in similar situations. Our guest, Jess Flores started her career in law enforcement at the young age of 21, but just ten years later, her career was abruptly taken away due to an injury. Uncovering a story that...

Meet Edward Curtis, the law enforcement veteran with two decades of street smarts. Currently rocking the title of Corporal, he's the guy in charge on the patrol beat, answering calls and keeping the community vibe strong. But wait, there's more. Edward is no rookie when it comes to training. Certified by the Municipal Police Officers Training Commission, he's the brains behind the statewide police officer certification classes. And if that's not enough, he's also dropping knowledge bombs as an a...

"I don't want any other first responders to feel that they have to be stuck in that darkness and that there is hope that you can get out of that and get help." Grappled with a range of challenges, including addiction, mental health issues, trauma, and even contemplating suicide. Monica's chaotic journey and its impact on her personal and professional life reached to a point of her seeking help. Tune in to discover how she draws from her journey to inspire others and advocate for mental health an...

In the realm of first responders, bravery is valuable, and fortitude is required. As we embark on the compelling journey of his victory over post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), one resounding message reverberates: the ghost of childhood trauma, often shrouded in silence, casts a formidable shadow over those who rush to our aid in times of crisis. Today, we have Michael Sugrue, a former law enforcement officer and co-author of the book "Relentless Courage," who shared his personal journey of ove...

Guest, Sean Woods has dabbled in various opportunities in the law enforcement world. He joins our show to share in the steps and successes of creating a wellness program within his department. This program has helped many of his fellow officers and he bestows its successes to the many hands involved and the nature of the program remaining a trusting and confidential atmosphere. Raised in Long Island, his current position as FOP Chaplain requires he continue to arm himself with that blunt New Yo...