Episodes

Send us a text We explore why culture beats cash, how leader–member exchange strengthens trust, and why sergeants are the keystone of retention. Dr. Marshall Jones makes the case for borrowing proven business models, fixing communication beyond email, and putting guardrails on AI so cases stand up …

Send us a text Officers in Minneapolis describe empty rosters, mixed messages, and orders that put optics over safety. We speak with Jesse Watts of The Wounded Blue about confidential peer support, staffing collapse, and what courageous leadership should look like in high-risk moments. • why The Wo…

Send us a text Lt. Randy Sutton and Dr. Travis Yates challenge the myths driving modern policing, from failed recruiting tactics to political mandates that increase officer injuries, and lay out practical, data-led ways to keep officers and communities safer. Dr. Travis Yates shares research, real …

Send us a text We sit down with Pete James of OfficerPrivacy.com to break down why doxxing has escalated, how data brokers expose home addresses, and what it takes to protect families. We also announce a waived-fee removal for Minnesota ICE agents and share practical steps to lock down social media…

Send us a text We sit down with David Berez to unpack culture, leadership, and mental health in policing, and why science-backed tools beat checkbox trainings. He shares practical ways to build anti-fragility, define purpose beyond the badge, and lead with courageous optimism. • differences in cult…

Send us a text In this powerful interview, Travis speaks to Keith Graves, a 29-year law enforcement veteran and a worldwide expert in church security, to discuss the dangers in and outside the church. We share practical steps for Christmas services, early warning signs, and how to act with discernm…

Send us a text Leadership gets real when the stakes are high and the cameras roll. We sit down with retired deputy chief and author John Blackledge to unpack what it takes to build courageous, effective leaders in policing and beyond—leaders who make the right call even when it costs them. John’s p…

Send us a text Legacy is a common theme in leadership, but it's rarely seen. In this episode, Dr. Travis Yates explores the legacy of LAPD Captain Rudy De Leon through the lived experience of his granddaughter, Brandi Stansbury-Moody. For more information on Captain De Leon, read our article here. …

Send us a text We share a candid reminder that gratitude is not fluff, it’s a force that makes leadership steadier. By reframing complaints through global perspective and practical habits, we show how leaders gain clarity, courage, and momentum. • the pull of negativity and how it distorts judgment…

Send us a text We explore how AI can strengthen or weaken policing, why prompts and ethics matter, and where automation crosses the line from helpful to harmful. We share practical steps leaders can use today and warn against replacing human judgment with black boxes. • three tiers of AI use: conve…

Send us a text We unpack why policing doesn’t have a talent shortage as much as a process problem and show how a recruiting-first strategy beats marketing spend. Doug Larsen of SAFEGUARD Recruiting shares sourcing tactics, mobile-first communication strategies, and real-world results from major age…

Send us a text A quiet surge in officer assaults is happening right under our noses, and most leaders aren’t talking about it. We dig into the policies, the pressure, and the missed accountability that turned a wave of “reform” into a spike in risk—even as violent crime trends downward from its 202…

Send us a text We speak with 26-year law enforcement veteran Jeff Moorefield about building a real off-ramp for first responders and why transition planning must start on day one. We dig into identity, health, finances, and practical steps that translate police skills into private sector roles. • f…

Send us a text We have a political supremacist problem in America where certain ideologies believe their viewpoint is so morally correct that violence becomes an acceptable response to their opponents. • A Rutgers University study found over 50% of left-of-center respondents believed the assassinat…

Send us a text Law enforcement leadership training avoids addressing toxic leadership because the very leaders creating toxic environments are often the ones funding training programs. The focus on positive psychology and war stories rather than confronting real leadership problems prevents meaning…

Send us a text Randy Sutton, 34-year law enforcement veteran and founder of The Wounded Blue, examines America's criminal justice crisis and its devastating impact on police officers nationwide. He traces how political decisions and false narratives have undermined public safety while offering solu…

Send us a text Non-negotiables are the minimum daily actions that leaders refuse to skip, which over time transform unpredictable outcomes into predictable success. • Daily behaviors entirely within your control that you commit to no matter how busy, tired, or stressed you become • Focus on realist…

Send us a text John Drozdowski, known as "The Millionaire Cop," shares how financial wellness is the overlooked component of officer wellbeing and reveals why pensions alone won't secure a comfortable retirement for law enforcement professionals. Travis and John discuss how the traditional academy …

Send us a text What happens when police officers make split-second decisions under immense pressure? How do we fairly evaluate these actions after the fact? These questions lie at the heart of our riveting conversation with Sergeant Jamie Borden, one of law enforcement's most respected use-of-force…

Send us a text Darrell Kriplean from the Phoenix Law Enforcement Officers Association reveals how his department successfully challenged the Department of Justice's pattern-or-practice investigation, resulting in a nationwide halt to consent decrees. • Phoenix police faced a three-year DOJ investig…

Send us a text A deep dive into the often-ignored repercussions of federal consent decrees on local law enforcement agencies. We explore the historical context, emerging trends, and an unparalleled response from the Phoenix P...

Send us a text Eugene Roy shares a wealth of experience and insights on the transformation of leadership in law enforcement. He delves into how generational shifts have affected policing and the importance of mental health fo...

Send us a text Law enforcement officers often face an identity crisis when transitioning to the private sector. Colin Whittington shares valuable insights on skills that transfer outside the badge and emphasizes the importanc...

Send us a text Authentic leadership in law enforcement is about integrity and the commitment to one's word, as Sheriff Scott Walton illustrates through his experiences. By fostering a supportive environment, Walton emphasizes...