Best Firstresponder Podcasts (2025)

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E1038 Living for the Next Shift: When the Job Becomes Your Only Anchor 10:41

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1h ago10:41

10:41

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton tackle a hidden form of burnout (Amazon Affiliate) that creeps into the lives of countless first responders — when the job becomes the only place you feel grounded. For many in law enforcement, fire, or EMS, work isn't just a career; it's where purpo…

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SZN 9 EP 17 - Max / EMS & Volunteer Firefighter in Germany / U.S. vs. Germany Mental Health Resources / Strong Is Reaching Out For Help / Peer Support Benefits 47:37

5h ago47:37

47:37

Max, all the way from Germany, shares his experiences and insights as a paramedic, discussing the challenges and emotional toll of the job, the importance of support from colleagues, and his unwavering passion for emergency services. We compare U.S. vs. German mental health resources and the differences between the stigma. "It's not like a job for …

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E1037 Dark Humor in First Responder Culture: Coping or Hiding the Pain? 11:08

3h ago11:08

11:08

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton explore the fine line between coping and concealment when it comes to dark humor in first responder culture (Amazon Affiliate). It's no secret that police, fire, EMS, and military professionals often use humor to process tragedy. The jokes, sarcasm, …

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E1036 The Department as Family: Comfort or Control in Law Enforcement Culture? 10:28

3h ago10:28

10:28

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton dive into one of the most complex dynamics in law enforcement (Amazon Affiliate) — when your department starts to feel like family. There's comfort in belonging to a tight-knit team. The shared jokes, the late-night calls, the unspoken trust — it's w…

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E1035 The Promotion Illusion: Why Climbing Ranks Doesn't Fix Burnout 11:06

1h ago11:06

11:06

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton unpack one of the most deceptive beliefs in first responder culture (Amazon Affiliate) — that the next promotion will make things better. Many responders chase advancement believing that more authority, a new title, or a higher paycheck will finally …

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Ep. 234 Jacob Turner Australian Army 5RAR - Prison Guard - Actor 3:22:49

3h ago3:22:49

3:22:49

On today’s Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with Jacob Turner former Australian Army 5RAR also Corrective Services Prison Guard and now pursuing an acting career. After leaving school, Jacob started a few odd jobs however after a short time he decided to join the Australian Defence Force. In 2009 he enlisted into the infantry and once fi…

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SZN 9 EP 16 - Melissa Ewing / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist in Kansas / Dropping 22 Non-Profit / Accelerated Resolution Therapy / Spouses Forgotten About in First Responder Community 28:00

8h ago28:00

28:00

Melissa Ewing, a T.O.C. contracted therapist in Kansas, shares her personal experiences and emphasizes the need for better systems to educate and support these spouses as they navigate the unique challenges of being married to first responders. In addition, Melissa talks about what therapy would look like if anyone in our T.O.C. community would wan…

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E1034 First Responder Marriage on the Edge: When You're Only Half Present 11:13

2h ago11:13

11:13

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton get real about what it means to come home—but not really be home. For many first responders, your physical body walks through the door, but your mind and emotions stay behind the badge (Amazon Affiliate). Over time, that distance creates cracks in co…

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E1033 Adrenaline Addiction in First Responders: Chasing Chaos Off Duty 10:47

1h ago10:47

10:47

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton unpack one of the most overlooked struggles in first responder life — adrenaline addiction (Amazon Affiliate). For years, you've been trained to respond instantly, to run toward chaos, to stay sharp and alert when others freeze. But what happens when…

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E1032 Live Interview With Erik Holt: Integrity Under Fire 25:21

9d ago25:21

25:21

Live Interview With Erik Holt: Integrity Under Fire Today, we're sitting down with Erik Holt, a former Fire Chief who stood his ground when faced with corruption, and paid the price for refusing to compromise his oath. This isn't just a story about a job. It's about integrity in the face of retaliation, and the personal cost of choosing what's righ…

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SZN 9 EP 15 - Karlee Davis / Begin Counseling / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist in West Virginia / Begins Emergency Responder Cultural Competence Model 45:44

18d ago45:44

45:44

In this podcast episode, Karlee Davis shares her experiences as a licensed independent clinical social worker in the state of West Virginia. Karlee has been in private practice since 2007 and founded Begin Counseling in 2023. Karlee discusses what therapy looks like with her as a T.O.C. contracted therapist and breaks down the 'Begins emergency res…

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E1031 Trauma Echoes: Why Old Calls Resurface Years Later for First Responders 10:49

1h ago10:49

10:49

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, dives into one of the most persistent and misunderstood challenges in first responder life: when the call is over but it still isn't. Sometimes, what happened years ago resurfaces in your mind, body, or relationships (Amazon Affiliate) and it doesn…

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E1030 Life After the Badge: Rebuilding Identity Beyond Law Enforcement 11:23

1d ago11:23

11:23

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, explores what happens when the job that once gave you purpose, structure, belonging, and identity (Amazon Affiliate) is suddenly gone. Whether retirement was planned, forced, medical, or accelerated by burnout — the emotional fallout can feel like …

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E1029 The Paycheck Prison: Why Many Officers Stay in Jobs That Break Them 11:51

16d ago11:51

11:51

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a direct look at one of the most unspoken realities in law enforcement: staying in a career out of financial obligation (Amazon Affiliate), identity attachment, or emotional survival—not passion. We break down how many officers find themselve…

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Ep. 233 Fin Johnson New Zealand Army Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles 2:33:22

9d ago2:33:22

2:33:22

On today's Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with former New Zealand Army trooper Fin Johnson - Strength and Conditioning coach for UFC fighter Jack Della Maddalena Fin was born in Perth, WA however at a young age moved to NZ with his parents. After leaving school and working as a baggage handler, Fin decided to join the NZ Army more spec…

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SZN 9 EP 14 - Mike Ergo / U.S. Marine Corps 0311 Combat Veteran / Operation Phantom Fury / Struggles with Transition to Civilian Life / Therapist Helping Veterans / Thin Line Advisory 47:47

6d ago47:47

47:47

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Mike Ergo, a former U.S. Marine and current therapist who has dedicated over 13 years to helping combat veterans. They discuss Mike's journey from military service to civilian life, the challenges of transitioning, and the importance of mental health support. Mike sha…

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E1028 Emotional Armor: When Protecting Yourself at Work Hurts Your Family 11:34

24d ago11:34

11:34

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, explores the double-edged sword of emotional armor (Amazon Affiliate) in the world of first responders. On duty, emotional detachment is a survival skill. It allows officers, firefighters, and medics to function under extreme pressure and make quic…

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E1027 The Myth of the Invincible Officer: Why the Strongest Break the Hardest 11:12

14d ago11:12

11:12

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a hard look at one of the most dangerous myths in first responder culture — the belief that "strong" officers don't crack. Behind the calm faces and tactical precision, many responders carry crushing loads of trauma (Amazon Affiliate), respon…

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E1026 Hyper-Vigilance at Home: Living Like Every Door Is a Threat 11:19

28d ago11:19

11:19

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, tackles a silent struggle many first responders face: hyper-vigilance that doesn't switch off when the shift ends. On the job, scanning for threats is survival (Amazon Affiliate). But at home, that same mindset can turn into exhaustion, irritabilit…

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Ep. 232 Luke McCulloch WA Police Search and Rescue Diver - Author Tales of a Diver 3:14:15

17d ago3:14:15

3:14:15

On today's Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with former Western Australian Police Search and Rescue Diver Luke McCulloch. Luke ‘Macca’ McCulloch spent a total of 15 years as a Police Officer however spending eight years on the WA Police search and rescue dive squad, working on well-known cases like the light plane crash in 2017 which kil…

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SZN 9 EP 13 - Bill Johnson, Merging Vets and Players / U.S. Army Ret. Sgt. Maj. / Support for our Veteran Community / In Person & Virtual Resources 35:25

26d ago35:25

35:25

In this episode, Greg Grogan interviews Bill Johnson, the Texas Regional Manager of Merging Vets and Players (MVP), a nonprofit organization that connects veterans and professional athletes to support each other in their transitions to civilian life. They discuss the founding of MVP, its expansion across the U.S., the importance of physical fitness…

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E1025 New Guest Drop! Brent Colbert | Veteran Officer & Leadership Coach 24:41

25d ago24:41

24:41

We're excited to welcome Brent Colbert—veteran police officer, doctoral student in leadership, and life/career coach—to the Tactical Living Podcast! Brent brings a no-ego, boots-on-the-ground approach to training, leadership (Amazon Associates), and coaching for first responders. In this convo, he'll break down how coaching principles can level up …

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E1024 First Responder Burnout: Why Admitting "I Can't Do This" Feels Impossible 10:07

21d ago10:07

10:07

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, confronts one of the hardest truths in the first responder culture: admitting when you're burned out (Amazon Affiliate) feels impossible. For police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and military professionals, the job demands strength, endurance, and …

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E1023 Family Fallout: How a Police or Firefighter Career Impacts Home Life 11:03

18d ago11:03

11:03

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a hard look at the ripple effect first responder careers have on families. Behind every badge or helmet is a spouse, child, or loved one carrying the hidden costs of service. From missed holidays to emotional distance, the fallout is real—and…

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SZN 9 EP 12 - Doug White / Author of 'Hiding in Plain Sight' / U.S. Air Force Veteran / Retired Police Officer / Looking at your Pistol in a Police Car / Dismissed by Administration / Normalizing Mental ... 56:23

1M ago56:23

56:23

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Doug White, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired law enforcement officer, about his journey through mental health challenges and the importance of addressing these issues within the first responder community. Doug shares insights from his book, 'Hiding in Pla…

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E1022 The Hidden Battles of First Responders: Struggles No One Sees 10:43

21d ago10:43

10:43

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, shines a light on the invisible battles first responders fight every single day. Behind the badge (Amazon Affiliate), the turnout gear, or the radio call sign, there are struggles that few outside the profession will ever understand. We uncover the…

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E1021 Emotional Containment: The Skill That Keeps You Alive and Costs You Connection 10:50

1M ago10:50

10:50

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a raw look at one of the most common survival tools in first responder culture (Amazon Affiliate): emotional containment. In the field, shutting down your feelings can keep you sharp, focused, and alive. But at home, that same survival skill …

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E1020 The Praise Paradox: Why Recognition at Work Doesn't Always Feel Good 10:57

1M ago10:57

10:57

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, unpacks a surprising truth: praise, awards, and public recognition don't always feel good to first responders (Amazon Affiliate). While many people assume medals and compliments bring pride, for those in uniform they can sometimes trigger discomfor…

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Ep. 231 Mark Hulbert NSW Police TORS (Tactical Operations Regional Support) 3:19:41

1M ago3:19:41

3:19:41

On today's Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with former NSW Police Officer Mark Hulbert. Mark spent almost 20 years on the Job as a NSW Police Officer starting his career at Hornsby Police Station however after few years in he moved back to the area he grew up and worked out of Maitland Police Station During his 20 years mark spent 12 ye…

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SZN 9 EP 11 - Roger Sutherland / A Healthy Shift / Coaching Shift Workers to Thrive / 40 Years of Police Experience in Australia / Optimize Health & Wellness / Reduce Fatigue & Weight Gain 1:44:47

28d ago1:44:47

1:44:47

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, Greg Grogan interviews Roger Sutherland, a retired police officer with 40 years of experience in Australia. They discuss the challenges faced by shift workers, particularly in law enforcement, including mental health issues, weight gain, and the importance of values in policing. Roger shares his …

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E1019 Quiet Quitting in Uniform: What It Looks Like and Why It's Dangerous 10:26

28d ago10:26

10:26

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, tackles a silent but growing problem in first responder culture: quiet quitting. This isn't about physically leaving the job—it's about emotionally checking out while still showing up (Amazon Affiliate). We explore how this disengagement creeps in,…

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E1018 When You Miss the Chaos: The Addiction to Adrenaline After the Call 11:35

1M ago11:35

11:35

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes an honest look at something few talk about out loud: missing the chaos (Amazon Affiliate). After years of answering high-stakes calls, many first responders find that calm feels strange—or even unsafe. When your nervous system has been wired …

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E1017 Remembering Charlie Kirk: Faith, Freedom & the Sabbath That Was to Come 10:51

2M ago10:51

10:51

In this special tribute episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, we pause to remember Charlie Kirk, his impact, his convictions, and the life he lived in pursuit of truth, faith, and service. As news of his death touches the nation, we also look forward to the book he left behind: Stop, in the…

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Ep. 230 “Horse” Special Air Service Regiment - Bravery and Betrayal Documentary 3:43:51

1M ago3:43:51

3:43:51

On today's Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with former Special Air Service Regiment K9 Hander and Operator Horse aka Andrew Hudson. Horse enlisted into the infantry first serving as a paratrooper at 3RAR. Horse spent time at 4RAR and deploying to East Timor. In 2003 Horse attempted and successfully completed SASR selection posting to 1 …

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SZN 9 EP 10 - Albert Lu / MetFix Boise in Idaho / Nutrition & Fitness Tips / Physical Health Benefits Mental Health / Maintain a High Level of Health & Fitness Working Graveyard 26:54

2M ago26:54

26:54

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, Greg Grogan speaks with Albert Lu, the owner of Metfix Boise, about the intersection of physical and mental health, particularly for first responders and military personnel. They discuss the importance of nutrition, the challenges faced by those in high-stress jobs, and the role of community in f…

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E1016 The Loyalty Trap: When Brotherhood Becomes Blind Obedience 10:25

1M ago10:25

10:25

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, dives into the complicated reality of loyalty in first responder culture (Amazon Affiliate). Brotherhood, solidarity, and "having each other's back" are cornerstones of the job—but what happens when that bond crosses into blind obedience? We explor…

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E1015 When You're More Than the Job But No One Sees It Yet | Tactical Living Podcast 10:29

2M ago10:29

10:29

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, is a reminder of something many first responders forget: you are more than the badge (Amazon Affiliate), more than the uniform, and more than the role you fill on shift. But what happens when the world—and sometimes even your own family—doesn't see…

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E1014 The Year You Almost Quit: What That Season Taught You 10:50

2M ago10:50

10:50

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, offers space for reflection on a season every responder knows too well—the one where you almost walked away. Whether it was burnout, frustration with leadership, family pressures, or the weight of trauma (Amazon Affiliate), most first responders ca…

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THE DEBRIEF #21 hosted by Zero Limits Podcast Matty Morris with "Syd" aka Aussie Degenerate Ukraine Foreign Fighter and Scott Jones aka The Saint SCOJO 1:21:23

1M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

Today's debrief Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with "Syd" aka Aussie Degenerate Ukraine Foreign Fighter and Scott Jones aka The Saint SCOJO. Live call Q & A These debriefs we touch base with a previous guest and check in on their lives and talk about anything and everything. Send us a text however note we cannot reply through these mea…

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E1013 The Unseen Grief of Losing a Fellow Officer to Suicide 11:00

1M ago11:00

11:00

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, dives into one of the heaviest but most necessary conversations in law enforcement culture: what happens when you lose a fellow officer to suicide (Amazon Affiliate). It's a grief that doesn't fit neatly into words—an invisible wound compounded by …

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E1012 Performance Over Presence: Are You Still Trying to Earn Your Worth at Home? 11:25

1M ago11:25

11:25

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a close look at how the pressure to perform on the job can unconsciously spill over into your personal life (Amazon Affiliate). Many first responders feel their value is tied to achievement, productivity, or rank—and when that same mindset sh…

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E1011 The Cost of Over-Accommodation in Law Enforcement: Calling Out PORAC 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, explores a common trap in both policing and leadership (Amazon Affiliate): the belief that you can be everything to everyone. While the intention often comes from a good place—wanting to serve, to represent, to protect—the reality is that spreading…

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Ep. 229 Damien Barbe Northern Territory Police Detective 3:27:52

2M ago3:27:52

3:27:52

On today's Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with former Northern Territory Police Detective Damian Barbe and host of the podcast Two Ordinary Cops. After leaving school Damien applied and was accepted into the Royal Military College Duntroon however he only spent a year realising that the military life was not for him. However he always …

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SZN 9 EP 9 - Terry Moran w/ Vets Boats / Non-Profit Based in San Francisco / Improving Mental Health on the Water / 28 Years U.S. Navy / F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot 1:04:20

2M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Tuning in from the lovely Bay Area is Terry, who founded Vets Boats in 2014, with the intent to help our veteran community overcome the challenges of mental health by sailing on the water and working on experiential sailing, sail training, and restoration & events. Terry served honorably in the United States Navy as a fighter pilot with deployments…

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E1010 The Comfort in Chaos: Why Peace Feels Unfamiliar After Years of Law Enforcement 10:43

2M ago10:43

10:43

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, explores the hidden challenge many first responders face: learning to live in peace after years of running toward chaos. For those who thrive in adrenaline-filled environments, boredom, silence, or calm can actually feel unsafe. We dig into why you…

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E1009 What Stress Are You Handing Down? The Hidden Legacy of First Responder Parenting 10:52

2M ago10:52

10:52

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a raw look at what you may be passing down to your kids, without even realizing it. First responder stress doesn't just stay at work (Amazon Affiliate). The silence, the discipline, the avoidance, and the constant tension of the job can quiet…

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Mike Richardson Interview - Episode 409 1:06:42

2M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

In this episode, we introduce our viewers and listeners to Mike Richardson, our newest SAMatters Certified Master Instructor. Mike Richardson is a 39-year veteran of the military and the fire service. He served 28 years as a Firefighter, Company Officer, and Chief Officer with fire departments in New York, Florida and Kentucky. He most recently ser…

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E1008 Hostage to Retirement: Counting Down the Years in Uniform 10:46

2M ago10:46

10:46

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, digs into the mindset of "just making it to retirement (Amazon Affiliate)." For many officers, the countdown becomes a mantra—yet the years between can feel like being held hostage. From financial obligations to fractured relationships, we examine …

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Ep. 228 David Raymond BM APM Queensland Police K9 Unit - Author Vader: A Police Dog Story 2:15:47

2M ago2:15:47

2:15:47

On today's Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with David Raymond former Queensland Police K9 Unit. David Raymond BM APM spent 36-years in policing—26 of those years in the K9 Unit and 14 as the officer in charge. David has been involved in numerous high-risk operations and critical incidents. His bravery and service have been recognised wi…

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SZN 9 EP 8 - Thomas LaGrave / Prior U.S. Navy SEAL / BUDS Class 106 / Drug Addiction & Kicked off Team 1 / Motivational Speaker 31:51

2M ago31:51

31:51

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Thomas LaGrave, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who shares his journey from a troubled childhood and military service to overcoming addiction and finding purpose in helping others. Thomas discusses his experiences in the military, the challenges of transitioning to civilian l…