Best Joshua Bitsko Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 16: Capt. Joshua Bitsko (Ret.) 57:10

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8d ago57:10

57:10

On this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Captain Joshua Bitsko, who retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department after decades of service in K9, SWAT and leadership roles. Captain Bitsko and his team played an integral role during the October 1 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas, where a lone gunman opened fire on t…

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S5 E40 Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control with Guest Joshua Bitsko 47:52

15d ago47:52

47:52

Josh Bitsko was one of three officers who breached the suspect’s room during the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. That moment was not just a test of tactics; it was a critical examination of the emotional core of what it truly means to be a first responder. We hear from Josh about maintaining calm i…

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Ep. 50: Courage Casts- The Courage to Rest 5:50

9h ago5:50

5:50

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh Bitsko talks about one of the most overlooked parts of leadership and performance: rest. Drawing from years in law enforcement and leadership, Josh explains why true resilience is not about constantly grinding, it is about knowing when and how to recover. He shares lessons on how fatigue can clou…

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S5 E42 The New Playbook For Increasing Resilience with Guest Dr. Stephanie Conn 52:08

19h ago52:08

52:08

In this episode, we converse with Dr. Stephanie Conn, a leading expert in police psychology and resilience training for first responders. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Conn brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, especially from her newly updated book, "Increasing Resilience in Police & Emergency Personnel." We explore groundbreak…

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Ep. 49: The Courage to Live - Loki's Lesson 26:32

1d ago26:32

26:32

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh and Jenna Bitsko share the story of Loki, the police dog who changed everything. Josh takes listeners inside the world of police K9 selection and training, from the intense process of choosing a dog to the bond that formed between handler and partner. Through setbacks, chaos, and moments of coura…

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Ep. 48: Courage Casts - The Loneliness of Leadership 6:34

2d ago6:34

6:34

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh Bitsko shares what many leaders experience but rarely talk about, the quiet isolation that can come with leadership. He reflects on his own years in command and how the higher you rise, the fewer people are willing to tell you the truth. Josh talks about the weight of responsibility, how easy it …

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Ep. 47: Courage Casts - The Weight of Command 6:09

3d ago6:09

6:09

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh Bitsko explores the unseen pressure that comes with leadership, the quiet responsibility of carrying decisions, outcomes, and emotions that others never see. Drawing from his experience commanding hundreds within the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Josh talks about how to lead without l…

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Ep. 46: Courage Casts - The Space in Between 5:51

4d ago5:51

5:51

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh Bitsko breaks down one of the most powerful tools in leadership and emotional regulation: the space between what happens to you and how you respond. Drawing from his experience in law enforcement and his O.A.K.S. framework from The Courage to Live, Josh explains how breath, awareness, and trainin…

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Ep. 45: Courage Casts - What Makes a Good Employee? 4:26

5d ago4:26

4:26

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh Bitsko shares what decades of leadership taught him about hiring, promoting, and building great teams. Technical skill may get someone in the door, but it’s attitude and work ethic that determine how far they’ll go. Josh breaks down why those two traits matter most, how they shape culture and per…

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Ep. 44: Courage Casts - Leadership is Perishable 6:19

6d ago6:19

6:19

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh Bitsko shares why leadership is a skill that must be continually developed because if it’s left untouched, it goes bad like milk in the fridge. Drawing from his own experience in multiple leadership roles and lessons from mentors throughout his career, Josh explains how the best leaders stay curi…

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Ep. 43: Courage Casts - Courage in the Small Moments 6:56

7d ago6:56

6:56

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh Bitsko talks about how real courage often shows up in the quiet, unseen moments of daily life. From telling the truth when it’s uncomfortable to choosing patience, humility, or rest when pride says push harder, these small decisions build the foundation for who we are when life gets difficult. Jo…

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S5 E41 Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership with Sheriff Michelle Cook 42:11

8d ago42:11

42:11

In this episode, we sit down with Sheriff Michelle Cook from the Clay County, Florida, Sheriff's Office for an eye-opening discussion about the ever-evolving landscape of law enforcement. Sheriff Cook shares her insights on the crucial topics of recruitment and retention within the force, diving deep into the challenges and opportunities that face …

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Ep. 42: The Courage to Live - Inside the Michigan Church Attack 38:50

8d ago38:50

38:50

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Jenna and I talk through the recent attack at an LDS church in Michigan and what leaders, congregations, and first responders can learn from it. We recap a busy release week, then walk through why lived operational experience matters alongside academic expertise, and how that shows up in real decision…

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Ep. 41: Courage Casts- Borrowed Belief: The Courage to Believe in Others 5:50

9d ago5:50

5:50

By Joshua Bitsko

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Ep. 40: Courage Casts - Thriving After Trauma 6:20

10d ago6:20

6:20

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, I talk about what happens not just when you survive trauma, but when you truly thrive after it. Most people stay in survival mode, numb, exhausted, and just trying to get through the day. But there are outliers, the ones who choose to face what hurts, seek help, and put in the work to heal. I share ho…

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Ep. 39: Courage Casts - The Fear of Good Things 5:06

11d ago5:06

5:06

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, I talk about a kind of fear we don’t often acknowledge—the fear that shows up when life is finally good. For people who have lived in chaos or survival mode, peace and happiness can feel uncomfortable. When calm feels foreign, even love and success can seem threatening. I share personal experiences ab…

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Ep. 38: Courage Casts - Anger is Easier 5:06

12d ago5:06

5:06

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, I talk about why anger is often a mask for harder emotions like shame, guilt, and grief. I share personal stories from my time in law enforcement and from losing my brother to suicide, moments when anger felt easier than facing the weight of sadness. Anger can make us feel powerful in the short term, …

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Ep. 37: Courage Casts - Therapy Is Not for the Broken, It’s for the Brave 6:03

13d ago6:03

6:03

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, I talk about one of the most impactful quotes from my book: “Therapy is not for the broken, it’s for the brave.” For years, I believed therapy was a sign of weakness. Like many first responders, I thought it meant you were broken or couldn’t handle the job. The truth is the opposite. It takes real cou…

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Ep. 36: Courage Casts - The Anniversary of 1 October 7:16

14d ago7:16

7:16

Eight years have passed since the 1 October shooting, a night that changed 22,000 lives and left a lasting impact on an entire community. In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, I reflect on the weight of anniversaries and how dates connected to trauma can bring emotions back to the surface. I share a powerful encounter with two survivors w…

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Ep. 35: The Courage to Live - The Courage to Live Book is Out! 29:02

15d ago29:02

29:02

The paperback is in hand and the feelings are real. In this release day conversation, Jenna joins me to talk about what it took to finish The Courage to Live and why I wrote it in the first place. We dig into the mix of story and practice inside the book. On one side are the moments that shaped me as a cop and as a husband and father. On the other …

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Ep. 34: Courage Casts - When Strength Runs Out 5:59

16d ago5:59

5:59

We’re taught to rely on strength: hold the line, push harder, never quit. But there comes a point when strength alone won’t carry you. In this episode, I share personal moments when I had to lean on faith, family, and my wife Jenna, and why asking for help can be the most courageous choice you make.By Joshua Bitsko

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Ep. 33: Courage Casts - Holding the Book in My Hands 6:50

18d ago6:50

6:50

Today is a milestone I’ll never forget. After months of writing, editing, and pouring myself into every page, I’m holding the paperback edition of The Courage to Live for the very first time. In this episode, I share the emotion of that moment, read an excerpt from Chapter 6 on managing fear, and talk about why learning to control your body’s respo…

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Ep. 32: Courage Casts - The Weight we Carry 7:28

19d ago7:28

7:28

We all carry invisible burdens: grief, guilt, pressure, responsibility. In this episode, I talk about how those unseen weights affect our performance, relationships, and health. I also share a personal story about losing my father, what happened when I tried to bury the pain, and what it really means to set down the load so you can move forward wit…

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Ep. 31: Courage Casts - Loki vs. the Mannequins 6:36

20d ago6:36

6:36

In this episode, I share one of my favorite stories about Loki, my high-drive Belgian Malinois partner. What was supposed to be a routine building search turned into a showdown between Loki and a department store mannequin. It’s a lighthearted break from the heavy topics we usually cover, and a reminder that resilience sometimes looks like finding …

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Ep. 30: Courage Casts - Sleep and Resilience: Why Rest Is Your Greatest Weapon 6:57

21d ago6:57

6:57

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh shares his lifelong struggle with sleep, from working 17 years of graveyard shifts to dealing with stress and nightmares from trauma. He explains how lack of rest affects decision making, mental health, and even survival in critical moments. Drawing from both personal experience and practical str…

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S5 E39 When Perfectionism Becomes Toxic with Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT 37:11

22d ago37:11

37:11

In this engaging episode of Responder Resilience, Bonnie and David tackle the unspoken challenges faced by first responders dealing with perfectionism and relentless self-criticism. They dig into how the intense nature of their work and the trauma they encounter shape their beliefs and behaviors. It’s a raw look at the struggle to change those nega…

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Episode 15: Matt Dunagan - Florida Sheriffs Association Executive Director 56:28

22d ago56:28

56:28

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Matt Dunagan, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), the largest sheriffs association in the nation. Dunagan reflects on his path to the role, the importance of the elected sheriff to public trust and how FSA mobilizes during hurricanes and other crises. The discussion also highl…

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Ep. 29: The Courage to Live - The Courage to Write the Book 39:19

22d ago39:19

39:19

In this episode, Josh and Jenna open up about how The Courage to Live actually got written. Josh shares why past attempts stalled, what finally worked, and what it felt like to leave home for a focused “Author Adventure” to hammer out the manuscript in a week. They talk about the resistance that hit right after committing to the project, including …

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Ep. 28: Courage Casts- Burnout and the Courage to Prioritize Yourself 6:34

23d ago6:34

6:34

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh talks candidly about burnout, what it looked like in his police career, what it feels like now as a small business owner, and why so many people put themselves last until there is nothing left to give. He shares how self care is less about trendy fixes and more about doing what truly fills your s…

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Ep. 27: Courage Casts - Fitness Fuels Resilience 5:41

24d ago5:41

5:41

consistency in the gym transformed not only his body but also his mindset. From chasing quick fixes and fad programs to finally committing to a steady routine, he explains how building physical strength created lasting confidence and resilience. Josh also reflects on times when he leaned on fitness as an unhealthy escape, and why approaching workou…

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Ep. 26: Courage Casts - Everyday Courage 5:40

25d ago5:40

5:40

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh shares powerful stories of courage that often go unnoticed, from citizens carrying victims out of danger during the 1 October mass shooting, to a student saving a stranger in a wheelchair during the UNLV active shooter, to a firefighter stepping in to help Josh during a violent fight on patrol. T…

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Ep. 25: Courage Casts - Learning From Mistakes 5:37

26d ago5:37

5:37

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh opens up about one of the biggest mistakes of his career during the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas, leaving his K9 partner behind when responding to the suspect’s room. He reflects on how stress, training, and mindset shaped that decision, what it taught him about preparation, and why mista…

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Ep. 24: Courage Casts - From Rookie to Retired 6:35

27d ago6:35

6:35

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh reflects on his 24 year police career and what it was like to grow from a 21 year old rookie to a retired captain. He shares the misconceptions he carried into the job, the lessons he had to learn the hard way, and the advice he would give his younger self. From learning how to talk to people wit…

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Ep. 23: Courage Casts - Nutrition Fuels Resilience 7:04

28d ago7:04

7:04

In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh shares how his relationship with food shifted over a 24 year police career, from gas station hot dogs on the hood of a patrol car to learning how nutrition fuels resilience, fitness, and mental clarity. He talks about the lessons he picked up from experts, the role of moderation, the challenge of…

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Ep. 22: Courage Casts - Strength on the Mat: Resilience and BJJ 8:23

28d ago8:23

8:23

In this short episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, Josh shares his journey into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, from getting humbled on his very first day to discovering how the art builds confidence, quiets the “lizard brain,” and teaches problem solving under stress. He reflects on how lessons from the mat carry over into leadership, critical incidents, …

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S5 E38 Navigating The Journey To Resilience with Guest John Creamer 40:31

29d ago40:31

40:31

In this episode, we address the realities of mental health in high-stress professions, the impact of training, and the often-overlooked importance of creative outlets for healing with John Creamer, the Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Deputy Sheriff’s Association. With over 32 years in law enforcement and a wealth of experience in executive…

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Ep. 21 The Courage to Live - Inside the UNLV Active Shooter Response 48:02

29d ago48:02

48:02

In this episode of The Courage to Live, Josh Bitsko sits down with his co-host, Jenna, to walk through the 2023 active shooter at UNLV. Josh was the incident commander that day. He explains how the first teams entered within seconds, why getting medical inside fast can save lives, and how the response was coordinated across agencies on a large, ope…

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Ep. 20: Courage Casts- Strength on the Other Side of Pain 7:33

1M ago7:33

7:33

In this episode of The Courage to Live, Josh Bitsko unpacks the role of pain, not just physical, but emotional and relational, in shaping who we are. Drawing on personal losses, critical incidents, and lessons from the field, he shares how pain can reveal our limits, point us in a new direction, build resilience, and deepen empathy. Instead of seei…

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Ep. 19: Courage Casts - Leaders are Readers 8:24

1M ago8:24

8:24

In this episode of The Courage to Live, Josh Bitsko explores the phrase “leaders are readers” and why the best leadership is learned, not inherited. From his time as a police captain to conversations with mentors, Josh shares how books expand perspective, build empathy, and sharpen clarity. He breaks down excuses leaders use to avoid reading, the v…

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Ep. 18: Courage Casts - Put The Same Effort Into Your Relationship as You do Work 8:13

1M ago8:13

8:13

In this episode of The Courage to Live, Josh Bitsko tackles a challenge many first responders and professionals face: giving everything to the job and having nothing left for home. Drawing from his own struggles and lessons learned, he explores why the same planning, training, and intentionality used at work must also be applied to relationships. J…

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Ep. 17: Courage Casts - The Bravest Thing You Can Do Is Be Real 9:24

1M ago9:24

9:24

In this short episode of The Courage to Live, Josh Bitsko reflects on one of the bravest things anyone can do, be real. From his early years as a people pleasing cop to lessons learned as a leader, Josh shares how authenticity, vulnerability, and honesty can transform relationships, build trust, and strengthen resilience. He explains why pretending…

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Ep. 16: Courage Casts - Reaching Out vs Reaching In 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

In this episode of The Courage to Live, Josh Bitsko speaks openly about one of the hardest topics in policing and in life, suicide. Josh shares the story of losing his brother Jason, the guilt and anger that followed, and how those emotions shaped his understanding of what real support looks like. Drawing from personal experience and years in law e…

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S5 E37 Lessons From The Leaders Of FDNY with Various Guests 36:41

1M ago36:41

36:41

In this episode, we hear from seven influential FDNY leaders who share their insights on effective leadership, resilience, and wellness: - Captain Frank Leto: Discusses the rapid formation of FDNY mental health resources after 9/11. - Lieutenant Drew Kane: Offers insights into the support provided by the FDNY Counseling Services Unit to over 16,000…

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Episode 14: Major George Perera - Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office 55:12

1M ago55:12

55:12

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Major George Perera of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Major Perera serves as Commander of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office's Cyber Crimes Bureau and leads the South Florida Cyber Crime Task Force—one of the largest in the nation. A nationally recognized expert on cybercrime and artificial intelligence…

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Ep. 15: The Courage to Live - The Gun in the Dark 37:03

1M ago37:03

37:03

n this episode of The Courage to Live, Josh and Jenna revisit a SWAT operation that unfolded just six weeks after the One October Las Vegas Massacre. Josh recounts how a SWAT operation turned into a split second fight for survival with his K9 partner Loki when a gun was raised in a dark bedroom. Together, Josh and Jenna talk through the tactics, th…

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Ep. 14: Courage Casts - Why We Train for the Outliers 5:51

1M ago5:51

5:51

In this Courage Cast, retired Police Captain Josh Bitsko explains the outlier principle and why we must prepare for rare but devastating events. Active shooter incidents are statistically uncommon, yet their impact is enormous when they happen. Josh reflects on lessons from policing and shows how the same principle applies to business and life. Hig…

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Ep. 13: Courage Casts - The Grind is More Important 7:34

1M ago7:34

7:34

In this Courage Cast, retired Police Captain Josh Bitsko explains why the grind matters more than the big event. Success in critical moments does not come from luck or talent. It comes from the daily habits, training, and mindset built long before. Josh shares how consistent reps, mental rehearsal, and crisis preparation shape readiness under stres…

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Ep. 12: Courage Casts - Leading Without Rank 8:44

1M ago8:44

8:44

In this Courage Cast, retired Police Captain Josh Bitsko talks about leading without rank. Titles like sergeant or captain may carry authority, but true leadership often comes from those who step up in the moment. Drawing on his experiences in critical incidents, including the 1 October Las Vegas shooting, Josh shares how informal leaders can stead…

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Ep. 11: Courage Casts - Fight, Flight, Freeze 7:58

1M ago7:58

7:58

In this Courage Cast, retired Police Captain Josh Bitsko breaks down the fight, flight, and freeze responses and how to train for all three. Most people prepare for fight or flight, but freeze is what catches many off guard. Josh shares how training, confidence, and leadership can prevent paralysis under pressure. From defensive tactics and plannin…

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Ep. 10: Courage Casts -The Calm in the Room 7:59

1M ago7:59

7:59

In this Courage Cast, retired Police Captain Josh Bitsko talks about how to be the calm in the room when stress is high. Whether it’s a critical call, a family emergency, or a tough moment at work, your presence influences everyone around you. Josh shares lessons on emotional regulation, how calm leadership is a learned skill, and why people rememb…