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Revolutionizing Policing Through Humanity with Joe Smarro
Manage episode 499470772 series 2968201
Marine Corps combat veteran and former police officer Joe Smarro shares his powerful journey from the battlefield to the forefront of mental health advocacy. Known for his role in the Emmy Award–winning documentary Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops, Joe opens up about childhood trauma, military service, and the personal struggles that fueled his mission to change how public safety handles mental health crises. This conversation offers hard-earned lessons on leadership, compassion, and creating lasting change in communities nationwide.
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Guest Bio:
Joe Smarro is a Marine Corps combat veteran, former San Antonio Police Department officer, and nationally recognized mental health advocate. Featured in HBO’s Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops and a TEDx speaker, Joe co-founded SolutionPoint+ to train public safety agencies, schools, and organizations in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and wellness strategies. He is the author of Unarmed, a guide blending his life experiences with actionable communication and de-escalation skills, and is dedicated to reshaping the culture of policing through empathy and human connection.
Main Topics:
· Joe’s childhood trauma and its long-term impact
· Military service before and after 9/11
· Transition challenges from military to civilian life
· Policing realities vs. public perception
· Co-founding and serving in a police mental health unit
· The creation and mission of SolutionPoint+
· The making and impact of Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops
· Mental health, addiction, and personal recovery journey
· Leadership failures and their role in first responder suicides
· Key lessons from Joe’s book Unarmed
· Freedom, personal autonomy, and living intentionally
Resources mentioned:
· Joe’s Website: https://solutionpointplus.com/ & https://joesmarro.co
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Chapters
1. Rich’s 10-year podcast anniversary message (00:00:00)
2. Introducing Joe Smarro and his mission (00:02:10)
3. Why Joe joined the Marine Corps (00:03:42)
4. From supply MOS to combat in Iraq (00:07:34)
5. Reactions in the military post-9/11 (00:09:30)
6. Joining the police force after military service (00:13:15)
7. Military and police transition challenges (00:19:34)
8. Childhood trauma and its effects (00:23:12)
9. Addiction, self-awareness, and seeking help (00:29:34)
10. Origins of the police mental health unit (00:37:36)
11. Leaving the police department for SolutionPoint+ (00:41:52)
12. Overview of SolutionPoint+ training programs (00:49:58)
13. Writing Unarmed and its purpose (00:53:16)
14. Who can benefit from the book (00:58:19)
15. Joe’s podcast journey and relaunch (00:59:48)
16. Defining freedom and living with purpose (01:07:29)
17. Closing thoughts and encouragement (01:10:27)
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