Join us in this riveting episode as we continue our mini-series on mental health, this time focusing on the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officers. Featuring an insightful discussion with retired Tampa Police Officer Kristoffer Babino, a retired officer from the Tampa Police Department, we delve deep into the human side of policing. Kris shares his personal experiences, from battling internal struggles to finding passion in education and mental health advocacy. We explore the pressu...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join us as we welcome retired Lt. Frank Greco, a seasoned law enforcement officer with a rich history spanning over three decades, as he shares his incredible journey from the military to the police force. His story begins with an unyielding childhood dream of becoming a police officer and the path he took through the military to achieve it. The episode provides an insider's look into the life of a patrol officer, detective, and supervisor, detailing the challenges, triumphs, and the emotional t...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode, we are joined by Meg Ross, a seasoned expert in mental health for first responders and a former police officer with over three decades of experience. Meg shares her personal journey from working as a law enforcement officer to becoming an ambassador for the First Responder Hope Line, a crucial resource for mental health support within the field. Meg opens up about her career in law enforcement, discussing her rise through the ranks and addressing the mental health challenges she...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this impactful episode, we dive into the crucial topic of mental health within the law enforcement community. We explore the challenges that officers face daily, from traumatic experiences on the job to the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Our conversation highlights the need for better support systems to address the high rates of PTSD, substance abuse, and suicide among officers. We discuss how societal changes and media perceptions have shifted the public's view of law enforcemen...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode, we delve into the complex issue of use of force in law enforcement, a topic that has been heavily highlighted in the media and public discourse. Joining me is an experienced instructor who has trained officers in defensive tactics and firearms. Together, we discuss recent statistics on use of force incidents in the United States post-George Floyd and explore the legal standards officers must meet when using force. The episode covers various scenarios officers face, the legal fra...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join us in this episode as we dive into a robust discussion with BJ about the role of body cameras in law enforcement. We explore the complexities and dualities of their use, balancing transparency and privacy concerns while considering their impact on both officers and the public. We also take a closer look at modern security measures in schools, the significance of technological advances in policing, and the intriguing debates around privacy versus safety. Together, we untangle the intricate c...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join us for a heartwarming episode where I sit down with both of my children, diving into cherished memories and unexpected mishaps. It's a special gathering as we recount hilarious stories from their childhood, including a daring bed jump that led to a visit to the emergency room. We also explore the impactful moments that shaped them—like Alec's transformative journey from a video game-loving teenager to a disciplined Marine, spurred by the rigorous demands of cross-country running and ROTC tr...
Jan 05, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this special episode, join us as we dive into a heartfelt conversation between a father and his son, Alec, who recently returned from boot camp and combat training. This marks the first time Alec has visited the studio, sharing the experience of being on his father’s podcast which he listened to during his training. The episode unfolds with numerous stories from the father's past, including outrageous tales that seemed almost unbelievable to Alec. One such story involves a chaotic confrontati...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this insightful episode, join us as we dive deep into the transformative effects of a career in law enforcement on various aspects of life. Our hosts take turns asking each other thought-provoking questions, offering candid perspectives on how years in service have influenced their parenting styles, work choices, and relationships. The discussion touches on heightened vigilance in parenting, reflecting on the experiences accumulated while serving as a police officer. Discovering how these exp...
Dec 20, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Welcome to another captivating episode of Street Tales, where we dive deep into the eventful life and illustrious career of Johnnie Rhodes, a former Secret Service agent who served for nearly three decades. Join us as Johnnie shares his unique journey from serving in the Navy to becoming a mentor and leader for many in the Secret Service. Throughout this episode, Johnnie provides a riveting account of his transition from military to law enforcement, his experiences working with the Secret Servic...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Welcome to another insightful episode of Street Tales, where BJ and I delve into the intricate world of law enforcement. In this episode, we discuss the multifaceted roles that law enforcement officers play, from tackling high-liability incidents such as shootings and bomb threats to addressing mental health issues in the community. We examine the challenges faced by officers on the front lines, including the diverse range of calls they respond to and the difficult decisions they must make in th...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode of Street Tales, we dive into the essential role of fitness and training within law enforcement. Hosts Bj Atkins and Mo, discuss the expectations and realities for street cops, inspired by a conversation between Joe Rogan and John McPhee. With anecdotes from their own experiences, they stress how training enhances confidence in officers. Listeners will gain insights into why law enforcement should incorporate varied fitness routines and how fitness directly correlates to job perf...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode of Street Tales, we have an insightful conversation with Major Crimes Sergeant Chris Farley from Maine State Police. Joining the discussion is BJ from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The episode delves into the different facets of law enforcement, sharing experiences from handling homicide cases and major crimes that local agencies in Maine aren't equipped to tackle. Alongside, Sergeant Farley narrates his intriguing journey from playing college football to diving into ...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join us for a heartfelt episode of "Street Tales" as we welcome a special guest, Alina, the host's daughter. This episode delves into Alina's unique experiences growing up as the child of a law enforcement officer who transitioned from a civilian career. From early memories of her father's career change to the challenges and adventures that followed, Alina shares her perspective on life with a dad in uniform. In this engaging conversation, Alina recounts stories from her childhood, including her...
Nov 16, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this thought-provoking solo episode of "Street Tales," we delve into the often-overlooked economic and societal impacts of crime in the United States. Our host examines outdated statistics from 2007-2008, revealing staggering costs associated with various criminal activities, from murder to white-collar crimes. This episode sheds light on the financial burden borne by victims and the government, and explores the complexities of the criminal justice system. Through a comprehensive analysis, we...
Nov 11, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this engaging episode of Street Tales, join Tyler as he reconnects with his former law enforcement colleague, Mo, to delve into her remarkable journey within the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department. Mo shares her early life experiences growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, the challenges she faced, and what motivated her to pursue a career in law enforcement. Listeners will gain insight into Mo's diverse roles, including her time as an undercover detective, a field training o...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this gripping episode of Street Tales, host Tyler Martin sits down with his friend Dave Tarbox, a former addict turned successful barber, to delve into a journey of transformation and redemption. Dave shares his compelling life story, from his tumultuous youth in Massachusetts, where he battled addiction and crime, culminating in robbing banks and his eventual path to recovery and entrepreneurship in Maine. Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of Dave's struggles with addiction, homelessnes...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join us in this compelling episode as we welcome Taylor Martin, a Marine Corps veteran, and actual brother of our host, Tyler. Together, they embark on a journey through Taylor's unique life experiences, highlighting the contrasting paths they took while growing up with different mothers but the same father. Taylor shares his adventures from being a standout athlete in a small Wisconsin town to his transition into the Marine Corps, where he discovered his passion for communications and satellite...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 1