So far, 2018 has proven to be deadly for law enforcement officers. There have been multiple officers killed or wounded by gunfire, and many wonder if there is any end in sight. In this episode, Jonathan discusses three tactical considerations for officer safety that could save your life and ensure that you go home at the end of your shift. For some, this episode is a review of your training and a reminder to avoid complacency. For others, this episode will present new tactics and ideas that you ...
Feb 12, 2018•33 min•Ep. 57
Police wife and Faith.Wife.Hero founder Crystal Ienni joins Jonathan to discuss four things every police wife, and especially new police wives, need to know about life as a law enforcement spouse. She started Faith.Wife.Hero in Northern California after realizing there was little support available for spouses in her area. In this episode, she shares insight and encouragement for all of our blue families.
Feb 05, 2018•33 min•Ep. 56
An often overlooked aspect of police life is the toll it takes on us as parents, especially fathers. We give so much of our lives to the needs and concerns of others, that we are physically and emotionally exhausted when we get home. Given the prevalence of divorce, our time with our children is even further divided. In this episode, Jonathan talks about leadership from the perspective of the important role of fathers and male role models in the lives of children, and offers practical advice for...
Jan 29, 2018•32 min
Great leaders understand the importance of a building a team. In this episode, Jonathan continues the series on leadership with an emphasis on preparing or developing yourself as a police supervisor. Learn how to overcome insecurity, stop micromanaging, and create a team that you can trust to accomplish your vision as part of the organization's vision.
Jan 22, 2018•28 min
In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke twice of the “unspeakable horrors of police brutality.” The issue of race relations in our nation, and especially concerning policing, is at the forefront of our minds. In this episode, Jonathan discusses what we can do as the law enforcement community to bring about healing and reconciliation. He also interviews David Stynchcombe, Grandson of former Fulton County, GA Sheriff LeRoy Stynchcombe, about his Grandfather’s interactions...
Jan 15, 2018•35 min
One of the greatest pitfalls for a person in the position of leadership is to be disconnected from the people he or she serves. We often describe that supervisor as having forgotten where he came from. In this episode, Jonathan provides three ways for leaders - police supervisors, spouses, and parents - to build relationships and build morale among the team. By doing so, they will also see an increase in results and production.
Jan 08, 2018•23 min
To become a great leader, you have to become a great version of yourself first. In this episode, Jonathan begins the New Year (2018) with three tips for becoming more self-aware in the process towards personal development and developing yourself as a leader. The episode includes a recommended reading list, and concludes with a very practical word of wisdom for approaching life in the New Year.
Jan 01, 2018•26 min
Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about!? In this episode, released on Christmas Day 2017, Jonathan talks about Charlie Brown's quest to find the true meaning of Christmas. He finds out that it is ultimately not about presents, but about presence - the presence of Jesus Christ who came as a baby born in Bethlehem. Find out what gifts are wrapped up in the meaning of His birth.
Dec 25, 2017•22 min•Ep. 50
Connie Fraser has been a 911 dispatcher in Calgary, Alberta since 1998. She has worked as a call evaluator, dispatcher, supervisor and trainer, and developed an innovative course to build 911 dispatcher resilience through mental preparedness. In this episode, Connie talks about the often overlooked trauma that dispatchers face, as well as the steps for developing mental readiness in all first responders, especially dispatchers.
Dec 18, 2017•43 min
Nick Daugherty retired from the Grand Prairie, TX Police Department where he continues to serve as a Reserve Officer. After working to eliminate over $80,000 in consumer debt, he was introduced to Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Program. He later became a Master Financial Coach, and has taught thousands of First Responders his "Building Financial Strength" Course. In this episode, he talks about developing the mindset of building financial strength and changing the behaviors that lead us into...
Dec 11, 2017•43 min
Are you one of those people who sets lofty goals for the New Year only to feel discouraged a few weeks later? Perhaps you've listened to the podcast and want to know how to truly "watch your six." In episode 046, Jonathan outlined six tips for preventing a personal or professional crisis. In this episode, he explains SMART goals and helps you create a personal action plan to bring about real and positive change this time around.
Dec 04, 2017•27 min
In most cases, personal crises like suicide, divorce, bankruptcy, or heart attack are the culmination of ongoing problems that have built up over time. Rather than addressing the issues head on, we oftentimes ignore the pain and problems until they become overwhelming and incapacitating. In this episode, Jonathan provides six very practical, relevant, and proactive tips for staying healthy and preventing a personal crisis before it starts.
Nov 27, 2017•36 min
Tim Rupp is a retired Police Sergeant with over 10 years of full-time experience as a Pastor. He understands the need for protecting houses of worship, and is qualified to teach us how. In this episode, he talks about his personal connection to the church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, as well as his book Pistol in the Pulpit, a guide for churches and pastors regarding church safety.
Nov 20, 2017•42 min
The legend of the Tin Man, a lumberjack named Nick Chopper, says that a spell was cast on his axe. One by one, his limbs were chopped off and replaced by the tinsmith. Soon, the lumberjack could produce more chopped wood with his tin body than his human body. The only problem was that the tinsmith forgot to replace the lumberjack's heart, leaving him empty and devoid of emotion. Like the Tin Man, many cops are production machines, but it has come at the expense of their heart. In this episode, J...
Nov 13, 2017•38 min
Krysia Baron served for 24 years as a Federal Officer with the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Her life, family, and career was forever changed on December 5, 2013 when her husband, Sgt. Robert Baron of the Sandoval County, NM Sheriff's Office, was struck and killed while investigating a traffic accident. In this episode, Krysia shares her journey and candidly speaks of how others can best support a spouse and family in the wake of such a tragedy. As the current President of t...
Nov 06, 2017•30 min
Krysia Baron served for 24 years as a Federal Officer with the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Her life, family, and career was forever changed on December 5, 2013 when her husband, Sgt. Robert Baron of the Sandoval County, NM Sheriff's Office, was struck and killed while investigating a traffic accident. In this episode, Krysia shares her journey and candidly speaks of how others can best support a spouse and family in the wake of such a tragedy. As the current President of t...
Oct 30, 2017•33 min
Ron Leonard and his rescue dog Molly are making a huge impact on law enforcement and first responders. Ron is a Chaplain for Canines for Christ, and Molly is a therapy dog who brings encouragement and healing to those who struggle with everything from PTSD and depression to physical health issues. In this episode, Ron talks about the work of therapy dogs, how to become a volunteer, how to certify a therapy dog, how to request a visit from one of the dogs located across the United States, and muc...
Oct 23, 2017•27 min
Michael J. McSellers is a United States Marine Corps veteran who has served the Common Wealth of Virginia as a Law Enforcement Officer, Chaplain, and Coordinator for the Rise Christian Police Conference held each year during National Police Week. He is also the host of the Faith on the Force Podcast, which is a new podcast bringing attention to the issues that law enforcement officers around the country face on a daily basis. In this episode, Michael is very transparent about dealing with PTSD, ...
Oct 16, 2017•21 min
Michael J. McSellers is a United States Marine Corps veteran who has served the Common Wealth of Virginia as a Law Enforcement Officer, Chaplain, and Coordinator for the Rise Christian Police Conference held each year during National Police Week. He is also the host of the Faith on the Force Podcast, which is a new podcast bringing attention to the issues that law enforcement officers around the country face on a daily basis. In this episode, Michael is very transparent about dealing with PTSD, ...
Oct 09, 2017•32 min
Police wife and Badge of Hope Kansas City ministry leader Heidi Hogan is back with specific and practical advice for law enforcement spouses about improving your marriage. In this episode, she outlines the common struggles that police wives face, shares some of the struggles from her own journey, and suggests four ways for showing honor, respect, and love to your spouse.
Oct 02, 2017•40 min
Robert Starnes is a Lieutenant with the Hamilton County, TN Sheriff’s Office, where he has served for 34 years. He is the past President of the TN Law Enforcement Training Officers Association, presently serves on the Board of Directors for the TN Public Safety Network, and has served his community through the Forgotten Child Fund, the Chattanooga Homeless Shelter, and TN Donors Services for promoting organ donations. In this episode, Robert talks about the sudden and unexpected death of his 9-y...
Sep 25, 2017•36 min
Captain Chris Hsiung commands the Special Operations Division at the Mountain View Police Department in Northern California, and he has been serving there for over 21 years. Since 2012 he has managed the department’s social media strategy, platforms, and engagement with the community. He is recognized as an national industry leader with organizations like the International Association of Chiefs of Police, California POST, and GovTech. In this episode, Chris talks best practices for professional ...
Sep 18, 2017•41 min
Hurricane Harvey was a category 4 hurricane that struck the Houston and Southeast Texas area on August 26, 2017. Many areas received 40-50 inches of rain, which caused severe flooding and devastation. It has been considered the costliest natural disaster to date. In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Former LEO Steve Visser of First Baptist Church of Groves, TX and others about the ongoing relief efforts, and how our listeners can offer the most effective assistance in the recovery process....
Sep 11, 2017•37 min
Jim Bontrager is the Senior Chaplain with the Elkhart Police Department in Elkhart, IN and Master Level Chaplain with the International Conference of Police Chaplains. Jim is an advocate for police officers and their families, having obtained multiple proclamations from the Indiana Governor's Office in support of law enforcement. In this episode, Jim shares the most recently proclamation and invites the Watch Your Six audience to the 23rd Annual Officer Appreciation Day and Breaching the Barrica...
Sep 04, 2017•30 min
Jamey Gadourey is a combat veteran, graduate of West Point and the U.S. Army Ranger School, instructor, and leadership consultant who founded Outsider Consulting. He is passionate about helping leaders and organizations succeed both professionally and personally. In this episode, Jamey defines leadership as "the ability to influence others towards a worthy goal." He also talks about identity and the unique challenges for those of us who work in uniformed services such as the military or law enfo...
Aug 28, 2017•41 min
Do work an endless cycle of off-duty extra jobs just to pay the bills each month? Are you facing overwhelming debt, or dealing with other poor financial practices that keep you from feeling like you'll ever get ahead? In this episode, I suggest that in difficult situations such as getting out of debt and ahead in our finances we must take immediate and drastic actions to "stop the bleeding." I offer three very practical steps for eliminating debt, and explain how to implement each step....
Aug 21, 2017•31 min
Jimmy Meeks retired after 35 years of service in law enforcement in Hurst, TX. He is also a Christian Minister, and travels the nation as a keynote speaker for Sheepdog Seminars with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. He trains community, faith, and business leaders about violence, and calls Sheepdogs to take a stand. In this episode, Jimmy talks with Jonathan about the true sources of stress for those serving in law enforcement, the keys to a successful career, and understanding true significance in life....
Aug 14, 2017•39 min•Ep. 31
I was the featured guest recently on Brian Willis' "Excellence in Training Podcast," a resource through his law enforcement trainers' website at www.ExcellenceinTrainingAcademy.com . You may remember Brian from Episode 004 of the Watch Your Six Podcast. In the interview, I discuss the six tenets of the Watch Your Six concept along with how we can train and develop in each area both personally and professionally. In this episode, part 3, we discuss the areas of missional and ministry health. Be s...
Aug 07, 2017•25 min
I was the featured guest recently on Brian Willis' "Excellence in Training Podcast," a resource through his law enforcement trainers' website at www.ExcellenceinTrainingAcademy.com . You may remember Brian from Episode 004 of the Watch Your Six Podcast. In the interview, I discuss the six tenets of the Watch Your Six concept along with how we can train and develop in each area both personally and professionally. In this episode, part 2, we discuss the areas of muscle and money health. Be sure to...
Jul 31, 2017•31 min
I was the featured guest recently on Brian Willis' "Excellence in Training Podcast," a resource through his law enforcement trainers' website at www.ExcellenceinTrainingAcademy.com . You may remember Brian from Episode 004 of the Watch Your Six Podcast. In the interview, I discuss the six tenets of the Watch Your Six concept along with how we can train and develop in each area both personally and professionally. In this episode, part 1, we discuss the areas of mental and marital health. Be sure ...
Jul 24, 2017•34 min
