DeepBlu Project

♟️ Are you playing chess or checkers? If you are an aspiring leader—or even a seasoned one—you need to stop what you're doing and listen to this. I just sat down with an online audience and Chris Workman, Chief of Police at the Cheswold Police Department, for our latest Leadership 30 session. Chris brings a raw, authentic style that cuts through the noise and hits home. The core message? Culture doesn't live on this 40-minute deep dive,Chris challenges the "checking the box" mentality and explores what it actually takes to play the long game. We covered some heavy hitters that every leader should keep on their desk:🔹 Compliance is not culture. Activity is not progress. Completion is not transformation.🔹 Watch what you tolerate. People don’t just listen to what you say; they watch what you allow.🔹 The true measure of leadership. It’s not about how indispensable you are, but how prepared others become because of you.After listening to this, you’ll be asking yourself: Am I a checkers player, or a chess player?

In this conversation, Christ talks with Chris Hsiung, a former police chief and current executive director of The Curve, a nonprofit focused on modernizing policing culture. They discuss Hsiung's extensive background in law enforcement, the evolution of leadership styles, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for cultural shifts within police departments. They also address the challenges of wellness programs in law enforcement and the significance of effective communication. Hsiung emphasizes the need for leaders to be available and vulnerable, and the importance of learning from other industries to improve policing practices.

In this conversation, Chris and Rich delve into the complexities of mental health within public safety, emphasizing the importance of trust, peer support, and proactive strategies. They discuss the challenges faced by individuals in crisis, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the need for a supportive culture that encourages open dialogue. Rich shares his experiences and insights on navigating the mental health landscape, highlighting the significance of self-awareness and continuous growth. The conversation concludes with a call to action for creating a more compassionate and understanding environment in public safety agencies.

In this episode, Chris interviews James Espinoza, CEO of American Freedom Consulting, who shares his personal journey through grief and trauma after losing his brother to suicide. They discuss the importance of mental wellness, the five pillars of wellness, and the challenges faced by veterans and first responders in navigating their careers and mental health. James emphasizes the need for supportive leadership and the importance of addressing mental health issues within law enforcement. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, advocacy, and the need for a cultural shift in how mental health is perceived in the first responder community.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks to Bonnie Eckman, a sensory specialist at After Action Care with a background in occupational therapy. They discuss the unique sensory needs of first responders, the impact of hypervigilance on mental health, and the importance of sensory modulation in regulating emotions and responses. Bonnie shares practical tools and techniques for first responders to manage their sensory input and emotional states, emphasizing the need for self-regulation and the benefits of sensory rooms. The conversation also highlights the After Action program, which aims to provide mental health support and resources for first responders.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, host Chris engages with Doug Shoemaker, a retired police chief, discussing the complexities of policing, the importance of wellness, and the challenges faced during the transition from law enforcement to private life. They explore the significance of family support, the loss of identity after leaving the force, and the innovative approach of The Curve in reshaping police leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for building trust within communities, addressing mental health issues, and celebrating the successes of law enforcement professionals.

In this conversation, Chris interviews Arthur Mogilevski, the founder of After Action, a mental health program dedicated to supporting first responders. Arthur shares his journey from geriatric care to mental health, emphasizing the importance of trust and tailored care for first responders. The discussion highlights the unique challenges faced by female first responders and the need for a safe environment for treatment. Arthur explains innovative programs designed to support first responders, including a two-week reset program and sensory modulation therapy. The conversation concludes with a focus on the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of wellness within agencies.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks with Preston Moore about the critical issues surrounding mental health stigma, particularly in the context of first responders. Preston shares his personal journey of recovery from addiction and how it has shaped his understanding of mental health. The conversation delves into the importance of family support, proactive mental health strategies, and the need for cultural shifts in how mental health is perceived and discussed. They emphasize the significance of continuous growth and the necessity of creating a supportive environment for those in high-stress professions.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks with Vickie Speed, the CEO and founder of Blue Cancer Connect. Vickie shares her journey of loss and how it propelled her to create a support network for law enforcement officers facing cancer. The conversation highlights the significance of early screening, peer support, and the necessity of comprehensive health and wellness initiatives within law enforcement. Vicki emphasizes the significance of community and mentorship in navigating the challenges of cancer, and she outlines future initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing resources for officers and their families.

In this conversation, Paul Butler and the hosts discuss the evolving nature of leadership within law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of relationships, support systems, and the generational shifts in attitudes towards work-life balance. They reflect on personal sacrifices made in their careers and the need for leaders to genuinely care for their teams. The discussion highlights the significance of living fully and creating a legacy that inspires future generations.

In this engaging conversation, Chris and his friends, Michaël Laider, Mike Slocum and Dave Struwing as they discuss the current state of leadership in law enforcement, the challenges of succession planning, and the importance of mental wellness. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the complexities of leadership, the need for trust within teams, and the significance of self-care in maintaining resilience. The discussion emphasizes the importance of finding one's value and the impact of mindset on personal and professional growth.

In this conversation, Chris speaks with Deborah Green, a retired public safety dispatcher, about the critical importance of mental health for first responders. They discuss Deborah's personal journey through trauma, the impact of vicarious trauma on dispatchers, and the systemic changes needed in mental health support within law enforcement. The conversation emphasizes the need for culturally competent therapists, the role of peer support, and the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health issues in first responder communities.

This conversation reflects on the significance of National Police Week, emphasizing the importance of remembrance for fallen officers and the support for their families. It highlights the emotional experiences during the candlelight vigil, the global unity among police officers, and the ongoing efforts to support survivors and promote wellness within the law enforcement community. The speaker calls for a collective responsibility to honor the legacy of those who have served and to build trust within communities.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks with retired NYPD officer Vincent Scotto about his journey through law enforcement, personal struggles, and the importance of mental health support for first responders. They discuss the challenges of transitioning out of law enforcement, the significance of peer support, and the need for open communication about mental health. Vincent shares his experiences with adversity, the role of humor in coping, and the importance of self-love and vulnerability. The conversation emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in law enforcement agencies to prioritize mental wellness and support for their personnel.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, host Chris speaks with Carrie Matthews, a veteran police officer, about her experiences in law enforcement, the impact of her father's suicide, and the importance of mental health awareness within the police community. Carrie shares her journey of grief, the challenges of navigating family dynamics, and the necessity of open conversations about mental health. The discussion emphasizes the need for support, healing, and changing mindsets in law enforcement to prevent further tragedies.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris interviews Ron Sellon, the Chief of Police in Mansfield, Massachusetts, discussing his extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly his involvement with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They explore themes of community policing, the challenges of recruitment and retention in smaller departments, the importance of officer wellness, and the need for advocacy and collaboration within the law enforcement community. Ron shares insights on his candidacy for IACP leadership and the cultural improvements needed in policing, emphasizing the importance of innovation and purpose in the profession.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris welcomes Chris Scallon, who shares his journey from being a police officer to creating a peer support program for first responders. The conversation delves into the importance of community, the impact of sharing experiences, and the need for mental health support in high-stress professions. Chris emphasizes the significance of finding one's tribe, the role of humor in coping with trauma, and the mission of Trauma Behind the Badge and the folks at Survive First to provide resources and support for those in need. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reach out for help and to connect with others who understand their struggles.This episode contains some explicit language, but we don't get crazy with it - Adult listeners only.

In this episode, Chris interviews Shawn Thomas, founder and CEO of First Responder Conferences. They discuss Shawn's journey in law enforcement, the importance of mental health resources for first responders, and the evolution of wellness conferences aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Shawn shares insights on building a network of resources, the inclusivity of the conferences, and the significance of community involvement and donations. The conversation emphasizes the need for diverse resources and support systems for first responders and their families.

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris and Matt Griffin discuss the importance of mental health and resilience in law enforcement. They share personal stories of trauma, recovery, and the significance of community support. They talk about Matt's Best Selling Book, The Journey to Midnight as the conversation emphasizes the need to normalize discussions around mental health, the role of mentorship in law enforcement, and the importance of finding balance and purpose beyond the badge. They encourage listeners to transform their obstacles into opportunities and to take action towards their mental well-being and become Guardians of the Badge.

In this holiday episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris, Todd Ehret, and Matt Davis engage in a light-hearted conversation about their experiences with winter weather, Thanksgiving travels, and football games. They reflect on the importance of networking and building relationships, emphasizing personal growth and self-care as essential components of leadership. The trio shares their aspirations for 2025, highlighting the significance of education and continuous learning in their journeys. They conclude with heartfelt holiday wishes and a commitment to supporting one another and their community.