RIDE ALONG CHRONICLES

In Part 2 of Carmen's episode, she continues to share her personal journey of strength, resilience, courage, and post-traumatic growth. Carmen dives deeper into her path of healing, the challenges of navigating a healthy first responder relationship, and how serving her community of military veterans and first responder families became her biggest triumph for her success and positivity. **Trigger Warning** This episode contains discussion of sexual assault. Be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 of Carmen's story as she shares how she became part of the first responder lifestyle, what she experienced in her initial first responder relationships and how she first realized the need to get help and find support. So, come Ride Along with us!

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Today we had the opportunity to meet a first responder spouse, Carmen, who knows what it's like on both sides of living as a first responder family. Carmen had so much insight and personal experience to share that we made it a two-part episode. Carmen shares how her positivity, serving heart, and determination to continually stay on the path of healing has helped her overcome multiple unhealthy relationships, parenting challenges, and navigating a successful first responder family life. In Part 1 of Carmen's story, she shares how she became part of the first responder lifestyle, what she experienced in her initial first responder relationships and how she first realized the need to get help and find support. So, come Ride Along with us!

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On today's special episode, we meet Jennifer, a licensed mental health professional who primarily work with the first responder population. Jennifer shared her expertise working with first responders and highlight the various therapeutic methods she utilizes to help them deal with the trauma exposure they experience in their career as well from their personal life. She brings significant insight into why first responders struggle to seek emotional wellness and shares why she is so passionate to help first responders become emotionally and physically healthy. So come ride along with us!

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On today’s episode, we meet Craig, one of the owners of Guardian Garage. Craig is a retired police officer, who along with his brother, created a safe place where first responders and veterans suffering from service-related trauma can feel connected and supported. Realizing his own unresolved trauma and PTSD from his 25+ years in law enforcement, Craig decided to give back and turn a childhood passion for cars into a place of camaraderie, compassion and creativity. He turned his personal workshop into an environment where these two groups could partake in the customization of vehicles, and restoring of projects and collectibles to redefine their purpose, find support and utilize available resources. So come ride along with us! To learn more about Craig and Guardian Garage, visit guardiangarage.org or listen to Craig's full episode coming soon! So come ride along with us!

In honor of the 22nd Memorial Anniversary of 9/11, today's Special Episode highlights an event that commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, the Salt River Fire Fighter's 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb being held on Saturday, September 9th in Arizona. We meet Riley, a firefighter and the coordinator for this amazing cause. Riley explains what this event is all about, why he is so passionate about it, and how people can support this great cause. Riley also shares why he loves being a firefighter, serving his community with a servant's heart, and why honoring the fallen first responders and their families is so important. So come ride along with us!

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On today's episode we meet Michelle, a first responder's adult daughter who shares her story of growing up in a family where her father and mother put their family unit first. Michelle explains how it is possible to have a "normal" upbringing in a first responder family with all the continued trauma, rotating shift work, and overtime that exists in that lifestyle. She will share her own experiences and offers insight into how other families can succeed as well. So, come ride along with us!

E. 21

On today's episode, we spoke with Jennifer, a licensed mental health professional, who works with the first responder population. We brought back Jennifer to share her insight and educational knowledge on mindfulness and meditation. Jennifer shared her experience with guided meditation and using different mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. She introduced her concept of "Find Your Feet" to ground oneself during an overwhelming moment and then reengage to the present situation. Jennifer's passion and knowledge in mindfulness was very ensightful. So, come ride along with us and be sure to catch Jennifer's Special Episode on the challenges and benefits of treating first responders and their families coming soon!

Ep. 20

On today's episode we meet Rebecca, a Financial Coach and owner of Priority One Financial Coaching. Rebecca focuses her financial expertise on first responder families and discusses her strategies to help families have the tough financial conversations to reduce their debt and eliminate the need to HAVE to work overtime to survive. To learn more about Rebecca's financial coaching visit her website at www.priorityonefc.com and follow her on IG @bluelinemoneycoach. So, come ride along with us!

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On today's episode we meet Will, a Police Peer Support & Wellness Coordinator who retiring after 34 years, returned to his agency in the role to give back. Will breaks down the role of a Police Peer Support & Wellness Team and explains the many different components that should exist. He shares his own experience with peer support from when he was an active LEO, how he came to be one, and the challenges he encountered re-building one in his agency. Will provides some very insightful knowledge and information to consider. So come ride along with us!

Ep. 16 treatment modalities that can be successful for treating first responders. Specifically, she breaks down Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR ) and Brain spotting.

On today's episode, in light of father's day, we meet Joe, a retired law enforcement officer and a DAD. Joe shares what he has learned as a first responder dad over his 25+ year career. He explains how he stayed connected to his children during his career, the lessons learned, and the challenges he faced as his children grew older. Joe provides some insighful information he hopes will help others stay connected as they raise children in this public safety career. So come ride along with us!

Ep 14

In Part 2 of this "Special Episode" with Lauren Goldbach, a licensed mental health professional and owner of East Valley Trauma Counseling, she continues to enlighten us about the challenges of treating first responders and the impact that trauma has to their families. Lauren delves deeper into specific trauma treatment modalities that can be successful for treating this population such as EMDR, Attachment Therapy and Neurofeedback. She explains how it can help promote healing and create stronger family attachments. She also provides her perspective on how first responder agencies can better assist their first responders to seek help and remove the negative stigma of mental health treatment. So come ride along with us !

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On today's "Special Episode" we meet Lauren Goldbach, a licensed mental health professional, and owner of East Valley Trauma Counseling, who focuses are treating first responders. She discusses how the lifestyle challenges and emotional traumas not only affect first responder but their families as well. In Part 1 of her interview, Lauren shares her professional experiences about these challenges and educates us on trauma, treatment modalities, and therapeutic ways that can positively impact a first responder relationship. Her perspective and practical knowledge was so enlightening and very informational. So come ride along with us and be sure to catch Part 2 of Lauren's interview in two weeks!

Ep. 10

On today’s episode we had an opportunity to meet Jennifer, a 20+ year female police officer who has been promoted to a mid-level management position at her agency all while balancing her most important job…being a MOM! She shares what that journey of motherhood has been like at each advancement and how she adjusted. So, come ride along with us!

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We hear all about the unexpected challenges, struggles and unfulfilled expectations about living the first responder lifestyle. Firefighters and their spouses are no strangers to the rigors of shift work, missed holidays and the stresses of this career. Today we meet Paige, a firefighter wife, who shares a positive experience about living in this world for over 20 years. She talks about finding community, the benefits of a non-traditional work schedules and the unique opportunities this career allows to build family ties and marital bonds. So ride along with us as Paige shares her story!

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Today we meet Hope, a 17-year police dispatcher, who shares her story of being the first line of communication between those in need and those who protect and serve. Her experiences remind us that police dispatchers are the unsung heroes in the first responder world and they are not immune from the same stresses of shift work, traumas and managing a work-life balance that police officers and firefighters face. So, come ride along with us!

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On today's episode we wanted to explain what peer support and employee wellness programs are like in first responder agencies. We introduce Jane, a firefighter, who also manages her department's peer support team. She shares how she learned the hard way that you cannot invest in people more than they are willing to invest in themselves. Her commitment and dedication to her team and what her agency is doing for their employees and their families is inspiring and a great model for others to follow. So, come ride along with us!

In this Spotlight Monday, Vicki breaks down self-care, and how it can be practiced and prioritized. She reviews an important self-care tool she has used many times called the "Self-Care Wheel" assessment that can be found at www.olgaphoenix.com. She also shares how Lisa in Episode #2 "Getting the Call" was a great example of making self-care a priority.

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Join us for Part 2 of this two-part episode series of a married police couple who found a way to make it work. In this second episode, we introduce John who shares his unique perspective on being married to his LEO wife, Julie. He gives his account on how they navigated their expanding family, their individual careers, and their relationship. And, John explains how a foundation of friendship and mutual respect became the key to their success!

Join us for Part 1 of a two-part episode series as we meet a married police couple and find out how they are making it work. In this first episode, we meet Julie who shares her unique perspective on meeting and working with her LEO husband, John; expanding their blended family; navigating their individual careers; and finding the balance to make their relationship important. Julie explains how a foundation of friendship and mutual respect became the key to their success! Don't forget to listen to John's story in Part 2 coming soon!

In this special episode we meet with Patrick Fitzgibbons of CJ Evolution. Besides being a podcaster, Patrick is a retired police commander, author and advocate for first responder mental health wellness. After surviving 23 years in law enforcement, Patrick never expected to experience a significant mental health crisis, which led him to attended Shatterproof/FHE, a first responder only treatment facility. His recovery there and his strong belief in the program led to his desire to give back and work at Shatterproof helping first responders all over the country. Email Patrick Fitzgibbons at [email protected] Link to Patrick’s website: www.cjevolution.com Link to FHE Rehab Website: www.fherehab.com

What a first year for Ridealong Chronicles! Join us as we reflect on 2022, and review the lessons learned, the unexpected challenges, the surprising themes, and our exciting plans for next year. We share how validation, support, clear expectations and self-care turned out to be important factors to us as well as our guests. Come ride with us as we breakdown these themes and explore future ideas for 2023!

The most wonderful time of the year? It can be. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, finding time to make connections with friends, celebrate old traditions, or create new ones can feel overwhelming. Self-care is not something that we prioritize amidst the decorating, shopping, cooking, cleaning and school recitals, but it is exactly at this time that we must take care of ourselves. One way we connect with each other, and our friends is at our annual Cookie Day. We wanted to know how others manage the chaos, so we invited two LEO spouses to share their favorite traditions, foods, memories and tips for the holiday season. So, come ride along with us and a get a sweet treat as a bonus! Our favorite Christmas cookies! (Sources: www.Allrecipes.com, www.tasteofhome.com and www.BettyCrocker.com) Vicki: Betty Crocker Snickerdoodles - https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/classic-snickerdoodle-cookies/7ffc92a9-d847-4869-9ecb-99de3b751b14?int=td&rc=&gclid=CjwKCAiAy_CcBhBeEiwAcoMRHJnmT9sEfnRQ84B-s6QUag4_xIDh2eBiw3XTpadnzEOficGGcnjwmBoCgWkQAvD_BwE Salli: Russian Tea Cakes (aka Mexican Wedding Cakes) - https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/10192/russian-tea-cakes-i/ Tina: Eggnog Snickerdoodles - https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/eggnog-snickerdoodles/ Angelica: Buckeyes - https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9909/buckeyes-i/ Jennifer: Peanut Butter Cup Cookies - https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9471/peanut-butter-cup-cookies/

As resources are becoming more readily available for officers who have experienced a critical incident or just going through a rough patch; one service that is not as utilized as it could be is police chaplaincy. Today we meet Sam, a police chaplain and member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) who explains a service he provides to officers in need. Being a retired police officer himself, he shares why he has such a deep love and appreciation for his brothers and sisters in blue. What an enlightening episode!

Today we meet Sydney who shares how she refused to let unexpected obstacles in her personal life keep her from reaching her dream of becoming a federal law enforcement officer. She details her journey of being recycled during her first academy after sustaining a serious injury, being away from her family for months, and going through an emotional breakup with her fiancee during her second academy. She chronicles how she conquered these hurdles and why she never gave up allowing her to successfully complete the academy and become a federal agent. Her story is perseverance and resilience in its finest form and teaches us to never give up on your dream!

Join us for part 2 of this couple series as we continue with Carolynn’s and Vincent’s stories. Carolynn shares her perspective following her LEO’s traumatic work incident that resulted in his participation in an out-of-state treatment facility for 30 days. She explains what she went through before her LEO agreed to go to treatment, how his behavior affected their family, and how they adjusted their relationship when he returned home.