In this episode, Cyndi speaks with Dr. Medina Baumgart, a licensed psychologist specializing in police and public safety psychology, about the transition into retirement for law enforcement officers. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her personal experience as the spouse of a retired officer, Dr. Baumgart discusses the challenges of shifting routines, identity loss, and relationship adjustments after leaving the badge behind. Together, they explore the emotional impact on both officers and their spouses, and strategies to build stronger connections during this new season of life.
🎙 Episode Summary
The surprising struggles officers and spouses face after retirement
Identity shifts, loss of camaraderie, and emotional changes no one talks about
How spouses can support without feeling powerless
Tools for couples to communicate and reconnect in retirement
Practical strategies to find purpose and thrive as a law enforcement family
I'm Cyndi Doyle, licensed professional counselor supervisor, retired police spouse, author of Hold the Line, and founder of Code4Couples®. I help law enforcement officers, their spouses, and first responder couples build stronger, healthier relationships.
👉 Grab your copy of Hold the Line: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship → https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Protecting-Enforcement-Relationship-ebook/dp/B08TPRTY9G#customerReviews
Want Cyndi to speak at your department, academy, or spouse event?
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00:00 – Welcome & guest intro
02:00 – Medina's story as a police spouse
05:00 – The "vacation mode" myth of retirement
07:30 – New routines, resentment, and relationship shifts
10:00 – "10 Minutes" rule: tactical disengagement for couples
14:00 – Identity loss and purpose after leaving the badge
20:00 – Spouse perspective: adjusting to life together again
27:00 – Surviving Retirement: Medina's class for couples
36:00 – Final advice for couples preparing for retirement
