Shows
Forge Resilience PodcastDon't Defund Fire: Learn the factsUnlock the secrets behind the complexities of local politics in Pflugerville, Texas. This episode of the Forge Resilience podcast reveals the critical funding challenges facing the Pflugerville Fire Department, also known as Travis County ESD 2. Discover how a vacated sales tax from Austin Transit shaped the department's growth and operations in a rapidly expanding city. We honor the pivotal contributions of former fire chief Ron Mullenberg, who transitioned the department from a volunteer base to a career department and introduced advanced life support (ALS) care.We then turn our focus to the impact of private EMS services o...2024-07-2543 min
Forge Resilience PodcastDavid Berez: Living a Life with PurposeIn this episode we were honored to interview David Berez. David retired as a Police Officer on January 1, 2020. Since retirement he has formed Six 4 Consultants LLC and works as a Public Safety Consultant and Master Resiliency Trainer. In this episode Dave shares his story tells us how one phone call from his son kept him from making the decision to end his life. Starting his work in public safety at the age of 14, as a volunteer, Dave was called to serve. Toward the end of his career, Dave didn't have the same drive. He became distant, numb...2023-12-0247 min
Forge Resilience PodcastChief Joel Rivera, Ph.D.: Building Resilience & Mental Health in Law EnforcementIn this episode, we explore the remarkable journey and innovative initiatives of Chief Joel Rivera who has not only achieved personal milestones like completing a Ph.D. and running marathons but has also become the Chief of Police in Weslaco, Texas. He has transformed his department by implementing a model resilience and mental health program.Episode Highlights:Personal Journey to Leadership: Chief Rivera's career trajectory, marked by personal accomplishments, has prepared him for a unique leadership role in law enforcement.Cultivating Well-being: Taking charge as Chief of Police in Weslaco, Texas, he recognized the importance of prioritizing mental health and...2023-08-3159 min
The Buena Vida PodcastChris Young, Ph.D.: Email apnea, stress & yoga for every BODY!Director of Workforce Development at the Texas Department of Transportation, Chris Young oversees employee development and training. Even though he identifies as a lifelong learner, Chris hadn’t considered yoga to be something he would do, until he unknowingly started a stretching routine after a back injury. Today, Chris still uses – and teaches, of course -- yoga to support physical recovery and manage stress. Learn how TxDOT employees have adopted a “flex and stretch” morning routine and how you can practice yoga for your fitness level, your own clothing and environment. Chris also shares how we can all use our brea...2022-04-1432 minThe Buena Vida PodcastKristn Trimble: Consistency is Key!Lacy talks with Kristn Trimble, a unit supervisor at the TDCJ Parole Division who participated in the daily morning check-ins over Zoom during all 10 weeks of the 2022 Get Fit Challenge. Struck by Kristn’s motivation to “show up” and challenge herself physically, Lacy wondered what brought her to this point, how she stays motivated and how she used the Get Fit daily workouts and the Wondr Health program to make lifestyle changes around eating and movement. Her “fits and starts” and initial frustrations are relatable. And Kristn’s enthusiasm for how she feels in her body is infectious.Lea...2022-03-2836 min
Forge Resilience PodcastJoe Collins: Creating a mind-shift with a gratitude practice!In this podcast we talked to Joe Collins. Joe retired from law enforcement after 35 years of dedicated service. He served as Chief of Police in Two Rivers, Wisconsin since 2005. He has since moved to the Houston Texas area and he and his wife Colleen are enjoying the warm Texas weather! Joe is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, session 236.He currently serves as the Public Safety Liaison for Acadia Healthcare where he advocates for mental health for first responders. Joe is also a Master Resilience Trainer and masterfully facilitates resilience training. Not only does Joe do a great job...2022-03-0339 min
Forge Resilience PodcastChief William "Bill" Lattimore: Telling our story can change first responder cultureChief Lattimore's story made us want to start podcasting again! A 27 year law enforcement veteran from a small police department near Houston, Texas that has been through multiple critical incidents walks us through his experience of dealing with trauma on his own (shoving it down) and how he made the decision to get the help he needed and deserved so he could truly LIVE. Chief Lattimore's story is both inspiring and helpful as he describes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and lays out simple strategy to improve mental resilience for first responders and leaders.2021-10-1152 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#16 Chief Jessica Robledo On Leadership And PassionIn this podcast we talked with Jessica Robledo, Chief of the Pflugerville Police Department. She retired from Austin Police Department after a distinguished 30 year career before her arrival in Pflugerville in 2017. In this podcast she talks about leadership and tells about her traumatic childhood and difficult experiences early in life that made her the strong and resilient leader she is today. Chief Robledo has a servant's heart and is an inspiring leader that we can all learn from. For more inspiration from Chief Robledo you can follow her on social media: Facebook @Chief Jessica Robledo, Twitter @PfChiefRobledoand on Instagram @PFChiefJess2020-06-1050 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#15 Shawn And Jeff Thomas: 1st Responder Conferences from vision to realityIn this podcast we interviewed Shawn & Jeff Thomas, a dual law enforcement couple from King County Sherriff's Department that is on a mission to help First Responders normalize mental health issues and access resources when they need them most. After going through their own personal struggles and growth they decided to fill a void and create a conference platform that not only links first responders with resources but also gives a platform to first responders with a story to tell. Learn more about 1st Responder Conferences here:https://1stresponderconferences.org/ Leave us a review if you get a chance! We...2020-05-0555 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#14 LTC Grossman On Sheepdogs, Sleep And SacrificeLt. Col Dave Grossman has been on the road for more than 200 days a year since he retired from the US Army. He relentlessly works to support the US military and first responders through speaking engagements and his books. In this podcast we were honored to have him talk to us about the sheepdog philosophy, resiliency, sleep, and the importance of spirituality. All of LTC Grossman's books can be found on Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon.com/Dave-Grossman/e/B001H6MBBM/ref=dp_byline_cont_audible_1 You can also learn more about his work or reach him...2020-04-061h 04
Forge Resilience Podcast#13 LTC David Grossman's thoughts on the COVID- 19 pandemicLTC Dave Grossman is a prolific author and speaker and coined the "Sheepdog" philosophy that most military and first responders are familiar with. He is one of the greatest trainers in military science and psychology of our time. LTC Grossman is an Army Ranger, paratrooper, and taught Psychology at West Point. He is a best selling author with four books and two children's books currently available. His newest book "On Spiritual Combat" will be released soon. In this mini-episode, LTC Grossman candidly gives his thoughts on the COVID-19 situation. We will have a full episode with LTC Grossman published soon...2020-03-2912 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#12 Bryce Wellman: Route 91 Las Vegas massacre, a story of surthrivalOn October 1st, 2017, Bryce Wellman went from enjoying a concert in his home-town of Las Vegas to suddenly having to take cover to as bullets ripped into the crowd. Bryce shares his story of survival- from terror to thriving and helping others. Bryce is a dispatcher at the Cedar Park Police Department and is committed to helping his community, Police Officers, and fellow dispatchers.2020-03-2846 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#11 First Responder Fitness: Care about people and deadlift! featuring Vanessa Frost-PiedrahitaIn this episode we talked to Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita, the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator for the Pflugerville Fire Department. Vanessa came to Pflugerville from a Division 1 Strength Coaching position and has built a program that is dynamic and holistic. She has an uncanny ability to make the complex simple and to connect with people. If you want to connect with Vanessa directly here is her info:vfrost@pflugervillefire.org Instagram @vmfrost Connect with us through social media through Facebook @forgeresilience or follow us on Instagram: @forge_resilience Our webpage has downloads and more info: www.forge-resilience.com Thanks for all you...2020-02-241h 11
Forge Resilience Podcast#10 Chronic Pain Discussion with Dr. Vincent Pham And Rachel RoselliIn this episode, we had the opportunity to talk with two engaging and insightful people, Dr. Vicent Pham, a doctor who specializes in chronic pain and works at the VA hospital in Austin, Texas and his girlfriend, Rachel Roselli, who is a professional graphics designer and Star Wars expert! They are passionate about rock climbing, traveling, and helping people live a healthier life. You can follow Dr. Pham on Instagram @vincentqpham and Rachel @jediknightrac .Rachel also is a frequent guest on the GeekSpeak podcast and hosts her own podcast, Ashla Analysis.We hope you found this podcast useful. Please let...2019-10-1457 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#9 Shame Triggers: It would be a shame to not know this!In this podcast we discuss how shame can affect you and your relationships without you even knowing it. Being able to identify the things that trigger shame in you and your loved one can help build a strong and stable relationship. For more on this topic please watch Brene Brown's TED Talk on this topic: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame/transcript?language=en Also, here's a link to a great article on the difference between shame and guilt: https://brenebrown.com/blog/2013/01/14/shame-v-guilt/To contact us directly go to www.forge-resilience.com or find us...2019-09-2919 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#8 Joe Maranowicz And Tony BarthulyI had the great honor of co-facilitating a resilience course with these two incredible people in Rapid City, South Dakota. Joe Maranowicz and Tony Barthuly are both inspiring, honest, and committed to improving the lives of police officers through resilience training.Joe Maranowicz is a Deputy Chief with Addison Police Department, a suburb of Chicago, and has been serving within his department since January 2000. Deputy Chief Maranowicz is a graduate of the Northwestern Public Safety Program for Police Staff and Command, as well as a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 257th Session.Tony Barthuly served the Fond du Lac...2019-09-1630 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#7: Family Talks TechnologyIn this brief episode we are talking with our family about technology and communication.2019-08-1809 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#6: Steve CummingsIn this podcast we sat down with Steve Cummings and his fiance, Gina Shiotani. Steve talks about his experience in the 173rd Airborne Infantry including his deployment to Afghanistan. He will also discuss the resilience strategies he found to be most effective post combat and in life.2019-07-1358 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#5: John ChaconChief Master Sergeant John "JC" Chacon, and his wife Brandi, join the show to talk about how he integrates resilience in his life and Air Force career.In this episode we discuss how JC has used resilience skills to get him through his challenges post deployment and also the work he has done to promote wellness for first responders across the country. JC is the sheepdog's sheepdog!2019-07-1325 min
Forge Resilience Podcast# 4: Travis CoxThis week we sat down with Travis Cox, a veteran turned strength and conditioning coach for the San Antonio Spurs, turned business executive. Travis got real with us as they discussed how mentors, connections to the veteran community, his faith, and his work with non profit organizations has helped him to thrive. He served 8 years in the Reconnaissance community. If you are unfamiliar with what that means, which is an elite special operations unity within the marine corps. He served one deployment in Iraq as a point man & designated marksman in a Force Recon Direct Action team. He finished his...2019-05-1756 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#3 Chris & Lacy discuss the 5 Love LanguagesIn this episode we discuss one of the strategies that we credit for our happy marriage for the past 15 years, the 5 Love Languages.2019-04-0614 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#2: Greg Stevens, Part 2In part 2, Greg Stevens discusses how he dealt with 40 years of being a patrol officer, addressing trauma, and the importance of having a strong support network.2019-03-2522 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#2 Greg Stevens, Part 1In this podcast we talk with Greg Stevens, retired police officer and Medal of Valor recipient from Garland, Texas. He tells the story of the events that occurred on March 3rd, 2015 when he prevented two terrorists from entering the Culwell Center in Garland, He talks about the importance of training and how it can help when the moment chooses you.2019-03-2531 min
Forge Resilience Podcast#1 Mark Powers, Ph.D. : FORGE ResilienceThis podcast features Mark Powers, Ph.D., the Chief of Trauma Research at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He researches PTSD and Resilience and boils it down to solid nuggets of information that everyone can use in daily life.2019-03-0841 min