Shows
Courageous Leadership with Travis YatesA Cop's Life with Travis Yates and Randy SuttonSend us a textLt. Randy Sutton and Dr. Travis Yates challenge the myths driving modern policing, from failed recruiting tactics to political mandates that increase officer injuries, and lay out practical, data-led ways to keep officers and communities safer. Dr. Travis Yates shares research, real numbers, and steps leaders can take now.• why marketing fails and targeted recruiting works• cost-per-hire math and fixing vacancies with data• retention linked to leadership support and culture• rising assaults since 2020 and what precedes violence• de-escalation mandates vs evidence and injury spikes• pre-attack indicators and respondi...
2026-01-1242 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesTerrorists Among Us with Keith GravesSend us a textIn this powerful interview, Travis speaks to Keith Graves, a 29-year law enforcement veteran and a worldwide expert in church security, to discuss the dangers in and outside the church. We share practical steps for Christmas services, early warning signs, and how to act with discernment and courage.• Keith’s path from policing to church security training• Free resources, newsletter growth, and why they matter• Pre-attack indicators and surveillance cues to watch• Why Christmas services raise a unique risk• How to build an “enhanced greeter” safety culture• When polic...
2025-12-2238 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesThe Legacy of Captain Rudy De LeonSend us a textLegacy is a common theme in leadership, but it's rarely seen. In this episode, Dr. Travis Yates explores the legacy of LAPD Captain Rudy De Leon through the lived experience of his granddaughter, Brandi Stansbury-Moody.For more information on Captain De Leon, read our article here. Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders: Get The BookGet Weekly Articles by Travis YatesJoin Us At Our WebsiteGet Our 'Courageous Leadership' TrainingJoin The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance
2025-12-0440 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesFinancial Wellness with The Millionaire CopSend us a textJohn Drozdowski, known as "The Millionaire Cop," shares how financial wellness is the overlooked component of officer wellbeing and reveals why pensions alone won't secure a comfortable retirement for law enforcement professionals. Travis and John discuss how the traditional academy mindset of "you'll never be rich, but you'll live comfortably" limits officers' financial potential and keeps them trapped in unhealthy overtime cycles.Check out John's content on Instagram @TheMillionaireCop or visit his website at thedrozdowskigroup.com for more information on financial wellness for law enforcement....
2025-08-2942 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesMeeting A Purple Hair Police ReformerSend us a textIs it possible to foster genuine reform in law enforcement while managing public perceptions effectively? Join Travis Yates as he recounts a thought-provoking encounter with a woman discussing FEMA's response to a North Carolina hurricane, drawing unexpected parallels to the challenges faced by law enforcement. Learn how this interaction highlights the need for law enforcement leaders to address unsolicited opinions and manage the public narrative, emphasizing evidence-based reforms over reactionary measures. We delve into the complexity of navigating the arrogance of others while advocating for understanding diverse viewpoints and focusing on educating the...
2024-10-1420 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesThe Tyreek Hill IncidentSend us a textCan a single traffic stop alter the public's perception of law enforcement? Join us as we dissect the controversial encounter between NFL star Tyreek Hill and the Miami Police Department. Hill's reckless driving and subsequent non-compliance led to a heated confrontation, leaving many to question the actions taken by both parties. We analyze the professionalism of the officers involved, the demands for their termination by Hill, and what this incident reveals about the broader societal expectations placed on our police.READ THE ARTICLE BY BRIAN ELLIS & TRAVIS YATESThroughout...
2024-10-0424 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesBuilding Resilient Leaders with Brian EllisSend us a textDiscover the transformational journey from law enforcement to leadership and wellness with Brian Ellis, the Chief Experience Officer at the National Command College and MAGNUSWorx. Join Dr. Travis Yates as he unpacks Brian's remarkable transition, and learn how his collaboration with Dr. Javidi led to the creation of a groundbreaking application designed to reduce stress and enhance performance among police officers. Gain valuable insights into the importance of proactive stress management practices for the well-being and effectiveness of those who serve and protect.Ever wondered how to balance assertiveness with competitiveness...
2024-09-1026 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesExamining DOJ Consent Decrees: The Phoenix Model for TransparencySend us a textAre DOJ consent decrees doing more harm than good? Join Dr. Travis Yates as we dissect the controversial impact of these federal interventions on local policing. In this episode, we will take you through the unintended consequences of DOJ consent decrees, such as soaring crime rates, plummeting officer morale, and heavy financial burdens on cities. Using Phoenix as a fresh case study, we examine why local officials are now hesitant to sign these agreements without thoroughly reviewing the investigations. We'll also revisit historical examples like Louisville to understand the long-term repercussions on communities...
2024-08-2127 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesRevolutionizing Law Enforcement Recruitment with Doug LarsonSend us a textUnlock the secrets to modern law enforcement recruitment with Doug Larson, co-founder of SAFEGUARD Recruiting, as he joins us on Courageous Leadership with Travis Yates. Learn how to attract and retain the best candidates through revolutionary strategies that go beyond superficial marketing tactics. Doug shares his transition from a Utah police officer to a recruitment expert, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency for police departments through targeted training.Discover how proactive engagement and continuous communication can transform your recruitment process. Traditional methods are outdated; today’s approach involves a 24/7 digital campaign that ke...
2024-07-3027 min
Courageous Leadership with Travis YatesThe Assassination Attempt on President TrumpSend us a textWhat if the political landscape as we know it is teetering on the edge of chaos? Join me on this special episode of Courageous Leadership with Travis Yates as we navigate through a momentous day fraught with attempts to silence, ruin, imprison, and even eliminate a key political figure. This episode is a call to move beyond political sides and focus on true leadership, unity, and critical thinking.We'll delve into the broader implications of Trump's impact on the political power dynamics in Washington D.C., and the disturbing reality that...
2024-07-1439 min
Courageous Leadership with Travis YatesThe Second Mountain with Lt. Randy SuttonSend us a textRetired Lieutenant Randy Sutton has a story that is nothing short of extraordinary. After enduring the heartbreaking loss of his mother, a debilitating stroke that ended his career, and a profound sense of betrayal from his police department, Randy has managed to rise above his challenges to become a prominent figure in law enforcement. From his early days in Princeton to being featured on the TV show Cops and landing movie roles, Randy’s journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. This episode takes you through the ups and downs of his li...
2024-07-1041 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesHarnessing Law Enforcement for Business Success with Jason PearsonSend us a textWhat happens when a nearly two-decade law enforcement veteran steps into the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship? Jason Pearson, our guest with 20 years of experience in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, joins us to share his remarkable journey. From witnessing a supportive training environment shift to a punitive culture within the department, to navigating the complexities of accountability that led to deputies being imprisoned for policy violations, Jason provides an eye-opening narrative filled with personal anecdotes. Discover how these tumultuous experiences shaped his career and led him to leverage his policing skills in...
2024-07-0526 min
Courageous Leadership with Travis YatesA Dichotomy In Leadership: Phoenix vs. MinneapolisSend us a textHave you ever wondered how the truth can become lost in the chaos of misinformation and political agendas? Join us on this episode of Courageous Leadership as we dissect the stark differences between strong and weak leadership in law enforcement, focusing on the cities of Phoenix and Minneapolis. Prepare to be challenged as we explore the complexities and consequences of DOJ consent decrees on police departments, particularly Phoenix's bold stance against such agreements without thorough review. Through detailed analysis, we'll highlight the concerns raised by Phoenix's city council after observing the...
2024-06-2346 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesTransforming Law Enforcement Wellness with Adam BoydSend us a textDiscover the transformative journey of Adam Boyd, a former SWAT officer turned holistic wellness trainer, and how his experiences have shaped his unique approach to resilience and wellness. Adam, the passionate owner of Soleful Training, explores the pivotal moments that led him from frontline law enforcement to embracing practices like the Wim Hof Method. This episode challenges conventional fitness norms, demonstrating that efficient wellness practices don't require lengthy gym sessions. Learn from Adam as he shares the resilience-building benefits of holistic methods and their profound impact on performance under stress and h...
2024-06-1924 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesFrom Badge to Author with Jim McNeffSend us a textWhat happens when a decorated law enforcement officer decides to trade his badge for a pen? Join us for an intimate conversation with Jim McNeff, who shares how his early dreams of becoming a cop, inspired by a mentor at Anaheim PD, paved the way for a dynamic 30-year career. But the journey didn't stop at retirement. Jim's venture into breeding and training German shepherds quickly turned into a surprising second career in writing, where he found solace and purpose by connecting his professional experiences with biblical principles.Balancing a successful...
2024-06-1338 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesLeadership Under Fire: The Minneapolis Police CrisisSend us a textCan Minneapolis rise from the ashes of its current crisis? Join us on this compelling episode of Courageous Leadership with Travis Yates as we dissect the intense leadership challenges facing the Minneapolis Police Department. Hear firsthand reflections from Travis's recent Alpha News interview, uncovering the tragic impact of Officer Mitchell’s death, the catastrophic understaffing, and the banning of critical training. We don't shy away from the hard truths about how political blunders have pushed the department to the edge, but we also maintain a glimmer of hope that through better governance, the ci...
2024-06-1215 min
Courageous Leadership with Travis YatesPolice Chief to Entrepreneur with Dr. Richard WeinblattSend us a textWhat does it take to lead courageously in law enforcement, academia, and business? Find out as we sit down with Dr. Richard Weinblatt, a retired police chief, former dean at Ivy Tech Community College, and the entrepreneurial force behind Bio-One, a crime, trauma, hoarding cleanup and remediation company in five statesMetro Crime Scene Holdings LLC. Richard reveals how his rigorous training in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a mindset of giving 150% effort have been pivotal to his diverse and successful career. From bodybuilding discipline to fostering positive corporate culture, Richard...
2024-06-0442 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesLeading From The Heart with Chief Jim FranklinSend us a textImagine strolling through the bustling streets of Rochester, Minnesota, where every uniformed officer is a beacon of innovation and compassion in policing. That's the vision Chief Jim Franklin has turned into a daily reality, and we had the privilege of uncovering his approach to law enforcement in our latest conversation. As the torchbearer of a family steeped in police work, Chief Franklin draws on a wealth of experience to empower his team and uphold principles that resonate with every call they answer. Striding alongside officers who take pride in their service and leaders...
2024-05-2935 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesResilience in the Ranks with Duane WolfeSend us a textWhen the weight of the badge grows heavy, where do our law enforcement leaders turn? Duane Wolfe, a beacon of resilience and wisdom with 34 years in the profession, joins Dr. Travis Yates to unravel this very question. In this earnest discussion, Duane and Travis dissect the complexities of police leadership – the dance between protecting the mental welfare of officers and the tumult of public scrutiny. Duane's personal narrative, from his 1988 beginnings to his present role as a trainer and part-time officer, offers an intimate look at the sacrifices made in the name of du...
2024-05-2124 min
Courageous Leadership with Travis YatesYoga on the Frontline with Paige ArnoneSend us a textWhen the stakes are high and the heat is on, how do our first responders keep their cool? Paige Arnone, creator of Firstgevity, joins us to share the remarkable impact of yoga on the men and women who serve in law enforcement, detailing how a partnership with the Phoenix Police Academy began a journey she could have never imagined. Paige's journey illuminates the potential of yoga to revolutionize the way our protectors manage stress and maintain fitness.In the heart of the episode, we unpack the misconception of yoga along with t...
2024-05-1529 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesRevolutionizing Recruitment and Leadership in Law EnforcementSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Travis Yates discusses his recent trip to Las Vegas, where he teamed up with SAFEGUARD Recruiting for an eye-opening seminar. This episode peels back the curtain on the evolution of law enforcement recruitment, a journey that has taken Yates from commanding a unit to confronting the stark realities of today's recruitment crisis. Reflecting on the seismic shifts since the 1994 COPS Grant, we explore how the arrival of fresh faces into the workforce demands we rewrite the playbook on attracting top talent. Listen closely as we unpack the essential role...
2024-05-1418 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesThe 99% Outlaw with Dick OdomSend us a textDick Odom's journey from the brink of despair to becoming a beacon of hope is nothing short of miraculous. As a seasoned former law enforcement officer and now the director of operations at Thin Blue Connect, Dick graces our show with his harrowing yet inspiring story. He shares the pivotal moments that nearly broke him, his encounter with personal demons leading to a suicide attempt, and the unwavering strength that spurred his recovery. His narrative isn't just his own—it's a lifeline for anyone in the force grappling with the pressures of the ba...
2024-05-0830 minCourageous Leadership with Travis YatesWorkicide in Law Enforcement with Stephanie KiesowSend us a textWhen Stephanie Kiesow hung up her badge and set her sights on academia, she carried with her the silent weight of a career in law enforcement, a weight many of her brothers and sisters in blue know all too well. In this episode, Stephanie, a former officer turned PhD student and author of "Workicide," offers an unguarded look into the mental health challenges that are all too common among those who serve and protect. Her book, a beacon of research and personal experience, guides us through the dark corridors of career-related mental health...
2024-05-0132 min
Courageous Leadership with Travis YatesEureka Leadership Conference: Day 4 with Travis YatesSend us a textUnlock the essence of leadership with heartfelt reflections from the Eureka County Sheriff's Department Leadership Conference. This week, we wrap up our series with a special focus on day four, as leadership mavens John Kelly and Roland Clee take us through their experiences post-conference. They generously share their insights, painting a vivid picture of the event's powerful culmination with the presentation by Dr. Travis Yates. With gratitude and a sense of camaraderie, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the organizers, Sheriff Jesse Watts and Undersheriff Tyler Thomas, for their exceptional d...
2024-04-2706 min
Courageous Leadership with Travis YatesEureka Leadership Conference: Day 3 with Sheriff Wayne IveySend us a textImagine stepping up to the leadership plate with the confidence of a seasoned sheriff who's faced down the wildest challenges of the digital age. That's the kind of transformative knowledge we're imparting as we sit down with Roland Clee, dissecting the invaluable lessons delivered by Sheriff Wayne Ivey during the Eureka County Sheriff's Department's Leadership Conference. From the tactical application of social media in community policing to the creation of a captivating digital persona, this episode is a treasure trove for modern leaders aiming to craft their own narratives with authenticity and tenacity.
2024-04-2604 min