Badge to the Bone

Badge to the Bone speaks with Mo who shares his harrowing journey from Iraq to the United States, detailing his experiences growing up in a war-torn country, the trauma of witnessing violence as a child, and the challenges faced during his family's immigration process. He reflects on the gratitude he feels for the opportunities available in the U.S. and discusses the cultural differences he has observed. A "Truly," must hear perspective.

Denny and Al are back after an unintended and extended break. A lot has happened since the last episode, and Badge to the Bone attempts to unpack much that has happened while addressing the stress it an bring.

Denny and Al have some discussion about recent attention drawn to the podcast. Reliable information has come forth that there are some agencies displeased with positions expressed on Badge to the Bone. Well, we call it as we see it and make no apologies. Take a listen to the shenanigans that some are trying to play.

Badge to the Bone releases their 50th Episode! Apologies for the delay, but we've been busy busy. Denny and Al are joined by Thor, Kari, Rick, and Greg to recap five seasons and celebrate the 50-episode milestone. Badge to the Bone extends a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners and the amazing guests that made this achievement possible.

A special thanks to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman at grossmanontruth.com, news commentator and former FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jimmy Gagliano, Beth Salmo of Thin Line Counseling Services, Chief Wayne Handley, Buena Vista Police Department, and Jeff Katz...

Badge to the Bone welcomes Jennifer Boileau to talk about her work instructing military and first responders in resiliency processes. Denny and Al focus specifically on Jennifer's outstanding training with sleep and relaxation techniques. Sleep is a key component of overall wellness and health for everyone, not just first responders. Jennifer provides an excellent training block to help first responders in achieving the sleep and rest needed to perform.

Interested in having Jennifer provide training to your agency? Visit jenniferboileau.com or email Jen at jennifer@jenniferboileau.com

Marine and Police veteran, national speaker, 5x author, and creator of The 10 Code Mindset Podcast, Scott Medelin joins Badge to the Bone. Scott talks with Denny and Al about challenges facing law enforcement today. They also discuss Scott's new book, 101 Stress Busting Tips for First Responders. Definitely a great read for not only first responders but anyone looking to help reduce their stress.

Attorney Ken Good from Texas comes back on Badge to the Bone. Ken provides an update from his season two appearance regarding the assault on cash bail in Harris County Texas. Denny and Al also talk with Ken about the results we are seeing from anti-police and pro-crime agendas over the past few years. A particular point of discussion is the incorrect crime stats released by the FBI and how they were quietly corrected.

Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and highly regarded news commentator Jimmy Gagliano joins Badge to the Bone for some outstanding discussion on today's law enforcement and its challenges. Jimmy was a former CNN and CBS law enforcement analyst and continues to provide commentary on a variety of national media outlets.

After a long break, Badge to the Bone is back for season 5. Denny talks about his recent medical emergency that delayed starting the season. A good reminder to assume nothing and pay attention to symptoms. They also discuss their excitement for the series of excellent guests lined up that you don't want to miss.

Thor joins Badge to the Bone again to close out the season with a little wrap up and some fun Christmas banter. Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie, and Denny can prove it!

Badge to the Bone Podcast would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our first responders and military personnel across the globe. We appreciate each and every one of you. Stay safe and be well.

Denny and Al talk with Jeanne Grubbs, widow of Cpl. Robert Wayne "Grubby," Grubbs. Cpl. Grubbs took his own life February 24th, 2021. Jeanne displays enormous resiliency in the wake of this tragedy. She shares her story with the hope of helping other first-responders. This story cannot overstate the importance of agencies treating their people like people and how poor leadership plays a significant role in first-responder wellness.

After a string of serious and heavy episodes, Denny and Al decide to lighten things up a bit. Greg Podolak returns and joins Badge to the Bone for some good humored wellness discussion while partaking in Greg's favorite beverage.

Denny and Al sit down to chat and unpack some baggage. They discuss some of the recent challenges impacting this season. Al opens up and talks about some personal struggles that have been weighing him down. They both speak honest and plain about how their mental wellness still faces struggles from time to time and the importance of practicing what they preach.

The anxiously awaited part 2 of Josh's story. Josh continues telling his story about the events that left him with significant trauma and how his agency just tossed him away. A hard-hitting example of the stigma and fears first responders face when agencies fail to address mental wellness.

Denny and Al speak with a former police officer who talks about multiple significantly traumatic events experienced at the onset of his career. His fatal shooting during field training, the response to the shooting of two fellow officers, and the chaos of full rioting left him with major trauma which led to the agency just tossing him away. This is a two-part episode that illustrates how an agency can completely fail a dedicated officer and how this should never happen. It is a must hear story.

Denny and Al talk about their recent presentation at the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, First Responder Wellness Conference. They also provide their honest and unfiltered take on the recent controversy surrounding the traffic stop of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

Former city Police Officer Trish joins Badge to the Bone and provides a long overdue perspective of women and minorities in policing and navigating DEI. A thought-provoking conversation that acknowledges progress made, but still so much more to be done.

Mark Wagner, father of fallen Wintergreen, VA Police Officer Mark Christopher Wagner II opens up season 4 on Badge to the Bone. Mark talks about great memories of his son, and discusses the importance of remaining positive after tragically losing him in the line of duty. Mark's strength after tragedy is an inspiring example of how continuing to move forward is one of the best ways to honor our fallen brothers and sisters.

Mark Wagner, father of fallen Wintergreen, VA Police Officer Mark Christopher Wagner II opens up season 4 on Badge to the Bone. Mark talks about great memories of his son, and discusses the importance of remaining positive after tragically losing him in the line of duty. Mark's strength after tragedy is an inspiring example of how continuing to move forward is one of the best ways to honor our fallen brothers and sisters.

Denny and Al have some fun closing out the season with former guests Greg and Kari. Al tries a Truly beverage, Kari gives an update on a non-profit organization she has co-founded, and Greg gives some updates on his law enforcement wellness initiative endeavor. A season 3 recap is thrown in with some outlook for season 4.

Licensed therapist Beth Salmo joins Badge to the Bone for some great conversation on mental health services for first responders and military and what has driven her to focus on being a provider for both. Beth also discusses some of the challenges she is seeing with first responders such as relationships, process addictions, and personal crises.

Denny talks with AL about the history that brought upon the creation of Badge to the Bone Podcast. Denny and Al have a long overdue and real conversation about Denny's struggles that led to bad decisions, suicidal thoughts, and a near self-destruct in his personal and professional life. Denny also talks about the support of faith, family, and friends that guided the path towards putting it all back together.

A local officer Will joins Badge to the Bone on location and talks about his experiences and the negative impacts that followed. Will provides encouragement with his resilience and his proactive efforts to help other first responders and military service members.

Badge to the Bone travels to Mount Saint Mary's University in Maryland to speak with students in the criminal justice program. Denny and Al give their "It's Time We Talk," presentation to several of the classes and record a question-and-answer session with students and faculty.

Former Tacoma, WA police officer Rob Hollingsworth discusses a shameful and malicious prosecution of two Tacoma officers driven by political expediency that prompted his transition out of law enforcement. Rob also discusses much needed support for LEO's transitioning out of law enforcement and that there is life after service.

Danny Coon, retired Sergeant from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office and author joins Badge to the Bone to talk about his efforts on bringing the conversation on LE suicide to the forefront. After 30-years of service Danny has been inspired to dedicate his efforts towards making a difference in the number of law enforcement suicides. Danny is also the author of a book called Broken, Understanding the Effects of Post Traumatic Stress.

Award winning author and trainer, Lt. Col. Grossman comes back to talk with Denny and Al about one of his most current books, On Hunting. As always, Lt. Col. Grossman brings another stirring and uplifting conversation that will resonate with all first responders. He truly provides a tremendous inspiration on why we must stay in the fight. A must listen episode.

Finally! Dr. Greenberg makes an appearance on Badge to the Bone. Doc Greenberg is not only a well-known and highly regarded Police Psychologist in our area, but he actually completed the full police academy and serves as a reserve Deputy. A great conversation with a mental health professional that we believe just gets it.

Deborah Green joins Badge to the Bone to talk about her 30-years experience as an emergency communications dispatcher in California. Her powerful and emotional story describes how she has been inspired to become a strong vocal mental health advocate for first responders.

Here's a short bonus recording. Denny and Al appeared on talk radio WRVA in Richmond, VA. Their season 3 opening guest Jeff Katz invited Badge to the Bone on The Jeff Katz Show to help promote the podcast. Jeff Katz is an incredible supporter and advocate for first responders.

Retired Police Chief Terry Nichols joins Badge to the Bone to discuss policing and the challenges impacting the profession. Terry also talks about his new venture with BolaWrap and how this new technology can help reduce use of force incidents and save lives by gaining compliance safely with a no pain component.

Denny and Al discuss the recently released DOJ report on the Uvalde, TX active shooter response. They highlight the many failures in the Police response and tremendous lack of leadership. A tragic incident that cost many lives and put another black eye on Law Enforcement as a whole.

Denny and Al sit down with local radio personality Jeff Katz from the Jeff Katz Show on WRVA in Virginia. Jeff talks gives an incredibly entertaining story on how he started as a police officer with the Philadelphia Police Department then moving to his career in radio. Jeff brings some great perspective on law enforcement today and why he is such a dedicated supporter.

For a final season 2 episode, Denny and Al have Thor and Rick come back for some entertaining and colorful banter. They recap season 2, talk about what's next for Badge to the Bone, and just have some good fun closing out the season. From the Badge to the Bone family we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will be back for season 3!

Rich Goszka with the Southern States Police Benevolent Association discusses with Badge to the Bone the critical state of the Law Enforcement profession today. Rich also talks about his role with the PBA and how the PBA supports our Law Enforcement professionals. If you are not a member of the PBA, Rich provides exactly why you should be.

Matt Griffin, best selling author of Journey to Midnight talks with Badge to the Bone about his LE career and discusses some incredibly difficult experiences that had a serious impact on his mental wellness. Just when he thought he was at the end, something amazing happened.

In the spirit of Halloween, Denny and Al speak with Paul Hope, author of Policing the Paranormal. There are so many experiences during a law enforcement career, but there are some that just can't be explained. Paul discusses several incidents during his time policing the capital in Richmond, VA that suggest the presence of something unexplained.

Badge to the Bone partakes in a fun conversation with retired POlice Sergeant and author Glenn Topping about his eclectic job experience and his LE career. Glenn is a retired Sergeant from the Broward County Sheriff's Office in Florida. He has written ten books including The Hurt, Look a Quarter! and The Making of a Monster. Glenn also discusses his current book in progress entitled, Fractured Mind which talks about suicide within the military and Law Enforcement.

Ryan and Scott talk about a fantastic program available for first responders and other professions dealing with trauma and PTSD. ReBoot is a cutting edge peer led program that helps in dealing with PTSD, trauma, and metal wellness issues. Ryan provides a great overview while Scott provides a solid personal testament to the success of ReBoot.

Sergeant Michael Sugrue, author of the best selling book, Relentless Courage comes on Badge to the Bone. Michael talks with Denny and Al about his background, his drive to smash the stigma surrounding mental health in first responders, and how this outstanding book came together. We cover some highlights of his book which reinforce why this is a must read. Listen in and you will understand why first responders and anyone connected to a first responder needs to read Relentless Courage.

Denny and Al speak with Police Chief Handley about leadership within law enforcement. A great discussion on where law enforcement executives are failing the profession, the negative impact it carries, and how it should be addressed. Chief Handley's leadership insight is well thought and quite encouraging.

Former Police Captain Steve Neal and author of Toxic Boss Blues joins Badge to the Bone for some great discussion on toxic bosses within public safety. Badge to the Bone asks the tough questions of how we got here and how do we make a change. Most in public safety have experienced a toxic supervisor at one time or another. Toxic Boss Blues is a good resource highlighting some toxic examples while giving tips on how to handle working for a toxic boss.

Denny and Al discuss their trip to Dover, DE for the Jeepers Back the Blue event at the Dover Motor Speedway. They play some onsite interviews with Jim from Warrior Weekend and Mike from Veterans United. These are great people representing some fantastic organizations doing amazing work. Denny also talks about attending the Impact of Trauma Conference in Norfolk, VA and the upcoming VALE wellness event.

Greg Podolak comes on Badge to the Bone and discusses his efforts to improve mental wellness within first responder agencies. He presents his idea with a program of integrating mental health professionals into the every day operations of law enforcement agencies. His idea is a progressive approach to normalizing mental wellness and mental health professional within police agencies. They also discuss the upcoming Virginia Law Enforcement Foundation (VALE) wellness event in Henrico, Virginia on September 23rd.

Renowned author, public speaker, and first responders trainer Lt. Col Dave Grossman speaks with Denny and Al about the current state of law enforcement and careers of service. Lt. Col. Grossman presents some excellent perspective regarding murder rates, assaults on LE, and the fight against evil. A must listen to for all first responders.

Attorney Ken Good from Texas joins Badge to the Bone to talk about the unsettling assault on cash bail occurring in Harris County, Texas. This trend has caused a tremendous strain on the court system resulting in an unprecedented high rate of failure to appears and case dismissals. Ken Good has argued cases before the Supreme Court of Texas, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Court.

Denny and Al discuss their summer break activities and some upcoming events and appearances. They also discuss the recent officer involved shooting in North Dakota.

Another trailer for upcoming season 2.

Season 2 coming soon.

Denny and Al celebrate their tenth episode with a fun show reflecting on some of the different cop shows and movies that sparked their careers. They bring on a new guest Kevin, aka Thor to partake in some good laughs. This episode also serves as a closer for season one as they take a summer break to prepare for a hard hitting season two. Season two trailers will be published so be on the lookout for some hints of what's to come. Also in the meantime, check out the web page www.badgetothebone.com and the Facebook page. You...

It's been a minute since our last episode, but Badge to the Bone has a great guest for this episode. Kari was an emergency communications dispatcher for 16 years, and she provides a much needed perspective regarding exposure to trauma within emergency communications. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget that our dispatchers on the other side of the radio and on the receiving end of traumatic calls are impacted just as much as those responding and sometimes more. Kari explains how the emergency communications position is viewed and classified differently from first responders in the field limiting the mental health resources available...

Co-founder of Trauma Behind the Badge, Chris Scallon joins Denny and Al talking about the incredible experiences he has gone through during his career and the impact on his mental wellness. Chris was able to pull himself out from a very dark place, find healing, and become a highly regarded and very prominent first responder mental wellness advocate. He has helped an immeasurable amount of first responders and continues to do so today. Hearing his story is a must.

Nick from the Roll Call Room podcast joins Badge to the Bone for some comically serious discussion on mental health, leadership, and recruitment issues in law enforcement today. Nick is an eleven-time best-selling author and co-host of one of the most popular law enforcement podcasts, The Roll Call Room. Nick also provides a great anecdote about his negative experiences with a spiteful and maliciously libelous leadership from his former agency.

Denny briefly talks about a trip to Luverne, Minnesota. Al and Denny discuss and vent their frustration with the growing trend of prosecuting attorney's targeting law enforcement officers for their political expediency. They specifically address two recent situations where LE officers are being maliciously prosecuted in Richmond, VA and Chesterfield, VA.

Rick returns for part two of his story. He explains his big turning point where he begins to work towards recovery. Rick discusses what inspired his change and provides an uplifting account showing his determination to become his better self. The conclusion of Rick's story is a great example showing no matter how broken we may feel, we are just one forward step away from healing and redemption.

Denny and Al bring Rick on the show to talk about his career and how his challenging and difficult experiences brought on negative ways of coping. Rick gives us an honest discussion about the things that impacted him most sending his professional and personal life into turmoil. His forthright personal account is what first responders need to hear.

Al and Denny discuss the recent active shooter tragedy at The Covenant School in Nashville, TN. When the immediate focus is on gun control and gun bans, are we missing a much larger problem that must be addressed? There are steps that can be taken to make our schools a safer and much harder target for those intent on committing evil. Time to secure our schools and make mental health a priority.

Having to make a last-minute adjustment to the episode, we still engage in some solid thought-provoking discussion. Department psychologist, schedule a session or visit an outside professional? Overcoming the stigma and officer apprehensions with seeking help. Is brokenness a contributing factor to officer misconduct?

Nothing too serious on this first episode. Denny and Al spend some time going over their law enforcement background and discuss things to come on Badge to the Bone Podcast. 

This is just a real short to the point description of what this podcast will be about.