The First Responder Playbook: Insights on Leadership and Training

Welcome to The First Responder Playbook! In today's episode, Brent sits down with Justin Bocock, a retired homicide detective whose law enforcement journey took him from aircraft mechanic in the Air Force to the U.S. Secret Service, and then to a distinguished 20-year career at Mesa, Arizona Police Department. Named Arizona Homicide Investigator of the Year for pioneering the use of drone technology in crime scene investigations, Justin Bocock shares gripping stories from his time on patrol, breakthrough moments in detective work, and his evolution into a respected subject matter expert and author.

Together, Brent and...

On this episode of The First Responder Playbook, host Brent sits down with Ryan Reichert—a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, executive coach, speaker, podcaster, and author based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With over four decades of life experience, Ryan Reichert shares his journey from small town America to global leadership, including 23 years of military service and four combat deployments.

We dive deep into his path to the Army, perspectives on service and leadership, and the challenges that come with transitions—both in and out of uniform. Drawing from personal struggles with addiction and loss, Ryan Reichert opens up abou...

Welcome to another powerful episode of The First Responder Playbook! Today, Brent sits down with Pat Welsh, whose career journey is nothing short of inspiring. From prosecutor to police officer and eventually a leader in law enforcement, Pat Welsh shares riveting stories from his decades on the force—including memorable and intense moments on patrol in Dayton, Ohio, one of the nation’s most violent cities during his tenure.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Pat Welsh transitioned from law to law enforcement, the life-changing advice that pushed him to follow his childhood dream, and what it was...

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! Today, Brent sits down with the inspiring Jacks O'hare, a lifestyle coach, speaker, and reinvention expert who helps ambitious women and first responders break free from burnout and self-sabotage to build fulfilling lives that truly fit.

In this candid conversation, Jacks O'Hare shares her journey from a long career in the restaurant industry to finding her true calling in coaching, diving into the challenges of burnout, the struggle to maintain healthy boundaries, and the importance of self-awareness. She opens up about what it means to feel trapped by...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent sits down with Johnny Tesone, a geologist, author, and creator of Geo Vortex, who has more than 30 years of experience spanning geology, corporate leadership, and field research. Johnny Tesone shares his extraordinary personal journey, from his out-of-body experience during the COVID-19 pandemic that transformed his perspective on geology, to the discoveries that inspired his book, Secrets of the Winds.

Together, they delve into paradigm-shifting ideas connecting geology, ancient history, and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on Earth. Johnny Tesone explains how his unique experiences in...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook, where we dive deep into the stories and strategies shaping the world of frontline heroes. In this episode, Brent sits down with Kara Kalin, the accomplished founder of Shift Change, a registered clinical counselor, EMDR-certified therapist, and former Canadian national team coach. Together, they explore the remarkable intersections of high performance, psychological resilience, and mental health—especially as they relate to first responders.

Kara Kalin opens up about her unique journey from the world of competitive sports to trauma counseling, revealing the challenges of leaving behind a lifelong dream in pu...

Welcome back to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! In today’s episode, Brent sits down with George Pesansky, a globally recognized leader in operational excellence and the founder of Capacity to Care. With over three decades of experience spanning executive coaching, performance optimization, and systematic improvement, George Pesansky has worked with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits worldwide, coaching over 10,000 professionals across six continents.

Together, they dive into George Pesansky’s fascinating journey from military service to corporate leadership, touching on the lessons he learned about discipline, leadership, and building high-performance teams along the way. They explore the...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent sits down with Doug Fifer, a retired Alaskan police officer with an unforgettable 25-year career in law enforcement. Doug takes us behind the scenes of his time with the Anchorage Police Department, where he specialized in everything from crime scene analysis and deviant sexual crimes to hostage negotiations and working with specialty units.

Doug shares what drew him to the world of policing in Alaska, his transition from adrenaline-fueled patrol work to investigative roles, and the unique challenges that come with serving in one of...

Welcome to a brand new episode of The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent Colbert sits down with Gene Burke—author, speaker, karate black belt, and an operations leader with more than 30 years of experience. Gene shares how growing up in Brooklyn, overcoming bullying, and navigating a challenging home life ignited his lifelong pursuit of resilience, empathy, and personal growth.

From discovering empowerment through weightlifting and martial arts to leading high-performing teams in both corporate and family businesses, Gene’s journey is filled with hard-earned lessons about mindset, discipline, and leadership evolution. Together, Brent and Gene...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent sits down with Lynn Whitbeck—a powerhouse in sales leadership, business development, and relationship-building, with over 30 years of experience in executive sales and more than a decade of consulting under her belt. Lynn and Brent dive deep into how first responders can successfully transition into new ventures like coaching, insurance, realty, and financial planning by developing winning sales strategies that turn side gigs into thriving full-time businesses.

Whether you’re new to sales or feeling stuck in the part-time hustle, Lynn shares actionable steps on how...

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! Today, Brent sits down with Vince Carter, CEO and host of the "CFO at Home" podcast—a seasoned professional with over 37 years of corporate experience in engineering, project management, and finance. Vince dives into his journey from corporate America to financial coaching, sharing how he applied the principles of a corporate CFO to managing family finances.

Together, Brent and Vince tackle the unique financial challenges faced by first responders, from juggling extra shifts and side gigs to the realities of burnout and the constant chase for financial stability. Vi...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, our host Brent sits down with Dr. Caroline Sangal, a true multi-hyphenate with a PhD in polymer science, a deep background in recruiting, coaching, and HR, and the founder of Next Success. Dr. Sangal shares her unconventional journey from the world of chemical engineering and adhesives to becoming a career coach dedicated to helping high-achieving professionals find genuine clarity and fulfillment in their work and lives.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sangal opens up about personal experiences with burnout, questioning her own path, and the pressures of chasing...

Welcome back to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! This week, Brent sits down with Brian Hurtak—Fortune 100 executive, business leader, and author of the innovative leadership book, The Play Sheet. Inspired by the world of sports and his own journey through corporate America, Brian shares how an overwhelmed Sunday night turned into a game-changing leadership method. You’ll hear the fascinating backstory of how he borrowed the idea of a coach’s play sheet and applied it to business, personal development, and even parenting. Brian dives into building effective teams, navigating information overload, and creating a culture of exc...

Welcome back to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! Today, host Brent is joined once again by Sergeant V from DXI Training Solutions for a deep dive into the power of personality assessments in coaching and leadership—especially for those in the first responder community. Brent and Sergeant V share their personal experiences with different assessment tools, like Tilt365 and DISC, and discuss how these insights can help first responders better understand themselves and others. From building successful teams to improving one-on-one coaching, they break down the benefits (and a little history) of using these tools for personal an...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In this powerful episode, host Brent Colbert is joined by Heidi Chance, a 25-year veteran detective of the Phoenix Police Department with deep expertise in sex trafficking and human exploitation cases. Heidi shares her third-generation law enforcement roots and the unique path that led her into one of the department’s most challenging units. Together, they dive into what it takes to spot the subtle signs of trafficking—both on patrol and in schools—and why evolving police training is crucial in the fight against these hidden crimes.

Heidi reflects on unf...

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent sits down with Dr. Matt Kutz, a PhD in global leadership, award-winning author, educator, and dedicated family man. Dr. Kutz brings his expertise in athletic training and leadership to the table, sharing his unique journey from sports medicine to earning his doctorate—all while balancing family life and a demanding career.

Together, Brent and Dr. Kutz explore the powerful concepts behind Dr. Kutz’s book "Becoming Epic," breaking down the leadership maxims of excellence, perception, inspiration, and compassion. They discuss how first responders can...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent sits down with Coach Karen Gray—a powerhouse in the world of confidence coaching and the founder of The Confidence Coding. Karen draws on her decades of experience in the financial sector and her unique journey coaching pageant contestants to help high-level leaders, including first responders, rewire their beliefs and build unshakable confidence. With practical, brain-based strategies, Karen guides us through understanding the roots of self-doubt, the difference between “little t” truths and “big T” Truths, and the importance of self-worth. Plus, she shares insight from her personal l...

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent sits down with Dr. Sherry Yellin, author of The Science of High Performance Leadership and creator of the Cranium methodology. With over 30 years of experience coaching leaders and transforming workplace cultures, Dr. Yellin brings a unique blend of neuroscience and practical strategies to the table.

Together, Brent and Dr. Yellin dive deep into the importance of effective leadership in the first responder world, exploring how science-backed approaches can help leaders inspire trust, boost engagement, and achieve extraordinary results. Dr. Yellin shares her journey...

Welcome to a new episode of The First Responder Playbook! Today, host Brent sits down with the remarkable Thomas R. Wilson—an internationally acclaimed writer, business owner, advocate, sensory-friendly event specialist, and passionate community leader. Thomas shares his deeply personal journey from being labeled a prodigy as a child to facing the harsh realities of stigma around neurodiversity and mental health in a time when those terms weren’t even part of the conversation. Through adversity, Thomas discovered his voice as a compassionate advocate—empowering himself and others while earning government recognition for his work.

In this inspir...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In today’s episode, Brent sits down with Ivan Wanis-Ruiz—the Amazon bestselling author of “End Boring: A Tactical Approach to Communication,” a top-rated Coursera instructor, and a seasoned emcee for world-class events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. Ivan brings his trademark energy and candid insights to a conversation all about what actually works when it comes to real-world communication—for first responders, leaders, and anyone who’s ever sat through a mind-numbing PowerPoint.

From his early days leading workshops on racism and violence to his deep dive into wh...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In today’s episode, we have an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Damian Bloss—a mental health advocate and addiction recovery mentor who knows firsthand what it means to reclaim your life. Damian sits down with host Brent Colbert to share his journey from a promising young baseball player through years of battling alcohol addiction, and ultimately, to recovery and helping others do the same.

Damian opens up about the traumatic loss that fueled his addiction, the false comfort alcohol provided, and the decade-long struggle before he realized he need...

Welcome to another compelling episode of The First Responder Playbook! Today, Brent sits down with Mr. Whiskey, host of the Couple O' Nukes podcast—a U.S. Navy veteran, speaker, and modern-day preacher with a mission to turn trauma into transformation. Together, they dive deep into the unique challenges faced by first responders and military members: the impacts of shift work, the struggles with mental health, and the critical importance of supportive leadership.

Mr. Whiskey shares raw, powerful stories from his own life and his father's 25 years as a police officer, peeling back the curtain on the un...

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! In today’s conversation, host Brent sits down with Derrick Van Mell, founder and principal of the Center for Management Terms and Practices. Derrick’s mission is simple yet powerful: building a global community of caring leaders who set the bar high when it comes to ethics and competence. Together, Brent and Derrick dive into the ongoing challenges facing first responders—especially around leadership, management standards, and the disconnects that can happen between frontline workers and administration.

Derrick shares insights from his extensive experience as a management consultant and sh...

Welcome back to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent is joined once again by the insightful Sergeant V, who brings his experience and wisdom from the field to discuss one of the cornerstones of effective leadership: servant leadership. Together, they explore what it truly means to put the needs of your team and community first, rather than seeking recognition or personal advancement.

Brent and Sergeant V share candid stories of their own challenges and lessons learned in leadership roles—like the pitfalls of chasing after numbers for self-promotion versus genuinely serving th...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent sits down with Tony Schmaltz, a seasoned leadership and peak performance coach who’s made a name for himself teaching at industry giants like Amazon. Tony shares powerful stories from his journey, starting as an “arrogant” young worker transformed by mentorship into a genuine leader driven to help others upgrade their lives. Together, they tackle some of the biggest questions facing first responders and leaders today: the real difference between leading and managing, why language is your most powerful tool, and how to stop people-pleasing without turning into a...

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! This week, host Brent sits down with Rodney Carpentier, an active law enforcement officer with nearly 20 years of experience in New York State. Rodney’s career has taken him from state corrections to patrol and investigations, and recently he climbed the ranks to lieutenant. But that’s not all—Rodney is also a published mystery writer, weaving his first responder experiences into gripping stories.

In this episode, Rodney shares his unconventional journey into law enforcement, how an English major ended up working in corrections, and the valuable life and le...

On today’s episode of The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with Monica Crawford—former police officer, entrepreneur, and author of "Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line." Monica shared her inspiring journey from law enforcement into entrepreneurship, why she founded Five-0 Fierce and Fit to empower trailblazing women in male-dominated fields, and the lessons she learned about leadership, resilience, and being true to yourself. If you’re facing toxic work environments or considering taking the leap into your own venture, Monica’s story will inspire you to take control, set boundaries, and thrive—no matter where you are in your ca...

On this episode of The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with Joshua Daniel—20-year Army veteran, retired special operator, and founder of Hero Games charity and Counterculture Solutions. We dove into his incredible journey from small-town Virginia to leading elite teams in combat, the power of leadership without titles, and turning hardship into empowering others. Josh’s story is packed with hard-won lessons on resilience, building community after service, and leading with integrity. If you’re looking for inspiration, actionable leadership tips, and a reminder of the impact we can have serving others, this episode is a must-listen.

...

On this episode of The First Responder Playbook, we flipped the script as Sergeant V interviewed me about my journey into law enforcement, why I started this podcast, and the ups and downs of my career. From humble beginnings as a dispatcher, through leadership roles, detours, and hard lessons learned, we dove into the importance of owning your mistakes, embracing growth, and mentoring the next generation. Whether you’re a first responder or just looking for leadership wisdom, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and real talk about what it takes to serve and lead.

Want to...

On today’s episode of The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with retired Secret Service agent Brad Beeler. We unpacked the real-world lessons from his 25-year career, covering everything from effective communication and the power of active listening, to the critical role of polygraphs, and building trust in high-stakes situations. Brad also shared leadership wisdom around never stopping your personal growth, learning from mentors, and why resilience and continuous training are game-changers for first responders. No matter your industry, these insights are gold for anyone looking to level up their leadership and communication skills.

Wan...

Today on The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with Pradeepa Narayanaswamy—TEDx speaker, author, and executive coach—to dive deep into the heart of leadership. From overcoming the fear of criticism to finding your unique voice, Pradeepa shared her journey from writing her first blog to publishing three impactful books. We explored practical ways first responders can make confident decisions under pressure, avoid compassion fatigue, and lead with clarity and confidence. This episode is packed with wisdom on growing as a leader, staying connected to your “why,” and embracing the courage to step forward, no matter where you start.<...

On this episode of The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with Phil Whitebloom—legendary sales leader and coach with over 40 years of experience driving innovation at companies like Sony. We explored how groundbreaking technology shapes industries, why adaptability is the secret to staying relevant, and how Phil’s hands-on coaching helps leaders and teams build real sales confidence, not just theory. If you want actionable takeaways on leadership, active listening, and growing your impact—this is an episode you can’t miss.

Want to be a guest on The First Responder Playbook: Insights on Leadership...

On this episode of The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with Yogi Mueller—leadership coach, speaker, and author of The Great Slapping. We dove into the real power of mentorship, the importance of honest feedback, and why grit is more valuable than polish. Yogi shared lessons from his time with Disney and broke down how his Grit Index helps leaders get truly honest about growth. Whether you’re in business or on the frontlines, this conversation is packed with insights to help you unlock your team’s—and your own—full potential.

Want to be a guest...

Welcome back to The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, host Brent sits down with John Guaspari, a seasoned leadership expert, consultant, and author of eight books—including the newly released "If Engagement is the What, Then Respect is the How." John’s journey is anything but typical: from aerospace engineer, to a Swiss army knife writer at Honeywell, to an in-demand consultant helping Fortune 500 companies transform the way they lead and engage their people.

This conversation unpacks why respect is the foundation for building trust, empowerment, and ultimately, genuine engagement within organizations—even those with paramilitary struct...

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! Today, host Brent sits down with Dan Fraser, an accomplished police officer, instructor, and author, whose passion for empowering others has driven his impressive career. Dan takes us on a journey from his early days as a military reservist in Canada to his two-decade career with the Calgary Police Service, where he quickly traded SWAT aspirations for a calling in training and instructor development.

Dan shares eye-opening insights about the importance of effective training, the real goals behind teaching, and the challenges of ensuring retention and operational transfer...

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook! In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Johnsgaard—a recently retired Canadian law enforcement officer whose passion for training, growth, and optimizing law enforcement performance has taken him across four continents and into the heart of elite and entry-level organizations alike. Jeff shares his unique journey: from chasing purpose inspired by Viktor Frankl’s "Man’s Search for Meaning," to deep dives into martial arts in Japan, to becoming internationally renowned for his work in reality-based training and close quarter defense systems.

Jeff unpacks what it really means...

On this episode of The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with Marianne Rob and Dave Rich—veteran police officers and founders of UAP-PD—to dive into why so many first responders keep quiet about paranormal encounters on the job. We explored the stigma, the real risks to credibility and careers, and how their organization is giving officers and first responders a judgement-free zone to share their stories. From unexplainable 911 calls to mysterious sightings and their own first-hand experiences, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the unknown—and the importance of community and support in high-pressure profes...

Are you ready to level up your performance and take control of your health? In this episode of The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with Brandon Day—former college athlete, Sports Illustrated cover star, and creator of the Neuroflow Method. Brandon shares how overcoming chronic pain and mental burnout led him to applied neurology and the science of flow states. We dive into how first responders and athletes alike can harness neuro training to conquer pain, boost resilience, and achieve peak performance—both on the job and in life. Don’t miss it!

On this episode of The First Responder Playbook, I sat down with Dr. Grant Kruhly—a world-class martial specialist turned quantum healer. Dr. G shares his elite journey training police, military, and SWAT teams, emphasizing the critical importance of mastering both physical and mental skills in high-stakes environments. We dive into his groundbreaking work using morphic field physics to boost team performance and rapidly heal trauma, all remotely. If you want a powerhouse perspective on mind, body, and service for first responders, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Welcome to another episode of The First Responder Playbook. In today’s show, host Brent sits down with Erik Holt, a former fire chief from Colorado whose story goes far beyond fighting fires. Erik takes us deep into a wild tale of small-town politics, election fraud, and personal sacrifice—sharing how he stood up against corruption and paid the price for doing the right thing. From building a struggling volunteer department into a thriving team, to uncovering blatant election irregularities right in his own fire station, Erik’s journey is equal parts inspiring and cautionary.

As he walks...

On this deeply moving episode of The First Responder Playbook, host Brent sits down with Susan Snow—trauma resiliency coach, speaker, and author. Susan opens up about the life-altering night she lost her father, a Los Angeles police detective, in the line of duty when she was just 17. She shares her raw, emotional journey through grief, trauma, and survival, highlighting the lack of mental health resources for law enforcement families at the time and how that shaped her own battles with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

After years of masking her pain and struggling in silence, Susan found he...

Welcome to this episode of the First Responder Playbook. Join our host and Sergeant V from DXI Training Solutions for an in-depth discussion about the essential aspects of carrying knives as a first responder. Discover the various roles a knife can play, from a backup weapon to a general utility tool, and the importance of understanding its use based on departmental policies and personal preferences.

Learn about the features of different types of knives, the significance of practicing safe handling, and tips for carrying and deploying them effectively. This episode offers valuable insights into the balance between...

Join us in this enlightening episode of the First Responder Playbook as we welcome Sharon Dunleavy, an educational advocate dedicated to enhancing the educational success of children in foster care. Sharon shares her invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by these children, emphasizing how trauma impacts their learning and behavior.

Discover actionable strategies for first responders to effectively support and communicate with kids experiencing crisis. Sharon offers practical advice on being trauma-informed, fostering teamwork among first responders, and empowering children through choice and calm interaction in stressful situations.

Explore the legal landscape surrounding foster...

Step onto the front lines with this episode of The First Responder Playbook, as host Brent sits down with Mark Mowbray—Marine Corps and Army veteran, former corrections officer, trooper, and author-to-be. Mark shares his remarkable career journey, from seeking purpose after high school, through the rigors of Parris Island, SWAT-style prison teams, and the realities of Ohio corrections, all the way to patrolling city streets and country roads.

Mark unpacks how the “Take Point Mindset”—stepping up and taking control of your own narrative—has shaped his life and leadership style. Hear firsthand why confidence, respect, and mentors...

In this engaging episode, Brent sits down with Patrick Faulkner—a seasoned law enforcement professional, Air Force veteran, and host of the “Knock and Talk Show”—to unpack his winding journey through policing, military service, and ultimately, first responder training through ADB Nation. From tales of policing in both large metro areas and tiny “Mayberry”-like towns, to the challenges faced after leaving law enforcement, Patrick’s candor brings both humor and hard truths to the forefront.

Highlights include wild detective stories (like busting an international burglary ring where an entire house was built with stolen goods), navigating sma...

On today’s episode, I sat down with Keith Grounsell—a two-time chief of police, DEA special agent, and international law enforcement leader—with nearly 27 years of experience taking on everything from undercover narcotics to fighting global corruption. Keith shared powerful lessons on leadership, innovation, and never taking “no” for an answer, whether it’s solving budget challenges or building trust with the community. If you want to level up your leadership mindset and get inspired to break barriers in any industry, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

00:00 Overcoming Burnout: Finding Support

06:18 Signs of Job Stress Realization

07:13 First Responder Stress Warning

11:52 Brother Finally Understands Overnight Shift

13:46 "Use Your Time Off"

19:48 "Johnny: From Cop to Trainer"

22:58 "First Responders Need Diverse Friendships"

26:38 "Easy Access to Healthy Living"

27:40 "First Responder Support Resources"

1. Travis’s Military Background and Transition Out of the Marine Corps

Duration in the Marine Corps (13 years)

Reasons for leaving: changes in times, God’s plan, instructor role, need to move on

Positive outlook on his service and reasons for not criticizing the Marine Corps

2. Transitioning to Civilian Life: Initial Experiences

Early transition jobs: working at Don Corp and Lockheed Martin

Surrounded by other prior military members

Similar structure and culture to military life

Work on military bases in similar environments

The...

Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the episode, with sub-topics for each main subject:

1. Introduction and Background of the Guest

Travis Mitchell’s connection to Wagner and background

Travis’s status as a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong association

The episode’s focus on military life and transitions

2. Decision to Join the Marine Corps

Influence of cousin Michael and early impressions

Discovery of aviation roles within the Marines

Impact of 9/11 on motivation to enlist

Role of community and patrioti...

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨
The First Responder Playbook 🎙️

This week, we’re diving into the world of small-town grit with Officer Brady Bailey—a cop who proves you don’t need a big city badge to make a big-time impact.

From traffic stops to training rooms, Brady has turned his passion for criminal interdiction and police instruction into a mission. He’s part cop, part teacher, and all-in when it comes to sharpening the blade for the next generation of street-smart officers.

💥 Hear how he turned routine patrol into a highway hunting ground for criminals.
💥 L...

The rise of social media has brought about a new wave of criminal activity, with criminals using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to carry out illicit activities such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies around the world are now faced with the challenge of chasing these social media criminals and cracking down on their operations.

This week, we’re flipping the script on high-stress calls and adrenaline-fueled responses. Join us as we sit down with David Vilsaying, nationally recognized de-escalation instructor and voice of calm in chaos.

From the streets to the classroom, David shares real-world strategies that save lives—and careers. Whether you're a rookie responder or a seasoned supervisor, this episode will sharpen your tools, not just your tactics.

Why escalation isn’t inevitable
How communication can be your most powerful weapon
And why de-escalation is more than a buzzword—it’s a survival skill.

Hit fol...