Bend Don't Break is a podcast that tells the story of police officers who have overcome significant adversity in their personal and professional lives. Through the power of story, the listener will understand the depth of resilience and personal strength that exists in the men and women who protect our communities 24x7.
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Blue Grit Wellness: Balancing Duty, Family and Health
Episode 68
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 • Duration 46:19
Watch the video episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/iY9MnqA2n3M Summary In this conversation, police commander Eric Tung discusses the importance of wellness and resilience in law enforcement. He shares his personal journey of recognizing the need to address sleep issues, chronic stress, and mental health in order to optimize his performance as a police officer. Eric also talks about the role of his podcast, Blue Grit Radio, in promoting wellness practices and building bridges between law enforcement and the community. The conversation covers topics such as organizational culture, leadership support, and the importance of living outside the 'blue world' to maintain a balanced perspective. The conversation revolves around the themes of personal responsibility, setting boundaries, and the importance of seeking support. Eric and Chief Dubord discuss the challenges of work-life balance and the importance of setting boundaries to prioritize different aspects of life. Eric also highlights the significance of talking to someone, whether it's a psychologist or a trusted friend, to navigate personal and professional challenges. Takeaways
Recognizing the importance of wellness and resilience in law enforcement is crucial for optimizing performance and maintaining mental health.
Living outside the 'blue world' and engaging with the community helps maintain a balanced perspective and prevents the formation of an echo chamber.
Organizational culture and leadership support play a significant role in promoting wellness practices and removing barriers to self-care.
Regular blood work and monitoring personal health are individual responsibilities that contribute to overall well-being.
Building bridges between law enforcement and the community through open dialogue and transparency helps foster trust and understanding. Take ownership of your well-being and make choices that align with your values and purpose.
Set boundaries to prioritize different aspects of life and maintain work-life balance.
Seek support from psychologists or trusted friends to navigate personal and professional challenges.
Embrace positivity and optimism to contribute to a positive culture in the law enforcement profession.
Chapters 00:00 Recognizing the Need for Wellness and Resilience 06:29 Hitting Walls and Figuring Things Out 09:24 Promoting Wellness Practices and Removing Stigma 13:58 The Journey to Resilience: Not One Singular Event 19:16 Living Outside the 'Blue World' 22:11 Individual Responsibility for Health and Well-being 23:11 Taking Ownership of Your Well-being 25:24 Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance 29:15 The Power of Seeking Support 37:13 Embracing Positivity in Law Enforcement
Behind the Shield: A Journey from Undercover Ops to Mental Health Advocate
Episode 67
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 • Duration 42:23
Watch the video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KuoGeAU2Npk Summary Bob Stenhouse, a former undercover police officer, shares his journey from undercover work to being a whistleblower and the impact it had on his mental health. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance, avoiding cynicism, and surrounding oneself with good people. Stenhouse also highlights the need for wise leadership in policing, with a focus on emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and accountability. He encourages young officers to be trauma-informed, compassionate, and empathetic. Stenhouse's story serves as a reminder that taking responsibility for one's mental health and creating a respectful workplace are crucial for the well-being of police officers. Takeaways
Maintain balance, avoid cynicism, and surround yourself with good people in order to thrive in the police profession.
Wise leadership is crucial in creating a respectful and psychologically safe workplace for police officers.
Take responsibility for your own mental health and well-being, and seek therapy if needed.
Be trauma-informed, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, including those who may be engaging in negative behavior.
Create a workplace culture that supports and holds officers accountable while also providing support for mental health challenges.
Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:01 Bob Stenhouse's Career and Transition to Corporate Investigations 05:19 From Small Town Drug Enforcement to International Undercover Work 06:42 Bob Stenhouse's Experience in the Counterintelligence Team 08:36 Working on Project KISS and Dealing with the Hell's Angels 11:43 The Whistleblowing Incident and Career Trajectory Change 23:26 The Impact of Workplace Culture on Stress Levels 25:43 Finding a New Identity and Pursuing Personal Growth 31:07 Advice for Young People Entering the Police Profession 33:31 Creating a Respectful and Psychologically Safe Workplace
When the Hunter Became the Hunted
Episode 55
Friday, December 1, 2023 • Duration 48:00
RCMP Sergeant Greg Toogood was at home enjoying an evening with friends and family when his chocolate labrador Abby started uncharacteristically barking outside. He went to the back door of his house to check on the dog. Greg, silhouetted in the door, was ambushed from afar and shot causing significant, permanent damage to his right arm.
On this episode of Bend Don't Break, Greg joins Chief Neil Dubord to talk about how the shooting affected him, and how he found the courage to come back both physically and mentally.
Join Chief Dubord and Sgt. Toogood as Greg shares the power of his story of resilience.
First responders are on the front lines daily, keeping our communities safe and facing some of the most dangerous situations; there is no doubt that the mental health toll of the job is significant. In recent years, the first responder community has worked hard to reduce the stigma and increase awareness, fostering an overall culture of wellness. The power of healing through story is the goal of Bend Don't Break, listed as one of the Top Policing & Law Enforcement Podcasts.
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Finding Strength in Recovery
Episode 54
Friday, November 17, 2023 • Duration 44:27
Join Chief Neil Dubord as he speaks with Greater Sudbury Police Service Constable James Jefferson. James was involved in a critical incident that had a profound impact on how he managed and functioned. Until he was ready to acknowledge this impact and do something to help himself, he spiraled to his rock bottom. But when James did acknowledge the impact, he started a road to recovery for himself, and now uses his experiences and outlook to help others with the GSPS.
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You Can't Buy Good Mental Health, You Can Only Create It
Episode 53
Friday, September 29, 2023 • Duration 39:51
Join Chief Neil Dubord as he speaks with psychologist Dr. Mark Davies. Mark has recently joined the Delta Police Department and works with our wellness section to help our officers be mentally healthy. A psychologist on staff is not a completely new thing, but it goes a long way to show how committed the DPD is to employee wellness.
Mark believes organizational culture can reduce barriers and contribute to healthy mental well-being. In speaking about a study conducted at Harvard, Dr. Davies states, "Unit cohesion in the military was a negative predictor of PTSD by a 20% variance." Essentially, having the proper mechanisms in place before trauma occurs, can reduce the chance and severity of trauma, if and when trauma does happen.
Mark emphasizes the value of organizational culture, why he chose to work with first responders, and how his own lived experience is now helping him contribute to the DPD's environment to help its officers. "Mental health isn't about preventing bad, it's about being really great."
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You can find more episodes of Bend Don't Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.
This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Sande Higgins, an RCMP member who bravely shares her unique story of survival, followed by trauma.
In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Sande who, several years ago, boarded a plane five days before getting married to the love of her life, to moments later finding herself as a survivor. Sande describes the traumatizing experience and how it accompanied her in silence for many years, painfully but away from the sight of her close ones. Sande has remained resilient in the face of all the different obstacles she had to overcome and shares her story to encourage anyone suffering to seek help. Listen to this inspiring story!
Key Takeaways:
[2:53] Sande shares her background and how she became part of the RCMP.
[5:19] Sande expands on her experience in residential schools.
[6:45] Sande describes the mounted community.
[8:12] Each member had their own home at the mounted community.
[9:25] When the incident occurred, Sande was days away from her wedding. She talks about her relationship with her partner back then.
[12:46] Sande boarded the plane, and nothing seemed odd.
[15:17] What happened on July 4th?
[20:24] What is Telecom?
[21:18] Sande stops and tries to process what just happened.
[23:25] Sande talks about her injuries.
[25:45] Sande made sure everyone was all right.
[28:00] Sande got married five days after the incident.
[28:41] Sande returned to work pretty fast; she explained what that looked like.
[30:23] Before getting back to work, Sande consulted a psychologist.
Surviving PTSD: If I Could, You Can Too
Episode 51
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 • Duration 01:02:21
This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Ryan Moore of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Ryan about his struggle with PTSD and how he ended up helping others due to his own healing journey.
Ryan has indigenous roots and received his formal name when he was young, he was called Big Uncle, a name they hadn't given for a while in his culture, which represents somebody who looks after people, a perfect name that foresaw his destiny.
In his role helping others, Ryan experienced extreme situations, which over time disturbed his peace, work, and relationships. Ryan turned his suffering into an opportunity to find himself again and to learn how to take care of his own mental health, which today he applies in helping others struggling with PTSD. Get inspired by Ryan's brave journey, if he could, so do you!
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] Ryan talks about himself, his career, and how he got to join the RCMP.
[3:30] Ryan is also an indigenous member.
[5:04] Ryan shares his experience with PTSD.
[10:45] Ryan finally realizes he is suffering from PTSD (even though it was obvious to his closest ones).
[12:46] Ryan recalls the origins of PTSD in his life.
[21:34] The training that officers don't receive.
[22:21] Ryan discusses his life as a veteran.
[27:43] Ryan and Chied Dubord address that moment when an officer realizes he/she needs time off because something is not correct.
[31:57] Ryan wants to get involved in Veteran's Affairs by making a presentation, but things get complicated, and Ryan loses control.
Overcoming PTSD: Thriving and Finding Happiness Beyond Trauma
Episode 50
Monday, June 19, 2023 • Duration 37:01
Chief Neil Dubord is accompanied this week by Dr. Kendra Devor, who dives deep into her efforts regarding the Wellness Program designed to assist first responders in overcoming the repercussions of critical incidents they often endure in service.
In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Kendra Devor Psy. D., a Licensed Clinical Psychologist out of Orange County, California. Her professional experience has focused on treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. Dr. Devor has extensive experience working with first responders and their family members.
Key Takeaways:
[1:45] Kendra introduces herself.
[4:10] Kendra talks about her certifications.
[5:14] Kendra shares about a particular client who has gone through several traumatic incidents.
[8:26] EMDR is an amazing therapeutic modality designed to treat trauma, Kendra explains why.
[10:39] Kendra continues talking about this specific client who got to therapy after his third critical incident; she addresses the two first traumatic events.
[14:49] Now, this deputy went through two more critical incidents.
[16:01] Less than one year later, this particular deputy is stronger and happier than ever.
[17:45] Kendra shares the best tools for assisting first responders.
[20:03] Kendra expresses her gratitude and honor for being trusted by cops.
[20:53] Kendra talks about the Wellness Program.
[24:01] Kendra addresses the invaluable importance of training.
[25:03] Physical wellness is also involved in the Wellness Program.
Whole-Person Wellness for First Responders
Episode 49
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 • Duration 35:51
This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Kyle Stubbs, who is a member of the RCMP and was formerly in the Surrey Detachment.
In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Kyle about how his life took a sudden shift in 2018 with his premature daughter's birth. Kyle openly shares how his entire family was affected by this and especially the impact that the vulnerable health condition of his baby girl had on him as a father, a husband, and a cop. Kyle shares how he struggled to find the support he needed but, fortunately, ran into a therapeutic group that changed his life forever. This transformation brought along a new purpose to him: Nine8, a Health and Wellness Training Program for first responders Kyle created.
Key Takeaways:
[1:13] Kyle introduces himself.
[1:51] How did the frequent moving affect Kyle and his family?
[2:38] Kyle takes us back to 2018, when his younger daughter was born.
[5:25] Kyle talks about the delivery of her premature baby girl.
[7:31] Kyle ignored how this situation would impact his entire family.
[8:42] They had to fly back to the Children's Hospital soon after arriving home.
[10:21] Kyle was told by the doctors her baby, Matilda, was going to go through surgery and that there was a possibility that she wouldn't survive it.
[11:11] Matilda fully recovered; today she is a typical 5-year-old!
[11:33] Kyle talks about the pressure he placed on himself for not going to work during that period when Matilda was recovering.
[13:30] How did Kyle deal with the stress?
[14:34] Kyle became numb and disconnected from his family.
[15:14] Kyle tried therapy without luck, but he found a group that gave him the support he needed.
Building a Care Culture
Episode 48
Monday, May 1, 2023 • Duration 42:00
This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, to discuss the event that took place on January 23rd, 2023, when the Delta Police Department received a report of an individual who was outside the safety rail on the southbound side of the Alex Fraser Bridge.
In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Jonny Morris, who reached out during the crisis faced on that bridge and extended his support through a long negotiation process that lasted 8 hours and also caused the closing of the bridge, which created discontent from the general population which was affected by this security measure.
The overall decision to close the bridge was complex but guided by the belief in the importance of preserving life, which first responders and committed officers achieved, saving this man's life and successfully assisting an individual with a mental health crisis.
Key Takeaways:
[4:15] Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, joins Chief Dubord.
[7:13] Jonny talks about his role and how he advocates for mental health.
[9:44] Jonny shares the successes accomplished and the services the Canadian Mental Health Association gives.
[13:35] Care to Speak and Care for Care Giver and their impact on stress management teams and first responders.
[16:33] Jonny talks about building psychologically safe environments and their work on preventive care.
[19:58] Jonny speaks of the Study in Blue and Gray, a report with many recommendations in cases of people confronting a mental health emergency.
[23:54] Jonny described the importance of creating a psychologically safe workplace.
[32:40] Why is it so difficult for mental fitness to be on the same footing as physical health?
[27:41] Kendra shares her thoughts on the mental health stigma.
[30:22] Kendra advises: Go to therapy before you feel like you need it, and if you don't like the clinician, it is not that therapy isn't for you; just seek another therapist.
