In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis to discuss his path from growing up in a Florida family restaurant business to serving as Florida's chief financial officer and now representing Florida's 1st Congressional District in Congress. Patronis reflects on his experience in public service and his longstanding work alongside law enforcement, firefighters, dispatchers and emergency managers, particularly during hurricanes and major disasters. He also addressed national challenges facing public safety, including social media, community safety and first responder resiliency, while emphasizing his continued commitment to supporting those who serve on the front lines.

In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Tracy Hejmanowski, Ph.D., a combat trauma psychologist with almost 20 years of experience supporting military and first responders, about her transition from special operations work to leading recalibration retreats for first responders. The conversation emphasizes why camaraderie-based healing, creative expression and proactive mental health care are essential to first responder wellness. It also underscores the importance of cultural change in law enforcement and the reminder that everyone needs backup before their cup overflows.

Contact Information

• firstresponderproject.org
• [email protected]
• (866) 940-4911

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Michael Laidler, a leadership keynote speaker and resilience strategist with more than 20 years of experience in high-pressure local and federal law enforcement leadership roles. Drawing from his two decades of frontline service, Michael shares how adversity can become a powerful foundation for resilience, effective leadership and long-term success. John and Michael explore his personal journey, including experiences with homelessness, family mental health challenges, divorce and the cumulative toll of service, and how those setbacks shaped his belief that adversity can either break you or build you.

Contact Information

• michaelalaidler.com
• [email protected]
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

In this episode, host John Creamer continues his conversation with Orange County Cpl. Jeffery James-Potts about his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. In Part 2, Cpl. James-Potts recounts what happened after he was freed from being held hostage at the Orange County Jail. He discusses the physical injuries he sustained, as well as the emotional trauma that was not immediately visible and how he began the process of rebuilding his life. Cpl. James-Potts also reflects on the support he received from Orange County Sheriff John Mina and his ongoing road to resilience.

Listener discretion is advised. This episode covers serious subject matter and includes graphic descriptions that may be difficult for some listeners.

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Corporal Jeffery "JP" James-Potts of the Orange County Sheriff's Office for Part 1 of his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. Cpl. James-Potts recounts his journey from military service to law enforcement in one of the nation's most complex and dynamic jurisdictions and the life-altering day he was taken hostage inside a county jail during a routine arrest.

With candor and insight, Cpl. James-Potts walks listeners through the realities of modern law enforcement and the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. This episode goes beyond the incident itself, exploring the mental, emotional and professional aftermath of critical incidents, the importance of training and communication and what it truly means to "keep fighting" when everything is on the line.

Listener discretion is advised. This episode covers serious subject matter and includes graphic descriptions that may be difficult for some listeners.

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Bridget Truxillo, JD, a former deputy sheriff, practicing lawyer and founder of My Protective Wellness and Lady Law Shield. After leaving her role as a deputy sheriff to attend law school, she spent more than 13 years in civil litigation before building a specialized practice supporting law enforcement and first responders. John and Bridget discuss her path into policing, SWAT, organizational betrayal, empowering first responders through legal education, mental health and more.

Contact Information

• [email protected]
• ladylawshield.com
• www.myprotectivewellness.com
• Follow on Facebook
• Follow on LinkedIn

In this episode, host John Creamer honors Sgt. Daniel "Dale" Green, a respected Tallahassee Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2002. His death forever changed the agency and those who served beside him, shaping new policies, training and procedures while inspiring a lasting commitment to honor the fallen. His legacy continues to remind us that courage, brotherhood and unwavering faith endure long after the call ends and long after a life of service and sacrifice.

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP, a licensed clinical psychologist for the FBI and best-selling author of If Sleep Were a Drug. Drawing on years of clinical experience with law enforcement, military personnel and first responders, Dr. Kaylor explains how sleep directly affects cognitive function, emotional regulation and long-term health. She breaks down the stages of sleep and their critical roles in brain and body recovery, the physiological impact of chronic sleep deprivation and the connection between poor rest and impaired judgment.

Join John and Dr. Kaylor as they explore practical topics such as caffeine use, pre-workout timing, light exposure and strategies for building an effective sleep routine. Whether you're managing shift work, coping with stress or looking to improve overall wellness, this episode offers actionable insights on how quality sleep can enhance performance, protect your health and promote longevity in high-demand careers.

Contact Information

• [email protected]
• drleahkaylor.com
• Connect on LinkedIn

Additional Resources

• If Sleep Were a Drug

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Bonnie Eckman, a mental health and addiction recovery professional with more than a decade of experience in trauma-informed care. With a background in occupational therapy, Bonnie specializes in sensory modulation techniques that help emergency responders navigate PTSD, trauma, nervous system dysregulation and emotional burnout. Together they discuss programs that address the specific needs of law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers and others on the front lines.

On this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Captain Joshua Bitsko, who retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department after decades of service in K9, SWAT and leadership roles. Captain Bitsko and his team played an integral role during the October 1 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas, where a lone gunman opened fire on the crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. John and Josh discuss that incident, the toll that years of high-intensity operations took on Josh's physical and mental health and the path to recovery that followed.