In this Episode of “Bend Don’t Break” podcast, Constable Mike Willford of the Abbotsford Police Department shares his personal journey with compassion fatigue. He discusses how his role as a ‘helper’ led him to neglect seeking help for himself, resulting in physical symptoms he could no longer ignore. Mike emphasizes that his experience wasn’t triggered by a single event but by the accumulation of numerous small incidents over time.

Mike’s story highlights the importance of mental health awareness at all levels within law enforcement. He candidly discusses the challenges of recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue, a condition common among first responders due to the emotional demands of their work. By sharing his experience, Mike aims to encourage others in similar roles to seek help and prioritize their well-being.

This episode provides valuable insights into the often-overlooked issue of compassion fatigue in policing and underscores the necessity of support systems for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own mental health and the importance of seeking assistance when needed.

Former CIA intelligence officer Michele Rigby Assad knows better than anyone what it means to venture into uncharted territory. Michele explains in the Bend Dont Break Podcast her experience to help you embrace the often uncomfortable path to success. She will talk about how to escape your comfort zone and realize your full potential!

Michele has played a pivotal role in high-stakes missions both as a counterterrorism official and as a human rights defender in the civilian world, culminating in the 2015 airlift operation and relocation of 149 persecuted Iraqi Christians. Michele also provides security advice to nonprofit organizations working against human trafficking and in support of women rebuilding their lives.

Episode #80 is a replay of one of the Top 3 downloaded Episodes in the 6 Year history of Bend Don't Break. It was originally played over 65 Episodes ago.

Lane Douglas Hunt. Lane has been a member with the Victoria Police Department since 2008. She has spent most of her career on the front lines in patrol where she was on the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team for 6 years. Currently, she serves as the Explosives Technician, a Detective in the Special Victims Unit, and a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Outside of work, Lane and her amazing husband, Jeff, are parents to 2 dogs, 50 chickens, a 700-gallon reef tank, and 5 honey bee hives! When they aren't lifting weights or farming they are riding their Harleys on beautiful Vancouver Island together.

In this episode, Lane has an amazing story to share that displays incredible resiliency. The incident happened back in 2011 when she was just a junior member at 24 years old with less than 2 ½ years on the job. Her day started off like any other. She spent the morning filing paperwork and was called to a routine call at a 7-Eleven for someone who reportedly stole a chocolate bar. This routine call took a turn for the worst when she was targeted for a spontaneous attack.

In this powerful story that Lane shares with listeners, she details out all of the events that took place, what she gained from these experiences, and her advice to others. She also speaks about the post-traumatic stress that came with it, but mostly her post-traumatic growth and how she managed to reduce her stress.

"Insights into Resilience of First Responders"

This episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast features a role reversal, with Brian Willis of the Excellence in Training Academy interviewing Neil Dubord, about the lessons and insights gained from the first 70 episodes of Bend Don't Break. The podcast explores the resilience of first responders, touching on critical incidents, mental health challenges, and strategies for overcoming adversity.

1. Origin of the Podcast: Neil shares how the Bend Don't Break podcast started as a Delta Police Department initiative, inspired by the need to reduce stigma around mental health and tell authentic stories of resilience. The podcast focuses on sharing personal experiences to help others navigate their challenges.

2. Hope and Personal Accountability:

   • A recurring theme across episodes is the importance of maintaining hope during difficult times.
   • Resilience often begins when individuals embrace accountability and take ownership of their journey toward recovery. Phrases like "embrace the suck" and "own it" encapsulate this mindset.

3. Building Support Systems:

   • Peer support emerged as a vital factor in recovery. Simple gestures, such as a text or call, can foster optimism.
   • Neil highlighted the CareTrack program in Delta, which ensures ongoing connection with officers on leave to prevent feelings of isolation.

4. Proactive Resilience Strategies:

   • Establishing wellness plans early in careers, including routines for fitness, financial literacy, and mental health, can prepare individuals for future challenges.
   • Neil emphasized integrating resilience training into regular shifts, advocating for "a little, a lot"—small, consistent doses of training on mental health and personal wellness.

5. Navigating Identity and Transition:

   • Losing the professional identity tied to being a first responder can cause significant mental health struggles. Supporting officers through these transitions, especially those who cannot return to active duty, is essential.

6. Lessons from the Field:

   • Recovery is not linear; it’s filled with ups and downs.
   • Small, incremental goals can lead to significant progress.
   • Spending time in nature, focusing on fitness, and maintaining routines can aid recovery.

7. Addressing Suicide in Law Enforcement:

   • Neil discussed the complexities of addressing suicides within agencies, balancing recognition for service with preventing a contagion effect. He stressed the need for open conversations, support for families, and proactive mental health programs.

8. Work-Life Harmony:

   • Neil challenged the notion of work-life balance, advocating instead for harmonizing priorities and being present in the moment—whether at work or home—without guilt.

• Resilience is a Skill: It can be cultivated through habits, support systems, and proactive planning.
• Peer Support Matters: Strong connections, both formal and informal, are critical for recovery.
• Small Steps Build Momentum: Daily rituals and incremental progress are more sustainable than lofty, overwhelming goals.
• Leadership's Role: Leaders must foster open conversations about mental health, provide ongoing support for families, and prioritize wellness throughout careers.
• Self-Compassion: Officers must learn to be kind to themselves and allow grace during difficult times.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, I sit down with Jake Suelzle, a seasoned corrections officer with over a decade of experience, to delve into the challenges faced by those working in one of the most demanding fields. Together, we explore the often-overlooked realities of life behind the fence, the emotional toll it takes, and the resilience required to thrive. Key topics include:

• Moral Injury and Burnout: Understanding the cumulative impact of administrative pressures, long hours, and difficult policies on corrections officers.

• Personal Responsibility in Mental Health: Why individual accountability for resilience is as important as organizational support.

• Leadership’s Role: How fostering a culture of care and trust can transform the workplace for corrections staff.

• Actionable Steps for Resilience: The importance of peer support, daily routines, and finding resources tailored to individual needs.

Jake offers raw, unfiltered insights into the realities of corrections work, emphasizing the need for both systemic change and personal empowerment. This conversation is a call to action for corrections officers to share their stories, foster community, and prioritize their well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. Moral injury is a silent killer in corrections, rooted in feelings of betrayal and lack of support from institutions.

2. Personal resilience starts with small, consistent actions like seeking peer support and engaging in activities that clear the mind and body.

3. Leadership accountability is critical—leaders must prioritize staff well-being and foster trust through genuine engagement.

4. Community and peer support can break the isolation many officers feel, creating solidarity beyond the workplace.

A human approach to corrections is needed to address the unique challenges officers face, moving beyond buzzwords to meaningful actions.

In this powerful episode of Bend Don’t Break, I sit down with Dr. Nolan Beise, neuroscientist and CEO of Circle—a groundbreaking Canadian neurotechnology company.

Dr. Beise shares how first responders can proactively strengthen their brain health using innovative brainwave sensing technology.

Drawing parallels to physical fitness, Dr. Beise explains how measurable, actionable insights can transform mental resilience and prevent the neurological injuries often caused by high-stress careers.

First responders will learn:

• How to identify early signs of mental strain before it becomes a crisis.

• The critical link between brain health and peak performance.

• Practical, self-directed tools to build long-term resilience without stigma.

Whether you’re a first responder or a leader in policing, corrections, or firefighting, this episode introduces a game-changing approach to mental wellness.

Discover how Circle's technology equips you to face the toughest challenges, stay mentally sharp, and redefine what "normal" can look like.

🎧 Don’t miss this chance to revolutionize how you care for your most essential tool—your brain.

On this episode of "Bend Don't Break," Neil speaks with Jess Flores, a former police officer who has navigated the challenging journey from law enforcement to becoming a transition coach.

Jess shares her gripping story of near-death experiences on the job, her struggle with injury, and the painful reality of losing her law enforcement identity.

Listeners will hear how Jess battled feelings of betrayal, isolation, and hopelessness before finding a new purpose in helping other officers transition out of policing. Jess also dives into how fitness and personal development saved her and inspired her to start "Next Shift" – a coaching service for law enforcement officers finding a new path. This conversation is filled with raw insights into the mental struggles of policing and powerful lessons on resilience, growth, and rediscovery.

Strength in the Face of Trauma - BRIAN MURPHY  In this compelling episode of Bend, Don’t Break, host Neil Dubord sits down with Lieutenant Brian Murphy, a survivor of the Oak Creek Sikh Temple shooting. On August 5, 2012, Brian responded to a distress call, confronting a gunman who had already claimed multiple lives. Despite being shot 15 times, Brian refused to back down, displaying unwavering resilience as he continued to assist his fellow officers.

Brian opens up about his recovery, the challenges faced by his family, and the importance of mental strength in law enforcement. He sheds light on the value of accepting support and stresses that seeking help is a courageous choice. Brian’s journey serves as a striking testament to resilience, illustrating how personal strength and a strong support system can guide one through the darkest times.

In this powerful episode, host Neil Dubord sits down with Jim Nixon, a seasoned community safety professional from the UK, to explore the deep and personal challenges that first responders and law enforcement officers face. Jim opens up about his journey from 20 years in policing to his current role, sharing the mental health battles he’s endured along the way, including his experiences with PTSD and moral injury—a sense of betrayal by the system that many officers will relate to.

Jim and Neil discuss the complexities of leaving a profession that becomes part of your identity and the courage it takes to make changes for one’s mental health and family. They delve into essential strategies for resilience, including reaching out for support, building self-awareness, and the importance of checking in with colleagues—a simple “How are you really?” can make all the difference.

With honesty and hope, Jim’s story serves as a reminder that there is life after policing, and taking control of your journey is a strength, not a weakness. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on resilience, growth, and the courage to change paths. Tune in and share it with those who may need this message—there is hope, and Jim’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to prioritize well-being.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Jeff Wenninger, a former LAPD veteran and law enforcement consultant, as he dives into the heart of police culture and the challenges of creating resilient, well-rounded officers in today’s world.

Jeff shares his own journey from experiencing police misconduct firsthand to dedicating over three decades to transforming policing from within. Discover his bold insights on mental resilience, officer wellness, and the untold power of higher education in reducing force incidents.

If you're ready for a fresh perspective on what it takes to improve law enforcement and strengthen community trust, this episode is a must-listen!"