De-Escalation Conversations

Welcome to the De Escalation Conversations podcast! In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Michael Warren, a retired Michigan law enforcement officer with 24 years of experience, current Virtual Academy partner, and seasoned trainer—to talk about all things police culture, de-escalation, teamwork, and the powerful ‘culture of speed’ affecting modern policing.

GUEST INFO:

Retired law enforcement officer from Michigan with 24 years of experience. He holds multiple degrees and is an avid reader. He currently serves with Virtual Academy ensuring partner success.

Episode Highlights:

Michael Warren’s Journey: From growing up surrounded by law enforcement in Georgia, to serving his childhood dream in Michigan, Michael shares the pivotal moments and family influences that shaped his career.

Inside the Police Profession: Hear how shifting between dispatch, road patrol, detective work, and training molded Michael’s approach and perspective on effective policing.

Culture of Speed vs. De-Escalation: Michael and Kerry dive deep into how the pressure for quick metrics and fast response times can undermine thorough, thoughtful police work and why de-escalation always requires time, patience, and empathy.

Building High-Performing Teams: Both guests emphasize the irreplaceable value of well-rounded teams, leveraging individual strengths, and supporting each other on tough calls.

Real-Life Lessons: Michael recounts a moving story about supporting a young man through a family tragedy, showing that de-escalation is much bigger than just use-of-force scenarios it’s about allowing people to be heard, seen, and understood.

Training that Matters: The conversation highlights the importance of micro-learning, ongoing, realistic training, and the critical role of first-line supervisors in shaping officer success.

Duty to Intervene & Teamwork in Action: The hosts reflect on the evolution of peer de-escalation and intervention long before it became policy and why humble teamwork is the backbone of safe, effective law enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

De-escalation isn’t just about avoiding force it’s about connection, understanding, and giving people their say.

Law enforcement thrives not on being "well-rounded" individuals, but on well-rounded teams leveraging each member’s strengths.

Training, experience, and intentional mentorship are essential to developing future-ready officers.

Sometimes, calls that "go right" are just as important to analyze as those that go wrong so the right skills get transferred throughout the team.

Shout Outs & Resources:

Virtual Academy: Elevating first responder training for safer communities.

ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association): Highly recommended by both hosts. Conferences, learning labs, and an unbeatable network of professionals.

Special mention for industry leaders: John Bostain of Command Presence and Brian Willis, both recognized for their groundbreaking work in law enforcement education.

Connect & Learn More:

Find Michael Warren’s contact info and links to Virtual Academy in the show notes below.

Interested in law enforcement training, de-escalation, or joining Aelita? Check out the links this podcast is your gateway!

Listen On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube Music, and more!

Stay Safe, and Keep the Conversation Going! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share. Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments what topics would you love to see covered next?

#PolicePodcast #DeEscalation #LawEnforcement #ILEETA #FirstResponders #VirtualAcademy #Teamwork #Training #DutyToIntervene

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Welcome to another powerful episode of the De Escalation Conversations Podcast! In this episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Jamie Waymire, a licensed clinical social worker, international conference speaker, and clinical director at The Battle Within. Jamie shares her extraordinary journey from working in community mental health to serving veterans and first responders, and how personal tragedy shaped her advocacy and her work.

GUEST INFO: 

Jamie Wehmeyer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, faced unimaginable tragedy when her 17-year-old son, Jake, was murdered on June 25th, 2017. Already dedicated to trauma and resilience work, this loss deepened her understanding of these concepts. Jamie now shares her journey of honoring Jake's memory while healing and rediscovering joy. She is the Clinical Director of The Battle Within, helping Veterans and First Responders heal from trauma, and owner of Jamie Wehmeyer, LLC. With a Master's in Social Work from the University of Kansas, Jamie offers seminars and consultations on trauma-informed practices, resilience, and healing.

Episode Highlights:

Jamie’s Path to Trauma Work:

Jamie opens up about her career, which began with aspirations for business but quickly shifted to social work, driven by her passion for helping others and a natural ability to connect with people.

Understanding Secondary Trauma:

The core of Jamie’s work at The Battle Within is addressing the secondary trauma that veterans and first responders experience. She explains why recognizing and tending to this trauma is crucial for their long-term health and ability to continue serving.

A Mother’s Loss and New Purpose:

In a deeply personal segment, Jamie discusses the impact of losing her 17-year-old son, Jake, to violence. She details the fallout for her family and community, sharing insight on how trauma reverberates and the gap in preparedness to support grieving families, even among those with experience in trauma-informed care.

Supporting Others Through Crisis:

Jamie offers practical advice for supporting those experiencing the immediate aftermath of loss, focusing on simply “being present,” offering basic support, and avoiding unhelpful clichés. She shares what actions and words were most meaningful for her family in their darkest times.

Recognizing & Managing Triggers:

Jamie and Kerry discuss how trauma sets off triggers, sometimes unexpectedly and share strategies for recognizing and managing them. Jamie’s personal tips include tuning into physical cues, sensory grounding (with a special mention of her “Prickly Pig” tool), and the importance of curiosity and gratitude as means to re-engage the thinking brain.

Self-care and Grounding Techniques:

The episode emphasizes the need for movement, nature, and grounding practices as vital tools for emotional regulation, especially for frontline professionals. Jamie breaks down how simple things like mindful walks, breathing exercises, and gratitude journaling can help reset the nervous system and restore a sense of safety.

The Battle Within – What It Offers:

Jamie shares about her work at The Battle Within, an organization founded by veterans and first responders. Their flagship program, The Revenant Journey, is a 5-day intensive that empowers participants with emotional regulation skills, meditation, yoga, ceremonies for healing, and ongoing therapy connections - all at no cost.

The Battle Within aims to break isolation and provide community and evidence-based strategies for healing trauma.

How You Can Help:

Jamie discusses the importance of both professional and community support. She encourages listeners to educate themselves, be present for others, and to check out The Battle Within if you or someone you know could benefit from their programs.

Key Takeaways:

Healing from trauma isn’t linear, and everyone’s experience is unique.

Sometimes the most powerful support is just presence and kindness—not trying to “fix it.”

Self-awareness and simple practices like nature walks, breathing, and gratitude can interrupt trauma cycles.

Organizations like The Battle Within are critical resources for those who serve our communities.

Connect & Learn More:

The Battle Within – Programs for veterans and first responders (all services are free).

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who may need support, and leave us your comments and feedback.

For more resources on trauma, resilience, and advanced de-escalation training:

Visit Idea That World for upcoming courses and events.

Thank you for listening, and remember, stay safe, stay connected, and support those who serve.

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In this episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Randall Larkin, an award-winning corrections officer from London, Ohio, yes, not the UK, but right between Dayton and Columbus. Randall shares his inspiring journey from Army infantryman to leading the way in crisis intervention and de-escalation inside Ohio’s correctional facilities.

If you're interested in real-life applications of de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and connecting with people in high-stress environments, you need to hear Randall's experiences and practical advice.

GUEST INFO:

Randall Larkin is a Correctional Officer with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Randall is the local CIT Coordinator for his institution as well as a Hostage Negotiator for ODRC. Over the course of the last year he has trained more than 300 correctional staff in Crisis Intervention. Randall is also the 2024 CIT International Corrections Officer of the Year. 

Key Topics Covered

Randall’s Unconventional Path: From Army infantry in Alaska and Iraq straight into Ohio corrections, Randall’s unique background shapes his approach to reducing violence and managing crisis situations.

Life Inside Corrections: Randall discusses the day-to-day realities of correctional officers, endless rules, occasional pushback, and how to keep your cool after reminding someone to tuck in their shirt for the thousandth time!

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training: Discover how CIT training transforms the workplace. Randall shares insights from teaching over 20 CIT courses in 2023 alone, and how advanced de-escalation tools are critical for both safety and emotional health.

The Power of Empathy and Active Listening: Learn the practical skills and mindsets Randall teaches, phrase things as requests, build rapport, use active listening, and always remember that even incarcerated individuals have choices.

Managing Stress and Coming Home: Randall reveals his strategies for decompressing after a tough shift (hint: podcast silence and a good drive home), and how he makes the intentional transition from officer to dad and husband when he walks through the door.

Impact Beyond the Prison Walls: Hear about the impact Randall’s teaching has had on COs across Ohio, many of whom reach out weeks or months later to share powerful stories of emotional growth and crisis averted.

Trauma, Wellness, and Self-Care: A must-listen segment for anyone in high-stress professions, why “you were only supposed to climb the mountain, not carry it,” and how emotional wellness is the foundation for helping others.

Memorable Quotes

"Even if you’re telling someone to do something, they still have a choice. My job is to communicate it in a way that respects their humanity."

"How can we be expected to help somebody else if we can’t help ourselves?"

"Practice makes perfect, but only if you practice the right things."

Listen in and walk away with actionable skills, a better understanding of trauma-informed care, and inspiration for building safer, more compassionate workplaces, no matter your profession!

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Welcome to a deeply moving and impactful episode of the De Escalation Conversations Podcast. In this episode, recorded live in Indianapolis at the 2024 CIT International Conference, host Kerry Mensior sits down with special guest Adina Peyton, recipient of the CIT Advocate Award.

Episode Highlights:

Adina's personal story: A mother's journey through tragedy, advocacy, and healing after the loss of her son, Brad, in a police-involved shooting.

The moments that sparked her passion for change and led her into action at City Council, just days after her son’s passing.

Walking through grief and isolation: What it’s like to lose a loved one in the public eye, and the powerful lessons Adina learned about perspective, forgiveness, and resilience.

The creation and mission of her nonprofit, Grammy (Getting Real About Mental Illness): Destigmatizing mental illness, funding confidential mental health care for first responders, and advocating for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training.

Real-life victories: How Adina’s work has sent officers for CIT training and caused meaningful changes for both law enforcement and the community.

Inspiring listeners to break out of feeling stuck, and to live by design, not default.

Why You Should Listen: This episode isn’t just about one family’s loss, it’s about hope, compassion, and courage. Kerry and Adina offer valuable insights for families, first responders, and anyone touched by mental illness or trauma. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, or a new perspective on how communities and law enforcement can work together, this conversation has something for you.

Learn More & Support: Find out more about Adina’s nonprofit, Grammy (Getting Real About Mental Illness), and how you can support their mission.

Key Topics Covered:

CIT Advocate Award and its significance

Navigating grief and public reaction to tragedy

The importance and impact of CIT training for law enforcement

How to advocate for change, even when you feel alone

Practical ways to support first responder mental health

Resources:

Adina Peyton’s nonprofit: Grammy — Getting Real About Mental Illness

How to Get Involved: If Adina’s story moved you, consider supporting her nonprofit or learning more about CIT training in your area. Every contribution and conversation helps move the needle toward safer, more compassionate policing and community support.

Subscribe for more powerful conversations and resources around de-escalation and crisis management. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this episode to help spread the message!

#DECpodcast #Deescalation #MentalHealth #LawEnforcement #Community #Advocacy #Podcast 

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Welcome to another episode of the De Escalation Conversations Podcast, recorded live in Indianapolis at the 2024 Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International Conference! 

This week, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Nigel Payne, the Memphis Police Department CIT Coordinator, whose law enforcement journey is deeply rooted in his family experiences and a passion for mental health advocacy.

Nigel shares his powerful personal story of witnessing De-Escalation in action as a child, when an officer safely and respectfully helped his grandmother during a schizophrenic episode. 

This life-changing moment set him on a path to teach and lead others: from studying under Major Sam Cochran, the founder of CIT, to becoming a CIT officer and now a program coordinator, impacting hundreds of officers every year.

In this candid, insightful conversation, Nigel and Kerry dive into:

The human side of policing and why De-Escalation is at the heart of effective law enforcement

Tips and real-world advice for officers and civilians to stay cool under pressure and avoid escalating conflicts

The importance of empathy, self-reflection, and seeing the bigger picture - both on and off duty, at work and at home

How to handle high-stress calls, manage your emotional triggers, and even how something as simple as music can transform tense situations

Practical tools to separate work stress from home life and the value of being “1% better every day”

Nigel’s journey reminds us that De-Escalation isn’t just for the field, it’s a way of life that makes our communities, families, and ourselves stronger. 

Whether you’re a police officer, firefighter, medic, schoolteacher, or just want to improve your relationships, this episode is packed with takeaways you can use today.

Don’t miss this inspiring discussion with one of CIT’s top leaders in Memphis TN, and find out how you can implement these principles in your own life.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more de-escalation strategies! 

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Ready to thrive in your career, find your God-given purpose, and achieve financial freedom? In this inspiring episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with the incredible Michelle Sinclair Doyley, a mentor, coach, and financial educator with 20+ years in the financial sector and over 200 published articles.

Michelle shares her unique journey from feeling stuck in a career that drained her, to designing a life of purpose, prosperity, and joy - and how she now empowers others to do the same. Through her faith-based approach and actionable strategies, Michelle helps professionals discover their ideal career or business in as little as one session and creates tailored financial “exit plans” for those ready to make a change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to know when it’s time to leave your current job or pivot careers

Identifying the difference between environmental discontent and a true calling for change

Practical steps for discerning God’s direction vs. fear

The power of mentorship, community, and accountability on your journey

Creating seamless transitions: how to leverage your current skills and prepare financially

The importance of aligning your work with your purpose for true fulfillment

Real stories and encouragement for anyone feeling "stuck" or searching for meaning

Special Mention: Purpose to Prosperity Summit Michelle’s free online summit is happening NOW! This faith-fueled, life-changing event is designed for Christians seeking clarity, financial freedom, and joy in their careers or businesses. Learn from world-class speakers (including Jason!), get actionable resources, and connect with a supportive community. Register now: purposetoprosperity.info

Key Quotes:

"We need each other. Whatever big vision God has given you, you can’t do it alone." – Michelle Sinclair Doyley

"Find something that you love to do, and you'll never work another day in your life." – Kerry Mensior

Let’s Connect!

Tell us in the comments: What’s holding you back from stepping into your purpose? What was your biggest takeaway from Michelle’s story?

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE , SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone who needs a boost on their journey from purpose to prosperity!

Links & Resources:

Register for the Summit: https://purposetoprosperity.info

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In this episode of the Deescalation Conversations (DEC) Podcast, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Dr. Jason Sherwin—PhD, cofounder, and CEO of DeCervo, a cutting-edge neurotech company at the forefront of high-speed decision making. From major league sports to law enforcement training, Jason shares the fascinating journey that brought him from aerospace engineering to neuroscience and how DeCervo’s tech is transforming rapid decision-making for professionals in high-pressure situations. 

Discover the science behind how our brains process split-second choices—whether it’s a baseball hitter recognizing a fastball, a police officer detecting pre-attack cues, or an NHL referee making a call on the ice. Jason explains how DeCervo’s research and training tools (like eTrain) help improve reaction and decision quality, using real-world examples and practical insights.

If you’re an educator, first responder, or anyone interested in neuroscience and decision making, you won’t want to miss this engaging conversation packed with relatable stories, current science, and powerful takeaways. 

In this episode:

The science behind everyday fast decisions—on the field, on the road, and in life

How DeCervo’s technology translates neuroscience into practical training for police, teachers, and first responders

Real stories of critical moments: from baseball dugouts to police traffic stops

Why understanding brain activity (EEG, MRI) is key for training under pressure

How eTrain is revolutionizing law enforcement training with real bodycam footage

The secrets to making quick, correct decisions in high-stress situations

If you’re a first responder, educator, sports enthusiast, or just curious about how your brain works under pressure—this episode is for you! 

#Neuroscience #DecisionMaking #FirstResponders #DeEscalation #LawEnforcement #SportsScience #DeCervo #Podcast #BrainScience #RapidDecisions

Welcome to another compelling episode of the De-Escalation Conversations Podcast. In this episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with disaster and border crisis expert, Eddy Weiss, for an eye-opening discussion on the security issues facing the U.S. today. Eddy delves into insights from his book "Chaos Across Continents: Venezuela's Impact on America's Front Lines" and discusses the pervasive threat of gangs like Tren de Aragua infiltrating migrant shelters and urban areas across the country. Through this conversation, Eddy Weiss highlights the importance of situational awareness and community vigilance, stressing that these issues, while deeply political, fundamentally affect our families and communities. Stay tuned as we explore current security challenges, the influence of historical contexts, and the crucial need for effective De-Escalation strategies. Don't miss out on this essential discussion providing both knowledge and actionable steps for tackling these pressing concerns.

IDEA - the International De-Escalation Association, is dedicated to Saving Lives, Reputations, & Relationships through Conflict De-Escalation & Communication Training for Teachers, Parents, and Public Safety Providers.

Find more about
How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less
Come visit us at the IDEA website (International De-Escalation Association):
https://TheIdea.World

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and blogs about Schools, Police, Fire, Medical Services and Flight Attendants.

Do you or your organization need Communication Skills and De-Escalation Training? You can reach us directly at: [email protected] or by filling out a contact form at https://www.TheIdea.World/contact

On this episode of De-Escalation Conversations, host Kerry Mensior delves into the powerful concept that your calendar is a reflection of your true values.

He reflects on the challenges individuals face when focusing on what they lack instead of acknowledging their achievements, and how this mindset can affect mental health.

Kerry shares practical steps on using a calendar to live a fulfilling life by aligning it with your values and responsibilities, while also improving relationships and reducing procrastination.

Tune in for valuable insights and actionable tips to start living your life by design.

Get your FREE BANKcode here ($99.00 value):
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The Power of Gratitude:
"When you're in gratitude, your brain cannot also be in survival state."

— [00:00:44 → 00:00:48]

The Importance of Your Calendar: 
"Your calendar is a reflection of your true values."

— [00:01:48 → 00:01:52]

The Gap and The Gain: 
"I want you to think about that for just a moment because anytime you've been depressed, anytime you've been down, any anytime that you've just been Feeling like you're slogging through mud every day. Most of the time, you're looking at the gap, not at the gain. You're looking at what you don't have versus what you do have."

— [00:04:02 → 00:04:49]

Time Management and Procrastination: 
"But if your family is not on your calendar, then you're not living your values."

— [00:06:16 → 00:06:21]

Prioritizing Time with Loved Ones:
"When are they gonna have a little bit of time? When are they gonna have a 15 minute time block? And right now, what I want you to do is I want you to put it on your calendar."

— [00:08:26 → 00:08:33]

BANKCode Assessment: 
"It's what we use in one of our de escalation tools because it allows you to know the language that the other person can best hear, Not the language that you natively speak."

— [00:08:51 → 00:09:03]

gratitude, success, achievement, depression, values, calendar, time management, relationships, experiences, family, goal setting, planning, procrastination, emotional state, survival state, executive state, neuroscience, mindset, priorities, reflection, accountability, personality assessment, teamwork, joy, fulfillment, training, scheduling, career, goals, priorities, lifestyle

IDEA - the International De-Escalation Association, is dedicated to Saving Lives, Reputations, & Relationships through Conflict De-Escalation & Communication Training for Teachers, Parents, and Public Safety Providers.

Find more about
How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less
Come visit us at the IDEA website (International De-Escalation Association):
https://TheIdea.World

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and blogs about Schools, Police, Fire, Medical Services and Flight Attendants.

Do you or your organization need Communication Skills and De-Escalation Training? You can reach us directly at: [email protected] or by filling out a contact form at https://www.TheIdea.World/contact