We open up season 2, with Officer Matt Swartz. Matt grew up knowing he was goin to be a police officer.  Both of his parents being Police Officers in their hometown in central upstate New York led him into police work. Matt started his carreer, first as Security Police in the NY Air National Guard, and then into civilian law enforcement. A few years later, Matt became a Trooper of the NY State Police. Where he responded to the terrorist attacks of 911. Matt was one of the Troopers sent to Ground Zero as the response began, thousands of first responders and military continued to arrive in the weeks after. 

In November 2004, Matt was critically injured in an automobile crash in which his vehicle was struck in the side by another driver. The impact caused Matt’s vehicle to flip and roll four times leaving him in a coma with a fractured skull, traumatic brain injury, and other injuries. What might have been worse, and what seemed to be the end for this Trooper, was the fact that his leg would need to be amputated. Response from Troopers, both far and wide and from other States, symbolized the commitment and compassion in the profession that many don’t see.

Just shy of one year after the crash, Matt was able to return to full-duty as a Trooper with the NY State Police, the first to do so for the agency which happens to be one of the largest state police agencies in the Nation.

Matt expressed this viewpoint … “There are many tools that assist law enforcement officers in performing the everyday mission to protect and serve. A badge, a gun, patrol car, handcuffs, even a computer are necessary tools for officers. I just have an extra tool and it happens to be a left leg. Just another tool to help me do the right thing and serve my community as a Police Officer."

Come Chase The Vase with us as Matt shares his strength and hope with us. Matt is a symbol of hope for so many of us. He defied the odds and returned to work with the correct mindset and an aptitude to overcome hard trials. 

Please, like, share and leave a comment for us. We love to hear your feedback and desire to continue to push the envelope. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you can be the first to be notified of upcoming episodes. Head over to www.fightlikedavid.com for more details on how to improve your position in life. 

Welcome to the 50th episode of Chase The Vase. On this Memorial Day I am blessed to have Chad Jenkins on the Podcast. Chad was the starting quarterback for Army in the 2001 Army-Navy football game, not long after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. The 34-year-old, is profiled in All American: Two Young Men, the 2001 Army-Navy Game and the War They Fought in Iraq, a Steve Eubanks book.

After football, Chad attended Airborne and the elite Army Ranger school. Soon he was leading men on combat patrols in Iraq. Chad and his men, had to deal with constant ambushes, IEDs, troop morale, and the stress of long deployments and combat. At the height of the Iraq war, Marine corporals and sergeants had a one-in-twelve-chance of being injured. They had a one-in-twenty-four chance of being killed.

“They don’t come any better than Chad Jenkins,” Army offensive coordinator John Bond said. “He squeezed every ounce of ability out of that 175-pound body every day, every week. He got more out of himself than anybody I’ve ever been around. He played hurt and he played healthy and all points in between, and you never would know the difference.” (Washington Times.)

The traits Jenkins showed as a quarterback — “a dynamic, charismatic personality, a natural leader,” Bond said — serve him and his troops well in Iraq.

We discuss the quarterback position, being a leader of an elite Army Ranger and the ability to lead men on and off the field!

Come Chase The Vase with us and like, share and comment on the podcast. Happy Memorial Day!

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On the #49th Episode of Chase The Vase, I needed a re-due, another crack at Derek Price. Derek was my first guest on Chase The Vase and I wanted to tap into the mental aspect of his game. 

Derek earned a scholarship to the University of Iowa and followed by a career in the NFL to play for the Detroit Lions.  It was cut short due to a severe neck injury which required career ending surgery. Derek wasted no time post NFL departure getting his life on a new track and promptly enrolled into Life University College of Chiropractic.  He found a program called SEALFIT while in conversation with other SEALs.  He enrolled in a Navy SEAL Hell Week administered by current and former SEALS.   Selected Honor Man of Class 17, he was awarded an entry intern position with the SEALFIT team.  He was one of a very small population of Certified SEALFIT Kokoro Coaches that administers SEALFIT camps around the world.  Some notable SEALFIT coaching pursuits include University of South Alabama, St. John Bosco High School, Nike, and multiple Law enforcement groups. Derek has served as Sr. Cadre for more than 20 HELL WEEK simulations with the SEALFIT group.   Dr. Price has built a large CrossFit Competition event production group and has held benefit events throughout the years for numerous causes to include Autism Awareness, Juvenile Diabetes, Women’s Health, Pediatric Cancer and many others.  Currently Dr. Price owns and operates a beautiful Sports Orthopedic Medical Clinic complete with numerous specialties. He still finds time to train daily with his friends and family and to prepare for his personal endurance and functional fitness such as Ironman Triathlons, CrossFit Competitions and Alcatraz Open water swim races. 

Derek is a leader in the area of mental health and mental toughness. He leads men in all aspects of his life and trains men and women on how to develop leadership and mental toughness. He perfects his craft by doing. Derek is constantly in motion learning how to implement structure and change. Honored to share the microphone with Derek Price. 

If you enjoy the podcast, I invite you to follow us by subscribing to the podcast and leaving us a comment. Keep Chasing The Vase.

Episode #48, is packed full of amazing tools that can be implemented today in the life of anyone struggling with PTSD, addiction or resiliency. My guest Jenna Rose worked 10+ years as a psychotherapist treating high risk individuals with trauma & addiction. She became tired, drained & knew she wasn’t alone. The same intense, crisis oriented work that sparked her passionate fire is the same one that exhausted her. As a family member of several first responders, Jenna watched a similar process occur within them.

On this episode, Jenna and I talk about the struggle we all face when trauma, addiction and PTSD goes untreated. We share ideas on how to approach loved ones who are struggling. As a resiliency coach, Jenna shares her working knowledge and tools on how become an advocate for those we love. 

Jenna is the creator of resiliency programs for the mind & body specifically for crisis responders. Her purpose is to address the chronic stress these individuals are exposed to on the job & the higher level of burnout risk they face in their personal & professional lives as a result of it.

I invite you to like, subscribe to and follow the Chase The Vase Podcast. Please leave us a review to let us know how we are doing and topics that interest you. Keep Chasing the Vase!

Losing one child to a heroin overdose if difficult enough, but losing two children to the same drug is unfathomable. On this episode of Chase The Vase, we speak with Michelle Hamby. Michelle's story is incredibly difficult to share. Michelle, lost her son, Chandler, and her daughter, Breana, to heroin. They were only in their 20s. In Breana’s case, police could have saved her life. 

“Police did get here within two minutes, but they did not have Narcan in 2013,” Hamby said. “If they had had it, would they have been the ones that could have saved her?”

Hamby used her heartbreak to advocate for all police officers to carry Narcan so that overdose patients can get the treatment they need as soon as possible, increasing their chances of survival.

In 2015, Hamby convinced the legislature to pass a law putting Narcan in the hands of officers. “Governor Ducey wanted all first responders using it and gave a grant to first responders for free Narcan,” Hamby said.

Michelle shares openly on the podcast about her work during the "Needle exchanges." This is a controversy component that law makers, law enforcement and law-abiding citizens do not agree on. 

Please share this story with friends and family members who need this message. Please subscribe and leave a comment. 

Keep Chasing The Vase. 

Kacey McCallister is amazing human and guest on the Chase The Vase podcast. Kacey shares his story of hope and strength with you listeners. He said,  "My life has never been one of calm indifference. From a very early age I learned that life is to be lived, not just survived. Even before the accident I knew life was an adventure. After the accident I found the ability to conquer unimaginable things. “I can do hard things” has been a way of life for me. I mean, who could imagine that a guy without legs could complete a 50 mile hike, make it to State Championship Wrestling, or become an Eagle Scout? My mom told me soon after the accident that if I wanted to do something all I had to do was figure out a way to make it happen. Throughout my life there have been few if any challenges that I have not been able to succeed in accomplishing. Trials make us stronger. They raise us up to a higher plain. If we are never pushed and challenged we can never obtain our full potential. For me it was losing my legs. For you,  it may be school, work, parenting, or just dealing with the complexities of day-to-day life. Regardless of what your challenge is,  you too can find a way to RISE UP!

Kacey is a true hero. He brings to light some areas of improvement that I need to develop in my life. His never say dies attitude is contagious. Kacey's ability to conquer challenges placed in his path should give us stronger resolve and light a fire in us! 

Come Chase The Vase with Kacey and I am like, share and comment on his story. Please subscribe to the podcast so you can enter into the drawing to win the next Rockwell Hero Watch! 

On episode # 44 of Chase The Vase Podcast, I spent time learning from Jesse Harless. As a young man, Jesse was addicted to opioids. Over the course of his addiction, he was arrested and federally charged with narcotic possession. This my friends, was only the beginning. 

Jess speaks about drug addiction, mental toughness and the cure to sobriety! His rock-bottom moment led Jesse on an odyssey of following his intuition into the unknown, finding recovery, and helping others do the same. 

Jesse is the author of, "If Not You, Then Who?, Jesse holds nothing back as he shares the raw devastation and miraculous triumph of his own addiction story. He discovers that recovery is far more than just sobriety; it is a lifelong journey of healing, growth, and transformation that requires consistent action.

Your story matters. No matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done—nothing has been wasted. It’s possible to create the life of your dreams. The time is now.

If not you, then who?

I invite you to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others. Give us feedback with ideas for upcoming shows. In the meantime, keep Chasing The Vase. 

On this weeks episode of Chase The Vase, my guest is Alana O'Hare. She is a Rhode Island-based former TV news anchor and multimedia journalist who specialized in telling stories centered around policing, law enforcement and criminal justice. As a police wife herself, she and five other spouses founded the Rhode Island chapter of the National Police Wives Association. The group was formed in the summer of 2020 to fill a need during the height of protests and riots throughout the country following George Floyd's death. Now with over 400 members, the NPWA-RI offers police wives the support and education they need in order to remain supportive spouses, navigate their own emotions, and stay informed of legislative actions that impact law enforcement officers and their families.

This episode will give you an insight into the lives of the spouses of first responders. It is our hope that we can open your eyes and help you understand the conflict first responders battle on a daily basis. Laws are being changed in Congress that support and protect officers on the streets. When seconds matter, training, laws and support for community becomes vital. 

Come Chase The Vase with us and subscribe to the podcast so you are informed of newly released episodes. Please like and share this with anyone who would benefit from this information. 

On this episode of Chase The Vase, I spoke with Jayson and Kara Ellingson about the death of their 16 year old son Jayke. Jason and Kara shared with friends that Jayke had a true talent and passion for skateboarding and living life to the fullest.  He continually encouraged others to get outside their comfort zones and not sweat the small stuff.  His fun personality was contagious and helped make him so many friends everywhere he went.  

As I spoke with Jayson and Kara, It was obvious that Jayke was an amazing human who was fighting some underlining medical conditions. Jakes scoliosis had flared up and he was attempting to self-medicate with medical marijuana. When the pain failed to subside, he turned to more modern medicine. A friend had given him a Xanax bar with the promise of sleep and pain alleviation. None of this appeared to easy his pain.

It needs to be noted that Jayke was open and honest with his parents about the drug use and was reaching out to them for help and support. They had an open dialogue and were willing to help Jayke find the right doctor or prescription to get him out of pain.  

On May, 18th 2020, Jayke attended a party with his friends. While there, he was offered an " Oxy pain killer." Jayke took the pain killer and arrived home never to be seen alive again. An autopsy was completed and his death was ruled an "Accidental Fentanyl Overdose." Jayke had no idea that this "one pill" was going to cost him his life!

Parents, please listen to this podcast with your children. This is real life! This death was unexpected and rocked a community. Jayson and Kara are sharing Jayke's story to act as a beacon of hope. They want to spread Jayke's message. A message of love!

Keep Chasing The Vase. 

I have followed James on his podcast, "Behind The Shield" and have been impressed by his goal to, "Bring the greatest minds in wellness to the men and women who serve our communities."

James Geering spent fourteen years as a firefighter and paramedic, working on both the east and west coasts of America. He was born and bred in England, moving to America in 2002. James is an Exercise Physiology graduate and lifelong athlete. He is also the host of the Behind the Shield Podcast and the author of "One More Light- Life, Death and Humanity Through the Eyes of a Firefighter".

As a firefighter, he understands the ins and outs of trauma, PTS and addictions that plague our heroes. James and I speak about how first responders see behind the curtain, while citizens get the image of the world on a screen. It is impossible for anyone outside of being a first responder can understand the value of the work we do. James also shares his feelings of childhood trauma in the life of first responders. 

This podcast will provide insight into why sleep depression, trauma and environmental stress is the perfect cocktail for depression, addiction and suicide. 

James and I discuss ways to improve the climate surrounding our Countries disdain surrounding the Thin Blue Line. Please subscribe to the podcast and share it with those who could benefit from learning about addiction, PTS and trauma. Were here to support you! Thank you for leaving a comment and for Chasing The Vase.