In this episode of the Peace • Power • & Purpose Podcast, I sit down with Jena Kiser, a clinical psychologist specializing in law enforcement and public safety, and the founder of The Ridge.

Dr. Kiser works directly with first responders, law enforcement officers, and public safety professionals who are repeatedly exposed to trauma while being expected to remain silent, strong, and unaffected. In this conversation, we break down how trauma actually shows up in the body and mind, why stigma still prevents many first responders from asking for help, and what real mental health support looks like — not surface-level programs or empty buzzwords.

This episode goes beyond awareness and into action, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

We discuss:

• The mental health toll of repeated trauma exposure

• Why first responders struggle to ask for help

• Stigma inside law enforcement and public safety culture

• The long-term cost of untreated trauma on families and careers

• What effective mental health support truly looks like

• How leaders and agencies can better protect their people

Dr. Kiser brings both clinical expertise and real-world experience, offering insight that is practical, direct, and desperately needed.

If you are a first responder, a leader, a family member — or someone who cares about protecting those who protect others — this episode matters.

🎧 Listen on Spotify

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

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