Edmonton Police Service 20 year veteran, Gary Benoit shares a common story that most first responders can relate to - the impact that day-to-day stress can play on one’s health and wellness. Gary shares lessons on facing these challenges head-on, and how to discover your ‘why’ and pave your path to recovery and self-improvement.     Mentioned in this Episode:  Edmonton Police Service  The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman  Bring About What You Think About, by Eddie LeMoine  Oola: Find Balance in an Unbalanced World — The Seven Areas You Need to Balance and Grow to Live the Life of Your Dreams, by Troy Amdahl and Dave Braun  Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families, by Kevin M. Gilmartin

Frontline policing: The wear and tear of everyday calls for service

Bend Don’t Break is a podcast that tells the story of police officers who have overcome significant adversity in their personal and professional lives. Through the power of story, the listener will understand the depth of resilience and personal strength that exists in the men and women who protect our communities 24x7.

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  Summary   Constable Peggy MacConnell shares her experience of losing her husband in a tragic accident and how she coped with the grief and trauma. She emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate and doing what feels right for you. Peggy found support from the RCMP and her family, and she prioritized her physical fitness and mental well-being. She returned to work and embraced a routine to maintain a sense of normalcy. Peggy's resilience and positive outlook have helped her navigate through the challenges and continue to live a fulfilling life.      Takeaways   Be your own advocate and do what feels right for you  Surround yourself with a strong support network  Prioritize your physical fitness and mental well-being  Embrace routine to maintain a sense of normalcy  Maintain a positive outlook and take control of your own situation       Chapters 00:00  Introduction and Background 08:13  The Organ Donation Process 14:43  Support from Family and the RCMP 26:13  Overcoming Judgment and Staying Resilient 35:44  Returning to Work and Helping Others 

Resilience and Strength: Navigating Through Grief

  Watch our video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VWYOjcfSfb4      Summary   Constable Peggy MacConnell shares her experience of losing her husband in a tragic accident and how she coped with the grief and trauma. She emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate and doing what feels right for you. Peggy found support from the RCMP and her family, and she prioritized her physical fitness and mental well-being. She returned to work and embraced a routine to maintain a sense of normalcy. Peggy's resilience and positive outlook have helped her navigate through the challenges and continue to live a fulfilling life.      Takeaways   Be your own advocate and do what feels right for you  Surround yourself with a strong support network  Prioritize your physical fitness and mental well-being  Embrace routine to maintain a sense of normalcy  Maintain a positive outlook and take control of your own situation       Chapters 00:00  Introduction and Background 08:13  The Organ Donation Process 14:43  Support from Family and the RCMP 26:13  Overcoming Judgment and Staying Resilient 35:44  Returning to Work and Helping Others 

   Summary      In this episode of the Bend Don't Break Podcast, retired police chief Les Sylven and Garry Foster discuss the benefits of transcendental meditation (TM) for first responders. They explain that TM is a simple and easy practice that can help reduce stress and build resilience. They share research studies that show the effectiveness of TM in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the proactive nature of TM, highlighting its ability to enhance concentration, conflict management, and relationships. They encourage listeners to explore TM as a tool for self-care and mental wellness.       Takeaways   Taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies, especially for first responders who experience significant trauma.  Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple and effective practice for reducing stress and building resilience.  Research has shown that TM is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall well-being.  TM is a proactive measure that can improve job performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.  Anyone can learn TM, and it can be practiced anywhere, making it a convenient tool for self-care.    Chapters    00:00  Introduction 02:45  The Importance of Taking Care of Our Minds 06:08  Transcendental Meditation: A Simple Tool for Stress Reduction 08:59  Research on Transcendental Meditation and its Benefits 10:52  TM as a Proactive Measure for First Responders 24:02  Improving Job Performance and Relationships through TM   Would you like to learn more about Transcendental Meditation? Contact Garry Foster at garryfoster108@gmail.com. 

The Transcendental Power of Meditation for First Responders

 Watch our video on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4axm4Kd      Summary      In this episode, we remember Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, who was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. Ryan battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story. He discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. Despite the challenges he faced, Ryan remained resilient and focused on spending time with his family. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. This conversation with Chopper and his wife Estelize covers a range of topics, including the importance of always having a plan, the role of physical fitness in their lives, Chopper's passion for tattooing, leaving a legacy, managing critical incidents, the power of love and support, finding hope in the face of adversity, the impact of a mentor, and the lessons they have learned.          Takeaways   Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department.  He battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story of resilience.  Ryan discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma.  He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. Always have a plan, whether it's in policing or in life.  Physical fitness is important for both mental and physical well-being.  Find a passion that allows you to leave a lasting impact.  Support from loved ones and the community is crucial in difficult times.  Hope is a powerful motivator in the face of adversity.  Mentors play a significant role in shaping our lives.  Focus on the present and make the most of each day.      Chapters    00:00  Remembering Ryan Masales 03:56 Chopper's Early Career 10:19  Project Starboard 29:16  Glioblastoma and Realism 41:36  Managing the Condition 42:04  Always Have a Plan 44:08  The Importance of Working Out 46:19  The Art of Tattooing 50:19  Leaving a Legacy 56:50  Managing Critical Incidents 59:37  The Power of Love and Support 01:05:03  Finding Hope in the Face of Adversity 01:06:03  The Impact of a Mentor 01:19:21  Lessons Learned 

A Legacy of Resilience: Honoring Ryan Masales

   Summary      In this episode, we remember Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, who was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. Ryan battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story. He discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. Despite the challenges he faced, Ryan remained resilient and focused on spending time with his family. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. This conversation with Chopper and his wife Estelize covers a range of topics, including the importance of always having a plan, the role of physical fitness in their lives, Chopper's passion for tattooing, leaving a legacy, managing critical incidents, the power of love and support, finding hope in the face of adversity, the impact of a mentor, and the lessons they have learned.          Takeaways   Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department.  He battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story of resilience.  Ryan discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma.  He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. Always have a plan, whether it's in policing or in life.  Physical fitness is important for both mental and physical well-being.  Find a passion that allows you to leave a lasting impact.  Support from loved ones and the community is crucial in difficult times.  Hope is a powerful motivator in the face of adversity.  Mentors play a significant role in shaping our lives.  Focus on the present and make the most of each day.      Chapters    00:00  Remembering Ryan Masales 03:56 Chopper's Early Career 10:19  Project Starboard 29:16  Glioblastoma and Realism 41:36  Managing the Condition 42:04  Always Have a Plan 44:08  The Importance of Working Out 46:19  The Art of Tattooing 50:19  Leaving a Legacy 56:50  Managing Critical Incidents 59:37  The Power of Love and Support 01:05:03  Finding Hope in the Face of Adversity 01:06:03  The Impact of a Mentor 01:19:21  Lessons Learned  

Frontline policing: The wear and tear of everyday calls for service

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