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 Trailblazer. Advocate. Leader. This episode is a masterclass in resilience and reform.

In this powerhouse episode, I sit down with Dianne Beaton—the first-ever female Director of the Edmonton Remand Centre, Canada’s largest jail. With over 35 years of experience in both in-custody and community corrections, Dianne’s story is nothing short of legendary.

We dive into:
 🚨 Her rise from frontline Correctional Peace Officer and Caseworker to top leadership
⚖️ Her work with Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) in the early years—and how her voice helped shape major policy changes for staff safety, fairness, and progress
📜 Landmark moments that defined a generation of corrections professionals, including the 410E agreement, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, and the 2013 Wildcat Strike

Whether you're in the field or curious about the evolution of correctional services in Alberta, this conversation is packed with history, insight, and inspiration.

🔥 Want to dive deeper into the moments that shaped modern corrections?
Learn more about the milestones mentioned in this episode:

410E agreement with AUPE and Government of Alberta
Corrections and Conditional Release Act
2013 Wildcat Strike

🎧 Tune in now and hear from a woman who helped change the course of correctional services in Alberta.

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

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Training, transition, and thriving in a new role—this quick episode packs a punch!

In this short and impactful episode, we sit down with Tara Beauchamp, a former correctional officer and single mom who made the leap into a Community Peace Officer role in Wetaskiwin.

Tara walks us through:
 👮‍♀️ The reality of working shift work as a single parent
 🚔 What drove her move from jails to the community
 📚 The bridge training experience at Tip of Spear in Edmonton—including getting chased during a high-stress scenario (with a pretend knife!)
💻 The mix of hands-on and online training needed to level up to CPO1 status

Tara’s story is honest, relatable, and a perfect listen for anyone considering a career shift into law enforcement or curious about what it really takes to become a Community Peace Officer.

🔥 Want to start your own journey?
Listen now, and check out the incredible work being done by the instructors at Tip of Spear—a top-tier training provider with deep experience in preparing officers for the job.

🎧 Tune in and learn what it takes to serve your community with confidence and skill.

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

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One of the funniest, most unexpected, and unforgettable episodes yet!

Buckle up—because in this episode, former Conservation Officer Eleena Monk takes us on an outrageously hilarious ride through her career in public service… and we promise, you’ve never heard stories like these.

From working security at West Edmonton Mall, to time with the Alberta Sheriffs, to chasing wildlife as a Conservation Officer, Eleena’s career path is packed with chaos, laughter, and moments that’ll have you howling.

But that’s not all—
 🏉 She repped Team Canada at the 2022 World Police & Fire Games in rugby, bringing home a bronze medal
🎨 She’s now a tattoo artist-in-training—check out her work at @tattedmonkart
🎤 And she may have just told THE funniest story ever aired on this podcast... (no joke, you will need to pull over if you’re driving)

🔥 This episode is unfiltered, wildly entertaining, and one you don’t want to miss.
🎧 Tune in now, share it with your shift mates, and get ready to laugh until your face hurts.

➡️ Want to follow Eleena’s next adventure? Check out her art and follow along on Instagram at @tattedmonkart.

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

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Season 3 Premiere of Sirens, Slammers, and Service

We’re kicking off Season 3 with a powerhouse guest and a true trailblazer: Shirley Benson—the first woman to ever work as a firefighter in the City of Edmonton.

With over 30 years in the fire service, Shirley shattered ceilings and broke new ground, rising through the ranks to become District Chief—all while staying grounded in her identity as a firefighter first.

In this powerful episode, Shirley shares:
 🚒 Her historic first steps into a male-dominated profession
 🔥 The leadership lessons she learned while rising to the top
 💬 Her no-nonsense perspective on identity, resilience, and what it really means to serve
😂 A few unforgettable firehall stories you don’t want to miss

With wit, wisdom, and world-class grit, Shirley sets the tone for a season full of fierce, fearless conversations.

🎧 Listen now to hear from one of Edmonton’s most iconic first responders.
💪 Feeling inspired? Share this episode and help amplify the stories of women in uniform.

🙌 Season 3 is proudly sponsored by Alberta Defensive Tactics Training, founded by Jamie Erickson—peace officer, defensive tactics expert, and longtime instructor across Western Canada. 

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

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Ever wonder what it's really like behind the walls of a correctional facility? Or asked a first responder a question that made them roll their eyes so hard they saw their own brain? 👀

In this fun and fiery Season 2 finale, we’re busting myths wide open about life in corrections, working in jails, and the realities of dealing with inmates. Plus, I’m spilling the tea on the questions we hear way too often—and which ones make us cringe the hardest. 🫠

You’ll learn:
 🔓 What TV gets completely wrong about jail life
 ❌ The #1 question you should NEVER ask a first responder
 😂 A few ridiculous moments you won’t believe actually happened

Season 2 has been packed with unforgettable guests, powerful conversations, and some major truth bombs—and Season 3 is already shaping up to be even bigger. You do NOT want to miss what’s next!

🎧 Tune in now to wrap up the season with a laugh and a reality check.
💬 Tell me your favourite episode from Season 2—DM me or tag us on socials!

🔥 Subscribe so you don’t miss the drop of Season 3—it’s coming in hot.

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

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Let’s be real—if you’re a woman in uniform, odds are you’ve wanted to burn it at least once. 🔥

In this laugh-out-loud episode, I’m joined by the hilarious and unfiltered Sheila Farrell and Sandra Maris to talk about a shared pain point in every female first responder’s life: UNIFORMS THAT SUCK.

We’re diving into:
 👖 Why standard-issue gear rarely fits women properly
 📏 The sizing chaos (spoiler: men’s cuts don’t work for everyone)
 🧵 Stories of awkward fits, wardrobe malfunctions, and total design fails
 💥 And why this isn't just about comfort—it's about safety and performance, too

Whether you’ve ever felt like a stuffed sausage in your tactical pants or had to MacGyver your gear just to survive a shift, this one’s for YOU.

🙌 A big shoutout to 5.11 Tactical—finally, a brand doing it (mostly) right for women. Check them out if you’re tired of fighting your fit.

🎧 Tune in for laughs, rants, and real talk. And hey, if you’re a uniform supplier… LISTEN UP. There’s a huge niche here just waiting to be fixed.

📢 Have a uniform horror story or want to recommend a brand that finally got it right? DM us or tag us on IG!
👕 Let’s make noise—and better gear—for the women who serve.

🎙️ Subscribe now to never miss another brutally honest (and hilarious) episode from the front lines.

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

Send us a text

Y’all ready for this one? 🤠 This week, we're crossing borders—literally—with Bridget Truxillo, a powerhouse attorney, former Deputy Sheriff (yes, including SWAT and undercover narcotics), and the founder of Lady Law Shield out of Texas.

In this bold and unfiltered conversation, Bridget shares her journey from high-stakes policing in the U.S. to building a legal and wellness empire designed to protect and empower first responders—especially women.

We dive deep into:

• The realities of harassment and discrimination in first responder careers
• The differences and surprising similarities between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement systems
• Why mental wellness and legal literacy are crucial tools in every officer’s toolbox
• How Bridget is helping officers reclaim joy and balance—no matter the chaos around them

This is more than just an episode—it’s a blueprint for building resilience in a system that doesn’t always support those who serve.

🎯 Want to connect with Bridget or learn more about her work?
Visit 👉 www.ladylawshield.com
Follow her for Friday meditations, wellness tools, and legal tips at
📸 IG: @ladylawshield + @protectivewellness

👮‍♀️ Whether you're a current first responder or exploring the career, this episode will educate, empower, and challenge you.

🎧 Hit play now and make sure to subscribe so you never miss another powerful story from the front lines.

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

Send us a text

In this high-energy episode, I sit down with Breanna Brandson, a Peace Officer with Alberta Health Services’ Rural Mobile Unit, serving the Central Alberta region. Before donning the uniform, Breanna spent nearly a decade as a psychiatric aide—giving her a unique, ground-level perspective on mental health and frontline care.

Now, she’s patrolling the rural roads, bridging the gap between community safety and compassionate support.

We cover it all—from training days gone sideways (hello OC Spray!), to PARE test frustrations (yes, that 5-foot mat jump still haunts us), to the unexpected importance of pizza diplomacy on shift. 🍕

💬 In this episode:

• Breanna’s bold career pivot from psych aide to Peace Officer
• Why rural mobile units play a critical role in health care and public safety
• Hilarious (and humbling) stories from the academy
• The value of showing up for both your team and your community

Whether you're thinking about joining Alberta Health Services Protective Services or just curious what life is like behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and the real deal on frontline work.

🚨 Interested in becoming a Peace Officer with AHS?
👉 Learn more at: www.albertahealthservices.ca/careers
🔗 Or reach out directly to start your application journey.

🎧 Don’t forget to follow the podcast for more authentic stories from the women keeping our communities safe—one call at a time.

Looking to join AHS - learn more

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

Send us a text

This week, we’re going international—and deep.

I’m joined by Erin Nugent, a former Detective with Victoria Police in Australia, where she worked on the elite Armed Crime Squad—handling armed robberies over $10K, kidnappings, aggravated burglaries, and non-fatal shootings. Yep, serious stuff.

But Erin’s journey didn’t end there. After meeting her firefighter husband (spoiler alert: Iron Maiden played matchmaker), she packed up, moved to Boston, and began volunteering as a crisis counsellor with a suicide prevention organization. Her own lived experience as a family survivor of suicide and her exposure to trauma as a “copper” gave her a deep, authentic connection to the people she helped.

Now a certified Master Life Coach, Erin is on a mission to bridge the gap between peer support and clinical services in the first responder world. She understands the culture. She’s lived it on both sides—as a responder and as a spouse. And she’s helping others navigate the mental health stigma that keeps so many stuck in silence.

🚨 In this episode, we talk about:

• What it’s really like working on Australia’s Armed Crime Squad
• The challenges of moving countries and careers
• Why first responders resist help—and how we can break that cycle
• The power of coaching, connection, and community

This episode is a powerful blend of international policing, real-life resilience, and raw truth about mental health in uniformed services.

🔗 Want to connect with Erin or start your coaching journey?
Visit www.erinjanecoaching.com
📞 Or call her directly at 617-396-4695

🎧 Don’t forget to follow the podcast for more real conversations with real first responders—and the people who’ve got their backs.

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier

Send us a text

Ever wonder what it’s like to work side-by-side with a four-legged partner inside Canada’s toughest jails? This episode gives you an inside look at one of the most unique and in-demand roles in Corrections—Drug Dog Handler.

I’m joined by my incredible friend Erin Pipke and her K9 partner Zoe as we dive into their journey from small-town Spirit River all the way to Canada’s largest correctional facility. Erin shares how she got into this highly specialized unit, what it takes to build a bond with a working dog, and the real-life stories from the front lines of fighting contraband behind bars.

🚨 In this episode, you'll hear:

• What it takes to become a Drug Dog Handler
• How Erin and Zoe train and work as a team
• The intense and high-stakes reality of tracking drugs in custody
• The bond between handler and dog that goes far beyond work

This is a rare peek into a vital role that keeps our jails—and our officers—safe every single day.

📲 Want to know more about careers in Corrections or first responder fitness prep?
Reach out at [email protected]
Follow on Instagram and Facebook: @bluelinefitnesstesting
Connect on LinkedIn: Nikki Cloutier

🎧 Be sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode spotlighting incredible first responders doing extraordinary work!

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

Support the show

Want to support this podcast even more! Make a monthly subscription for only $3 a month here!

Interested in becoming a first responder? Reach out to learn more!
Email - [email protected]
Blue Line Fitness Testing
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluelinefitnesstesting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluelinefitnesstesting/
LinkedIn - Nikki Cloutier