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• The powerful impact of peer pressure in drinking culture, especially among first responders
• How alcohol addiction can become intertwined with personal identity and social connection
• The physiological effects of alcohol consumption including weight gain, poor sleep, and depression
• Nick's journey from losing his police career due to drinking to becoming a licensed mental health professional
• Frank's experience maintaining sobriety while still serving as an active NYPD officer
• The challenges of red flag laws and how seeking help can sometimes create professional consequences
• Different paths to recovery including AA, therapy, fitness, and personalized approaches
• The transformative benefits of sobriety including improved physical health, better relationships, and being present as fathers

If you're struggling with alcohol or substance use, remember you're not alone. Reach out to Reps for Responders or visit a local AA meeting. There are multiple pathways to recovery, and finding the right support system can change your life.

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Tom Young joins the Protectors podcast to discuss his ninth novel and third World War II standalone work, "The Mapmaker," which explores the dangerous operations of the French Resistance.

• The novel follows Charlotte Deneau, a French-American woman who uses her artistic skills to create maps of German positions for the Resistance
• Charlotte becomes hunted by the Gestapo for her exceptional mapping abilities
• The second protagonist is Philippe Girard, a French pilot flying dangerous moonlight missions for the RAF's special operations squadron
• Philippe must locate and extract Charlotte from occupied France while determining if intelligence is reliable or a Nazi trap
• Tom draws inspiration from real-life resistance figures like Virginia Hall and Violette Sabo
• Tom describes his writing process as "by the seat of his pants" rather than outlining extensively
• Writing daily with a goal of 500-1000 words helps maintain progress on long-term writing projects
• Tom's writing career began unexpectedly during an aircraft emergency layover in South Korea
• Research for historical fiction includes nonfiction books and WWII training films on YouTube
• Tom's next potential novel may explore the little-known story of Jewish teenagers who escaped Germany to Virginia before joining the US military
• Advice for aspiring writers: attend conferences, network with the writing community, and remember it's normal for first drafts to need improvement

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We often limit ourselves by age, thinking our best contributions are behind us, but life offers multiple opportunities for reinvention regardless of your current age or stage.

• Different versions of ourselves emerge throughout life's journey – from career phases to parenthood to retirement
• Finding your "why" creates the foundation for discipline when motivation inevitably fades
• Consistency matters more than intensity when building new habits or pursuing new paths
• The transition from high-adrenaline careers requires having a clear purpose ready for the next chapter
• Shifting from "I have to" to "I get to" transforms obligations into opportunities
• Physical fitness serves as both literal and metaphorical preparation for life's challenges
• Taking care of others provides powerful motivation beyond personal achievement
• Preparation before major life transitions prevents destructive mindsets and behaviors
• Success in one area often indicates how you'll approach challenges in completely different domains
• The discipline to show up, especially on days you don't want to, separates those who thrive from those who merely survive

Whatever season of life you're in, remember that your story isn't over – it's just entering a new chapter that requires the right mindset and consistent action.

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Bill Frost joins the podcast to discuss the crisis of toxic leadership in law enforcement and the importance of finding purpose after retirement.

• Morning walks as physical therapy and mental health practice after career-ending injury
• The increase in toxic leadership across law enforcement agencies in recent decades 
• How rushing promotions and political influence create poor leadership
• The problem of promoting people who aren't ready for leadership positions
• Why mentorship is critically important for developing future leaders
• The connection between good leadership and agency recruitment/retention
• How police leaders can stay true to their mission while dealing with political pressures
• The importance of having a mission after retirement to avoid destructive behaviors
• How legacy matters and why authentic leadership is remembered positively
• Frost's book "Leadership in Law Enforcement" and its focus on 10 key leadership traits

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Derek Jackson shares his journey from Air Force jet engine mechanic to OSI special agent, revealing the intense personal and professional challenges of federal law enforcement, and how these experiences inspired his crime thriller novel "Shadow One."

• Starting as an enlisted jet engine mechanic before getting recruited to OSI
• Discussing the reality of FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) and the demanding training process
• Transitioning from mechanic to criminal investigator and the mental shift required
• Balancing investigative work with personal life and relationships
• Using music to inspire creative writing and developing characters
• Exploring how traumatic cases affect agents psychologically
• Turning real-life experiences into a crime thriller novel
• Finding the courage to follow your own path despite others' doubts

Find Derek Jackson's book "Shadow One" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Walmart online.

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Jason and Denny share candid reflections on veteran mental health, personal growth strategies, and the journey toward authentic living after military service.

• Veterans don't need to define themselves by brokenness or past trauma
• Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful alternatives to long-term medication for anxiety
• Creative outlets like photography and growing plants provide therapeutic benefits and new perspectives
• Physical activity, starting with simple daily walks, significantly improves mental wellbeing
• Building authentic relationships requires healing yourself first and understanding your attachment patterns
• Podcasting and media creation offer veterans ways to share stories and create community
• Focus on daily positive experiences can shift perspective and create resilience
• The "internal critic" can be acknowledged without letting it control your thoughts and actions
• Content that is authentic and serves a clear purpose will find its audience

If you're struggling, reach out. Whether through the Special Forces Foundation or Security Hall Podcast, there are resources to connect you with support specifically designed for veterans and first responders.

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We delve deep into the reality of battling depression, challenging the stereotypes and exploring practical approaches for navigating mental health struggles.

• Depression is an invisible force that can affect anyone regardless of external success or appearance
• First step to healing is recognizing and admitting you're struggling
• Treatment requires multiple approaches—medication, therapy, exercise, meditation
• Recovery isn't linear—setbacks happen and that's normal
• Building a "Strong Enough List" can help restore confidence during difficult times
• Finding activities that require full presence (like painting or horseback riding) helps manage depression
• Healing from trauma doesn't mean it disappears, but learning better ways to respond to triggers
• The difference between making decisions from your head versus your heart

If you're struggling with depression, make a commitment today to take one small step. Whether it's researching therapists, starting a daily walk, or reaching out to a friend - every positive action creates momentum toward healing.

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Marcus Torgerson joined the show to discuss his new book.  We also talk about faith and moving forward.  *We do discuss suicide.  

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Jason shares his personal journey toward better physical and mental health, emphasizing how taking the first step outside your door can lead to transformative change in your life.

• Starting small with just a walk around the block can build momentum toward bigger health goals
• Physical movement directly impacts mental clarity and problem-solving abilities
• Protectors (law enforcement, military, first responders) have a duty to maintain physical fitness for those they serve
• Consistency is more important than intensity when building healthy habits
• Alternative approaches like meditation and therapy are valuable companions to physical exercise
• The STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps candidates excel in job interviews
• Visualize the new version of yourself rather than trying to recapture past versions

Get up and move today - even if it's just for five minutes. Your body, mind, and those who depend on you will thank you for it.

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