On Vets And Badges: "We're Alpha Males.. We Don't Ask For Help" -US Army MSG Alberto "Al" Rivera shares his struggle in transitioning to civilian life after retirement from 30 years of active-duty military service. The conversation focuses on the challenges veterans face, including mental health issues, the struggle for identity, and the importance of community support during and after our service. The speakers share personal stories and insights on coping with trauma, the stigma of seeking help, and the need for greater awareness and resources for veterans.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Veterans' Experiences

02:43 - The Impact of Military Service on Identity

04:58 - Challenges of Reintegration into Civilian Life

06:28 - Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues

08:54 - Understanding PTS and Its Effects

11:27 - The Importance of Community and Support

14:42 - Generational Differences in Seeking Help

16:57 - The Role of Organizations in Veteran Support

18:07 - Final Thoughts and Resources for Veterans

About MSG Rivera:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alb

erto-rivera0321/

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

In this episode of Vets and Badges, the hosts delve into the complex emotions of anger, trauma, and betrayal experienced by first responders.

Ep 2 of Neuroscience of Self-Mastery explores the brain science behind these emotions, the impact of unresolved trauma on law enforcement, and the importance of mental health and self-mastery in high-stakes environments. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and support systems within the first responder community to navigate the challenges they face.

Chapters

00:00 - Understanding Anger and Rage in First Responders

03:03 - The Neuroscience of Emotion and Behavior

05:53 - The Impact of Training on Emotional Responses

08:58 - The Ripple Effect of Violence and Anger

11:59 - Betrayal and Its Emotional Consequences

14:41 - Processing Trauma and Emotional Mastery

17:47 - The Depth of Suffering and Empathy

20:08 - Recognizing the Essence of Self

26:15 - Understanding Mental Health Awareness

27:19 - Navigating Trauma in First Responders

29:53 - The Importance of Faith and Mission

31:12 - Metacognition and Self-Awareness

33:16 - The Need for Training in Law Enforcement

34:09 - Prioritizing Mental Health in Law Enforcement

35:48 - The Concept of Brain Health

37:46 - Self-Mastery and Leadership

40:05 - Creating Supportive Communities

42:50 - The Role of Brotherhood in Healing

About Vets And Badges:

Guest: SGT, Edward Buckman, PhD:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-buckman/

Co-Host: Dr. Pamela Seraphine:

https://www.drpamelaseraphine.com/

Host: Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

Source, B-Roll:

TMZ, UT Public Safety

Video:

LiveNOW from FOX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38PQTPZnSRw

NBC 6 South Florida

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1xcfLWshH0

Richard French Live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpmHxn6NIIA

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

On Vets And Badges this conversation explores the challenges faced by law enforcement officers, particularly in relation to mental health, trauma, and the emotional toll of their work. Officer Milton Montes de Oca shares his career journey to becoming a mental health therapist for the City of Sweetwater PD, emphasizing the importance of building trust within the police community and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health. The discussion also highlights the impact of losing colleagues in the line of duty and the necessity of support systems for officers dealing with trauma and grief.

Chapters

00:00 - The Reality of Law Enforcement Danger

03:07 - Transitioning from Officer to Mental Health Therapist

05:59 - Building Trust in Law Enforcement

08:51 - The Impact of Trauma on Officers

12:01 - Coping Mechanisms and Risky Behaviors

15:00 - The Importance of Support Systems

17:55 - Navigating Identity as a Police Officer

21:10 - Advice for First Responders in Crisis

24:05 - The Emotional Toll of Losing a Colleague

26:53 - Maintaining Professionalism Amidst Grief

29:47 - The Role of Law Enforcement in Society

33:07 - Leading by Example in Law Enforcement

Takeaways:

- Police work involves inherent danger and risks.

- The loss of an officer affects the entire community.

- Transitioning from officer to therapist can provide valuable insights.

- Building trust in law enforcement is crucial for mental health support.

- Officers often struggle with their identity outside of work.

- Trauma can lead to risky behaviors if not addressed.

- Support systems are essential for coping with stress and trauma.

- It's important for officers to seek help without stigma.

- The emotional impact of losing a colleague is profound.

- Law enforcement's role is to enforce the law, not to punish.

#videopodcast

#mentalhealth

#supportsystem

Source, B-Roll: WPLG

https://youtu.be/vantg50WJzk?si=myXk1AK06bKqpa6h

Recorded at Miami's Community News studios:https://CommunityNewspapers.com

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

American Legion Richard L. Cromartie Post 374 Commander Michael King hosts speaker Robert Asencio. #heroes

Video provided by https://www.KBCF.org

Watch entire memorial at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxncgiMo4L8&t=966s

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

#neuroscience - Speakers explore the power of meditation to unlock the ones power of recovery from combat, life's changes and self created obstacles to success by veterans and first responders.

#veterans

#firstresponders

#wellness

Guests:

- US Army MSG. Jeremy T. Gann, Ret.

- Dr. Pamela Seraphine, Neuroscientist

https://www.drpamelaseraphine.com/

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

To learn more click: https://youtu.be/Dfe6NaM3lPE?si=OnseAtBQqfX0-a43

For more visit

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

On Vets And Badges Robert Asencio is joined by Dr. Paela Seraphine. Together they delves into the neuroscience of self-mastery, exploring how understanding the brain can help individuals transition from military to civilian life, overcome identity crises, and embrace meditation as a tool for personal growth. The speakers emphasize the importance of redefining one's identity and mastering the brain to achieve higher levels of performance and fulfillment.

Ep 1, Limited Series Co-Host: Dr. Pamela Seraphine - https://www.drpamelaseraphine.com/

Guest: MSG Jeremy Gann, US Army, Ret.

Chapters:

00:00 - Understanding Perceived Threats and Identity

02:52 - The Neuroscience of Self-Mastery

06:06 - Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

08:52 - The Outlier Mindset and Identity Recalibration

12:10 - Meditation as a Tool for Transformation

14:53 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Change

17:57 - The Role of the Brain in Identity Formation

21:12 - Practical Steps for Identity Recalibration

23:59 - The Power of an Outlier Mindset

26:46 - Conclusion and Future Perspectives

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

https://www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

Retired police chief Charles E. Nanney shares invaluable insights from his 35-year career in law enforcement. He emphasizes the importance of not taking things personally as a police officer, the significance of community engagement, and the evolution of policing practices over the years. Chief Nanney reflects on the challenges faced by officers, particularly in high-crime areas, and discusses the critical need for mental health support and wellness programs within police departments. He also highlights the unique challenges faced by female officers in a male-dominated field and offers advice for aspiring leaders in law enforcement.

On September 27, 2025, Chief Charles E. Nanney was inducted into the prestigious Florida Police Officers' Hall of Fame..

,br>

Chapters:

00:00 - Advice for Young Officers

00:55 - Celebrating a Career in Law Enforcement

03:11 - Reflections on Leadership and Community

06:57 - Policing in High Crime Areas

09:47 - Evolution of Policing Practices

12:53 - Understanding Use of Force

17:14 - Mental Health and Officer Wellness

19:58 - The Role of Female Officers

23:03 - Advice for Aspiring Leaders

29:08 - Final Thoughts and Community

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

https://www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

The conversation delves into the implications of government shutdowns on healthcare, particularly focusing on the role of community health centers and the impact of insurance subsidies. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers, especially in light of potential insurance losses and the suspension of telehealth services. Jonathan Chapman the President and CEO of the www.FACHC.org emphasize the importance of community health centers in providing accessible care and the need for public engagement with legislators to address these issues.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Government Shutdown and Healthcare

01:29 - Impact of Subsidy Expiration on Patients

04:19 - Role of Community Health Centers

06:58 - Concerns and Reassurances During the Shutdown

09:36 - Advocacy and Action for Citizens

12:21 - Telehealth and Rural Healthcare Challenges

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

https://www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

On Vets And Badges this forum explores the profound impact of terrorism on victims, survivors and their journeys from trauma to leadership. It highlights personal stories of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of advocacy and community healing. The panelists share their experiences and insights on how storytelling, education, and mental health support play crucial roles in building peace and preventing future violence.

Forum hosted by https://www.SEFF.org.uk and in Northern Ireland on August 21, 2025.

Moderator:

- Kenny Donaldson, Executive Director of SEFF

Panel Members:

- Juliette Scauso - father, FDNY Firefighter Dennis Scauso killed on 9/11 at the World Trace Center (Twin Towers)

- Darryn Frost, QGM - Responder, London Bridge terror attack

- Inigo Pascaul Ramos - father, Angel Pascual murdered by ETA in 2002 Spain

- Ines Gaviria, Communications Director, COVITE

Collaborator:

- Laura Speiran, Founder of https://www,ConnectingMindsProject.org - Miami

Miami's Community News https://communitynewspapers.com

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction Trailer

03:27 - Voices for Peace: Introduction and Context

05:41 - Living with Loss: Personal Stories of Trauma

19:33 - Building Resilience and Community Healing

32:05 - From Victimhood to Leadership: Advocacy and Action

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

https://www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

Dr. Benjamin Iobst discusses with Robert Asencio his book 'Restoring the Warrior,' a peer support how to guide for veterans and first responders.

Dr. Iobst shares his personal journey from military service to law enforcement and ultimately to becoming an organizational psychologist. The discussion emphasizes the importance of connection, support systems, and preparing for the transition to civilian life, highlighting the need for proactive mental health strategies within these communities.

Chapters:

03:06 - Ben's Journey: From Military to Psychology

09:44 - The Importance of Connection and Support

13:01 - Transitioning from Service: Preparing for Civilian Life

17:18 - Creating Support Systems for Veterans and First Responders

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025