Send us a text

This week's episode is an incredible conversation with Thomas Goldberg.

Thomas is a retired LEO, who served 33 years, and started as a police explorer and parking control officer. He is also a husband and father, as well as an upcoming podcaster...looking to help/mentor LEOs.

Thomas describes the end of his career as unpleasant, after dealing with several injuries in his younger days, from semi-pro football, and back surgeries toward the end of his career. The medication he was prescribed after those surgeries took him to a dark place. He began seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD. He also brought attention to his wife's suffering, watching him suffer, and addressing how that part is not talked about enough.

Even after it became apparent his career was ending, Thomas explained feeling scared, even though he was "done." He second guessed his decision and described feeling numb, driving around after turning in retirement paperwork.

Thomas estimated how hard that last day would be and not only scheduled a therapy appointment for his last day, but had a trusted friend go with him as he turned in his equipment. This is something we both agree SHOULD be done to help combat the pain so many have described feeling that last day and being "tossed to the side," by the department.

Despite the unpleasant experience that was the end of his career and having NOT found the next thing, YET...Thomas says he feels stronger, both mentally and physically since getting out of Law Enforcement. He is looking forward to getting his podcast kicked off and to his Next Shift...whatever it ends up being.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

See you Next Shift

Send us a text

This week's episode is an INCREDIBLE conversation with Doug White, an Air Force veteran and retired LEO, who is also a father and husband, as well as a NEW author and speaker.

Doug was raised in a household of service and he continued that tradition by joining the US Air Force, then joining a Sheriff's Department in Florida. He served his country and community for over 30 years...and maintained his family throughout...something he was not sure was going to be the case, as you will hear in this conversation.

Doug's story is NOT unique to him...as there are many in the Law Enforcement profession experiencing the same thoughts, feelings, and traumas...but refusing to acknowledge it and speak up. That is where Doug's story IS unique. He DID eventually ask for help...after a night where he almost pulled his gun from his holster, while sitting in a school parking lot, and took his own life. THANKFULLY, he did not do that and when he got home that morning...his wife was there waiting to talk and ask him to join her at marriage counseling...not knowing what he'd just been contemplating a few hours prior. Doug credits his wife, Michelle, and her faith for saving him.

Doug explains how he over-invested in the job/persona because he wanted to be, "The guy," and never said no. It wasn't until years later, he would realize what having no boundaries would do to him and his family.

Doug tells his story so eloquently in this conversation, but he also wrote his story in book form, in order to help others. Hiding in Plain Sight is now available for pre-order and will be released on 11/11/2024, Veteran's Day. Doug was gracious enough to provide me a copy of this book and I read it in under 3 hours. I could not put it down. I can't imagine there is a LEO out there who can't picture themself in the scenarios he so vividly paints pictures of with his words.

My hope is that between this episode and his book, others will see/hear a part of them in his story and have some of the realizations he had, sooner rather than later, and will seek assistance before it is too late.

Make sure to follow Doug on LinkedIn, here, and on Instagram, here.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

See you Next Shift

Send us a text

Season 3, say what?!?

Never thought this would happen, but here we are and I am so pumped to be back, bringing you the stories of those who have made the transition to life after Law Enforcement...willingly or not.

Every season gets better and guests have gotten more and more comfortable sharing the hard truths that come with this transition, oftentimes very unexpected truths. I am so grateful to each and every one of them for being so vulnerable, authentic, and transparent in order to help those preparing for and going through the transition...especially those suffering in silence.

This season is loaded with incredible guests...some of which have transitioned and have NOT figured out where they're going or what they're meant to do just yet, and I cannot wait to share those stories!

This season will include:

- Interviews with those who have transitioned out of Law Enforcement
- Interviews with spouses of transitioned officers (such a needed perspective)
- Interviews that are meant to be resources
- Solo episodes on topics that come up in convos, DEBRIEF, coaching calls, or Next Shift Academy

If you have a suggestion for a topic or guest, make sure to connect with me on social media and send me the info...this is YOUR show too! Don't have social media, send me an e-mail at jess@jess-flores.com

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

See you Next Shift