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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.

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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.

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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.

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This week's episode is a recap of the TOP 10 downloaded episodes of season 2.

In no particular order, the TOP 10 downloads were:

1. Solo episode - 3 Things you MUST have for a successful transition
2. Interview - Get in the arena w/Travis Gribble
3. Solo episode - 3 Things I underestimated when transitioning
4. Interview - Career transition tips from a recruiter w/ Darci Smith
5. Interview - An unexpected transition w/ Marcus Claycomb
6. Interview - So you THINK you're prepared for retirement w/ Dr. Medina Baumgart
7. Interview - Put the F'ing papers in w/ Tony Baumgart
8. Interview - Developing a 10 Code mindset w/Scott Medlin
9. Interview - When retirement doesn't go as planned w/Kim Colegrove
10. Interview - Peter's Next Shift: From LE to Global Security w/Peter Stephens

I want to give a huge shoutout to ALL of the incredible guests who've shared their stories. This show would not be what it is without them! Make sure you follow and connect with them on social media.

If any or all of these episodes spoke to you in someway, I'd be so grateful if you left a rating and/or review, in order to help spread these stories of hope for life after Law Enforcement.

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.

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Then this episode is for you! This week's episode is a conversation with Barbara Grassey, non-fiction book and publishing consultant, who helped Retired LEO, Stan Partlow write his book, Leading Relentlessly...a must have in my opinion!

In this episode, Barbara covers who should and who shouldn't write a book, how she can help those who want to write a book, and the different ways a book can be utilized.

Barbara mentions how a book can be utilized by those transitioning out of Law Enforcement, based on their unique perspectives and establishing authority in a new field.

There are several questions one should ask prior to writing a book, but these three are the ones Barbara focuses on:

1. What do you want the book to do for you?
2. What do you want the book to do for your reader?
3. What action do you want the reader to take after reading?

Barbara states a brain dump, then sorting the ideas is a great way to get started and you may find you need to write more than one book, maybe a series, depending on what it is you're sharing and what you want the reader to get out of it.

Writing a book can be an intense process and overwhelming for many. That is where she comes in. She offers a 30-minute FREE consult to see if the two of you are right for each other and what level of support you are needing/wanting.

Make sure to follow Barbara on LinkedIn and reach out if you have been considering writing a book. You can visit her website, 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.

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This week's episode is a chat with Deborah Green, retired Public Safety Dispatcher. Deborah joined the Army as a Communications Specialist, about a year out of high school, then found herself switching to an MP role, which ended up leading her to her civilian role as a Public Safety Dispatcher...where she served for just over 27 years.

Deborah discusses how hard it can be to sit behind the console and hear the things dispatchers hear, feeling helpless...especially as a prior MP. She discusses the struggles faced dealing with critical incidents from behind the console and how, while officers might handle 10-20 calls a night...dispatchers are handling HUNDREDS of calls a night and taking the initial critical incident call.

This is something I believe needs heard and understood by those throughout ENTIRE police departments.

Deborah discusses her experience with PTSD and how she processed being told by a psychiatrist that she would never be a dispatcher again. She also discussed the way supervisor's respond to someone seeking help can make it 100% worse or better.

Make sure to connect with Deborah on Instagram, here and on LinkedIn, 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.

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This week's episode is an oldie, but a goodie! It was originally recorded in June 2023 and shared on social media as a video, BEFORE this podcast was born.

I believe it deserves a permanent spot on the podcast because the information is so valuable and with the state of the economy right now...we could all use a little money insight, especially from someone who, "gets it!"

This week's episode is NOT a transitioned LEO, but an interview was with Rebecca Jameson, who is a LEO spouse, girl mom of two, and financial coach to first responders.

We had a great discussion about getting out of the off duty cycle so many officers find themselves in…and when you’re no longer ABLE to work it, the additional stress it can cause.

Rebecca had great tips on how to plan for the unexpected and used the phrase, “I like to look at off duty as a way to, "elevate your life,” which I loved. Work it when needed to pay for experiences, not just to live everyday life.

She dove into what exactly a financial coach is, and how she can help YOU!

She talked about ways to have the tough money conversations, especially if you’re not the, “bread winner." Grab your spouse for this episode because this topic right here, hits home for soooo many in the LEO wife (LEOW) community.

This was such a fun and different conversation! Make sure you follow Rebecca on Instagram, here, and check out her website, 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.

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This week's episode is a chat with Chris Littrell, host of the Gravity Podcast.

Chris, like many guests, is a military veteran turned LEO, who is now out and focused on First Responder wellness.

Chris loved the job and when the crimes against children cases started getting to him, he decided it was time to go. He was a member of the peer support team and was great at listening to what others were going through and helping them, but realized he wasn't doing those same things for himself. He had his first anxiety attack, which felt like a heart attack, then the suicidal thoughts/images started happening and he knew he needed help.

Chris talks about not losing your badge/gun just because you ask for help and because of the work he's done, he knows his triggers and has boundaries in place to help. He talks about having good communication with your spouse and how much pressure it felt like as the "man" providing the "livelihood" for his family, while facing mental health issues.

Make sure to give Chris a follow on LinkedIn and Instagram, and check out his podcast.

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