Chapter Blue
Tyra Valeriano
Tyra Valeriano, host of Chapter Blue, comes with 11 years of law enforcement experience and talks about mental health, self-care, work-life balance and more. Through honest conversations and personal experience, Chapter Blue allows for officers worldwide to share their stories, struggles, and successes both on and off duty and to give the public an insight to what the media has made into such a controversial profession. The podcast will establish the connection to the important topics and struggles in law enforcement and open up to all first responder roles in the new year to address how interchangeable the roles relate to the struggle. Join the conversation, because it’s long overdue!
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Top 10 Chapter Blue Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Chapter Blue episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Chapter Blue for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Chapter Blue episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
From Addiction to Advocacy: Alan and Amy's Story
Chapter Blue
02/22/25 • 44 min
What happens when a law enforcement officer confronts the demons of addiction and infidelity, and emerges with a mission to transform mental health support within the force? Listen to the compelling story of Alan Hendrickson, who, alongside his wife Amy, turned personal adversity into a pillar of hope for law enforcement officers struggling with mental health challenges and addiction. Alan and Amy open up about their personal journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that sparked their dedication to mental wellness for officers and their spouses.
Amy's support through Alan's recovery offers a realistic perspective on love, strength, and the power of a strong support system. As Alan returned to his law enforcement career, he faced obstacles due to his past. He found acceptance and a second chance with an agency who acknowledged his growth in overcoming his personal challenges. Their story is a testament to the themes of redemption and how it can have a profound impact. They discuss how openness and support can overcome personal struggles and maintain a healthier home and workplace environment.
Tune in to hear about the implications of mental wellness and support systems within law enforcement. From personal experiences that cultivate trust and mentorship to the role of spouses in policing wellness, Alan and Amy's experiences emphasize a holistic approach to mental health. They share their vision of spreading their wellness course beyond their home state of Alabama, aiming to touch lives across the nation. Listen in for valuable resources and a reminder that no one on this journey is alone. Alan and Amy continue to advocate for the mental health of officers and their families with raw, authentic, and honest transparency of some of the real struggles we all can face during our career.
Programs Mentioned:
- Axonaid.com
- Boulder Crest Foundation
Contact:
LinkedIn: Allen Hendrickson
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
04/05/25 • 54 min
Ever wondered what happens when traditional mental health approaches fail our first responders? In this groundbreaking episode, I speak with Rob Poynter, a retired deputy sheriff, who took an unconventional path to healing the wounds left by his law enforcement career.
Rob's story begins with his upbringing as the son of a homicide detective who was an active father but struggled with alcoholism. He decided to follow in his dad's footsteps and after nearly 15 years of service, a motorcycle accident forced his medical retirement, leaving him to confront how his career had affected his relationships with his wife and son. Despite trying various wellness practices – from yoga to talk therapy – nothing seemed to break through the emotional armor he'd built up over years of service.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Rob describes his journey with the Siren Project, a nonprofit organization that facilitates psilocybin therapy retreats specifically for first responders. With remarkable candor, he details his experience with plant medicine in a ceremonial, medically-supervised setting in Mexico, and the profound insights he gained about his relationships and behavior patterns. Most surprisingly, he discovered his issues stemmed less from traumatic calls and more from childhood issues that had shaped his adult relationships.
What sets this episode apart is Rob's perspective as someone who once enforced drug laws now advocating for the healing potential of plant medicine. He emphasizes that he's "not some wavy gravy guy" but a typical law enforcement officer who found healing through an unconventional path. The lasting changes he describes – from daily meditation practices to newfound clarity in his relationships – challenge our assumptions about mental health treatment for those who serve.
Whether you're in law enforcement, another first responder field, or simply interested in alternative approaches to mental health, this conversation offers valuable insights into healing pathways that might not be found in traditional settings. Join us as we explore this aspect of first responder wellness and consider what it might mean for those struggling to process trauma in high-stress professions.
Ready to challenge your assumptions about healing? Listen now, share your thoughts, and help us continue this important conversation about mental health options for those who serve and protect.
🧰 Listener Resources from the Episode:
🌿 The Siren Project
A nonprofit organization offering plant medicine retreats for first responders
Website: www.thesirenproject.org
📬 Connect with Rob Poynter:
- Facebook: Rob Poynter
- Instagram: @rawb_zone
- Twitter: @RobZone1
- LinkedIn: Rob Poynter
- Email: [email protected]
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
12/28/24 • 52 min
Carrie Matthews, a seasoned officer with 20 years in the Chicago Police Department, opens up about her life on the force. Growing up in a family rooted deeply in law enforcement, Carrie shares her unique perspective on the challenges that come with parenting as a police officer and growing up with a parent on the force. Her discussion about the importance of a support system beyond the uniform provides invaluable insights into maintaining a healthy work-life balance and keeping a well-rounded perspective in the face of daily demands.
Mental health is a critical topic that Carrie bravely addresses, shedding light on the emotional toll of policing. With personal stories, she shares the heartbreaking account of her father’s suicide after decades of service, bringing attention to the silent battles many officers face. This episode highlights the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement and stresses the importance of open dialogue and support systems for both officers and their families.
Communication emerges as a vital theme as Carrie discusses how expressing emotions and seeking support are important in dealing with grief and trauma. Her journey shows the power of human connections and empathy, encouraging officers to embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. By challenging the typical "I'm fine" response, she advocates for genuine conversations that can help officers feel seen and heard, ultimately fostering a more compassionate and understanding environment within the law enforcement community.
Contact:
Instagram: @chicity_girl
LinkedIn: Carrie Matthews
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
12/12/24 • 60 min
In this deeply personal solo bonus episode of Chapter Blue, your host, Tyra Valeriano, shares her story for the first time. From the challenges of balancing motherhood and a law enforcement career to the emotional weight of tough decisions, Tyra talks about how her experiences shaped her journey in and out of law enforcement.
Listen as she discusses her struggles of work-life balance, the impact of trauma, and the lessons learned about priorities, mental health, and resilience. This episode is a raw, honest conversation meant to inspire, connect, and remind listeners that they are never alone in their journey.
Whether you’re in law enforcement, a first responder, or someone looking to navigate life’s challenges, Tyra’s story may resonate with you and offer perspective on the importance of healing, support, and staying true to your “why.”
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
Welcome to Chapter Blue!
Chapter Blue
11/19/24 • 19 min
In this first episode of Chapter Blue, host, Tyra Valeriano, introduces listeners to her vision for the podcast and shares her personal journey from law enforcement to becoming a mental health and wellness coach for first responders. Tyra candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing life as a parent and police officer, her reasons for stepping away from active duty, and the importance of setting boundaries to achieve work-life balance. This episode sets the tone for future discussions, offering insights for current, aspiring, and retired law enforcement professionals for all around the world. Listeners are invited to join Tyra as she continues to discuss the raw realities and pivotal moments that define life behind the badge.
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
12/22/24 • 43 min
Understanding the unseen struggles of police officers, such as fitness and mental health challenges, is essential for improving officer wellbeing. Anthony shares essential insights on realistic expectations, the impact of stress, and the necessity for proactive health measures within law enforcement. Anthony comes with a Master's Degree in Psychology, 18 years of law enforcement experiences, and a long history of fitness to include previous ownership of a CrossFit gym.
• Discussion on the importance of fitness for law enforcement officers
• Insights into mental health challenges faced by cops
• The gap between expectations and reality for recruits
• Staffing shortages and their implications for policing
• The need for mandatory health checks in law enforcement
• Tips for stress management and coping strategies for officers
• Acknowledgement of the culture shift needed in law enforcement
• Advice for rookie officers based on lived experiences
Point of Contact:
Instagram @Anthony_heroicindustries
Instagram @heroicindustries
Website: www.skool.com/heroic-industries/about
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
01/07/25 • 45 min
Doug White shares his profound journey from law enforcement to retirement, discussing the struggles of identity and mental health that follow a career behind the badge. By confronting his past, he talks about the importance of vulnerability, honesty, and seeking help, ultimately encouraging others to embrace their healing journeys.
• Doug's introduction as a veteran officer with a rich career
• The challenges faced during the transition to retirement
• The exploration of identity post-uniform
• Confronting psychological struggles deeply rooted in service
• The role of honesty and vulnerability in the healing process
• Insights from Doug's book, "Hiding in Plain Sight"
• The power of storytelling in forging connections and healing
• The importance of a supportive environment for first responders
• Doug’s key recommendations for current officers seeking balance and wellbeing
It's an episode you don't want to miss!
Books Mentioned:
- "Hiding in Plain Sight: The Truth about Trauma, Service, and the way Forward" by Doug White
Podcast:
- Tell This Story
Contact:
- DougWhiteOfficial.com
- Instagram: @tell_this_story
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
02/16/25 • 50 min
Law enforcement officers face unique challenges that impact their financial and mental well-being. Willie Bermudez, a seasoned officer, shares his journey from personal debt to advocating financial literacy for first responders, emphasizing the importance of overall wellness in policing.
• Willie's early life and entry into law enforcement
• The struggles of financial literacy among officers
• Transitioning from debt to financial stability
• The importance of work-life balance in law enforcement
• Mental health support in the police community
• Preparing for retirement and planning for the future
• The role of identity and self-worth outside of policing
• Opportunities for financial and personal growth for officers
• Resources for seeking help inside and outside the department
• The value of mentorship and peer support in law enforcement
Programs Mentioned:
- Free Financial Wellness Services for First Responders
Contact:
LinkedIn: Guillermo Bermudez
Email: [email protected]
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
Vincent Scotto: What 20 Years at NYPD Taught Me About Officer Wellness That No One Is Talking About
Chapter Blue
03/10/25 • 60 min
What happens when the badge comes off? In this powerful conversation, former NYPD officer Vincent Scotto takes us behind the blue wall of silence to reveal the deeply human struggles of life in law enforcement. After serving 20 years with the NYPD and being retired for 13 years, Scotto brings rare perspective on how police work fundamentally transforms those who wear the uniform.
"People who join law enforcement go in wanting to change the world and they get out with the world changing them," cutting to the heart of why officer wellness matters. He shares his personal journey through dark times and how hitting rock bottom ultimately led him to become an advocate for mental wellness in the law enforcement community. With unflinching honesty, he addresses the cultural barriers that prevent officers from seeking help and the systemic issues that leave them feeling unsupported.
The conversation takes us through the psychological impact of constantly switching between high-alert policing and family life, the power of authentic communication amongst officers, and why many department wellness programs fail despite good intentions. "Cops see through the bullshit," Scotto explains, highlighting why authenticity matters more than flashy initiatives. His stories about using humor to process trauma and his regrets about not sharing his experiences with loved ones offer profound insights for officers and their families alike.
Whether you're in law enforcement, love someone who is, or simply want to understand the human beings behind the badge, this episode offers rare insight into what it really takes to protect both the public and the protectors themselves.
Website:
Contact:
LinkedIn: Vincent Scotto
Email: [email protected]
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
01/15/25 • 51 min
Charles Heasley, a former Texas law enforcement officer, stands as a testament to resilience and transformation in the face of adversity. Grappling with toxic leadership and mental health challenges during his time on the force, Charles' journey is both harrowing and inspiring. We talk about his unexpected exit from law enforcement, and how internal job stressors led him to a critical point, contemplating suicide. Yet, with unwavering support from his family, faith, and friends, Charles found the courage to pursue a new path, now dedicated to improving leadership and fostering mental health awareness across various sectors.
Our conversation shifts to Charles’ current mission: empowering leaders to develop the skills necessary for effective leadership. Too often, individuals are promoted based on time served or specific competencies, but lack the comprehensive training to lead. Charles shares how his experiences have highlighted the need for accountability and trust in leadership roles, and how open, honest communication can prevent the perpetuation of negative cycles within organizations. His commitment to helping others navigate these challenges promises not only personal growth but systemic improvement.
Lastly, we talk about the often painful journey of confronting leadership obstacles and the emotional toll of feeling undervalued. Charles recounts his struggle with inadequate performance evaluations and the isolation it bred. Through his story, we discuss the importance of support from superiors, and how the lack thereof can lead to despair and discontent. Yet, Charles’ ultimate decision to leave his job for a more fulfilling future speaks volumes about the power of self-reflection and the pursuit of a healthier work-life balance. As we close, we express gratitude to our listeners, inviting them to share in future conversations about leadership, mental health, and the ongoing journey of personal growth in law enforcement.
Books Mentioned:
- "48 Law of Power" Robert Greene
- "The Law of Human Nature" Robert Greene
Contact:
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Chapter Blue have?
Chapter Blue currently has 17 episodes available.
What topics does Chapter Blue cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, Family, Wellness, Podcasts, Police, Health, Business and Careers.
What is the most popular episode on Chapter Blue?
The episode title 'My Story: Vulnerability, Resilience, and Finding Balance' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Chapter Blue?
The average episode length on Chapter Blue is 48 minutes.
How often are episodes of Chapter Blue released?
Episodes of Chapter Blue are typically released every 9 days, 3 hours.
When was the first episode of Chapter Blue?
The first episode of Chapter Blue was released on Nov 19, 2024.
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