Defying the Fat Cop Stereotype: A Conversation with Fit Responder Ted Stern
04/08/25 • 102 min
What if the greatest threat to a law enforcement officer isn't a violent suspect, but their own declining health? Ted Stern, former sheriff's deputy turned fitness coach, pulls back the curtain on the hidden crisis affecting police departments nationwide.
From his raw account of struggling with depression while overweight to transforming into a fitness advocate helping thousands of first responders, Ted's journey demonstrates how physical wellbeing directly impacts officer safety, effectiveness, and mental health. His candid revelation - "When I was fat I was the most depressed I've ever been" - offers a powerful glimpse into the mind-body connection that many officers neglect.
The conversation dives deep into practical approaches that work within the constraints of shift work and high-stress environments. Ted introduces the concept of "floor goals" versus "ceiling goals" - establishing minimum fitness standards officers should never fall below, while recognizing the challenges of their profession. He shares stories of suspects specifically targeting out-of-shape officers as "easy targets" while others backed down immediately when confronted with a physically imposing presence.
Most compelling is the discussion around why departments fail to prioritize fitness despite overwhelming evidence of its benefits. Ted reveals sending 1,300 emails to agencies offering fitness programs with virtually no response, highlighting the institutional barriers facing fitness initiatives in law enforcement.
Whether you're in law enforcement, another first responder role, or simply interested in the challenges facing those who protect our communities, this episode provides actionable insights on maintaining physical and mental health in high-stress professions. Follow Ted's work at @fit.responder or fitresponder.com to learn more about his mission to transform first responder health nationwide.
#police #lawenforcement #cops #bridgethegap #bethechange
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Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
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Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/
Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya!
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut
What if the greatest threat to a law enforcement officer isn't a violent suspect, but their own declining health? Ted Stern, former sheriff's deputy turned fitness coach, pulls back the curtain on the hidden crisis affecting police departments nationwide.
From his raw account of struggling with depression while overweight to transforming into a fitness advocate helping thousands of first responders, Ted's journey demonstrates how physical wellbeing directly impacts officer safety, effectiveness, and mental health. His candid revelation - "When I was fat I was the most depressed I've ever been" - offers a powerful glimpse into the mind-body connection that many officers neglect.
The conversation dives deep into practical approaches that work within the constraints of shift work and high-stress environments. Ted introduces the concept of "floor goals" versus "ceiling goals" - establishing minimum fitness standards officers should never fall below, while recognizing the challenges of their profession. He shares stories of suspects specifically targeting out-of-shape officers as "easy targets" while others backed down immediately when confronted with a physically imposing presence.
Most compelling is the discussion around why departments fail to prioritize fitness despite overwhelming evidence of its benefits. Ted reveals sending 1,300 emails to agencies offering fitness programs with virtually no response, highlighting the institutional barriers facing fitness initiatives in law enforcement.
Whether you're in law enforcement, another first responder role, or simply interested in the challenges facing those who protect our communities, this episode provides actionable insights on maintaining physical and mental health in high-stress professions. Follow Ted's work at @fit.responder or fitresponder.com to learn more about his mission to transform first responder health nationwide.
#police #lawenforcement #cops #bridgethegap #bethechange
🔗 Visit us at TwoCopsOneDonut.com
📧 Contact us at [email protected]
🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
🔔 **Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!**
💬 **Join the conversation in the comments below!**
#TwoCopsOneDonut #PublicSafety #ErikLavigne #firtsresponders
Our partners:
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!
Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/
Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya!
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut
Previous Episode
The Journalist and The Cop: An Honest Conversation About Police Accountability
What happens when an independent journalist who questions police accountability meets two veteran officers willing to have honest conversations? The result is a rare window into the complexities of modern American policing that challenges perspectives on both sides.
Damien Riggs brings his decade of journalistic experience to engage with our hosts about the difficult questions facing law enforcement today. Rather than rehearsed talking points, this conversation dives deep into thorny issues like qualified immunity, the "gypsy cop" phenomenon that allows problem officers to move between departments, and why good departments handle accountability so differently than toxic ones.
The discussion takes a powerful turn when examining the Daniel Shaver shooting, revealing how good officers view these tragic incidents with genuine horror rather than defensiveness. This authentic moment demonstrates something crucial about police culture - contrary to popular belief, ethical officers are often more disturbed by these incidents than civilians because they understand exactly how things should have been handled differently.
Particularly enlightening is the live analysis of body camera footage showing both successful and problematic police encounters. These real-time assessments provide a masterclass in how experienced officers evaluate situations, make split-second decisions, and recognize danger signals. Through this collaborative analysis, you'll gain unprecedented insight into the complex realities officers face daily.
Whether you support law enforcement or question current policing practices, this episode offers nuanced perspectives that challenge simplistic narratives. Follow Damien's work through the Curious podcast and connect with him on Instagram @the_underscore_damien_riggs to continue exploring these vital conversations.
#police #lawenforcement #cops #bridgethegap #bethechange
🔗 Visit us at TwoCopsOneDonut.com
📧 Contact us at [email protected]
🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
🔔 **Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!**
💬 **Join the conversation in the comments below!**
#TwoCopsOneDonut #PublicSafety #ErikLavigne #firtsresponders
Our partners:
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!
Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/
Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya!
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut
Next Episode
From Felony Charge to Police Badge How Did This Happen? Matt Thornton Story
What happens when someone with a criminal record becomes the police officer sworn to uphold the law? Detective Matt Thornton's remarkable story challenges everything we think we know about the people behind the badge.
Growing up in a rough neighborhood where police were considered the enemy, Thornton's path to law enforcement began with his own arrest at age 21 for carrying an illegal firearm. Years later, driven by the need to provide for his daughter, he reluctantly took the police exam. Despite facing ridicule in the academy for his criminal record and ostracism from fellow officers who knew his background, Thornton persevered through 21 years of service, eventually specializing in narcotics enforcement before becoming a detective.
What sets Thornton apart is his unwavering commitment to constitutional policing and treating everyone with dignity—regardless of their background or circumstances. Drawing from his unique perspective straddling both worlds, he speaks candidly about police misconduct, the importance of street knowledge, and why some officers struggle to connect with the communities they serve. Through his current work as a School Resource Officer and his youth organization "Home Away From Home," Thornton mentors young people facing the same challenges he once did.
Thornton's philosophy is straightforward yet revolutionary in policing circles: "Everyone under the sun deserves respect." His willingness to call out problematic behavior while still serving as an officer makes him both controversial and essential in conversations about police reform. As he poignantly states, "Bad policing makes our job harder, puts us in danger."
Looking for real talk about policing without the typical defensiveness or platitudes? This episode delivers powerful insights from someone who's lived on both sides of the thin blue line.
#police #lawenforcement #cops #bridgethegap #bethechange
🔗 Visit us at TwoCopsOneDonut.com
📧 Contact us at [email protected]
🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
🔔 **Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!**
💬 **Join the conversation in the comments below!**
#TwoCopsOneDonut #PublicSafety #ErikLavigne #firtsresponders
Our partners:
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!
Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/
Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya!
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut
Two Cops One Donut - Defying the Fat Cop Stereotype: A Conversation with Fit Responder Ted Stern
Transcript
Coming up next on Two Cops , One Donut .
Speaker 2I can speak from this firsthand . I've struggled with depression from early childhood . As long as I can remember . I mean I remember being nine thinking it'd probably be better off if I was dead . You know , I don't know , nine-year-olds think suicidal thoughts and stuff ,
Speaker 2If you like this episode you’ll love
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