In this episode, we’re joined by therapist Donn Bradley to break down the mental armor every cop needs to survive this job. This isn’t surface-level “self-care” talk—Donn dives into the science of stress, trauma, and healing, explaining what repeated exposure to chaos actually does to the brain and nervous system. We talk about why asking for help is not a weakness, but a critical strength, how self-awareness can prevent burnout, bad decisions, and breakdowns, and what officers can do right now to protect their mental health. If you wear a badge or support someone who does, this is a conversation you need to hear.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/donn-bradley-brentwood-ca/746276
Kory Flowers is back, joining Dennis for another candid and insightful conversation.
In this episode, Dennis sits down with Adam Davis for a raw, practical conversation about something every cop—and every human being—needs to hear: the truth about fitness, nutrition, and long-term health.
They break down why taking care of your body isn’t optional if you want to show up strong in your career, your relationships, and your own mind. From increasing longevity and boosting daily energy, to sharpening mental health and improving on-the-job performance, Dennis and Adam explain how fitness and healthy eating become the foundation for a happier, more resilient life.
You’ll hear real, actionable insight on:
• Why physical health directly shapes your mental health• How poor nutrition sabotages your performance and mood• Simple starting points for getting back in shape—without overcomplicating the process• The mindset shift that makes fitness sustainable• Small daily habits that turn into lifelong transformation
Whether you're a police officer, a first responder, or someone who wants to live with more purpose and strength, this conversation is your blueprint to start moving in the right direction.
Listen in, get inspired, and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier, more fulfilled version of yourself.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Detective Michael Collazo, the Marine infantry veteran and Nashville officer who stopped the Covenant School shooter in March 2023. Mike breaks down the moments leading up to the entry, the rapid decision-making under active gunfire, and how his Marine Corps background kept him calm, focused, and mission-driven in one of the most chaotic environments imaginable.
He discusses the real-world importance of range training, fitness, and continuous education, and how years of conditioning, including intense fitness work while deployed overseas, built the foundation that allowed muscle memory to take over when seconds mattered most. Mike shares how officers can prepare mentally and physically for high-risk encounters, and why repetition and training are the difference between hesitation and decisive action.
Mike also takes time to honor the three children whose lives were tragically lost, Will, Evelyn, and Hallie, and reflects on how their memory continues to motivate him to teach others, lead by example, and help officers be as prepared as possible should they ever face a similar threat.
This is a rare and honest look into the realities of confronting an active shooter, and the preparation, mindset, and purpose behind the man who ran toward the gunfire.
In this powerful conversation, Street Cop Training founder Dennis Benigno sits down with Sheriff Wayne Ivey of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to talk about what real policing looks like. Sheriff Ivey pulls no punches as he and Dennis discuss the importance of transparency, how his agency handles internal affairs investigations, and what it means to wear the badge with honor and accountability.
They dive deep into the challenges faced by good cops who do their jobs the right way but still find themselves punished or unsupported by administration — and how strong leadership can change that. Sheriff Ivey shares how Brevard County built a culture rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public trust, reminding every officer that this job isn’t just about enforcement, it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.
If you believe in real policing, leadership, and restoring pride in the profession, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
In this episode, Dennis sits down with Brad Beeler, a retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent whose 25-year career reads like a masterclass in credibility, communication, and human behavior. From protecting President George H. W. Bush to interrogating high-profile suspects as one of the agency’s most prolific federal polygraph examiners, Brad has seen the truth revealed in every form imaginable.
As a former instructor and liaison at the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA), Brad trained thousands of federal agents in elicitation and deception detection techniques, shaping the next generation of intelligence professionals. Honored as Special Agent of the Year for his work combating crimes against children, and now recognized globally as a communications and credibility expert, Brad brings unmatched insight into what makes people tick and talk.
Together, Dennis and Brad unpack the art of reading people, the psychology behind confessions, and how law enforcement officers can sharpen their own communication skills in the field and beyond.
This episode isn’t just about interviews; it’s about influence, integrity, and the science of truth.
Instagram @bradbeeler1865
LinkedIn bradbeeler1865
Website - Bradleybeeler.com
Book Link https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Tell-Me-Everything/Brad-Beeler/9781637748428
Officer Kory Flowers shares his experience leading a new narcotics team, the pursuit of recognition in law enforcement, and the challenges of balancing manpower with fulfillment. He opens up about being overlooked, the importance of taking control of your own path, treating people right, and the role of courage in both policing and life.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:29:17
Teaser
00:01:29:17 - 00:07:57:19
Intro
00:07:57:19 - 00:09:33:06
Kory’s new narcotics team
00:09:33:06 - 00:29:26:08
Awards in law enforcement
00:29:26:08 - 00:29:45:12
Midroll
00:29:45:12 - 00:40:19:00
Allocation of manpower & the desire for recognition
00:40:19:00 - 00:49:53:00
Fulfillment & getting looked over
00:49:53:00 - 00:53:32:18
Taking control over your life
00:53:32:18 - 01:02:09:02
Treating people right
01:02:09:02 - 01:13:19:14
Courage
01:13:19:14 - 01:14:32:11
Outro
Officer Ryan Dunehew recounts his on-duty shooting, the dangers of complacency, and how training and fitness played a critical role in his survival. He reflects on the near-death experience, the challenges of seeking help, the aftermath, and how his mindset has changed—sharing hard-earned advice for fellow law enforcement officers.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:26:00
Teaser
00:01:26:00 - 00:02:10:13
Intro
00:02:10:13 - 00:03:39:03
Ryan’s background
00:03:39:03 - 00:11:11:24
Ryan’s on-duty shooting
00:11:11:24 - 00:14:47:05
The true danger of complacency
00:14:47:05 - 00:17:23:06
The reality of a near-death experience
00:17:23:06 - 00:28:06:02
Concerns with seeking help
00:28:06:02 - 00:35:04:07
The importance of Ryan’s training in his shooting
00:35:04:07 - 00:38:14:17
The decline of fitness levels in law enforcement
00:38:14:17 - 00:40:44:20
How close was backup on the day of Ryan’s shooting?
00:40:44:20 - 00:48:14:13
The aftermath
00:48:14:13 - 00:52:25:04
How has Ryan’s mindset changed?
00:52:25:04 - 00:53:48:05
Ryan’s advice to other LEOs
00:53:48:05 - 00:54:55:04
Outro
Brian Sizemore and Jared Murphey reflect on the life and death of Brian’s son, Lucas Sizemore—an Atlanta police officer who died by suicide. They open up about Lucas’ childhood, his service in law enforcement, and the lack of apparent changes in his behavior. Through raw honesty and deep reflection, they explore grief, guilt, and the urgent need to talk about mental health in policing—and how we can prevent this kind of loss from happening again.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:47:10
Teaser
00:01:47:10 - 00:02:15:14
Intro
00:02:15:14 - 00:04:15:02
Jared and Brian’s background
00:04:15:02 - 00:12:27:04
The life of Lucas Sizemore
00:12:27:04 - 00:16:08:03
Enabling your children
00:16:08:03 - 00:24:19:07
Lucas’s experience as a police officer in Atlanta
00:24:19:07 - 00:27:46:12
The lack of apparent change in Lucas’ behavior
00:27:46:12 - 00:35:41:03
The stress of working in law enforcement
00:35:41:03 - 00:36:00:07
Midroll
00:36:00:07 - 00:43:49:14
Repairing your life after losing someone to suicide
00:43:49:14 - 00:52:25:03
The impacts of suicide
00:52:25:03 - 00:57:49:21
Valuing life
00:57:49:21 - 01:07:47:04
Forgiveness & dealing with guilt
01:07:47:04 - 01:09:17:03
The reality of law enforcement suicide
01:09:17:03 - 01:25:32:21
How to move forward & how to make change
01:25:32:21 - 01:30:54:14
The mental health conversation in law enforcement
01:30:54:14 - 01:34:43:04
What does it mean to care?
01:34:43:04 - 01:35:25:23
The Lucas Foundation
01:35:25:23 - 01:38:42:24
Outro
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sean Murphy, better known as Mr. Motivation, to unpack what it means to build a lasting legacy, both within your family and your community. Sean shares his personal journey, the importance of feeling chosen, and how the impression we leave on our children shapes the future. We dive deep into the concept of tactical empathy, the systemic failures in physical training for law enforcement, and the urgent need for cultural competency in policing. Sean also opens up about what it takes to make meaningful change, how to exit toxic environments, and why using your intelligence, and doing the best you can, matters more than ever.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:17:09
Teaser
00:01:17:09 - 00:01:31:14
Intro
00:01:31:14 - 00:03:54:15
Sean’s background
00:03:54:15 - 00:09:09:16
Creating legacy for your family & feeling chosen
00:09:09:16 - 00:16:14:20
The impression you leave on your children
00:16:14:20 - 00:25:20:19
Tactical empathy
00:25:20:19 - 00:38:31:16
The failure of physical training in law enforcement
00:38:31:16 - 00:50:18:16
Cultural competency in law enforcement
00:50:18:16 - 00:56:05:19
Trying to make change
00:56:05:19 - 01:04:07:05
How to leave a toxic environment
01:04:07:05 - 01:13:32:23
Employing your intelligence & doing the best you can
01:13:32:23 - 01:15:26:02
Outro
Oregon State Representative Jeff Helfrich, a former police sergeant and U.S. Air Force veteran, brings a unique perspective to state leadership—drawing from decades of frontline experience in law enforcement and public service. In this episode, he reflects on the evolution of policing, the challenges of recruitment and retention, and what it will take to support the next generation of officers.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:14:12
Teaser
00:01:14:12 - 00:01:51:07
Intro
00:01:51:07 - 00:10:56:04
Jeff’s background
00:10:56:04 - 00:14:28:00
Taking care of yourself
00:14:28:00 - 00:17:32:21
The changing path to a career in law enforcement
00:17:32:21 - 00:20:14:02
Working in law enforcement in Portland, OR
00:20:14:02 - 00:28:19:13
The new school of policing
00:28:19:13 - 00:32:03:06
Feeling supported & recruitment issues
00:32:03:06 - 00:34:56:18
The impact of self-interest on law enforcement
00:34:56:18 - 00:41:32:08
The criminalization of drugs
00:41:32:08 - 00:47:14:01
The steady collapse of law and order
00:47:14:01 - 00:54:07:20
Higher salaries versus better working conditions
00:54:07:20 - 00:57:31:09
Recruitment versus retention
00:57:31:09 - 01:14:27:24
Setting officers up for success
01:14:27:24 - 01:15:24:18
Outro
Former Police Officer and current Health Coach Ian Cook shares his journey from working within the law enforcement system to advocating for wellness, purpose, and reform. He discusses the mismanagement he witnessed, the creation of Blue Light Lifestyle, and how improving health and performance can reshape lives—on and off the force.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:09:11
Teaser
00:01:09:11 - 00:02:10:06
Intro
00:02:10:06 - 00:04:36:12
Ian’s background
00:04:36:12 - 00:13:27:15
Working against the industrial complex of law enforcement
00:13:27:15 - 00:19:13:10
Pursuing your purpose & making a difference
00:19:13:10 - 00:26:17:22
Horrible mismanagement of resources
00:26:17:22 - 00:29:27:03
Ian’s work with Blue Light Lifestyle
00:29:27:03 - 00:34:13:15
Positive interventions & correlation between diet and performance
00:34:13:15 - 00:38:19:22
Creating a sense of urgency about your own health
00:38:19:22 - 00:42:15:10
Fitness levels in law enforcement
00:42:15:10 - 00:57:09:05
Taking care of yourself
00:57:09:05 - 01:01:37:24
Cultural harmony between the US and the UK
01:01:37:24 - 01:05:22:04
Outro
Officer Mike Colazzo was one of the primary responders who stopped the 2023 Nashville Covenant School shooting. He shares his firsthand account of the experience, the gaping holes in the law enforcement promotion process, and how to mentally and physically prepare yourself for the worst.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:13:15
Teaser
00:01:13:15 - 00:02:19:11
Intro
00:02:19:11 - 00:05:50:21
Mike’s background
00:05:50:21 - 00:09:18:11
The 2023 Nashville Covenant School shooting
00:09:18:11 - 00:16:51:17
Political misguidance & potential preventative measures for protecting schools
00:16:51:17 - 00:20:55:12
11 minutes of mayhem
00:20:55:12 - 00:42:00:02
Preparedness & getting the call
00:42:00:02 - 00:57:45:07
The gaping holes in the promotion process
00:57:45:07 - 01:04:35:04
The most important quality of a leader
01:04:35:04 - 01:07:06:04
Outro
01:07:06:04 - 01:09:05:18
Dennis’ Disney tips
Colin Ledbetter shares the story of his on-duty shooting that left him needing 39 pints of blood to recover. He discusses his family's reaction, collecting his pension, and his hopes for the future.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:23:19
Teaser
00:01:23:19 - 00:01:54:03
Intro
00:01:54:03 - 00:04:37:18
Colin’s background
00:04:37:18 - 00:15:04:10
Colin’s on-duty shooting
00:15:04:10 - 00:16:08:15
The shooting’s toll on Colin’s family
00:16:08:15 - 00:18:10:04
Colin’s rehabilitation process
00:18:10:04 - 00:22:35:13
The desire to return to work after an injury
00:22:35:13 - 00:32:17:19
Workers’ compensation & the pension-collecting process for injured officers
00:32:17:19 - 00:35:24:06
The flaws in police training
00:35:24:06 - 00:37:21:10
Colin’s ongoing recovery
00:37:21:10 - 00:38:39:03
Colin’s future
00:38:39:03 - 00:40:46:00
Having an identity outside of law enforcement
00:40:46:00 - 00:42:47:17
Colin’s advice for fellow injured officers
00:42:47:17 - 00:45:17:09
Outro
Leland Chapman of Dog the Bounty Hunter returns to the Street Cop Training Podcast to discuss his life after his television career, his children's perspective on his career, and the loss of Beth Chapman.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:02:15
Teaser
00:01:02:15 - 00:01:34:12
Intro
00:01:34:12 - 00:06:25:23
Leland’s ongoing case in Mexico
00:06:25:23 - 00:07:39:17
Andrew Luster
00:07:39:17 - 00:17:50:13
Leland’s life after the end of Dog the Bounty Hunter
00:17:50:13 - 00:26:49:02
Beth Chapman’s passing
00:26:49:02 - 00:33:44:15
How do Leland’s children feel about his television career?
00:33:44:15 - 00:44:55:13
Being famous & humility
00:44:55:13 - 00:49:02:22
Peace & your significant other
00:49:02:22 - 00:50:12:19
The 2025 Street Cop Training Conference
00:50:12:19 - 00:51:25:17
Outro
Medically Retired Police Officer Paulie Lewis shares his struggles after his on-duty injury, opening up about the physical and emotional toll of recovery, the isolating reality of life after the injury, and the pressure of representing law enforcement on social media.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:21:06
Teaser
00:01:21:06 - 00:03:05:17
Intro
00:03:05:17 - 00:10:26:02
Paulie’s injury & representing law enforcement on social media
00:10:26:02 - 00:20:46:02
Meaning & persevering through challenge
00:20:46:02 - 00:24:05:02
Paulie’s biggest gripe with social media
00:24:05:02 - 00:27:34:07
Empathy
00:27:34:07 - 00:40:01:14
The isolation of an injured officer
00:40:01:14 - 00:46:09:09
Jealousy & the importance of family during hard times
00:46:09:09 - 00:52:50:24
Leadership & holding others accountable
00:52:50:24 - 01:01:31:03
The bright side of Paulie’s injury
01:01:31:03 - 01:02:47:23
Paulie’s purpose
01:02:47:23 - 01:10:07:18
Feeling chosen
01:10:07:18 - 01:10:44:23
Outro
Officer Craig Martin shares his story of overcoming his drug addiction, navigating the road to recovery, and becoming a police officer for the West Homestead Police Department.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:21:06
Teaser
00:01:21:06 - 00:02:24:05
Intro
00:02:24:05 - 00:39:17:05
From Addict to Officer: Craig’s story of addiction and recovery
00:39:17:05 - 00:39:41:08
Midroll
00:39:41:08 - 01:10:18:08
Susceptibility to temptation
01:10:18:08 - 01:19:13:20
Failures in modern-day law enforcement training
01:19:13:20 - 01:32:27:17
Learning to not care about what other people think
01:32:27:17 - 01:38:20:03
The #1 quality of a leader
01:38:20:03 - 01:49:57:17
Judgment & Craig’s message to the world about addicts
01:49:57:17 - 01:51:09:24
Outro
San Diego Police Sergeant Anthony Elliot recounts his remarkable story of being shot in the head, surviving, and recovering. He also shares his thoughts on working patrol, the culture conflict within law enforcement, and the difficulty of policing from state to state.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:26:12
Teaser
00:01:26:12 - 00:02:53:09
Intro
00:02:53:09 - 00:24:38:08
Anthony’s near-death headshot
00:24:38:08 - 00:34:28:08
The varied view of law enforcement state by state
00:34:28:08 - 00:34:52:11
Midroll
00:34:52:11 - 00:41:29:01
The difficulty of policing varies state by state
00:41:29:01 - 00:54:49:22
The culture conflict within law enforcement
00:54:49:22 - 01:06:46:21
The importance of field training & the thrill of patrol
01:06:46:21 - 01:13:14:03
The dangers of complacency
01:13:14:03 - 01:20:07:21
Dennis’ eBook & the reality of law enforcement
01:20:07:21 - 01:20:37:06
Outro
Detective Sergeant Nick Perna shares his story of joining law enforcement, what makes a good supervisor, and his experiences working in the Street Crime Suppression Team with the Redwood City Police Department in Northern California.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:25:23
Teaser
00:01:25:23 - 00:01:50:08
Intro
00:01:50:08 - 00:05:55:18
Nick’s background
00:05:55:18 - 00:17:41:23
The highs and lows of working in law enforcement
00:17:41:23 - 00:33:02:26
Being respectful & your reputation as a police officer
00:33:02:26 - 00:33:26:29
Midroll
00:33:26:29 - 00:42:21:29
Doing more than what is expected & policy
00:42:21:29 - 01:09:55:29
Good and bad supervisors
01:09:55:29 - 01:13:11:02
Outro
Retired Deputy Sheriff Rob Poynter shares his experiences about healing from his parental issues, The S.I.R.E.N. Project, and learning how to be the best version of yourself to the ones you love the most.
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00:00:00:00 - 00:01:14:13
Teaser
00:01:14:13 - 00:01:30:14
Intro
00:01:30:14 - 00:08:16:07
Rob’s background
00:08:16:07 - 00:18:47:05
Parental issues & damaging your family
00:18:47:05 - 00:22:39:01
Being the best parent you can be
00:22:39:01 - 00:29:05:21
Forgiveness & trauma
00:29:05:21 - 00:30:52:10
Growing up with an alcoholic parent
00:30:52:10 - 00:31:16:24
Midroll
00:31:16:24 - 00:46:25:23
Having a partner to help you navigate trauma
00:46:25:23 - 00:59:37:08
“We are the worst versions of ourselves to the ones we love the most.”
00:59:37:08 - 01:07:34:07
Filling voids with material possessions
01:07:34:07 - 01:16:38:08
The stigma against medication in law enforcement
01:16:38:08 - 01:18:40:06
The S.I.R.E.N. Project
01:18:40:06 - 01:19:21:20
Outro