This week we talk to Mike from Caffeinated Trauma, a police podcaster out of Austin, Texas. We delve into the motivations for podcasting and what is his current driving force. Podcasting while being an active law enforcement officer is rare so it was interesting to hear how he navigates it. We also talk about our common topic, police mental health. Although police agencies and first responders are lightyears ahead of where they were decades ago, there is still a long way to go to build a better future for cops in the mental health realm. Mike is doing what he can with his podcast to facilitate the discussion which will hopefully lead to a more informed future. And at the end of the day, all we can do is what we can before passing the torch to the next generation to improve upon.

If you are interested in Mike's podcast, you can find him on Apple and Spotify under Caffeinated Trauma. If you want to follow his socials, go to Caffeinated Trauma on Instagram where he posts clips of his current/future episodes.

Website now up!- yep and we have merch!

TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.

Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

This week we talk to Jaide who started life diagnosed with several different ailments (due to a traumatic event), attempted suicide, became homeless as a teenager, and then was able to crawl out of this purgatory to eventually owning her own thriving business. She had the grit to keep freaking going and redefine who she thought she had to be in order to be who she is today.

She was willing to go outside of the box when it came to exploration of her well-being, and now is a advocate for anyone wanting to do the same. She isn't saying that her way is for everyone, but wants to give people other opportunities to grow and thrive if they see it as something they want to try.

Anyone interested in learning any additional should visit www.rosemaryslighthouse.com

Website now up!- yep and we have merch!

TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.

Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

Ever wonder how police departments differ and how you choose the right one? Want to know why there is such an issue with police mental health and how they deal with mental health in the public? We approach all of these topics with a special 2 guest episode this week.

All of us are passionate about mental health and know there is a struggle between learning how to compartmentalize so you don't fall apart on a scene and the need to seek therapy. For all the legal guidelines in the lawbook, there are a thousand blurry lines in police and how the adminstration handles each internal issue. However, although all three individuals on this episode have had a completely different policing career, they all come to the same conclusion that changes need to be made.

Website now up!- yep and we have merch!

TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.

Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

In this episode your host answer questions from you guys. Fluffer episodes are the mini episodes we do every now and then to address any questions our audience has. If you have a questions for next Fluffer episode, email or message us and we will put it on the list. This week we cover adrenaline, new leadership, finding normalcy, and questions about podcasting in general.

Website now up!- yep and we have merch!

TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.

Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

This one is a difficult one as we talk to a friend of mine that lost her husband to suicide. He was an active narcotics agent and due to a complex set of events, he chose to end his life. She goes into the tale of how confusing it is when your spouse or loved one makes this decision, and how it reverberates through your life long after they are buried. Not only were there uncharted and unbelievable difficulties in telling her children about their father's death, but the difficulties continued. There are so many issues families face when there loved one has died and she goes into detail about how she was able to finally grasp on to all the legalities that no one talks about.

By the end of the podcast, she will talk about how she was able to heal from it. Almost a decade since her husband's suicide, she finally has been able to find true happiness again. And part of that happiness is her investment on fixing a problem she did not create, the management of the surviving spouse. She is the founder of a ministry called RESTORE HOPE 61 . It is to help the surviving family members naigate the new normal of a loved one being gone. Please check out the site and see if there is anything you can help with or if there is anyone you know that may need it. They are there to help.

Dedicated to Agent Rushbrook.

Website now up!- yep and we have merch!

TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.

Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

This week we talk to Paul Nash about how he got addicted to gambling, and how he was able to overcome the decade long addiction. We also go into the topics about why gambling is such a dangerous addiction. Although it may not kill you like drugs or alcohol can, the mental toll and monetary devastation can lead to suicidal ideation or worse.

Not only did Paul readjust his life to take gambling completely out of it, but he was also able to change his relationship with food to look an immense amount of weight as well. In his recovery, he recovered a whole new life and appreciate for healthy habits. Now, he hopes to grow more knowledge on the dangers of gambling, and how to better see the signs in friends/relatives that might have a hidden problem.

Website now up!- yep and we have merch!

TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.

Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

BATTLE FOR SPARTAN SWIM AND DIVE

This interview explores the impactful journey of a coach who navigated personal tragedy, career transitions, and the importance of resilience and perspective in sports and life. In this in-depth interview, Coach Matt Gianiodis shares his experiences coaching at Michigan State, the challenges faced during program cuts, and insights into athlete development and leadership. Discover the behind-the-scenes realities of college athletics, leadership lessons, and the importance of legacy and followership. In this engaging interview, Coach Matt Gianiodis shares insights from his coaching career, memorable stories from college days, and reflections on life and mentorship. Discover how relationships, influence, and personal growth shape a fulfilling journey.

Key Topics

• Handling tragedy in sports
• Leadership and resilience
• Career transitions and growth College coaching experiences
• Impact of program cuts on athletes and staff
• Leadership lessons in sports
• Building team followership and culture Coaching philosophy and lessons learned
• Memorable college sports stories and friendships
• The impact of mentorship and influence in sports and life

Website now up!- yep and we have merch!

TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.

Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

This week we talk to Brad Wendes who has a plethora of experience in the world of parkour. Although his exposure in the the mainstream sense with Ninja Warrior, Britain's Got Talent, and the vast number of productions he has been a part of is intriguing, the most intriguing part of his accomplishments is what he had to trudge through behind closed doors.

He not only survived situations that should have deflated all ambition to reach his goals, but he now is using that effort and focus to give back to his community. He invests in the youth and promotes a healthy workforce by way of example. After this discussion, if you should ever find yourself at a point where giving up seems like the only option, Brad will give you a few options on how to crawl out. And let there be no mistake, there is never an easy fix to a complex problem, there is time, dedication, and grit. Brad now knows his purpose to is to help build a better world so perhaps the next generation can keep building.

Want more information or looking to find an amazing organization?

Here is Brad Wendes website or check out Team Kinetix! Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds
02:59 Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Podcasting
05:55 Reflections on 9/11 and Its Impact
11:51 Parenting in a Fearful World
14:58 The Evolution of Parkour as a Sport
17:54 Personal Journey into Parkour and Performance
22:25 Adventures and Misadventures in Performance
24:52 The Impact of Coaching and Community Engagement
26:43 Legacy of Altruism and Personal Growth
30:23 Challenges in Youth Engagement and Crime Prevention
36:27 Navigating Personal Loss and Mental Health
45:10 Resilience Through Adversity and the COVID Experience
47:57 Navigating Post-Lockdown Challenges
49:54 Addressing Youth Employment and NEETs
52:39 Building a Community-Focused Not-for-Profit
56:42 Mentorship and Empowering Young People
01:01:30 Coping with Loss and Mental Health
01:06:22 The Importance of Grit and Resilience
01:08:44 Future Aspirations and Leaving a Legacy
01:13:31 Building a Respectful Workplace Culture
01:15:51 The Importance of Shared Experiences
01:19:32 Lessons from Sports and Coaching
01:21:52 Finding Purpose After Loss
01:25:46 The Challenge of Balancing Ethics and Success
01:29:44 The Power of Kindness
01:31:34 Unexpected Opportunities from Simple Acts
01:36:07 Reflections on Life and Future Aspirations

Website now up!- yep and we have merch!

TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.

Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com