Category: Podcast

In this episode, host Jeff Spivey sits down with Stephanie Kiesow, a former police officer and the author of Work Aside, for an important conversation about mental health, recovery, and life after the badge.

Kiesow shares her firsthand experience navigating the psychological toll of policing and the often unspoken challenges that surface when a law enforcement career begins to unravel. At the center of the discussion is her “Work Aside” triad, isolation, low self-esteem, and occupational trauma, and how these forces quietly shape behavior, relationships, and self-worth over time.

Together, Spivey and Kiesow explore the stigma that continues to surround mental health in public safety and why traditional support systems often fail to reach officers before damage is done. Kiesow introduces proactive frameworks such as Connected Wellness Efficacy, emphasizing the need for early awareness, intentional connection, and practical tools that meet first responders where they are.

This episode offers thoughtful insight for those currently serving, those transitioning out of the profession, and the families who walk alongside them. Kiesow’s perspective underscores a critical truth. Supporting first responder wellness requires more than crisis response. It demands proactive, human-centered care that addresses the full impact of the job.

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In Part 2 of this conversation, Safir and Fyles move into the realities of working major crimes, beginning with Fyles’ baptism by fire as the newest member of the Aurora Police Department’s homicide unit. As the pace, exposure, and stakes intensify, Fyles describes how the cumulative weight of the job begins to press in from all sides, at work, at home, and internally.

He reflects on the demands of investigating violent death, navigating public scrutiny, and carrying responsibility during a mass shooting that would place Aurora PD and its officers under a national spotlight. Fyles offers a firsthand look at how prolonged stress, critical incidents, and relentless expectations reshape identity, strain family life, and test coping mechanisms in ways few outside the profession fully understand.

Through measured honesty and hard-earned perspective, Fyles shares what he learned about leadership, accountability, and survival during one of the most challenging chapters of his career. His reflections speak to those still carrying the load today, reinforcing the importance of early awareness, trusted support, and proactive wellness as essential tools for longevity in the profession.

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In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, SWORN President Adam Safir sits down with Detective Sergeant (ret.) Matthew Fyles to explore the early foundations of a law enforcement career and the pressures that quietly accumulate along the way. Fyles reflects on embracing the paramilitary structure of the academy, patrolling the Aurora neighborhood where he grew up, and navigating an early-career traumatic brain injury.

As his responsibilities grow, so does the intensity of his caseload, eventually leading to his unconventional recruitment into the Aurora Police Department’s homicide unit at just 29 years old. Through personal stories and candid reflection, Fyles shares how stress begins to shape the body, mindset, and relationships long before officers recognize the cost. His insights resonate with recruits, seasoned professionals, and families alike, offering perspective on preparation, mentorship, and resilience in the early and middle years of the job.

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SWORN CEO Sean Bair spoke with Strategic Communications at IACP 2025. The conversation explores why SWORN was created, the gaps it aims to address in public safety wellness, and how its approach supports the long-term health of those who serve.

Grounded in real-world experience, the discussion focuses on practical, personalized support for public safety professionals and the importance of building wellness solutions that reflect the realities of the job. This episode provides an overview of SWORN’s mission, values, and commitment to caring for those who protect their communities.

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View the Podcast

See the full interview on YouTube, and please don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube.

Also, available to watch on Spotify and subscribe on Spotify.

An audio only version is available on Apple Podcasts.

Protecting the Shield Podcast Recap: NYPD to SWAT Stories: Stress, Midnight Shifts & The Future of Officer Wellness

In this episode of the Protecting the Shield Podcast, SWORN President Adam Safir sat down with two seasoned law enforcement veterans, Michael Ginch (formerly NYPD) now with Integras and Andrew McCormick (retired Tempe PD SWAT Sergeant), to uncover the often-overlooked realities of police wellness. Their candid conversation shed light on the unique challenges faced by public responders and the evolving landscape of support systems.

From Midnight Shifts to Tactical Operations: The Personal Toll of the Badge

Michael Ginch, with eight years on the NYPD’s midnight platoon, revealed the significant impact of shift work on his health, including a 30-40 pound weight gain. He shared the necessity of transforming his bedroom into a “cave” with blackout curtains just to snatch a few hours of sleep before resuming duties or heading to court. This personal struggle underscored the physiological demands of the job, with Ginch noting, “Your body isn’t made to do that… it definitely catches up to you, the overnights.”

Andrew McCormick, a 27-year veteran of the Tempe Police Department, including 24 years on their SWAT team, echoed the challenges of disrupted sleep patterns, even with his advantageous background in professional baseball that instilled good eating habits. He described the constant juggle of intense tactical callouts with family life, often getting only a few hours of sleep before resuming work or childcare duties. McCormick summed it up: “Your sleep patterns get really messed up, just in this line of work, just in general.”

The Culture of Suppression: Why Officers Don’t Ask for Help

Both Ginch and McCormick highlighted a pervasive culture within law enforcement where officers are often reluctant to show vulnerability. As Ginch put it, “No one’s looking at a cop that they’re weak… They cover it up and they, you know, and cops do a very, very good job at that.” This tendency to “mask it up” and power through, driven by camaraderie and the desire not to let down squad mates, can lead to suppressed stress and burnout. McCormick noted that while there’s a recent shift towards acknowledging the need for help, for the majority of his career, “it was exactly like that.” The reliance on energy drinks, as Ginch pointed out, offers a temporary fix that often leads to hitting a “brick wall.”

Building Resilience: Supervisor Support, Hobbies, and Home Life

The conversation turned to the crucial role of support systems. McCormick, as a supervisor, emphasized the importance of genuine, one-on-one check-ins with his officers. By understanding their personal lives, he could offer proactive support, sometimes even encouraging them to take a day off, recognizing that “if somebody’s struggling and they don’t want anybody else to know, nobody else is really gonna know.”

Both guests stressed the importance of hobbies as a vital outlet for stress relief and mental refreshment. Ginch found solace in running, recommending it or any other passion as a “refresh” button after demanding shifts. He stated, “I think you have to find something that you can always, you know, go to if, you know you just need to, you know, step away for a minute.” The concept of keeping work at work was also a key takeaway, acknowledging the difficulty of separating traumatic experiences from home life, but emphasizing the importance of doing so for family well-being. Ginch advised, “You have to keep work at work… Disconnect from work and have that home family balance, I think is key.”

The Future of Wellness: AI as a Force Multiplier for Public Responders

A forward-looking segment of the podcast focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public responder wellness. Adam Safir explained how SWORN utilizes AI to correlate biometric data, schedules, and workloads to identify and address both “good stress” (eustress) and “bad stress” (distress) privately for individuals.

Ginch likened AI to the introduction of body cameras – initially met with skepticism, but ultimately proving to be a protective tool. He stated, “I think that’s probably the same approach with AI. People like, oh, technology… But I think now that it’s been… it’s here to help us, you know, not hurt us.” McCormick enthusiastically shared how his former department is exploring AI software to automate report writing, freeing up officers for more critical duties. He also envisioned AI providing vital, real-time intelligence for officers responding to calls, such as alerting them to potential disabilities like autism or past weapons at a location.

The consensus was clear: AI is poised to become another invaluable tool in a law enforcement officer’s belt, offering preventative awareness and data-driven insights to manage long-term health impacts that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. As McCormick eloquently put it, “It takes something like AI or this program to tell you, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on. Pay attention to what the data is showing you.’”

This episode serves as a powerful testament to the dedication of those who serve and highlights the critical need for comprehensive, proactive wellness solutions like SWORN to ensure their long-term health and resilience.

View the Podcast

See the full interview on YouTube. , and please don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube.

Also, available to watch on Spotify and subscribe on Spotify.

We have an audio only version available on Apple Podcasts.

Protecting the Shield Podcast Recap: Chief Joe Fox on the Power of Relationships, Wellness, and Leadership

In the inaugural episode of the Protecting the Shield Podcast by SWORN, retired NYPD Chief Joe Fox delivers a powerful message on the foundational importance of relationships, wellness, and effective leadership, drawing from his extensive 37-year career. Fox, now 68 and busier than ever in retirement, firmly believes that “this is not a dress rehearsal” and that meaningful connections are “why we’re here.”

At the heart of Chief Fox’s philosophy is the undeniable power of relationships. He emphasizes that success, whether as a chief leading bureaus like Brooklyn South and the Transit Bureau or in personal endeavors, hinges on building and nurturing genuine connections. He posits that effective leadership isn’t managed from a desk but cultivated through genuine interaction and a commitment to finding the good in people. This approach, he argues, boosts morale, enhances collaboration, and improves overall effectiveness. Fox recounts numerous instances of organic interactions, both on and off duty, underscoring how recognizing and appreciating others can have a profound impact.

Mentoring and teaching are also central to Fox’s philosophy. He highlights that we retain approximately 95% of what we teach, underscoring the dual benefit of mentorship for both mentor and mentee in fostering continuous learning and development. His own career was shaped by mentors, and he champions a culture where guidance and support are actively sought and offered.

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to holistic wellness. Chief Fox is a strong advocate for proactive self-care, which he defines as “selfless” because it better enables individuals to take care of others. His personal regimen includes therapy, chiropractic care, regular exercise, healthy eating, and consciously choosing to engage with the world (“I find them out there”) rather than passively consuming media. He stresses that maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health is crucial for long-term effectiveness and well-being.

Fox also leverages social media, particularly TikTok and Facebook, not as a police account, but as a platform to share positive moments, recognize individuals, and foster connections. His goal is simple: to positively impact at least one person with each post, redefining a “best seller” as content that achieves this. He encourages listeners to maintain a diverse circle of acquaintances and be open to new experiences, ensuring a balance between professional and personal life.

Key Takeaways from Chief Joe Fox:

• Relationships are Paramount: They are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life and effective leadership. As Fox states, “It’s why we’re here relationships, right?”

• Live Intentionally: Life is not a dress rehearsal; every moment and choice counts.

• Leadership is Connection: True leadership happens through interaction and understanding people, not from behind a desk.

• The Power of Positive Focus: Actively look for the good in people to build stronger connections and collaborations.

• Self-Care is Selfless: Prioritizing your own well-being (mental, physical, emotional) enables you to better support and care for others.

• Engage with the World: Meaningful connections are found through active participation and getting “out there.”

• Mentorship Matters: Teaching others solidifies your own understanding (95% retention) and fosters a culture of growth.

• Nurture Your Connections: Relationships, like anything valuable, require consistent effort and nurturing to thrive.

• Social Media for Good: Use platforms to spread positivity and build genuine connections, aiming to make a difference even to just one person.

Action items for listeners inspired by Chief Fox’s insights:

• Sharing a segment of the podcast discussion about the importance of getting out and connecting with people.

• Proactively reaching out to a friend or family member to schedule a get-together, transforming “we should get together” into a concrete plan.

Ultimately, Chief Fox’s insights serve as a compelling reminder that nurturing relationships and prioritizing holistic wellness are not just beneficial but essential for a fulfilling and effective life, both on and off the job.

View the Podcast

See the full interview on YouTube, and please don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube.

Also, available to watch on Spotify and subscribe on Spotify.

An audio only version is available on Apple Podcasts.

Protecting the Shield Podcast Recap: Building Financial Strength for First Responders with Nick Dougherty “The Financial Cop”

In a truly insightful episode of the Protecting the Shield Podcast, SWORN President Adam Safir sat down with Nick Daugherty, “The Financial Cop” – a former police officer who transitioned his deep personal understanding of financial struggle into a powerful mission to empower first responders. This conversation offers a refreshing, non-preachy look at money management, directly from someone who’s “been in the trenches.”

From Personal Debt to National Impact

Nick Daugherty’s journey into financial wellness began with a stark reality: “$80,000 in debt, 21,000 of that was wrapped up in one car stereo system, all on credit cards.” This staggering personal debt, accumulated during his early career, became his turning point. He candidly shares how unlimited overtime in Grand Prairie’s selective traffic enforcement helped him pay off his debt, fueled by the principles of Dave Ramsey’s Debt Snowball. His dedication led him to self-teach financial planning, eventually building “Financial Cop” into one of the largest financial wellness training groups for first responders, reaching “over 40,000 first responders from over 4,000 agencies.”

The Rookie Trap: Why Financial Education is Crucial from Day One

One of the most common pitfalls Nick identifies for first responders, particularly rookies, is the sudden surge in income combined with a lack of financial education. He notes, “You take a 22, 23, 24-year-old kid that’s really made nothing, and we double and triple their income overnight.” This, coupled with job security, often leads to overspending and financial instability. Nick passionately advocates for financial education to start “day two” of the academy, emphasizing that waiting only allows bad habits to become ingrained.

Conquering Debt and Embracing the Budget

Debt, Nick stresses, is psychologically detrimental. He champions the Debt Snowball method (paying smallest debts first, regardless of interest) over the Debt Avalanche, citing Harvard studies that show its greater success due to the psychological victories it provides. “When you have a little small debt that you pay off… and you put a big old black Sharpie marker line through it, you have a victory.”

The “dreaded B-word” – budgeting – is the foundation. Nick asserts that it’s not about restriction, but “about understanding what you’re spending your money on.” He reminds us that even high-earners need a budget, illustrating with a client making $250,000 a month who still struggled with not knowing where their money went.

Agency Leadership: Empowering Financial Wellness

Nick strongly advises agency leaders to prioritize financial education, criticizing the often inadequate or biased information provided by HR or external deferred compensation companies. His solution? “You have a nerd in your department… find that nerd and as a leader… you put them in that space” to build internal programs. He highlights the mentorship he received from Chief Steve Dye, who fostered his passion and ultimately benefited the entire department.

It’s Never Too Late: Wisdom for Veterans

For veteran officers wondering if it’s too late to get their finances in order, Nick offers a resounding “no.” He emphasizes, “It doesn’t matter where you’ve been. It only matters where you’re going.” While time is a crucial advantage for wealth building, taking the first step is paramount. He advises veterans to focus on debt elimination and building a fully funded emergency fund before diversifying investments, explaining the power of compound interest through the “Rule of 72.” His favorite Dave Ramsey quote perfectly encapsulates his philosophy: “If you’ll live like no one else, later, you get to live like no one else.”

This episode is a powerful call to action for every first responder to take control of their financial future. Nick Daugherty’s practical advice, combined with his relatable journey, makes financial wellness accessible and achievable for those who dedicate their lives to serving our communities.