2 Chiefs 1 Mic

For nearly 30 years, Scott had the privilege of serving in this profession. In our latest episode of Two Chiefs, One Mic , Mike and Scott sat down and talked about the journey - from a kid wearing a plastic badge, to a police explorer, to a patrol officer, supervisor, and eventually chief. We also talked about how much policing has changed over the years. Some of those changes have been positive....

What happens when a healthy 26-year-old police officer suddenly goes into cardiac arrest? In this powerful episode of Two Chiefs, One Mic, Brandon Griffith shares his unbelievable survival story, the life-changing events that followed, and how it led to the creation of Griffith Blue Heart, a nonprofit focused on saving lives through advanced medical training, technology, and advocacy for first res...

This episode explores innovative law enforcement training methods, focusing on decision-making, skills practice, and confidence building through tactical decision games and scenario-based roll call training. Guests share empirical findings and practical insights on improving the effectiveness of police briefings.

Had a great conversation with Chief Kurt Holden about his career in university policing, his experience at the FBI National Academy, and his perspective on where the profession is heading. We also talked leadership—what it looks like in practice and how it shapes an organization over time. For those of you in Ohio, Chief Holden is currently running for 2nd Vice President of the Ohio Association of...

Summary In this episode, retired police captain Daniel Grubbs shares his innovative program on marriage wellness and officer mental health, emphasizing the importance of identity, faith, and work-life balance in law enforcement. Discover practical strategies to support officers' well-being and leadership insights that can transform department culture.

🚨 On the latest episode of the 𝑻𝒘𝒐 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇𝒔, 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕, we talked to Chief Michael Shaw from Webster, Massachusetts Police Department, and he brings a perspective you don’t hear nearly enough in this profession:👉 What if one of the biggest factors impacting recruitment, retention, AND performance… is 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬?💡 In this episode, we dive into:▪️ The real impact of financial stress on...

In this episode, Chief Chris Noeller shares insights from his 33-year law enforcement career, focusing on innovative wellness programs, community engagement, and strategies to reduce violent crime. Discover practical approaches to leadership, officer health, and community safety from a seasoned police chief.

Parkland, Florida. One of the deadliest school shootings in American history. Chief Mike Hawkins and I sat down with Zack Scott and Richard Sessions to discuss the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This episode is about capturing the truth of what happened. Beyond headlines, hindsight, and sound bites. We talk candidly about chaotic scenes, communication breakdowns, leadership accou...

Chief Mike Hawkins and Chief Scott Hughes sit down with Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department, for a real, candid conversation about leadership, growth, and the realities of modern policing. In this episode, we talk about: ✅ Jeremy’s path into law enforcement and his transition into the chief’s role✅ The early challenges every new chief faces (and what he learned the hard way)...

In this episode of the Two Chiefs One Mic podcast, Chief Mike Hawkins and Scott Hughes welcome Kirk Dinkheller, father of fallen officer Kyle Dinkheller, who was tragically killed during a traffic stop in 1998. Kirk shares the story of his son, the events leading up to the incident, and the impact it has had on law enforcement training and culture. The conversation delves into the court proceeding...

In this episode of the Two Chiefs One Mic Podcast, hosts Mike Hawkins and Scott Hughes welcome Chief Jay Gerace of the Colonie, New York , Police Department to discuss innovative training methods to improve officer safety during traffic stops. The conversation highlights the importance of practical training, the need for policy changes, and the impact of real-life scenarios on officer behavior. Ch...

Title: Fireproofing Your Workplace: Insights from Pete Havel on Combating Toxic Employees Introduction: In today's fast-paced work environment, toxic employees can wreak havoc on organizations, draining morale and hindering productivity. In a recent episode of the Two Chiefs, One Mic podcast, host Scott Hughes converses with Pete Havel, author of "The Arsonist in the Office," who sha...

Introduction: In a world where hustle often overshadows health, the importance of sleep is frequently overlooked. In a recent episode of the Two Chiefs, One Mic podcast, hosts Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Leah Kaylor, a licensed clinical psychologist for the FBI and author of the enlightening book "If Sleep Were a Drug." This conversa...

In this episode, Jessica Flores shares her journey from law enforcement to wellness advocacy, discussing the challenges faced by officers, the importance of mental health, and the need for supportive communities. She emphasizes the significance of identity beyond the badge and the impact of leadership on officer well-being. Jessica also highlights her initiatives to create spaces for officers to s...

In this episode of the Two Chiefs, One Mic podcast, Scott Hughes and Jim Cook discuss the importance of a tech-free morning routine for public safety leaders. Jim shares his experiences as the Assistant Chief of Police for the Amtrak Police Department and how adopting the 'One Hour Rule' has transformed his leadership style and personal wellness. They explore the psychological effects of t...

In this episode of the Two Chiefs, One Mic podcast, hosts Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins sit down with Chief Jay Gerace to discuss innovative approaches to community policing, with a particular focus on serving vulnerable populations. Chief Gerace shares insights on how his department utilizes GIS technology to provide officers with critical information about individuals in crisis, enhancing off...

In this episode, Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins welcome Deputy Chief Andrew Starzec from the Brownstown Police Department to discuss innovative community engagement strategies. They explore various initiatives, including the Lucas Foundation, programs for autism awareness, and the Faith in Blue initiative. Andrew shares insights on building relationships with diverse communities, tracking succes...

Thanks to Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio President Jay McDonald for sitting down with us to talk about the recent ambush attack on officers in Lorain, Ohio. Jay brought insight, honesty, and passion as we discussed: 🔹 The increasing violence targeting law enforcement 🔹 How political rhetoric impacts officer morale and safety 🔹 Why initiatives like 𝙋𝒓𝙤𝒕𝙚𝒄𝙩 𝙊𝒉𝙞𝒐 𝑷𝙤𝒍𝙞𝒄𝙚 matter

In this episode, Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins discuss the upcoming 61st National Annual Training Conference for the FBI with guests Larry Zimmerman and Ed O'Carroll. They share insights on what to expect for first-time attendees, the importance of networking, and the various activities planned for the conference. The conversation highlights the significance of the National Academy as a fam...

In this episode of the Two Chiefs, One Mic podcast, Chief Scott Hughes and Chief Mike Hawkins discuss the DOD SkillBridge program with expert Mike Forehand. The conversation explores how this program supports military members in transitioning to law enforcement careers, the application process for agencies, and the benefits of engaging military candidates. They explore the training and development...

In this emotional and timely episode, we share the powerful story of Lucas Henry Sizemore , a young Atlanta police officer who died by suicide in January 2024. We’re joined by Lucas’s father, Brian Sizemore , who has turned heartbreak into purpose with the creation of the L.U.C.A.S. Foundation — Law Enforcement’s United Crusade Against Suicide . Together, we discuss the silent crisis in law enforc...

In this episode of 'Two Chiefs, One Mike', Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins discuss various pressing issues in law enforcement, including insights from the FBI National Partner Conference, recent tragedies affecting law enforcement officers, the challenges of use-of-force training, and the importance of mental health and wellness for police personnel. They also explore the effectiveness of...

Summary In this episode of Two Chiefs, One Mic, hosts Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins welcome Lisa Budny, who shares her heartbreaking story of loss after her husband, Mike Budny, a Cleveland police officer, took his own life following a battle with Parkinson's disease and depression. Lisa discusses the challenges they faced, the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement, and the im...

In this episode, we dive into the meaning of Police Week —a time to honor those we've lost, reflect on the brotherhood that binds us, and recognize the ongoing challenges faced by today’s law enforcement. Chief Scott Hughes and Chief Mike Hawkins share personal stories and discuss: 🔹 The emotional weight of recent tragedies 🔹 Community support and public perception 🔹 The reality of media na...

In this episode of 'Two Chiefs One Mic', hosts Scott Hughes and Mike Hawkins discuss the importance of professionalism and appearance in law enforcement, the challenges of changing police culture, and the ongoing accreditation process. They share insights on uniform policies, training practices, and the evolving standards for officer appearance, including beard and hair regulations. The co...