DeepBlu Project

In this conversation, Chris and Todd discuss their experiences in law enforcement and the importance of leadership development. They both highlight the value of the FBI LEEDA program in enhancing their leadership skills and connecting with like-minded individuals. They emphasize the need for law enforcement agencies to collaborate and share information to address common challenges. They also discu...

Chris and Chief Will Armstrong share his journey of becoming the chief of police at a young age and the challenges he faced in gaining the respect and trust of his officers. He emphasizes the importance of communication and utilizing the strengths of his team members. Armstrong also discusses the family atmosphere he has created within his agency and its positive impact. Highlighting the need for...

Chris Cowan, former chief of police and current director of strategic initiatives, discusses the importance of leadership development and support in law enforcement. He highlights the Excellence in Policing and Public Safety program at the University of South Carolina, which aims to provide resources and training for law enforcement executives. Cowan emphasizes the need for leaders to have a stron...

In this conversation, Chris interviews Kathleen Dias, a writer for Police One, about the challenges faced by small and rural police agencies. Kathleen shares her background and how she started writing about rural policing. She discusses the differences between rural and urban policing, including variations in laws, culture, and funding sources. They also talk about the unique challenges faced by o...

Barbara Rubel, an award-winning author and keynote speaker, shares her personal experience as a suicide loss survivor and the daughter of two police officers. She emphasizes the importance of postvention, the support provided to those affected by suicide, and the need for awareness and understanding of suicide and its impact on first responders. Chris and Barbara discuss the need for mental health...

In this conversation, Chris and Liz discuss the Resilient Heroes project, which focuses on providing trauma and suicide psychoeducation to first responders. They emphasize the importance of proactive mental health care and the need for first responders to understand the risk factors and protective factors related to suicide. They also discuss the psychoeducation training program, which includes gr...

In this episode of the DeepBlu Project Chris has a discussion with John Clair, Chief of the Town of Marion Police Department as they explore the challenges faced by small police departments, including recruitment, retention, and limited resources. They discuss the differences between small town policing and urban policing, highlighting the customer-oriented approach of small town officers. They al...

In this conversation, Chris interviews Elizabeth Pol, the founder of Resilient Heroes, about the importance of addressing officer trauma and police suicide. They discuss the need for a different approach to training and education on trauma and suicide, focusing on interactive conversations and scenario-based training. Elizabeth shares her experience as a Chicago police officer and her work in suic...

In this episode Matt and Chris cover various topics including personal anecdotes, networking, leadership training, challenges in law enforcement recruitment and retention, and the need for adapting to the changing needs of the newer generation. The hosts discuss the importance of networking and making connections, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in attracting and retain...

In this episode, host Chris reflects on the importance of wellness and self-awareness in the law enforcement profession. He discusses the mental and emotional challenges that come with the job and emphasizes the need for officers to take care of their mental health. Chris shares his personal experience with cancer and how it affected his mental state. He encourages listeners to seek help and find...

Ernie Stevens shares his journey into crisis intervention training and the impact it had on his career as a police officer. He discusses the lack of mental health training in the academy and the challenges he faced in responding to mental health crises. Ernie recounts a powerful encounter with a woman whose son had schizophrenia, which changed his perspective and motivated him to make a difference...

In this episode, host Chris interviews Michael Laidler, a professional speaker and former police officer. Michael shares his journey from growing up in a challenging environment to becoming a successful speaker and author. He emphasizes the importance of starting somewhere and not being defined by your starting point. Michael and Chris also discusses the significance of self-awareness, mental well...

In this episode, Chris and Matt discuss their journey and the importance of support and friendship in personal and professional growth. They talk about the origins of their podcast and the impact of their friendship on their individual goals. They also delve into the concept of leadership and the significance of empathy and belief in their respective journeys. They emphasize the importance of ment...