DeepBlu Project

♟️ Are you playing chess or checkers? If you are an aspiring leader—or even a seasoned one—you need to stop what you're doing and listen to this. I just sat down with an online audience and Chris Workman, Chief of Police at the Cheswold Police Department, for our latest Leadership 30 session. Chris brings a raw, authentic style that cuts through the noise and hits home. The core message? Culture d...

In this conversation, Christ talks with Chris Hsiung, a former police chief and current executive director of The Curve, a nonprofit focused on modernizing policing culture. They discuss Hsiung's extensive background in law enforcement, the evolution of leadership styles, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for cultural shifts within police departments. They also address the challenges...

In this conversation, Chris and Rich delve into the complexities of mental health within public safety, emphasizing the importance of trust, peer support, and proactive strategies. They discuss the challenges faced by individuals in crisis, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the need for a supportive culture that encourages open dialogue. Rich shares his experiences and insights on navigati...

In this episode, Chris interviews James Espinoza, CEO of American Freedom Consulting, who shares his personal journey through grief and trauma after losing his brother to suicide. They discuss the importance of mental wellness, the five pillars of wellness, and the challenges faced by veterans and first responders in navigating their careers and mental health. James emphasizes the need for support...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks to Bonnie Eckman, a sensory specialist at After Action Care with a background in occupational therapy. They discuss the unique sensory needs of first responders, the impact of hypervigilance on mental health, and the importance of sensory modulation in regulating emotions and responses. Bonnie shares practical tools and techniques for first re...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, host Chris engages with Doug Shoemaker, a retired police chief, discussing the complexities of policing, the importance of wellness, and the challenges faced during the transition from law enforcement to private life. They explore the significance of family support, the loss of identity after leaving the force, and the innovative approach of The Curve in r...

In this conversation, Chris interviews Arthur Mogilevski, the founder of After Action, a mental health program dedicated to supporting first responders. Arthur shares his journey from geriatric care to mental health, emphasizing the importance of trust and tailored care for first responders. The discussion highlights the unique challenges faced by female first responders and the need for a safe en...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks with Preston Moore about the critical issues surrounding mental health stigma, particularly in the context of first responders. Preston shares his personal journey of recovery from addiction and how it has shaped his understanding of mental health. The conversation delves into the importance of family support, proactive mental health strategie...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks with Vickie Speed, the CEO and founder of Blue Cancer Connect. Vickie shares her journey of loss and how it propelled her to create a support network for law enforcement officers facing cancer. The conversation highlights the significance of early screening, peer support, and the necessity of comprehensive health and wellness initiatives withi...

In this conversation, Paul Butler and the hosts discuss the evolving nature of leadership within law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of relationships, support systems, and the generational shifts in attitudes towards work-life balance. They reflect on personal sacrifices made in their careers and the need for leaders to genuinely care for their teams. The discussion highlights the signific...

In this engaging conversation, Chris and his friends, Michaël Laider, Mike Slocum and Dave Struwing as they discuss the current state of leadership in law enforcement, the challenges of succession planning, and the importance of mental wellness. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the complexities of leadership, the need for trust within teams, and the significance of s...

In this conversation, Chris speaks with Deborah Green, a retired public safety dispatcher, about the critical importance of mental health for first responders. They discuss Deborah's personal journey through trauma, the impact of vicarious trauma on dispatchers, and the systemic changes needed in mental health support within law enforcement. The conversation emphasizes the need for culturally comp...

This conversation reflects on the significance of National Police Week, emphasizing the importance of remembrance for fallen officers and the support for their families. It highlights the emotional experiences during the candlelight vigil, the global unity among police officers, and the ongoing efforts to support survivors and promote wellness within the law enforcement community. The speaker call...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks with retired NYPD officer Vincent Scotto about his journey through law enforcement, personal struggles, and the importance of mental health support for first responders. They discuss the challenges of transitioning out of law enforcement, the significance of peer support, and the need for open communication about mental health. Vincent shares...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, host Chris speaks with Carrie Matthews, a veteran police officer, about her experiences in law enforcement, the impact of her father's suicide, and the importance of mental health awareness within the police community. Carrie shares her journey of grief, the challenges of navigating family dynamics, and the necessity of open conversations about mental heal...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris interviews Ron Sellon, the Chief of Police in Mansfield, Massachusetts, discussing his extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly his involvement with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They explore themes of community policing, the challenges of recruitment and retention in smaller departments, the importance of off...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris welcomes Chris Scallon, who shares his journey from being a police officer to creating a peer support program for first responders. The conversation delves into the importance of community, the impact of sharing experiences, and the need for mental health support in high-stress professions. Chris emphasizes the significance of finding one's tribe, th...

In this episode, Chris interviews Shawn Thomas, founder and CEO of First Responder Conferences. They discuss Shawn's journey in law enforcement, the importance of mental health resources for first responders, and the evolution of wellness conferences aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Shawn shares insights on building a network of resources, the inclusivity of the conferences,...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris and Matt Griffin discuss the importance of mental health and resilience in law enforcement. They share personal stories of trauma, recovery, and the significance of community support. They talk about Matt's Best Selling Book, The Journey to Midnight as the conversation emphasizes the need to normalize discussions around mental health, the role of men...

In this holiday episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris, Todd Ehret, and Matt Davis engage in a light-hearted conversation about their experiences with winter weather, Thanksgiving travels, and football games. They reflect on the importance of networking and building relationships, emphasizing personal growth and self-care as essential components of leadership. The trio shares their aspirations fo...

n this episode of the DeepBlu Project, Chris talks with Jason Palamara, a former law enforcement officer and co-author of 'Living Blue'. They discuss Jason's journey in law enforcement, the impact of 9/11, the importance of mental health, and the significance of peer support. Jason shares insights on personal growth, leadership, and the need for a supportive community in the law enforcement cultur...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris interviews Mike Slocum, a police lieutenant and project manager for Frontline Freedom, an adventure therapy program designed for first responders. They discuss the importance of mental health in law enforcement, the transformative power of nature, and personal stories of healing and letting go. Mike shares his journey of coping with loss and stress t...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris talks to Mike Lawson, a former Wilmington (Delaware) police officer who shares his experiences in law enforcement, including a harrowing active shooter incident in 1997. Lawson discusses the challenges of police work, the impact of PTSD, and the importance of mental health support for officers. He reflects on his transition to the private sector and...

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, host Chris Workman welcomes Matt Fagiana, a seasoned law enforcement professional and instructor at FBI LEEDA. They discuss Matt's journey in law enforcement, the critical role of public information officers (PIOs), and the importance of effective crisis communication. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of media relations, the impact of soc...

n this conversation, Vance Row shares his transformative journey from a police officer to a yoga instructor, highlighting the challenges he faced with mental health and alcohol addiction. He discusses the importance of self-care, the healing power of yoga, and the need for first responders to find healthy coping mechanisms. Vance emphasizes the significance of community support and resources avail...