Badge to the Bone

Badge to the Bone speaks with Mo who shares his harrowing journey from Iraq to the United States, detailing his experiences growing up in a war-torn country, the trauma of witnessing violence as a child, and the challenges faced during his family's immigration process. He reflects on the gratitude he feels for the opportunities available in the U.S. and discusses the cultural differences he has ob...

Denny and Al are back after an unintended and extended break. A lot has happened since the last episode, and Badge to the Bone attempts to unpack much that has happened while addressing the stress it an bring.

Denny and Al have some discussion about recent attention drawn to the podcast. Reliable information has come forth that there are some agencies displeased with positions expressed on Badge to the Bone. Well, we call it as we see it and make no apologies. Take a listen to the shenanigans that some are trying to play.

Badge to the Bone releases their 50th Episode! Apologies for the delay, but we've been busy busy. Denny and Al are joined by Thor, Kari, Rick, and Greg to recap five seasons and celebrate the 50-episode milestone. Badge to the Bone extends a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners and the amazing guests that made this achievement possible. A special thanks to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman at grossmanont...

Badge to the Bone welcomes Jennifer Boileau to talk about her work instructing military and first responders in resiliency processes. Denny and Al focus specifically on Jennifer's outstanding training with sleep and relaxation techniques. Sleep is a key component of overall wellness and health for everyone, not just first responders. Jennifer provides an excellent training block to help first resp...

Marine and Police veteran, national speaker, 5x author, and creator of The 10 Code Mindset Podcast, Scott Medelin joins Badge to the Bone. Scott talks with Denny and Al about challenges facing law enforcement today. They also discuss Scott's new book, 101 Stress Busting Tips for First Responders. Definitely a great read for not only first responders but anyone looking to help reduce their stress.

Attorney Ken Good from Texas comes back on Badge to the Bone. Ken provides an update from his season two appearance regarding the assault on cash bail in Harris County Texas. Denny and Al also talk with Ken about the results we are seeing from anti-police and pro-crime agendas over the past few years. A particular point of discussion is the incorrect crime stats released by the FBI and how they we...

Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and highly regarded news commentator Jimmy Gagliano joins Badge to the Bone for some outstanding discussion on today's law enforcement and its challenges. Jimmy was a former CNN and CBS law enforcement analyst and continues to provide commentary on a variety of national media outlets.

After a long break, Badge to the Bone is back for season 5. Denny talks about his recent medical emergency that delayed starting the season. A good reminder to assume nothing and pay attention to symptoms. They also discuss their excitement for the series of excellent guests lined up that you don't want to miss.

Thor joins Badge to the Bone again to close out the season with a little wrap up and some fun Christmas banter. Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie, and Denny can prove it! Badge to the Bone Podcast would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our first responders and military personnel across the globe. We appreciate each and every one of you. Stay safe and be well.

Denny and Al talk with Jeanne Grubbs, widow of Cpl. Robert Wayne "Grubby," Grubbs. Cpl. Grubbs took his own life February 24th, 2021. Jeanne displays enormous resiliency in the wake of this tragedy. She shares her story with the hope of helping other first-responders. This story cannot overstate the importance of agencies treating their people like people and how poor leadership plays a significan...

After a string of serious and heavy episodes, Denny and Al decide to lighten things up a bit. Greg Podolak returns and joins Badge to the Bone for some good humored wellness discussion while partaking in Greg's favorite beverage.

Denny and Al sit down to chat and unpack some baggage. They discuss some of the recent challenges impacting this season. Al opens up and talks about some personal struggles that have been weighing him down. They both speak honest and plain about how their mental wellness still faces struggles from time to time and the importance of practicing what they preach.

The anxiously awaited part 2 of Josh's story. Josh continues telling his story about the events that left him with significant trauma and how his agency just tossed him away. A hard-hitting example of the stigma and fears first responders face when agencies fail to address mental wellness.

Denny and Al speak with a former police officer who talks about multiple significantly traumatic events experienced at the onset of his career. His fatal shooting during field training, the response to the shooting of two fellow officers, and the chaos of full rioting left him with major trauma which led to the agency just tossing him away. This is a two-part episode that illustrates how an agency...

Denny and Al talk about their recent presentation at the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, First Responder Wellness Conference. They also provide their honest and unfiltered take on the recent controversy surrounding the traffic stop of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

Former city Police Officer Trish joins Badge to the Bone and provides a long overdue perspective of women and minorities in policing and navigating DEI. A thought-provoking conversation that acknowledges progress made, but still so much more to be done.

Mark Wagner, father of fallen Wintergreen, VA Police Officer Mark Christopher Wagner II opens up season 4 on Badge to the Bone. Mark talks about great memories of his son, and discusses the importance of remaining positive after tragically losing him in the line of duty. Mark's strength after tragedy is an inspiring example of how continuing to move forward is one of the best ways to honor our fal...

Denny and Al have some fun closing out the season with former guests Greg and Kari. Al tries a Truly beverage, Kari gives an update on a non-profit organization she has co-founded, and Greg gives some updates on his law enforcement wellness initiative endeavor. A season 3 recap is thrown in with some outlook for season 4.

Licensed therapist Beth Salmo joins Badge to the Bone for some great conversation on mental health services for first responders and military and what has driven her to focus on being a provider for both. Beth also discusses some of the challenges she is seeing with first responders such as relationships, process addictions, and personal crises.

Denny talks with AL about the history that brought upon the creation of Badge to the Bone Podcast. Denny and Al have a long overdue and real conversation about Denny's struggles that led to bad decisions, suicidal thoughts, and a near self-destruct in his personal and professional life. Denny also talks about the support of faith, family, and friends that guided the path towards putting it all bac...

A local officer Will joins Badge to the Bone on location and talks about his experiences and the negative impacts that followed. Will provides encouragement with his resilience and his proactive efforts to help other first responders and military service members.

Badge to the Bone travels to Mount Saint Mary's University in Maryland to speak with students in the criminal justice program. Denny and Al give their "It's Time We Talk," presentation to several of the classes and record a question-and-answer session with students and faculty.

Former Tacoma, WA police officer Rob Hollingsworth discusses a shameful and malicious prosecution of two Tacoma officers driven by political expediency that prompted his transition out of law enforcement. Rob also discusses much needed support for LEO's transitioning out of law enforcement and that there is life after service.

Danny Coon, retired Sergeant from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office and author joins Badge to the Bone to talk about his efforts on bringing the conversation on LE suicide to the forefront. After 30-years of service Danny has been inspired to dedicate his efforts towards making a difference in the number of law enforcement suicides. Danny is also the author of a book called Broken, Understanding...