Both Sides of the Badge

In Episode 10 of Both Sides of the Badge , I sit down with Frank—a Marine, former police officer, corrections officer, and security professional—who shares a raw and honest look at life across multiple sides of the profession. We talk about what it’s really like working inside corrections, being on the road, and operating alone in the security world. Frank breaks down the mindset it takes to deal...

Episode 9 sits down with Josh—a former law enforcement officer turned educator—whose story comes full circle in a way that really hits on both sides of the badge. Josh started in the classroom before stepping into law enforcement, where he handled everything from mental health calls to high-risk situations. Along the way, he learned what actually matters on the job—communication, adaptability, and...

In this episode of Both Sides of the Badge , Garrett sits down with Megan Heil, a recently retired law enforcement officer with more than 22 years of experience in the profession. Megan’s path into policing wasn’t a straight line. Early in her career, she faced setbacks that might have ended the journey for many people. After being released during the Field Training Officer (FTO) process while try...

Kelli’s path into law enforcement didn’t start in an academy — it started in a fifth-grade D.A.R.E. classroom. In Episode 7 of Both Sides of the Badge, Kelli shares her journey from student to trooper, Drug Recognition Expert, and now founder of Trooper Turned Teacher. We talk about raising kids while working nights. About mom guilt. About proving yourself in a male-dominated profession. About the...

In this episode of Both Sides of the Badge , I sit down with Kathleen Dias , who also writes under the pseudonym Charlie Pitt . Kathleen is an award-winning columnist for Police1 and the voice behind The Rural Badge , a long-running project focused on law enforcement in rural and remote communities. Our conversation moves through the lived realities of small agencies — isolation, limited resources...

In Episode 5 of Both Sides of the Badge , Garrett sits down in person with longtime friend and fellow public servant Molly Lewis , whose life journey spans military service in Iraq, years in law enforcement, and now a career in nursing. Molly opens up about her deployment as a military police officer, the intensity of day-to-day life in a combat zone, and the devastating loss of a fellow soldier o...

In this powerful episode of Both Sides of the Badge , Garrett sits down with longtime friend and highly respected law enforcement professional Megan Alstatt , who brings more than 23 years of experience spanning patrol, investigations, and fugitive recovery. Megan opens up about her journey from growing up in a law enforcement family in Cleveland to earning a full-ride scholarship, becoming a depu...

In this episode of Both Sides of the Badge , host Garrett Duncan introduces the podcast, shares the personal journey that inspired it, and explains the mission behind exploring the stories of law enforcement and the communities they serve. Listeners will hear about the  insights and experiences that shaped the show, and learn what to expect from future episodes — candid conversations with off...

Pete DePrez – Show Notes Meet Pete DePrez, founder of the ASM Foundation — an organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders heal from the stress and trauma that come with serving others. After years in law enforcement and SWAT, Pete faced his own battle with PTSD and discovered powerful tools like breathwork, cold and heat exposure, and mindfulness to rebuild his life. Now, he’s...

Aris is a former Military Police officer in the United States Army, where she served for six and a half years, including two deployments. During her service, she worked in Military Investigations, gaining firsthand experience in some of the Army’s most demanding environments. After leaving active duty, Aris continued her service as a contractor, deploying two more times overseas. Today, she’s here...