Fit For Duty Podcast

Send a text In this episode of the Fit For Duty podcast, we tackle a tough topic that unfortunately hits close to home for many first responders: officer-involved shootings. We discuss a recent incident involving deputies from our former sheriff's office, and the lasting effects it had on those involved. We also share best practices for officers to cope with the trauma and move forward post-incide...

Send a text In this episode of the  Fit for Duty Podcast, we tackle a difficult but important topic: grief. As first responders, we encounter loss in many forms, and navigating the grieving process can be challenging. That's why we're sharing personal stories and practical tips for supporting yourself and your loved ones through loss. From coping strategies to building resilience, we explore the m...

Send a text In this episode of the Fit for Duty Podcast, we're joined by Jessica, a female law enforcement officer who shares her unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of being married to another cop. As a woman in law enforcement, Jessica offers valuable insights into navigating the job and balancing the demands of family life. She also provides practical tips for maintaining a strong...

Send a text This episode delves into the impact that trauma has on first responders, their families, and their departments. We address mental health injuries and their lasting effects. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the importance of healing from trauma, especially in the wake of loss and tragedy. Tune in now to learn how to support yourself, your loved ones, and yo...

Send a text On this episode, Taylor and Gilbert talk about how leadership should begin at the bottom ranks first before pointing fingers at the top. Not to say there isn't bad management, but are you doing everything yourself or as a team to take care of the good and the bad first? Do you have a clear line of communication between you and management that defines what you can or should be doing or...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert & Taylor speak with Deputy Sheriff Jose about his 80 pound weight loss journey and how it saved his life. Taylor actually heard first hand the negative effects Jose's excessive weight was causing him such as Throwing up in his sleep, sleep apnea and gasping for air in the middle of the night.  Jose goes into detail about how he gained 100 pounds after the a...

Send a text It was an amazing honor to have The Fit Therapist, Devonderia Sanchez, on the podcast. We went deep!!!! A must listen to episode where we go into: ✅Re-discovering your identity ✅Reasons why marriages fail with first responders ✅ A different but better approach to helping first responders with mental health ✅ and sooooooo much more... Enjoy! #1 Book for First Responders + Free Resil...

Send a text Gilbert & Taylor record on 10-06-2019 in remembrance of Thomas Olson, United States Marine Veteran, Kings County Sheriffs Office Senior Deputy and our friend!  If you seen the initial episodes, you would know that Tom is a big reason for this podcast. Like we always talk about, this podcast is probably more therapeutic for us and we are just happy we can talk about how we feel with...

Send a text On this episode, Taylor and Gilbert talk with their first female law enforcement officer guest, Alma. She is a Deputy Sheriff in California. Alma gives her insight on what its like to work in law enforcement as a female. She also give some advice to any females working law enforcement now or wanting to work law enforcement.  #1 Book for First Responders + Free Resilient Responder Manua...

Send a text Taylor and Gilbert do over the controversial subject of women in law enforcement. Instead of spoiling it here, go and give it a listen. We know youll enjoy it as we believe we bring up great points.  #1 Book for First Responders + Free Resilient Responder Manual. Breaking the Blue Wall Not All Bodies Burn Fat the Same. Find Out What Your Body Needs Before You Cut Calories or Add Cardio...

Send a text Gilbert and Taylor talk about the recent Texas school shooting. They did not want to go into too much detail about what decisions were made or not made since they werent there however, they still wanted to provide insight on everyone who's affected by these horrible actions taken by monsters and their mindset with these types of incidents.  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/grou...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert actually gets a mini therapy session with Taylor and talks about his struggle with making the biggest decisions he's ever made as a Deputy. We also go into Gilbert recently leaving Law Enforcement all together to continue with his small business and grow Facebook Group: Fit For Duty Podcast Instagram: @fitfordutypodcast If you want a 16 page guide about what it...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert & Taylor talk with Fire Engineer Logan about what its like working in fire, his experience and also the mental effects it has with people who work in fire. As first responders, we respond to a lot of similar calls and experience that same mental health effects. Give this a listen and learn about some of the crazy shit Logan has had to go through with his ti...

Send a text Gilbert and Taylor get the honor to speak with Elsa Young who has been and is still a emergency dispatcher for over 20 years.  Elsa talks about her WHY as a dispatcher and shares her experiences in dispatching. Push play and listen to hear how similar dispatchers are when it comes to high emotions and stress at work.  Instagram: @fitfordutypodcast Facebook Group: Fit For Duty Podcast #...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert and Taylor get to speak with retired Sheriff's Deputy Darrin "The Zumba King" Ellis.  Darrin worked with one Sheriff's Office from 1990- 2021. He shares his experience as a Deputy, his biggest WHY and an incident that he still remembers til this day which also formed one of his biggest working lessons.  This episode gets deep, emotional and provides a lot of pe...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert conducts a short interview with Taylor about the now ONE year he's been off the job after being medically retired. During this conversation, Gilbert is able to relate to the feelings Taylor is after the time he left the Marine Corps and becomes more aware of the feelings he's been feeling since he left.  Purpose is needed amongst humans! Not everyone finds what...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert and Taylor talk fitness. Fitness is a must as a first responder and we must stay active. They both go into what they do to stay fit and what they enjoy. Also, what they learned along the way. They also get deep later in the episode with a certain topic which they will make an episode in its own in the future.  #1 Book for First Responders + Free Resilient Respo...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert and Taylor talk about how to get closure from a call or incident. However, as they talk it seems not to be so easy to come with a straight answer. They both give insight and their thoughts on the topic. Gilbert also goes over several steps you can take to aid in that closure.  instagram: @fitfordutypodcast #1 Book for First Responders + Free Resilient Responder...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert and Taylor talk about how to communicate with family and friends. You may not notice if you are distant but its up to you to take the initiative to understand this "protective shell" that has formed over you doing your profession. Gilbert gives an insight on his own struggles with his protective shell and what's he learned from it. They also discuss what should...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert and Taylor want you to think about YOUR why. They go into their why and their experiences with what got them to believe in that why. With all the bad that can be thrown at first responders and military, think about why it is you still do what it is you do. Why are you willing to put up with so much still? There has to be a why that gets that uniform back on and...

Send a text Do you find yourself fully consumed in work and only work. Is it all you talk about, think about and scroll through reading about. On this episode, Gilbert and Taylor talk about finding your outlet and the different ways to disconnect from the job. They also share their own personal experiences with this. The good and the bad. We hope this helps someone #1 Book for First Responders + F...

Send a text On this episode, Gilbert and Taylor go into more details on their "Why" for why they want to do the podcast. They explain what they have went through and what they hope for the podcast's listeners. Furthermore, discussion of peer support, effects of OIS and Suicide and seeking a therapist are talked about.  #1 Book for First Responders + Free Resilient Responder Manual. Breaking the Bl...

Send a text On this episode, Taylor Lopes and I talk about what it means to be Fit For Duty. Its not only physical health but also mental and the family you have back at home. You must be present in all aspects to be prepared for these careers. We give a brief background of ourselves and go into why we think this podcast would not only benefit all first responders and military members but also fam...