The Tactical Debrief with Dr. Massimino

In this episode we interview retired CDCR Lt. Kip Curtiss. Kip discusses the positive impact of watching his father interact and mentor sailors in the Navy, and how this shaped his own leadership style. Kip discusses losing his eldest brother in a house fire during childhood, and the impact on himself and his parents.  Kip didn’t join the department until the age of 42, working as a general contra...

In this episode, we discuss the basics of the healthcare and insurance system, including the difference between PPO and HMO insurance plans. We also discuss how to access mental health services using your own health insurance, the in’s and out’s of the EAP system and the need to have reasonable expectations about peer support.

In this episode, we interview military veteran and police sergeant “Tom,” who is one of the co-founders of The Dark Horse Project. Tom discusses his time in the military, including traumatic events that occurred over his three deployments and the impact of those traumatic events on his personal life. Tom also discusses his career in law enforcement, working for a large urban law enforcement agency...

In this episode, we interview retired CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz who recently retired after 30 years of state service. He recently started a non-profit organization called Stand Up For Victims - an organization that provides education, advocacy, information and resources to victims of crime. He is also an advisory board member of the Golden State Communities Project, which works to improve public s...

In this episode, we interview “Charlie” who is known online as Ten Eight Memes. Charlie discusses the impact of being the caregiver for his two aging and sick parents, as early as high school, and the difficulty he experienced starting his own life and career due to his family responsibilities.  Charlie was formerly a police officer in Florida, and after experiencing three significant deaths in a...

In this episode, we interview CDCR Sergeant Chappelle who originally worked at Mule Creek State Prison, and is now currently teaching cadets at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt, California.  Sgt. Chappelle discusses critical incidents that occurred early in his career, incidents that he shares with cadets that continue to haunt him. He discusses ideas for improving academy...

In this episode, we interview San Quentin State Prison correctional officer “Mikey” who separated from the department and is now in law school.  He discusses his history of depression, which he traced back to early childhood. He recalls the impact of being a latch-key kid and being home alone frequently. His depressive symptoms were exacerbated over time, as he experienced the deaths of several si...

In this episode, we interview retired LAPD officer and background investigator Ken Roybal. He gave 35 years of service to the city of Los Angeles. He currently works as a consultant for individuals needing assistance with the background process for various law enforcement agencies. He also hosts his own podcast (The Police Applicant Podcast) and is known on Instagram as The Background Whisperer (@...

In this episode, we interview Sergeant Aaron Lohman who is a 15 year veteran of the NYPD, and works in NYPD’s Health and Wellness Section. He is nationally known and locally respected - a fellow podcaster (The Notorious HFL Podcast) and is known on social media as Huge Fat Loser.  He discusses his own childhood trauma and identifies the relationship between his trauma and poor coping during adulth...

In this episode, we interview Sergeant Luna about sexual abuse she experienced as a child, her sexual orientation, the pervasive nature of sexual harassment inherent within the field of law enforcement, and the dynamics of being a female law enforcement officer in a male dominated profession.

In this episode, we interview “Larry,”  a former police officer, and meme lord behind Poorly Made Police Memes. Larry discusses his history of anxiety, starting in childhood when his mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He shares about one critical incident in particular that appears to be the origin of some PTSD symptoms. He describes the change in police culture and use of force policies...

In this episode, we interview Nick Wilson - who worked as a police officer in Orange County, and is the founder of The Resiliency Project. He discusses the impact of having a father who was alternatingly absent and abusive. He shares about the cumulative trauma and stress he experienced while working in his former department, in various positions. He talks about experiencing chronic injuries which...

In this episode, we interview Tim Fisher - who works as a firefighter in Orange County and is the co-host of the Let’s Go Podcast. He discusses the impact of losing his brother at the age of seventeen, his own near death experience and the perspective that gave him in his life. He shares about the daily toll involved with being a firefighter - exposure to death, trauma and violence. He discusses f...

In this episode, we interview retired CDCR Sergeant Carlos Borges, who spent the entirety of his 27 year career at the California Institution for Men (CIM).  Sergeant Borges is one of the last of his kind, the old guard and old school supervisor who always took care of his staff.  He discusses his childhood memories of the Kevin Cooper escape - that resulted in the massacre of a family in the city...

In this episode, we re-interview Josh one year after his decision to leave law enforcement to get an update on his business, his adjustment to civilian life and self-employment, and his residual PTSD and anxiety. We interview his wife Hilary about her own adjustment and changes she has noticed over the past year. We were also given the opportunity to interview their daughter Elizabeth, about chang...

In this episode, we interview retired Sgt. Ian Pickett about medical retirement, PTSD, and critical incidents he experienced over his career. Sgt. Pickett also discussed his exposure to violence during childhood and how that led to desensitization to violence overall. He also discussed his time in the United States Marine Corps, losing friends to a military helicopter crash, and the impact of bein...

In this episode, we have a discussion with my good friends Sean (from Episode 2) and Lisa about coping with depression and isolation around the holidays.  

In this episode, we talk to Joe - a correctional officer - about his injuries and chronic pain. We discuss pain management strategies, and the resulting insomnia and depression associated with chronic pain.

On this crossover episode, Ariel from Hot Mic on the Line joins in. We interview former correctional officer and current entrepreneur Jamil Syed about his history of alcohol abuse, sobriety and his mission to help others in law enforcement.

On this episode, we discuss the all too common, but rarely discussed trauma of miscarriage. 

On this episode, we interview grief expert and licensed clinical social worker, Jill Johnson-Young. She discusses her personal and professional experiences related to grief, strategies for supporting someone who is experiencing a loss, as well as research outcomes from examining the coping strategies of FDNY widows from September 11th, 2001.

In this episode, we interview Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami, who is best known for his pivotal role in prosecuting the Gabriel Fernandez case.  Jon discusses his own childhood trauma, his time as an infantryman in the US Army, and his difficulty navigating complex child abuse cases.

In this episode, we have a pre-show discussion regarding the tendency for history to repeat itself. We also interview retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo about his three decades of public service, working difficult child abuse cases, and coping with stress.

Confidential Session with Wade In this episode, we interview Wade - current Sergeant and Army veteran, about his experiences with suicidal co-workers and family members. He also shares about his own history of suicidality.

Confidential session with Tony In this episode, we discuss how a person acquires the ability or capacity to commit suicide. We also interview Tony, a current Sergeant and “Inmate Whisperer,” specifically about his personal life. Tony discusses the impact of divorce, child custody issues and grief in his life.