The Weight Of The Badge

We can never underestimate the mental strain our first responders and police officers are faced with as they carry the heavy "weight of the badge".  Join Brad as he visits with Psychologist Dr. David Duran, who is one of the most knowledgeable individuals concerning the emotional wellness of people who are "running in when we are running out"!

Brad is honored today to have back one of the first families to experience a Hope for Heroes weekend.  APD officer Jon LaBorde, his fellow officer Cameron, and their wives were the first to go through this "life-changing experience".  Brad and Jon discuss what it's currently like to be on patrol in Austin, Texas amidst a difficult period of time.

Joe Brown, Austin police officer for 16 years, is a major pier support in mental health for his fellow officers who carry "The Weight Of The Badge". He also works on the hostage negotiation team and has an over 95% success rate in helping people who are in dire situations.  Joe's belief in the mission and ministry of Hope For Heroes has led him to serve on the board of directors and...

Brad welcomes retired officer Todd Hurst who has served in patrol, as a tactical firearms instructor, on the hostage negotiations team, in undercover narcotics, and homicide. He is now a Kendall county sheriff's department chaplain and also helps officers in crisis through 800-COP-LINE. This organization is 100% confidential and is served by retired police.

Firearms Marksman Joe Swann, played the Penguin this week at the Dell's Children's Hospital Super Heroes Day in Austin. The kids just loved him. Brad's interview with Joe Swann demonstrates the impact of Hope For Heroes on our first responders and police officers. Joe has been with the APD for 20 years, is a Firearms/Tactics instructor and Vice President of the Austin Police Associa...

Have you ever wondered how police in helicopters track someone who is running from the law? Brad welcomes Clint Dixon, who has been with the Austin Police Department for 16 years and knows "the ups and downs" of chasing someone running from a crime, either on foot or by vehicle. This exciting podcast gives us a front seat with one of the best aviation police forces in Texas.

David Fugitt has been a homicide detective for 19 years.  Starting off as a patrol officer for 4 1/2 years, David wanted to get into investigations. His first homicide case was of the well know Atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair. David has solved a high percentage of homicides in Austin and we are proud to honor him today for his dedication and service. 

Matt Harmatuk, has been on the Austin police force for almost 28 years. He is the highest ranking non-commissioning officer in the Air Force Security Forces and is over 43,000 Airmen. He is also involved with the Austin COPS 4 CHARITIES and the Austin Police Superheroes. Though Matt has functioned as a swat officer and is on the sniper team, he displays humility and thankfulness and gives us a goo...

Hope For Heroes welcomes Dan Gibson.  As a fire fighter for 31 years, Dan has endured the emotional trauma of many horrific accidents and helps us to understand just what a hero is really made of.  Dan has also honed his chef skills in his time in the fire house  and makes some of the best baked beans in Texas! 

We can never underestimate the mental strain our first responders and police officers are faced with as they carry the heavy "weight of the badge".  Join Brad as he visits with Psychologist Dr. David Duran, who is one of the most knowledgeable individuals concerning the emotional wellness of people who are "running in when we are running out"!

Join Brad Cornell, Founder and  CEO of Hope For Heroes, as he updates us with some important information about the mission and upcoming events in support of our first responders and police officers.

Trent Watts has served with the Austin Police Department 25 years.  After a terrible car accident that took a long time to recover from, Trent can look back and see how it fashioned who he is today.  As a detective and an officer good at interrogation, he has compassion for the victims of child crimes and human trafficking. Truly one of our heroes who we can be thankful is on our streets carrying...

Hope for Heroes welcomes Dave Sisler and Noel Alexander, founders of Texas Beef Initiative out of Dripping Springs, Texas. These gentlemen, in just a short time, have fed over 50,000 people all over the hill country, with donated beef. If you would like to donate or help, go to donatebeef.org and you can be a part of feeding local communities. 

Brad's guest today, Matt Harmatuk, has been on the Austin police force for almost 28 years. He is the highest ranking non-commissioning officer in the Air Force Security Forces and is over 43,000 Airmen. He is also involved with the Austin COPS 4 CHARITIES and the Austin Police Superheroes. Though Matt has functioned as a swat officer and is on the sniper team, he displays humility and thankf...

Join Brad as he visits with the man who helped him start Hope For Heroes, Ken Casaday. Ken, now being the President of the Austin Police Association, has been with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. Today they are discussing the toll being a police officer takes on their families and marriages. They're beginning  SALEM - "surviving a law enforcement marriage". These are conf...

Many times we don't realize what these "Superhero" wives deal with. In our podcast today, Brad speaks with Tami Baker, wife of Donald Baker, who after being in LA during the 1992 riots was ready to move anywhere but California. Tami has walked with her husband for the 32 years of their marriage through the difficulties that are often not recognized by those around them. Although her...

Today Brad is honored to talk with Shane Streepy. On his journey in police service for 20 years,  after a "mind shift" from the 9/11 tragedy, Shane determined to give his all in making a difference in this world. He has since worked fighting organized crime and has also become skilled in hostage negotiation and special investigations. 

What a riveting story, listening to Sergeant Jeff Dwyer of the Austin Police Bomb Squad. This is what we mean by "true heroes" who carry "The Weight of the Badge".  How many of us have the bravery to walk into an area were deadly bombs could go off at the slightest move? As you listen, you will be amazed at the lengths our officers go to in protecting us as citizens. That'...

We welcome  Austin PD, Chief of Staff, Robin Henderson. On the force for 25 years, Robin has such a passion and calling in serving the Austin community. You will notice right away how respectful and wise she has grown with her experience in the growing needs of the people and the cultural changes of the day. What an honor to have her with us today.

We are so honored to have with us Greg Abbott, governor of our great state of Texas. Governor Abbott has fought and passed law against "defunding of the police". He is actively continuing to secure our border and getting more people back into jobs since the pandemic. Voted the best governor in the nation in 2020, your'e going to love hearing him today!

We welcome again Ken Casaday, such a prime example of the dedicated service of our police officers and first responders. Ken has quite a story of his journey in police work and is currently transitioning into helping Brad as Vice President of Operations for Hope For Heroes. Brad and Ken also reflect on our recent Blue Line Gala, which was a huge success. 

Brad's guest today, David Satsky is a happy supporter of Hope for Heroes. Native to Boerne and a business owner of 30 employees, David has seen time and again the service rendered by our first responders and police and stands firmly behind them.

Tim Handren, native to Texas and the current mayor of Boerne, is also CEO of Santikos Theaters Ltd, with 800 employees.  His wisdom and experience as business owner has helped him lead the city through a difficult pandemic. Tim believes greatly in Hope for Heroes and what Brad is doing. He shares how the community is recovering and what kind of growth the city of Boerne and Kendall county has to l...

Today you hear a difficult story of what those who carry the weight of the badge endure. Julio Cavazos tells how he lost his long time friend and fellow officer, Miguel Moreno, when they approached two suspects who had broken into a car. This is a difficult story that really describes why these first responders and heroes need our support. Julio was brought in by a previous podcast guest, Michael...

Brad Cornell's guest today is Executive Director of San Antonio's Pregnancy Care Center, Dave McCall. We recognize Dave and his organization as heroes, "saving the lives of babies"! Join us as we get an inside look at how women, who are considering aborting their babies, are given new hope and theirs and their child's  futures are literally changed.