The Team Ten Eight Podcast (Christian Lane)

In November of 2021 the province of British Columbia was hammered with two unprecedented weather events. These “atmospheric rivers” resulted in severe flooding, landslides and catastrophic damage to critical rail and highway infrastructure that effectively sealed off Metro Vancouver from the rest of Canada. 

This episode features Constable Erich Schmidt, an off duty police officer who was pressed into service following mudslides that stranded him and hundreds of other motorists; and, Dave Slatten, a volunteer search and rescue technician with the Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Team, who took time away from work for days so he could help rescue families trapped by rising flood waters. 

This is part 1 of Stories from the Flood Line. 

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In November of 2021 the province of British Columbia was hammered with two unprecedented weather events. These “atmospheric rivers”  resulted in severe flooding, landslides and catastrophic damage to critical rail and highway infrastructure that effectively sealed off Metro Vancouver from the rest of Canada. 

If you’ve listened to this show for any length of time you know we’re about honouring the people who serve and sacrifice. But, just as not all heroes wear capes, not all who serve, where uniforms. 

This episode features Henry Braun, the Mayor of the City of Abbotsford, BC. We discuss the impact the storm and flooding had on him, the high points and the low points, and get his perspective on leading through a crisis. 

This is part 2 of stories from the flood line. 

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Matt Johnston is a full-time firefighter who’s attended over 3500 calls in Metro Vancouver ranging from medical response to hazardous materials and fires.

He is also an experienced mental health clinician who offers a unique, in-depth understanding of paramilitary mindsets within stoic workplace cultures, and is the Chief Executive Officer of First Responder Health, a service that recently partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada, and helps other mental health clinicians better connect with first responders, law enforcement officers and veterans. Or, in Matt's words, a stoic paramilitary audience. 

In this episode Matt talks about the challenges faced by public safety professionals when trying to connect with mental health providers and why becoming more occupationally aware is critical to providing good mental health care to those who put service over self.   

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Sergeant Kerry Williams, a 21 year member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,  is among a select few Canadian police officers who have rotated through the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine. 

On this episode, Kerry shares her personal experience and perspective as we discuss why Canada is engaged in the mission, how novel some Canadian concepts - like scenario based training and community policing - are to Ukraine, and the challenge of influencing Ukrainian police officers away from corrupt practices. 

  

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Sergeant (ret’d) Laurie White spent 23 years as a British Columbia based member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. She’s been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Medal of Valour from the International Association of Women Police.

 On November 27, 1998, she heard the radio call that no police officer ever wants to hear, “10-33”. That’s the radio code indicating the highest priority emergency, an officer is down. She never thought the one and only time she’d hear that call, that she was the emergency, that she was the officer down.

Laurie joins us on this episode to talk about that harrowing day, her physical and mental journey to get back to active duty and her recently published memoir, aptly entitled 10-33: An Officer Down Steps Back Up. 

For more information about her book please visit Friesen Press. 

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Captain Steve Farina is a veteran British Columbia firefighter, an executive board member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1782 and Vice President of the BC Professional Fire Fighter Association (BCPFFA) which represents over 4,000 professional firefighters across the province.

He is also actively engaged in firefighter and first responder mental health initiatives through his work as vice chair for both the BCPFFA's Health and Safety Committee and their Mental Health Committee, the IAFF’s Behavioral Health Committee, Coquitlam Fire Rescue’s Critical Incident Stress Team and the WorkSafe BC led BC First Responder Mental Health Steering Committee.

Despite all the work he's doing advocating for better approaches to mental health, Steve talks about how hard it was following his own advice when things got to be too much; how he benefited from the First Responder Resiliency Program program offered through Blueprint and  why, when it comes to men's mental health in particular, we're our own worst enemies. 

Please click on any of the links above to learn more about or to contribute to the organizations and programs discussed in this episode. 

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Master Corporal (ret'd) John Dowe is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran.

In 1993, as a member of the Airborne Regiment, he deployed to Somalia and witnessed what would eventually become known as the “Somalia Affair”. An incident so tragic, that it led to a national public inquiry, the resignation of the Minister of Defense and the disbanding of this elite special forces unit. 

After transitioning to civilian life, John began investigating the effects of mefloquine, an anti-malarial pill he calls a "suicide drug", and co-founded the International Mefloquine Veterans Alliance to inform veterans, health, and military leaders, about the short- and long-term effects of this anti-malarial drug.

He continues to advocate for a  Royal Commission to investigate the drug's  prescription and use by the Canadian military and is the lead client in a mass tort lawsuit seeking compensation for veterans who were prescribed mefloquine on missions in Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, Afghanistan and elsewhere.   

On this episode John talks about the mission in Somalia, why he believes mefloquine played a significant role in the beating death of Somali teen Shidane Arone, and how 1 in 5 veteran PTSD cases are misdiagnosed. 

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Deputy Director (ret'd) Randie Scott spent 35 years with Correctional Services Canada and in 2008-2009, deployed with a team of correctional officers to Afghanistan. They were assigned to the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team at Camp Nathan Smith (CNS) where they begin training and mentoring their Aghan counterparts. It was during this deployment that Randie befriended Afghan police captain, Mohammed Ismail, or Captain Smiley as he became known, who worked alongside Canada's military and civilian members through Canada's mission.

Twelve years later, as Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, Randie and Mohammed stayed in constant contact as Mohammed ushered his family via backroads from Kandahar to Kabul and eventually to Pakistan, in a desperate bid to escape the Taliban who were hunting those, like Mohammed, who had  supported Canada and it's allies.

Marc is the former president of Equitas Society, a group formed to advocate for better pension benefits for veterans and for social covenant between government and it's military so that veterans never go with out. He is also  one of the Co-founders and Co-national Organizer of the Canadian Walk for Veterans, founded in 2018 and joins us to talk about the 5th annual walk and it's theme, Leave No One Behind.  

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Chance Burles is Canadian Armed Forces veteran and former Combat Engineer who spent 8 months in Afghanistan as a member of the Edmonton based 1 Combat Engineer Regiment.

On this episode, we learn about the role of the Combat Engineer and how they are prepared for combat. We talk about Chance's first encounter with an improvised explosive device, or IED and what it's like being in a gun fight with the enemy. Or as Chance puts it, "doing his job".   
Chance is also veterans advocate and co-founder of the annual Canadian Walk for Veterans.
We talk about the walk, and about how he's using his podcast, Tools for the Tool Box, to help others get their stories out and, through that process, learn what strategies (or tools!) they employ to work through and cope with the literal and figurative the scars that come from military service. 

Click on the links below to learn more about Chance, his podcast and the Canadian Walk for Veterans.

Instagram: @mcplburles
Podcast: Tools for the Tool Box
Walk: Canadian Walk for Veterans

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Lieutenant (ret’d) Ron Boughton is a Cold War veteran who spent 37 years with the Royal Canadian Navy. 

Much of that time was spent conducting electronic warfare operations off Canada’s Pacific coast. Or, as he likes to say, chasing Russian spy ships. 

On this episode Ron talks about what it was like as a young man sailing with his father, the very real threats Canada faced during the Cold War and his experience as one of the first members of the Canadian military to visit China after the 1949 revolution that brought the Chinese Communist Party to power.  

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Dr. Matthew Kane is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and former military intelligence officer who served in several overseas counter intelligence operations. 

He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University, a master’s degree from American Military University in Psychology, a BA in Military Strategic Studies from the University of New Brunswick and is the President and CEO of Prodigy Intelligence.

Matt discusses his role as an intelligence officer in Afghanistan, how he was able to identify a mole  working for the enemy and the burden of preparing soldiers for the threats they face. 

Also, how do you tell when someone is lying to you? There is no one surefire way to do so, but Matt offers up some tips and tells to look for the next time you feel like you're not getting the whole truth!  

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Phil Gurski has spent almost 40 years working in the intelligence field with organizations like the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Canada's top secret listening post, the Communications Security Establishment.  

He is the President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting and a Distinguished Fellow in National Security at the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute (PDI).  

Phil is a well known and sought after media commentator and has provided commentary, blogged about, tweeted and presented on violent Islamist-inspired and other forms of terrorism around the globe. He is the host of the podcast, Canadian Intelligence Eh! and the author of six terrorism books and counting including , The Peaceable Kingdom, The Threat from Within and When Religion Kills.

On this episode, Phil shares his perspective on the threats we face, from right wing extremism to foreign influence, how Canada's focus isn't where it needs to be, and leaves us with no doubt about the risk of extremist violence on our soil.

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On this episode, Christian recaps and provides some additional background into the top three most listened to episodes of 2022. 

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Mubin Shaikh is a former undercover human source for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and former police agent with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who has worked multiple infiltration operations including the VERY public prosecution of the Toronto 18 terrorist cell. 

Mubin also holds a Masters Degree in Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism (MPICT, Macquarie), is a Professor in the School of Public Safety at Seneca College and is featured in a permanent exhibit at the new International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. under, “Preventing Terror.”

On this episode Mubin goes in depth as we discuss the journey of radicalization, the manipulation of Islam by those who hold extremist views, and the process of deprogramming those who have fallen prey Wahhabism, or what Mubin calls, “the virus that has taken over the Muslim world”.

For more information about Canada's strategy on countering radicalization visit Public Safety Canada. 

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David Cassels is a former Canadian Police Chief and public safety consultant who has supported and consulted domestically for federal agencies including the Department of Justice, Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency, and internationally where he was responsible for the formation of the South East Europe Police Chiefs Association and completed a detailed review of the San Jose Police in Costa Rica.

He is also a founding member and President of the Coalition for Canadian Police Reform and, on this episode, discusses a range of isssues facing policing in Canada. From a lack of standardized curriculum, to what he calls "fraudulent" recruiting practices to the need for more empathy and compassion based training, David makes his case for why policing in Canada needs reform. 

For more information about the C-CPR and to connect with David, click his name above to reach his LinkedIn profile or email him at dcassels@telusplanet.net

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Wally Oppal is a former trial attorney who has served as a special prosecutor on numerous high profile commercial crime and drug offences and more than 50 homicide cases. 

He served as a judge in the County Court of British Columbia from 1981 to 1985, and in the B.C. Supreme Court from 1985 to 2003, when he was appointed to the B.C. Court of Appeal. 

He has led two commissions of inquiry into policing in British Columbia, including the Missing Women Inquiry following one of BCs most notorious serial murder investigations, and has authored reports that have advocated for and led to many reforms in policing both in British Columbia and across Canada.

Between 2005 and 2009 he served as the Attorney General of British Columbia and appointed commissions of inquiry into the police use of tasers, following the aftermath of the death of a man at Vancouver International Airport, and into the death of an Indigenous man, who died as a result of being left in an alley by police in Vancouver. 

More recently, he was asked by the government of BC to chair the task force that established the framework for the transition of policing services in Surrey, BC from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service and he remains in active legal practice as Senior Counsel with Boughton Law where he provides strategic advice on dispute resolution and public sector related matters. 

On this episode, Wally shares his thoughts on the oft discussed but yet to be implemented regional policing model for Metro Vancouver; his role in laying out the mammoth task of transitioning from the RCMP's largest detachment to a municipal police service; and weighs in on BC's latest social experiment, the decriminalization of personal drug possession. 

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Chief Warrant Officer (ret’d) John Barnes is a decorated Canadian Armed Forces veteran who has served all over Canada, in Germany and in operations in Cyprus, the Persian Gulf, Croatia, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. 

He was awarded the Sacrifice Medal for being wounded in battle in Afghanistan, the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional leadership under enemy fire and, in 2009, was appointed to the Order of Military Merit.

He is also the author of the recently published book, White School, Black Memories, a gripping memoir that delivers the unvarnished truth of a soldier in Canada’s army.

John joins us on this episode to share his experiences as a career Canadian soldier. He lays bare the real world violence of combat operations, his struggles coping with the impacts of being injured physically and mentally and how writing helped him heal.     

All proceeds from the sale of John's book go to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, whose mission is to integrate all our homeless military Veterans into the community through the provision of housing and support services across Canada. 

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Sergeant Jim Ingram is a twelve year member of the Delta Police Department and overseas the DPD’s Public Safety Operations Group that includes their Emergency Management/Disaster Response unit, Tactical Support Group, Drug and Firearms K9 Teams, Violence Suppression Team, and their Community Safety Officer and Reserve Constable programs.

He is also responsible for developing and rolling out the Delta Police Department’s tactical technology and joins us on this episode to discuss the deployment of Body Worn Cameras, a first among British Columbia police agencies.

For more on the Delta Police Department and their body worn camera program visit deltapolice.ca. 

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Troy Clifford began his service career with the British Columbia Ambulance Service in 1988 and has worked in a range of patient care roles across BC including dispatching, training and education, emergency management, advocacy, and currently serves as a Unit Chief in Osoyoos, BC.

He is a recipient of the BC Ambulance Service, Chief Operating Officer’s Commendation for exemplary achievement for Leadership and Community Service, has held numerous elected and appointed union and pension trustee positions over the years and he currently serves as the President of the Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia.

Troy joins us on this episode to discuss the paramedic crisis in BC and how the recent collective agreement struck between the province and the union begins to address some of the issues exacerbating that crisis.

He also weighs in on the sustainabilty of the provincial ambulance service model, and shares a paramedic's point of view on the early stages of the province's drug decriminalization experiment.

Interested in a career as a paramedic or want to learn more? Click on the links below.

British Columbia Emergency Health Services

Ambulance Paramedics (and Dispatchers) of British Columbia

Justice Institute of British Columbia

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Elenore Sturko is Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police veteran who has served in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and in Langley and Surrey, British Columbia.   

In 2022, she was successful in her bid for a seat in BC’s legislature representing the riding of Surrey-South and now serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Addiction, Recovery and Education.

On this episode, we discuss the challenges and differences between policing in rural northern communities and large urban centres, whether enough is being done to combat drug overdoses in BC, and how her bid to amend BC’s Mental Health Act proposes to help doctors make better decisions when treating patients in crisis.
 

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Lieutenant Colonel Phil Halton is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran who has served in Bosnia, Ethiopia, Denmark, Norway and Spain. 

He holds an honours degree in military and strategic studies from the College Militaire Royal de St-Jean; a Masters degree in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College and a Master of Arts in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of Gloucestershire.  

He has worked as a contract writer, screenwriter, novelist and has authored several books including “This Shall Be a House of Peace,” published in 2019, “Every Arm Outstretched,” published in 2020 and his first non-fiction work, “Blood Washing Blood: Afghanistan’s Hundred Year War” published to critical acclaim in 2021. 

He was the co-founding editor of Blood & Bourbon, a Toronto-based literary journal, and is the founding publisher of Double Dagger Books, Canada’s only military and security-focused publisher.

On this episode, Phil joins us to discuss Canada’s longest war, including what we missed and why we failed, and his journey from armour, to author and artist.   

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Mike Morris spent 32 years as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police retiring as Superintendent of British Columbia’s north district. 

Following his retirement, he was elected as a Member of BC’s Legislative Assembly in 2013, 2017 and 2020.

From 2015-2017 he served as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and has been heavily involved in several committees overseeing policing in British Columbia including as Chair of the Special Committee to Review the Independent Investigations Office, and as a member of the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act.  In 2020, he submitted a proposal for a three-tier approach to policing and public safety in BC. 

Mike joins us on this episode to talk about the past, present and future of policing in BC and share his perspective on the opioid crisis and BC’s drug decriminalization experiment. 

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Archie Alafriz spent the majority of his 27-year RCMP career working in the National Security Program where he investigated a myriad of listed terrorist entities including Hamas, Hezbollah, al Qaeda, al-Shabaab and ISIS and was the team lead in Canada's landmark terrorist fundraising case. 

 Since his retirement from policing in 2018, he published his first novel, Inoculum; an intelligence-based challenge to the accepted historical version of events that led to 9-11, served as the CEO of a First Nations Economic Development Enterprise and assisted the Province of BC in analyzing money laundering trends in real estate and luxury vehicles. 

He is a senior fellow at the Global Peace Institute (UK), a fellow at the Asia Pacific Center of Security Studies (APCSS), sits as Chairman for the International Organization for Security and Intelligence (IOSI Global) and in 2022, launched Lucent Global Solutions which provides evidence-based court-defensible compliance verification and financial investigation and intelligence services.

On this episode Archie discusses Canada's anti-money laundering regime,  the history behind many of the activities exposed by the media that led to British Columbia's Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering, and the potential impact of incentivizing the shadow economy to go straight.  

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Dr. Alika Lafontaine is an award-winning physician, the first Indigenous doctor listed in Medical Post’s 50 Most Powerful Doctors and the first Indigenous president of the Canadian Medical Association. 

He has served in medical leadership positions at the Alberta Medical Association, the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and as the vice-president and president of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada.

From 2013 to 2017 he co-led the Indigenous Health Alliance project, one of Canada’s most ambitious health transformation initiatives, successfully advocating for $68 million of federal funding for Indigenous health transformation in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, and was recognized for his work by the Public Policy Forum. 

In 2020, Dr. Lafontaine launched the Safespace Networks project with friendship centres across British Columbia, providing a safe and anonymous way for patients and providers to share their own experiences and contribute to system change without the risk of retaliation for sharing their truths.

On this episode, Dr. Lafontaine discusses his personal experiences with racism as an indigenous man navigating medical school, the significant challenges faced by health care providers in what he calls a system in collapse, and offers advice for patients on how they can better advocate for themselves and navigate the complex labyrinth that makes up Canada’s system of care. 

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Barbara Karnes is a registered nurse with more than 40 years of experience in hospice care. 

She has held both clinical and leadership positions, including staff nurse, clinical supervisor, and executive director at Hospices and Home Health Care agencies and is the author of Gone From My Sight, "The Little Blue Book", that remains the most widely used educational booklet on the signs of approaching death, selling over 35 million copies worldwide. 

She is an internationally respected speaker and thought leader on matters of end of life, a renowned authority on the dying process and a leading educator for families, healthcare professionals, and the community at large.

On this episode, Barbara shares her experiences caring for patients in hospice, what she has learned about the dying process, and provides advice for listeners whose loved ones are at the end of their lives. 

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Mark Bouchard began his law enforcement in 2007 serving fourteen years with the Delta Police Department before transferring to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and now serves as an Emergency Response Team operator and tactical medic in British Columbia’s North District. 

He earned his master’s degree in leadership from Royal Roads University for his research on the impact of police culture on police officer mental health, is engaged in work based peer support programs, and is set to publish his first book entitled Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From an Injured Mind.

On this episode we discuss police culture - what it is, why it is and where it's going - and the internal and external forces and factors that impact recruiting, retention and, more importantly, the men and women in uniform.   

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Deven Kennedy is a police officer on a mission. 

On June 12, 2022, he was involved in a traumatic incident while on duty that shook his faith in his career and himself and led him down a path of desperation and despair, as so many trauma exposures have done to so many others.  

Through his recovery, Deven learned that fitness and a variety of healthy lifestyle choices were complimenting his psychological and medical healing and accelerated his journey back to full duty and, joins us to share his story and his mission. 

To connect with Deven and to learn more about his mission, visit resiliencethroughfitness.com

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Daniel Sundahl (a.k.a. Dan Sun) is a former advanced care paramedic and firefighter, a published artist and writer who has produced  three art books and whose writing has been featured online and, in several periodicals, including Canadian Paramedicine, the Journal of Emergency Medicine (JEMS), Fire Rescue Magazine, EMS One, EMS World Magazine, The Canadian Journal of Emergency Nursing and the Finnish magazine Asystole. 

His powerful artwork and images are recognized worldwide. He travels internationally, speaking about his art and personal experiences with occupational stress injuries and post-traumatic growth.

His mission? To reduce the stigma of PTSD for first responders and use his art to raise awareness of occupational stress injuries worldwide.

Dan joins us to discuss his experiences as a first responder, his artistic process and how it has helped him heal, and whether we are where we need to be when it comes  preventing and protecting the in service community from operational stress injury.

To connect with Dan and learn more about his artwork, please visit https://www.dansungallery.com/

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Sergeant Julien Ponsioen began his policing career with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police in 2014 after a 21 year career as a Paramedic and Supervisor and was the first openly gay male police officer hired by his department and the only openly gay male in his police academy class.  

Moving from patrol to Neighbourhood Policing in Downtown Vancouver, he began to connect with his community both in person and on social media to show that policing was for everyone and emphasize to members of the 2SLGBTQ community that they had an ally on the transit system. 

 While initially reluctant, he embraced his social media role and launched “Coffee with a Cop”, a very successful series of one minute safety tips and question and answer sessions that expanded across other platforms and developed a following that spans the globe. 

He has been a very active and successful volunteer recruiter and is now the non-commissioned officer in charge of Operational Planning.

On this episode, Julien shares his coming out story, the bridge he's building between the 2SLGBTQ community and police and offers his perspective, as a former paramedic and police officer, on BC's opioid crisis.

You can connect with and follow Julien on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.  

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Dr. Olivia Johnson is a United States Air Force veteran, a former police officer, and published author.  

She holds a master’s in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, a doctorate in Organizational Leadership Management from the University of Phoenix, School of Advanced Studies and is considered a subject matter expert in police officer health and wellness, police officer suicide, and suicide prevention and awareness in first responders. 

She founded the Blue Wall Institute to focus on research, publishes articles, and support agencies coping with increased mental health and suicide risk. 

Dr. Johnson joins us on this episode to discuss her research and what she coins as the "fatal ten" indicators of suicide risk, and explains how it is so much more than "the job" that's driving suicide rates among first responders.     

You can connect with and follow Dr. Johnson on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

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Scott McGregor is a former Canadian military intelligence professional who has advised the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on trans-national organized crime and hybrid warfare threats, as well as the former Attorney General and BC Premier David Eby in the lead up to the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia.

Scott maintains an extensive network of intelligence contacts through his company, Closehold Intelligence, and is the co-author of the recently released book, The Mosaic Effect: How the Chinese Communist Party started a Hybrid War in America’s backyard.

Scott's military and law enforcement intelligence career, and his access to classified information and international contacts, makes for a very unique and well informed perspective on the murky and nefarious nature of warfare taking place in Canada, the CCP's end game, and why Canada is losing it's place as a trusted ally.  

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Kathleen Dias writes features and news analysis on topics of concern to United States law enforcement professionals serving in rural and remote locations and you can find her published work at RuralBadge.com and Police1.com

She uses her background in writing, teaching and marketing to advocate for professional levels of training and equipment for rural officers, open channels of communication for isolated departments, and dispel myths about rural policing.

 From a lack of training and vacation time to limited equipment and vehicles, Kathleen joins us to shed some light on the signficant challenges faced by cops in rural and remote locations. 

You will be shocked to learn just how rough a ride it really is. 

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Surrey Police Service Sergeant Andrea Martens has over nineteen years of experience across a range of law enforcement professions including as a probation officer, a border services officer and police officer.  

Andrea joins us to talk about her career path into policing, some of the progressive programs her department has put in place to foster a culture of health and wellness, and what it's like for officers on the ground as municipal and provincial politicians continue to battle over a very contentious policing transition in her city. 

She is also the founder of Support Retired Legends, a clothing and coffee company dedicated to raising funds to assist with the medical bills of retired police and military service dogs across Canada, and shares the story that inspired the brand and how it's helping prolong the lives of our four legged friends. 

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Summary
In this episode, Christian sits down with John Vintar, an author and Army officer who has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years. The conversation revolves around Vintar's book, 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium,' which details his experiences in South Sudan. They discuss the history of Sudan and South Sudan, the challenges of peacekeeping missions, the impact on returning soldiers, and the perception of peacekeeping in Canada. Vintar shares his most fearful moment in South Sudan and the importance of history for military leaders. The episode concludes with book recommendations and contact information for Vintar.

Takeaways

• The book 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium' provides a unique perspective on the experiences of a peacekeeper in South Sudan.
• Peacekeeping missions are often invisible to the majority of Canadians, leading to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the work of peacekeepers.
• Returning from a peacekeeping mission can be challenging, and veterans may struggle to convey the full extent of their experiences.
• History plays a crucial role in shaping military leaders and providing valuable lessons for the present and future.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background

01:29
The Book: A Swamp the Size of Belgium

04:52
The History of Sudan and South Sudan

08:27
The Invisibility of Peacekeeping Missions

10:00
The Challenges of Returning Home

11:27
The Most Fearful Moment in South Sudan

14:48
Establishing Safety and Gaining Trust

15:49
The Genesis and Objective of the UN Peacekeeping Mission

18:18
Tribal Cleansing and Violence in South Sudan

20:17
Lessons Learned from Peacekeeping Missions

24:13
Public Perception of Peacekeeping

29:36
Canada's Number One Threat

31:13
The Fragility of the World Order

37:20
The Importance of History for Military Leaders

39:54
The Role of Research in Mission Success

42:27
Top Three Must-Read Book Recommendations

45:53
Book Promotion and Contact Information

46:31
Closing Remarks and Thank You

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In this episode, we revisit an interview with a remarkable individual, Shawn Coady, a retired Vancouver Police Department Sergeant, Canadian Armed Forces veteran, and the founder and president of the Police and Peace Officer Memorial Ribbon Society. Shawn's life has been one of service, dedicated to his community, law enforcement colleagues, and his country.

After an illustrious career, Shawn and his wife settled into a well-deserved retirement in the tranquil community of Armstrong, British Columbia. Unfortunately, life had a different plan, as cancer has entered the scene, challenging Shawn and his family in their fight for his health.

A Hero's Journey: From Service to Survival

Shawn's story is one of resilience, strength, and dedication. As a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and decorated member of the Vancouver Police Department, Shawn shares his experiences as a domestic violence investigations specialist, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the impact on his life. He bravely discusses his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, offering listeners a raw and honest perspective on the struggles that often accompany a life of service.

Creating Symbolism: The Birth of a Memorial Ribbon

During the interview, Shawn talks about what inspired him to establish the Police and Peace Officer Memorial Ribbon Society. He reveals the driving force behind creating the official national symbol of mourning for law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. His dedication to honoring those who serve, even in the face of adversity, is truly inspirational.

Joining Forces: A Call to Action

As a testament to the strength of our podcast community, we are re-releasing Shawn's interview to rally support for him during this challenging time. Shawn was one of the first to join our show when we launched, and now, it's our turn to stand with him.

How You Can Help

In the spirit of teamwork, we invite you to support Shawn and his family by contributing to the Help Shawn Coady Beat Cancer Go Fund Me Page mentioned in the show notes. Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to helping Shawn face cancer head-on and allowing him to enjoy the peace and good health he deserves in retirement.

Closing Thoughts: Giving Cancer the Salute It Deserves

As we listen to Shawn's powerful story, let's unite as a team and give cancer the salute it deserves. Together, we can make a difference in Shawn's journey towards recovery. Join us in this special episode dedicated to the resilience of a true hero, and let's show Shawn that he is not alone in this fight.

🔗 Help Shawn Coady Beat Cancer Go Fund Me Page

Together, as a team, let's support Shawn and his family on their journey to overcoming cancer.

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Summary

Brendan Hynes, a military veteran and advocate for mental health and brain injury research, shares his journey of resilience and service. 

He discusses the challenges he faced during his military career, including failures and injuries. Brendan emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the support of loved ones in overcoming mental health issues. He also highlights the need for better understanding and support for brain injuries in the military and first responder communities. Brendan's advocacy work aims to raise awareness and drive change in these areas. 

This conversation explores the work of the Concussion Legacy Foundation and Project Enlist in addressing sports concussions and brain donation. It also delves into the importance of embracing technology and brain research, as well as the overlap between sports and military/first responder brain injuries. 

The conversation highlights the institutional challenges and lack of action in addressing these issues and emphasizes the need for more resources and support. It concludes with advice for those going through similar experiences and the importance of buddy checking and opening up discussions.

Takeaways

Seeking help and support is crucial in overcoming mental health challenges.

Brain injuries, including concussive and sub concussive injuries, are often overlooked and require more research and support.

Advocacy and raising awareness are essential for driving change in the military and first responder communities.

Resilience and the support of loved ones can help individuals overcome challenges and continue to make a positive impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

11:37 Defining Moment in Military Service

20:15 Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Help

25:46 Job as an Explosives Technician

29:02 Concussive and Sub concussive Traumatic Brain Injuries

34:33 Rock Bottom Moment and Seeking Help

41:43 Advocacy and Taking Action

49:02 Concussion Legacy Foundation and Project Enlist

49:59 Embracing Technology and Brain Research

50:57 Overlap with Sports and Military/First Responder Brain Injuries

51:53 Institutional Challenges and Lack of Action

53:16 The Need for More Resources and Support

54:06 How to Get Involved and Make a Difference

57:42 The Importance of Buddy Checking and Opening Up Discussions

59:01 Advice for Those Going Through Similar Experiences

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In this conversation, Necole Belanger shares her experiences as an openly gay woman in the Canadian Armed Forces. Necole talks about the importance of language skills in the military and the respect given to French-speaking troops. She reflects on the French-English question in the military and the challenges faced by Francophone members. Necole also discusses the impact of the Purge, a period of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. She shares her personal journey of self-acceptance and the trauma she experienced. Necole highlights the need for change and allyship in the military to address gender disparities and discrimination. In this conversation, Necole Belanger shares her experiences in the military and the challenges she faced as a woman and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She highlights the importance of mentors and supportive figures throughout her career. Necole also discusses the difficulties she encountered in speaking out about her experiences and finding support. She shares her motivation for writing her book 'Pride Amid Prejudice' and the cathartic process it provided. Necole emphasizes the need for change and inclusivity in the Canadian Armed Forces and offers advice to her younger self.

Takeaways

•  The Purge was a period of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the military, and its effects continue to impact those who experienced it.
• Self-acceptance and seeking help are crucial for individuals who have faced trauma and discrimination.
• Gender disparities and discrimination still exist in the military, and there is a need for change and allyship to create a more inclusive and equitable environment. Mentors and supportive figures play a crucial role in one's career development and success.
• Speaking out about personal experiences can be challenging but can also lead to finding support and making a positive impact.
• Senior appointments can present unique challenges, including biases and lack of support.
• Standing up for oneself and refusing to accept unfair treatment is important for personal growth and change.
• Writing can be a cathartic process and a way to share one's story and inspire others.
• It is important to create a culture of inclusivity and support in the military and other organizations.
• Reflecting on one's experiences and offering advice to one's younger self can provide valuable insights and lessons learned.

Chapters
 
00:00
 Introduction 

03:20
 Joining the Military and Language Skills

07:03
 The French-English Question in the Military

09:05
 The Dual Language System in the Military

12:36
 Early Desire to Join the Military

16:12
 Coming Out and Family Rejection

23:20
 The Purge and Discrimination

25:54
 Trauma and Seeking Help

34:03
 Challenges Faced as a Woman in the Military

39:37
 Gender Disparity in the Military

45:12
 Reconciliation and Allies

46:18
 Mentors and Supportive Figures

48:11
 Speaking Out and Fin

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Jas Dhillon, a former professional football player and current police officer, shares his journey from the football field to law enforcement. He discusses the excitement of draft day and the challenges he faced transitioning from a defensive player to an offensive lineman. Jas highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and determination in both football and policing. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and building trust with the public, especially in diverse communities. Jas also reflects on his personal experiences with the police and the cultural differences that can impact interactions with law enforcement. 

In this conversation, Jas Dhillon, a police officer, discusses his experiences with law enforcement and the community. He shares how his South Asian background and proud military history influenced his decision to become a police officer. Jas emphasizes the importance of positive interactions, trust, and respect in building relationships with the community. He also highlights the significance of effective communication, humility, and listening in achieving the platinum standard as a police officer. Jas shares stories of his worst and best calls, showcasing the emotional impact of the job. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork, culture, and mentorship in law enforcement.

Chapters

00:00     Introduction and Football Career

06:14     Transition from Football to Policing

12:54     Lessons from Football Applied to Policing

20:15     Building Trust with the Public

26:36     Personal Experience with Police and Cultural Differences

30:26     Interactions with Law Enforcement

31:17     Proud Military History

32:08     Positive Interactions with the Community

33:08     Policing in the Neighborhood

34:37     Building Trust and Respect

35:17     Achieving the Platinum Standard

36:13     Continued Learning and Growth

37:35     Effective Communication and Respect

38:21     Humility and Listening

39:05     Being Heard and Treated with Decency

40:24     Dealing with Newcomers and Long-Time Residents

41:31     Recognized as a Police Officer

42:04     Connecting with the Community

43:15     Teamwork and Leadership

44:17     Importance of Communication and Culture

48:10     Field Training and Mentorship

49:08     Worst and Best Calls

55:26     Family History and Sikh Culture

57:04     Connecting with Jas Dhillon

58:41     Appreciation for Service

To follow or connect with Jas check out the links below:

Instagram: @jdhillon54
Email: jas.dhillon@surreypolice.ca

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Calvin Chrustie, a former senior operations officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, discusses the importance of navigating the threats, risks, and challenges of the contemporary world. He highlights the convergence of threats and the weaponization of activities by foreign threat actors, which he refers to as hybrid warfare. 

The conversation covers various topics related to the challenges and issues faced by Canada, particularly in relation to fentanyl and toxic drug deaths. It highlights the ineffectiveness of current approaches, the weaponization of fentanyl, societal indifference towards drug deaths, lack of interconnectivity and collaboration, concerns for the future of Canada, the role of politicians in addressing the issues, concerns of business leaders, advice for aspiring politicians, and the need for self-reflection and courage. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these issues for the well-being and security of Canada.

Chapters

00:00    Introduction 
01:15    Background and Interest in National Security
11:36    Convergence of Threats and Hybrid Warfare
22:43    Factors Contributing to Canada's Blind Eye
28:04    Comparison of CSIS Mandate with Other Intelligence Agencies
29:24    Lack of Legislative Changes to Address Contemporary Threats
29:52    The Ineffectiveness of Current Approaches
31:16    The Weaponization of Fentanyl
32:21    Toxic Drug Deaths and Societal Indifference
36:26    Lack of Interconnectivity and Collaboration
37:26    Concerns for the Future of Canada
40:21    The Role of Politicians in Addressing the Issues
45:08    Concerns of Business Leaders
50:04    Advice for Aspiring Politicians
55:24    The Need for Self-Reflection and Courage
56:10    Conclusion and Contact Information

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Summary

In this episode, Christopher Littrell, a former police officer and mental health advocate, shares his journey of resilience and healing. He discusses the impact of traumatic experiences, the importance of support systems, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Litrell also opens up about his struggles with alcohol abuse and the role it played in his mental health. He emphasizes the significance of mutual support in marriage and the need for first responders to seek help and overcome the stigma surrounding mental health. Overall, Littrell's story highlights the importance of mental health support for first responders and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity. In this conversation, Chris Littrell shares his personal journey of dealing with post-traumatic stress and the importance of seeking help. He emphasizes the need for a culturally competent counselor and employer support. Chris also discusses the impact of an intensive treatment program and the value of self-care practices, including talking to trusted individuals and being self-aware. He concludes by providing his top three must-do's for someone struggling and shares how to connect with him.

Takeaways

• Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on first responders, leading to mental health struggles such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Having a strong support system, both within and outside of the law enforcement community, is crucial for coping with the challenges of the job.
• Balancing personal and professional life is essential for maintaining mental well-being. Setting boundaries, seeking help, and prioritizing self-care are important strategies.
• Alcohol abuse can be a coping mechanism for first responders, but it can also exacerbate mental health issues. Seeking treatment and finding healthier ways to cope are essential for recovery. Seeking help is crucial for dealing with post-traumatic stress.
• Culturally competent counselors are essential for effective treatment.
• Employer support is vital in creating a supportive environment for employees.
• Intensive treatment programs can have a significant impact on recovery.
• Self-care practices, such as talking to trusted individuals and being self-aware, are essential for overall well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:26 Transition to Law Enforcement

06:21 Impact of Traumatic Experiences

09:21 Importance of Mutual Support in Marriage

12:21 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

13:05 Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma

14:45 Cumulative Trauma and PTSD

20:16 Supporting Spouses and Sharing Responsibilities

23:24 Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Struggles

25:13 Reaching Out for Help

26:09 Importance of Mental Health Support for First Responders

26:19 The Importance of Seeking Help

32:01 Employer Support

38:07 Chief Guerrero's Response

40:47 Intensive Treatment Program

45:31 The Value of Intensive Treatment

47:40 Self-Care Practices

53:52 Top Three Must-Do's for Someone Struggling

57:41 Connecting with Chris Littrell

Click here to visit Gravity Training and Consulting and to listen to the Gravity podcast. 

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Summary

Dr. Scott MacDonald, a physician at the Providence Crosstown Clinic in Vancouver, discusses the drug crisis in British Columbia and the need for safe supply harm reduction strategies. He emphasizes the limitations of current treatments and the importance of diversifying options for people with opioid use disorder. Dr. MacDonald advocates for the use of prescription heroin and explores the potential of prescription fentanyl. He highlights the need to move beyond the abstinence-only approach and prioritize patient-centered care. Dr. MacDonald also addresses the role of law enforcement and the importance of resources for individuals seeking help with substance use disorder.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:42 Criticism of Drug Decriminalization

03:07 Insufficient Treatment Options

05:00 Lack of Access to Treatment

06:06 Attracting More Patients to Treatment

07:26 Prescription Heroin as an Option

08:12 Challenges of Prescribing Heroin

09:36 Exploring Prescription Fentanyl

11:07 Success Stories and Case Studies

20:11 Factors Driving Fentanyl Use

23:39 Moving Beyond Abstinence-Only Approach

25:24 Following the Evidence

27:39 The Need for Diversified Treatment Options

29:24 The Role of Law Enforcement

33:07 Addressing Drug Diversion

35:53 Reevaluating Prohibition

41:17 Personal Experience with the Crisis

43:22 Resources for Substance Use Disorder

44:00 Connecting with Dr. Scott MacDonald

45:11 Conclusion

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Summary

Marissa Rose, a paramedic with a background in advanced care paramedicine, shares her journey of navigating the challenges and traumas of her profession. She discusses how her childhood experiences and the need for help shaped her desire to become a paramedic. Marissa highlights the demanding nature of the job, the accumulation of trauma over time, and the impact it has on mental health. She talks about the feelings of betrayal, anger, and depression that she experienced, as well as the physical and emotional toll of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties, Marissa continues to do the job because of her passion for helping others. Marissa Rose shares her journey of struggling with mental health and finding healing through equine therapy. She opens up about her darkest moments and the decision she made to end her life. However, her encounter with horses, particularly a horse named Caesar, brought her a sense of relief and connection that she had never experienced before. Equine therapy became a transformative experience for her, leading her to advocate for its benefits and pursue research in the field. Marissa emphasizes the importance of understanding the physiological changes that occur in the brain during therapy and the need for more comprehensive studies in this area. Marissa Rose shares her journey of resilience and healing after experiencing trauma as a paramedic. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding balance in life, as well as the need for better support and mental health resources for frontline workers. Marissa discusses the impact of trauma on the brain and the potential for healing through holistic methods such as equine therapy, yoga, and art therapy. She also highlights the significance of debriefing and the reconsolidation of memories in managing PTSD. Marissa's mission is to empower and support her peers in the first responder community.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

07:55Challenges and Trauma in the Job

26:34The Physical and Emotional Toll of the Job

38:02The Transformative Power of Equine Therapy

44:41The Need for Research on Equine Therapy

55:32Overcoming Challenges and Finding Hope

01:02:30The Significance of Saving Lives

01:10:24Understanding the Impact of Trauma

01:18:48Training to Do vs. Being

Marissa's The Inner Response website is available here: https://innerresponse.com.au/

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I’m your host, Christian Lane.

If you are a discerning listener of this show you may have noticed that it's been some time since I've produced an episode, and there's good reason for that.  I’m not really one to talk about myself or use this platform to share my own story but, given the time that's gone by since my last episode, I feel like I owe you some measure of explanation about where I've been and what's been going on. So, this is my story, or at least a part of it, as told through an interview I gave to my good friend and host of The Gravity Podcast, Chris Litrell.  

A word of warning, this episode deals with suicidal ideation, depression and mental health. If you, or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or has attempted to end their life, please seek help in hospital, call 911 or contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 (in Canada). 

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In this episode of the Team Ten Eight podcast, Christian Lane speaks with Canadian army veteran and fitness coach Dave Morrow. Morrow shares his mission to help veterans improve their health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness as a foundation for mental health. He discusses his personal journey from struggling with injuries and mental health challenges to becoming a fitness advocate for veterans. The conversation covers various topics, including the significance of community, the impact of childhood experiences on health, and the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. Morrow also shares insights from his books, which aim to provide actionable steps for veterans to improve their lives and health.

Takeaways

• Morrow's mission is to help veterans lose weight and improve health.
• Physical fitness is crucial for mental well-being.
• The mind follows the body; physical health impacts mental health.
• Community and social connections are vital for overall wellness.
• Reading and continuous learning are essential for personal growth.
• Shifting perspectives on money can lead to a healthier mindset.
• Friendships and male bonds provide necessary support and stress relief.
• Deep conversations enhance understanding and connection.
• Life's challenges can be viewed as opportunities for growth.
• Morrow's books offer practical advice for veterans seeking to improve their lives.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Mission

02:36
The Importance of Physical Health for Veterans

06:51
Mind-Body Connection: The Foundation of Wellness

12:23
Tracking Progress: The 100K Veterans Mission

14:49
Childhood Influences on Health and Fitness

20:37
Maintaining Mental Health: Routines and Connections

30:55
Reading and Lifelong Learning

31:57
The Shift to Entrepreneurship

39:49
Understanding Money and Wealth

41:11
The Depth of Conversation

42:50
The Meaning of Life

51:01
Transforming Anger into Purpose

01:01:08
Books and Personal Growth

Visit Dave's Hard to Kill website to learn more about his mission, the Hard To Kill podcast and for information on how to pick up any of his books! 

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In this episode, Christian interviews Dr. Mike Christian, an expert in critical care and disaster medicine. Dr. Christian shares his experiences responding to major crises, including the SARS outbreak, the Haiti earthquake, and the London Bridge attack. He discusses his journey into medicine, the challenges he faced, and the importance of mental health in first responders. The conversation highlights the resilience of individuals in crisis situations and the critical decision-making required in emergency medicine. This conversation delves into the critical aspects of mental health in emergency medicine, focusing on the interplay between primary and secondary stressors faced by first responders. It emphasizes the importance of organizational culture in mitigating these stressors and highlights the benefits of interprofessional teams in pre-hospital care. The discussion also outlines key strategies for improving mental health support within organizations and the potential for implementing successful models from other countries in North America.

Takeaways

• Dr. Christian emphasizes the importance of stepping forward to help in crises.
• His experience during the SARS outbreak taught him about emergency preparedness.
• A thirst for knowledge drove him to pursue a career in medicine.
• Overcoming initial struggles in education was pivotal for his success.
• The devastation in Haiti highlighted the need for basic public health measures.
• Human resilience in disaster zones can be inspiring and eye-opening.
• Split-second decisions can significantly impact patient outcomes in emergencies.
• Mental health discussions are crucial in the physician community.
• Teamwork is essential in emergency response and decision-making.
• Learning from experiences in the field is vital for growth in medicine. Mental health issues in emergency medicine must be openly discussed.
• Primary stressors are inherent to the job, but secondary stressors can be managed.
• Organizational culture significantly impacts employee well-being.
• Leaders must prioritize addressing secondary stressors to improve outcomes.
• A learning culture within organizations fosters improvement and adaptability.
• Caring for both patients and staff is essential for effective service delivery.
• Interprofessional teams have shown to improve patient survival rates.
• Understanding the potential of interprofessional collaboration is crucial for change.
• Overcoming cultural attitudes towards emergency care is necessary for progress.
• Support systems for first responders can enhance their performance in critical situations.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Dr. Mike Christian

05:00
The Journey into Medicine

16:09
Reflections on the Haiti Earthquake

27:30
Mental Health in First Responders

33:06
The Impact of Organizational Culture on Stressors

39:25
Interprofessional Teams in Pre-Hospital Care

50:06
Implementing Change in North American Emergency Services

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Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, but what happens when they’re stretched beyond their limits? 

In this powerful episode, host Christian Lane sits down with Adriane Gear, President of the BC Nurses Union, to explore the critical challenges facing nurses today—from workplace safety and burnout to the historic win for nurse-patient ratios in BC. 

Adriane shares her journey from bedside nursing to frontline advocacy, the mental and physical toll of the profession, and what needs to change to retain and recruit nurses. This conversation is essential listening for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone who values the people who care for us when we need it most. 

Topics Covered:
✅ The reality of nurse-patient ratios and how it impacts patient care
✅ How BC became the first jurisdiction in Canada to mandate minimum ratios
✅ The mental health toll of nursing and the fight for PTSD recognition
✅ The truth about nurse salaries and why pay matters for retention
✅ Why nursing isn’t just a job—it’s a deeply personal commitment 

📌 Follow & Connect with Adriane Gear:
 Instagram: @adrianegear
 LinkedIn: Adriane Gear
 

🔗 Resources Mentioned: 

• BC Nurses Union: [www.bcnu.org]
• Nurse-Patient Ratio Studies: [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8408834/] [https://nursesunions.ca/research/nurse-patient-ratios/]

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Episode Summary:
In this deeply reflective and inspiring episode, host Christian Lane sits down with Dr. Alec Ritchie—an emergency physician, educator, and mountain medicine expert. From the adrenaline-filled peaks of Whistler to the life-saving trenches of North Shore Rescue, Dr. Ritchie shares the personal and professional journey that led him to wilderness medicine.

We explore the “Zen of the mountains,” the hidden stressors medical professionals face, how fitness and mindset impact recovery, and the life-saving gaps in wilderness healthcare policy. Alec speaks candidly about purpose, legacy, and the healing power of both nature and connection.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the outdoors is Dr. Ritchie's ultimate mental health toolkit
• The surprising resilience of the human body—and spirit
• How emergency physicians navigate stress differently
• What it’s really like being part of North Shore Rescue
• The systemic gap in wilderness medical care—and the legacy Alec is building to fix it

Resources & Links:

• 🏔️ North Shore Rescue Documentary – Knowledge Network
• 🩺 UBC Department of Emergency Medicine – Wilderness & Mountain Medicine Working Group
• 📬 Reach Dr. Alec Ritchie: Wilderness.Mountain.Medicine@ubc.ca

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Inspired by the radio code for "in service", Team Ten Eight is Canada's only podcast dedicated to honouring the people who serve and sacrifice to keep us healthy, safe and secure.

From front line health care workers and first responders to law enforcement and the military. From their spouses and partners and the people they help, to the people that advocate, care for and support our heroes.

Subscribe now to hear from some incredible people as they share their stories and experiences.

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Before an injury forced his retirement, Constable Bryan Maurer served 14 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  

After joining the RCMP and completing his training, Bryan was assigned to policing duties in Surrey, British Columbia, one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, and worked as a general duty patrol officer in one of that city’s toughest neighborhoods before going on to qualify for the Emergency Response Team where he was trained as an assaulter, sniper, confined space rescuer and more. 

Bryan Maurer shares some of his experiences including an officer involved shooting, the investigation that follows and the toll policing can take on some officers.   

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A Canadian Armed Forces veteran and decorated member of the Vancouver Police Department, Shawn shares some of his experiences as a domestic violence investigations specialist, his battle with post traumatic stress disorder and what drove him to establish the Police and Peace Officer Memorial Ribbon Society and create the official national symbol of mourning for law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.  

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AJ is a registered nurse and manager of clinical operations and peri-operative services for the Interior Health Authority in Cranbrook, British Columbia. With over 25 years of health care experience, she shares her experience working in a major trauma center, the impact one patient can have on the people who work tirelessly to save them and discusses some of the differences between nursing in urban and rural communities.   

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Constable Joe Cecchini is a 13 year member of the Calgary Police Service. He’s spent 11 years as a patrol officer and now specializes in emergency mental health with the Police and Crisis Team (PACT), a partnership between health care providers and police officers who respond to situations involving people who are suffering from a mental health, addictions, or psycho-social crisis. On this episode Joe talks about how PACT works in the field, what it's like to lose a friend in the line of duty and how he ended up competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics. 

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Inspector Ben Maure is a 32 year member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with experience working a range of duties from uniform patrol to national security investigations. 

Ben shares his perspective on what he describes as the nobility of police work, the opportunities that can be provided by a career in law enforcement and his new book about police in peace building and peace keeping missions around the world. 

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Assistant Warden Peter Lang has spent more than 20 years working with federal inmates as a correctional officer, parole officer and manager. He discusses why he chose corrections as a career, what it means to see an inmate succeed and how he grappled with a family tragedy that no parent should have to endure. 

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From 2001 to 2014 Canada was engaged in it’s longest war ever as it joined an international coalition to destroy the al-Qaeda terrorist network and the Taliban regime that sheltered it in Afghanistan.

All told, more than 40,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces served in the 12-year campaign that claimed the lives of 158 Canadian soldiers and 7 civilians.

What you may not know though, is that throughout that period, over 300 Canadian police officers also saw duty in Afghanistan. Their mission, to help train, mentor and build the capacity of the Afghan National Police.

My guest this episode was the deputy commander of the Canadian police mission from 2011 – 2012 and author of the book Cops in Kabul: A Newfoundland Peacekeeper in Afghanistan.  Retired RCMP Superintendent William Malone shares his experiences leading the civilian policing mission and the impact the recent events in Afghanistan have had on him and his colleagues.

If you're interested in picking up a copy of William Malone's book, check out the link above. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health service provider utilizing clinical best practices and evidence-based care to create an environment of compassion, resiliency and hope for Canada’s Veterans, First Responders and their families. 

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Devon Pinchak is a 33 year advanced life support paramedic with the British Columbia Ambulance Service and a volunteer medic with Technical Evacuation Advanced AeroMedical, a not for profit society comprised of advanced care and primary care paramedics, emergency physicians, nurses, technical rescue specialists and other mountain professionals dedicated to providing leading edge pre-hospital care and transport in austere settings.

On this episode, Devon talks about the ups and downs of a career in emergency paramedicine, his perspective on the opioid crisis and the call that still gets to him. 

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David Langlands is a decorated 37-year officer of the Canada Border Services Agency who has been awarded the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals as well as the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal and bar; and has been recognized for a number of significant drug interdictions over his career.

He’s worked at land, sea, air and even mail points of entry and you  might even recognize him from the hit show Border Security. On this episode we learn a little about what it's like working on Canada's "front line" as David talks about his experience on 9/11 while working at one of Canada's busiest airports, his role in a major drug interdiction and just how far border security in Canada has come over four decades.  

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T.C. Randall (not his real name by the way) is the author of the recently published book, The View from the Wrong Side of the Day and is a registered nurse who spent 14 years working in a British Columbia emergency room.

 After responding to patient, after patient, after patient and dealing with everything from major physical trauma and severe medical distress to death, it all came to head one day.

On this episode, T.C. talks about his battle with complex post traumatic stress disorder, an emergency medical system near collapse and why he felt compelled to share his story. 

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Weeks away from death. That's how Joe Roberts describes his life at it's lowest point.  

On this episode, Joe shares his journey from a youth growing up in suburban Ontario to a drug addicted young man committing crimes in Vancouver's downtown east side to his remarkable turnaround which, he says,  never would have happened were it not for a dangerous encounter and the intervention of one police officer. 

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This episode deals with post traumatic stress disorder and the impact PTSD can have on families. There may be content that is triggering for some.

Brett is a veteran police officer in Ontario, Canada who has spent the majority of his career on patrol. One call in particular, followed by a series of similar calls would threaten everything he understood about himself and change his life and that of his family forever.

On this episode, and in their recently published book, PTSD Road to Recovery,  Brett and his wife Ava share their very personal journey through Brett’s battle and recovery from post traumatic stress disorder. 

We discuss the importance of paying attention to the symptoms; how critical it is to fight for yourself and find the right help; and, Brett and Ava offer advice for other first responder families struggling with unseen injuries. 

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