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Podcast weblog: A career in law enforcement is one of the most rewarding, challenging, and selfless professions out there. The Guns and Yoga podcast explores the intersection between the impact a first responder career can have on those on the job, their families, and the importance of adopting and maintaining a holistic lifestyle. Wendy Hummell is a seasoned law enforcement officer in the Midwest with close to 25 years experience. She is a LEO spouse, mother, and wellness enthusiast. She knows first-hand the difficulties this line of work can bring. For the past decade, Wendy has been exploring various ways to improve her emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well – being. She continues to learn and has a passion for sharing these tools to improve the quality of life not only for herself and her family, but for all first responders. Wendy is a certified yoga and meditation instructor. She teaches yoga, mindfulness, and resiliency to first responders at her current agency where she works as the Health and Wellness Coordinator. She also teaches throughout the state of Kansas and other national platforms. Wendy retired from the Wichita Police Department in 2019 at the rank of Detective where she spent a majority of her career working persons crimes. The intention of this podcast is to add value, provide support, and share resources by providing a platform for honest conversations with first responders, family members, retirees, and wellness experts. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, work in corrections, dispatch, Fire, EMS, The Prosecutors Office, the Coroners Officer, are a member of the military, family member or anyone who supports front line workers, please subscribe today and hear hear the stories of these brave men and women, the challenges and difficulties they have faced; the wonderful programs, people, and resources available to support first responders.
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Today we are doing something new- at the end of 2021, we got the opportunity to visit Morgan Farms, a newly formed non-profit located in Wellsville, KS. My husband and I drove there on an unseasonably warm day in early December. Jason Klepac, the founder, and owner, was hosting an open house and invited the Guns and Yoga Podcast for a tour and opportunity to speak with some of the first responders in attendance. As our two-and-a-half-hour drive came to an end, and we got closer to Morgan Farms, I started to feel more at ease. Less cars, more space, less people more trees, less noise more quiet.
When we arrived, the tour was just starting; about 20 area first responders came from different parts of Kansas to learn more. Jason is a former first responder and military veteran. He and his wife, Shannon, have opened their home and their hearts, in service of those who serve. Jason and Shannon have created something unique; a working farm on 40 acres.
So, what is Morgan Farms?
It is an opportunity to experience the beauty, peace, and calm. Jason has created something really special. We will talk with him and his wife in next week’s episode, but for him, it’s all about the people; the first responders and taking care of them in a unique way. Not doing anything per se, but providing them the space, the environment to just be.
Today, you will hear a mash up, or a series of short interviews with several first responders we did on location; Dawn Deterding, Jamie Davis, and Roxy VanGundy, who have a combined near 70 years of experience under the headset as dispatchers. These ladies came from different parts of the state to visit Morgan Farms and speak with us today. They all work for different agencies across the state, KC MO PD, Lee Summit Fire, and Lyon County. They are committed to supporting their peers and work with agencies such as NENA National emergency number association and MARC the Mid America Regional Council to improve services and resources to dispatchers and other first responders.
You will hear from them how valuable they feel Morgan Farms will be as a resource for their people.
I also spoke with Lt. Dan Davis Belton PD and Matt Kelly, Captain Miami County Sheriff they are co-chairs for command level peer support with MARC.
In these conversations you will hear about critical incidents, the impact of secondary trauma and the role that peer support can play in supporting dispatchers, law enforcement and all first responders.
If you want increased feelings of calmness, need a change of scenery, want to increase endorphin levels, recharge, be less irritable, and possible reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone association with excessive nervous system activation, then you should check our Morgan Farms.
Next week when we hear from Jason and Shannon, we will discuss future plans for Morgan Farms, future programs, etc. The intuitive nature of horses and how they can help us understand more about ourselves and how we communicate with others.
LINKS:
I hope you enjoy this episode, and please, if you find value in this episode, please share it, give us a review, and if you’d like to be notified of future episodes you can subscribe on our Podbean website or email us at: wendy@bluelineyoga.com.
Thanks!
Also visit us at: wendyhummell.com
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