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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 Oct 19, 2021
Tuesday Oct 19, 2021
Tactical Tip Tuesday is a weekly microcast where we will share a tip, tool, or dose of inspiration for the week ahead.
THE TACTICAL HABITS SERIES
This week: Tactical Habit 4 - Addressing Burnout & Chronic Inflammation
As I mention in this podcast, I am launching a program in January 2022 called Radical Resilience. If you want to build resilience and adaptability into your physiology by optimizing the rhythm of your daily habits, want to tap into your unique purpose and potential, and learn these habits in a dynamic group setting then this program could be for you. One thing I have learned from peer support is that evolution happens faster and easier in a group and improves success in achieving goals.
If you struggle with low energy, overwhelm, chronic pain, inflammation, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, irritability, or burnout the curriculum is based on 10 holistic habits that help you feel your best regardless of what stage of life you are in. Radical Resilience empowers you with the knowledge and practical tools to thrive and heal. These are things I have been teaching to first responders for years, but putting it together for a small group over several months in a group setting has been shown to improve success in achieving goals. If you are interested in learning more about the program you can email me at: wendy@bluelineyoga.com or reach out to me on Linkedin.
LINK: Radical Resilience with Wendy Hummell: Chronic Inflammation & Burnout
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
In today’s episode I spoke with retired police veteran, Rodger Ruge. Rodger is the author of Navigating Adversity Tactical Self Care for First Responders, podcast host, professional trainer, and resilience coach.
We discuss Rodger’s career, how police officers tend to over identify with their careers his passion to guide other first responders to be healthier, he discusses an incident that led to his PTSD diagnosis that he refers to as his triggering incident and we wrap up with a brief meditation.
Rodger discusses his healing journey and his realization that his engagement in high risk behavior at work and in her personal life were disguised as his daily attempt to take his life. When Rodger finally decided to get help, stigma was a huge factor, but he knew he needed to sacrifice outing himself rather than lose everything.
Rodger also explains the Return on Investment in a three minute mindfulness practice he walks us through.
LINKS:
Link to his book Navigating Adversity: Tactical Self Care for First Responders
Connect with Rodger on Linkedin
ONE LAST THING -
I have an exciting announcement. I am launching a program in January 2022 called Radical Resilience. If you want to build resilience and adaptability into your physiology by optimizing the rhythm of your daily habits, want to tap into your unique purpose and potential, and learn these habits in a dynamic group setting then this program could be for you. One thing I have learned from peer support is that evolution happens faster and easier in a group and improves success in achieving goals.
If you struggle with low energy, overwhelm, chronic pain, inflammation, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, irritability, or burnout the curriculum is based on 10 holistic habits that help you feel your best regardless of what stage of life you are in. Radical Resilience empowers you with the knowledge and practical tools to thrive and heal. These are things I have been teaching to first responders for years, but putting it together for a small group over several months in a group setting has been shown to improve success in achieving goals. If you are interested in learning more about the program you can email me at: wendy@bluelineyoga.com or reach out to me on Linkedin.
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Tactical Tip Tuesday is a weekly microcast where we will share a tip, tool, or dose of inspiration for the week ahead.
THE TACTICAL HABITS SERIES
This week: Tactical Habit 3 - Start Your Day Right
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Welcome to episode 21 of the Guns and Yoga podcast, my name is Wendy Hummell.
In today’s episode I speak with Amy Morgan, founder and CEO of Academy Hour, an online platform offering mental health training for first responders.
I had a lot of fun talking to Amy – fun may seem like an odd word choice, but when I get to meet and talk to people who are as passionate and enthusiastic about first responder wellness as Amy is, I’m in my happy place – it’s encouraging to know there are good people out there dedicated to supporting our cops, firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers.
Amy and I discussed how she offers numerous classes free of charge to first responders such as ethics, leadership, suicide prevention, burnout, trauma, addiction, and more.
Amy discusses how she created Academy Hour out of a need to fill a gap -she noticed an interest amongst first responders she worked with at the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation in mental health training. She began teaching classes on trauma and ptsd and the rest is history.
Amy’s passion for her work is apparent and drives her to create valuable content that is greatly needed. She developed an on line peer support training and the certified first responder counselor certification training and is working on a program for retirees.
If you are a first responder who is interested in taking classes from Academy Hour, you can learn more at https://www.academyhour.com/ or email Info@AcademyHour.com.
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
I would love to hear from you with questions, suggestions for future guests or topics you’d like to hear about - you can email wendy@bluelineyoga.com or reach out to me on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-hummell-b48653186/.
Tuesday Sep 07, 2021
Tuesday Sep 07, 2021
Tactical Tip Tuesday is a weekly microcast where we will share a tip, tool, or dose of inspiration for the week ahead.
THE TACTICAL HABITS SERIES
This week: Tactical Habit 2 - Sleep: Don't Steal Energy from Tomorrow
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
Welcome to episode 20 of the Guns and Yoga podcast, my name is Wendy Hummell. In today’s episode I talk with Jonathan Hickory. He’s been a police officer for 18 years in Virginia and is the award winning author of the book Break Every Chain that is now a powerful award winning movie.
I reached out to Jonathan after seeing a facebook post about his book. As I often do when I stumble upon interesting people, I did a little stalking and reached out to him on Linkedin. Jonathan and I exchanged a few emails before recording this episode, and although I only just met him he's one of those guys that’s so easy to talk to and who I feel like I’ve known for years. The reason why Jonathan’s story struck such a chord with me is that so much of what he says is familiar; some of his story rings true to me personally, and other aspects remind me of friends, peers, and co-workers.
Which reminded me why storytelling is so powerful, and one of the best ways to teach, influence, and inspire. It forges connections among us; our culture; our unique sister and brotherhood. Hearing stories like Jonathans helps us relate on an intuitive level like no other and reminds us we are not alone.
We discuss the loss of his father and the pain of being bullied as a teen, his experience of trying to reach out to an experienced officer for help and shame he felt when he was shut down with the old school mentality.
Jonathan’s unresolved trauma led him down a path of self- destruction; he talks about how he went from Officer of the Year to landing in IA, being stripped of his badge and gun, and the worst part was being ordered not to talk to anyone.
Jonathan candidly discusses how his work as a fatal crash investigator impacted him and how the devastating loss of his second child hardened his heart. He credits his healing to both his faith based marriage counselor and police psychologist, the support of his loving wife, Stacey, his three beautiful children, and his faith in god.
LINKS:
The Movie: Breakeverychainmovie.com
The Book: Get it here on AMAZON
Wednesday Aug 25, 2021
Wednesday Aug 25, 2021
Tactical Tip Tuesday is a weekly microcast where we will share a tip, tool, or dose of inspiration for the week ahead.
THE TACTICAL HABITS SERIES
This week: Tactical Habit 1 - Earlier, Lighter Dinner
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Dr. Jennifer Prohaska, PhD, has a postdoctoral fellowship in Neurorehabilitation Psychology and received a Bachelor of Arts, Master’s Degree and a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Kansas.
Dr. Prohaska has spent nearly two decades focused on the needs of those on the front lines. Her passion is to help those who help others by providing the critical tools needed to navigate the stressors they experience on a daily basis.
She has conducted extensive research on: Prevention of PTSD in First Responders; Effective Treatment Modalities for First Responders; Building Resiliency in First Responders; Modification of Empirically Supported Treatments for First Responders; New Hire Selection of Police Officers; Depression, specifically biological factors; Childhood Trauma and Resiliency
From her website:
“For first responders—the firefighters, police officers, military personnel, emergency dispatchers, EMTs and others who keep us safe—work can mean close encounters with danger, chaos and tragedy, sometimes on a daily basis. Over time, exposure to such stress can take a toll on first responders’ mental and physical health. I’ve dedicated my professional life to help these heroes navigate the treacherous waters they encounter every day…because they deserve it.”
LINKS:
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
This week I share an episode of the Evolve to Harmony Podcast hosted By Carole Westerman. In this episode the tables are turned and I am the guest and the one answering questions instead of asking them. I thought this would be a great way to not only share Carole's excellent new podcast, but to also give my listeners an opportunity to learn a little bit more about me.
LINKS:
and, as always, I can be reached directly at: wendy@bluelineyoga.com
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Welcome to episode 18 of the Guns and Yoga podcast, my name is Wendy Hummell. In today’s episode I talk with Shawna McClure. Shawna recently retired from a 25 year career in law enforcement, her most recent assignment was with the Omaha Police Department.
In my conversation with Shawna, it dawned on me that she is the first female cop I’ve had on the show. Law Enforcement is still predominantly male and only 12-14% of cops are women which isn’t much different than 25 years ago when Shawna and I first started out. We discuss challenges women in this career field face when it comes to balancing family and motherhood and the bond some female offers share.
We also talk about some things that could be difficult for some to hear. Shawna openly speaks about her PTSD diagnosis, her suicide attempt, and the call that broke her -
On May 20th, 2015, Shawna responded to a call in which her friend and fellow officer, Detective Kerrie Orozco was shot and killed in the line of duty just one day prior to going on maternity leave. Kerrie’s daughter was born premature and after three months was getting released from the hospital and going home for the first time.
Having had two premature children who spent 55 and 38 days respectively in the NICU before coming home, I remember how hearing about this case personally impacted me.
Shawna shares her lowest point, her suicide attempt, and the support her husband and family have played in her path to healing in addition to resources like therapy, RX, the organization’s below:
LINKS:
WCPR: https://www.frsn.org/west-coast-post-trauma-retreat.html
C.O.P.S. : https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/
Wednesday Jul 28, 2021
Wednesday Jul 28, 2021
Tactical Tip Tuesday is a weekly microcast where we will share a tip, tool, or dose of inspiration for the week ahead.
This week: A Growth Mindset
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Sonny Provetto is a former police officer and a trauma-focused therapist. He is the Clinical Director at The Vermont Center for Responder Wellness & The Institute for Trauma Recovery and Resilience. It is a comprehensive treatment center for first responders that uses a multi-disciplinary approach to healing traumatic stress. They treat trauma at its core by using EMDR, biofeedback, and trauma-sensitive yoga as tools to help responders heal from their trauma.
Sonny and I discuss his personal experience with EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and how it helped him to heal from PTS.
LINKS:
How to Find an EMDR therapist in your area - >>> Find an EMDR Therapist
Vermont Center for Responder Wellness - >>> The Vermont Center for Responder Wellness & The Institute for Trauma Recovery and Resilience
YouTube Video - >>> https://youtu.be/WqzWEC4T9_s
Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
This week I talk with Within the Trenches podcast host, Ricardo Martinez. He worked as a dispatcher for 13 years and is doing amazing things within the dispatch world by bringing awareness to issues surrounding burnout, wellness, and self-care through the power of storytelling. He talks about how burying his own calls and not reaching out was personally detrimental to him, and used this as motivation for what started as a college project blog and eventually turned in to what he has created today with his Within the Trenches podcast. His podcast is based on his own experiences as a 911 dispatcher. The stories he shares are based on all types of calls. The show is informative, funny, and eye opening. Dispatchers around the globe have been featured on the podcast.
He is the founder of Within the Trenches media, the IAM911 movement, and the Dare to Be Great Conference series.
You can find the podcast on iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher Radio, Soundcloud or your favorite podcasting app. You can reach Ricardo at wttpodcast@gmail.com and find more information on his website https://www.withinthetrenches.net/.
Tuesday Jun 29, 2021
Tuesday Jun 29, 2021
Today’s guest is Stephanie Samuels, the founder and director of COPLINE, a 24/7 hotline manned by vetted and retired LEOs, she is a psychotherapist that specializes in working with police officers and their families, a trainer, an author, and she hosts her own show, Steph Therapy 911.
LINKS:
COPLINE @ www.copline.org
Facebook - StephTherapy911 with Stephanie Samuels
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
This week, we continue with our Podcaster Series. I speak with Garrett TeSlaa, veteran law enforcement sergeant and host of the successful podcast, The Squad Room. Garrett left a successful career in the music and film industry in 2005 to pursue a life in public service. Garrett is now an active duty 16-year law enforcement veteran and sergeant for a sheriff's office in Southern California. Garrett has held assignments in patrol, gang investigations, community relations, internal affairs, and media relations among many others; and, has been involved in numerous critical incidents that have received international media attention. Garrett holds a Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership and Public Sector Management and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. Garrett hosts the successful podcast The Squad Room devoted to personal development for first responders. He is also a TEDx speaker and contributing writer for PoliceOne and Law Enforcement Today.
LINKS:
The Squad Room: https://www.thesquadroom.net/
TED Talks: The Importance of Second Responders: Garrett TeSlaa