Policing, PTSD and the Price of Service

Former cop, detective and firearms instructor Glen Williams sits down with host Andrew Iden to talk about what the job really does to people—and how to survive it. This is a candid conversation about trauma (on the street, at home, and inside the chain of command), the cases that stick with you, and why talking about it might be the only way through. If you work in law enforcement, EMS, fire, dispatch—or you cover crime—you’ll feel this one. GET GLEN'S BOOK: https://a.co/d/3cL2kgw IN THIS EPISODE: How a beat cop becomes a detective—and what actually makes a good one “Leadership trauma” vs. “relationship trauma” vs. “experiential trauma” Nightmares, gallows humor, overworking, and the slow creep of PTSD What departments get right (and wrong) about “officer wellness” Why community rapport solves cases The most realistic cop shows (yes, NYPD Blue gets love) ABOUT THE GUEST: Glen Williams is a retired law enforcement officer (patrol, detectives, firearms/SWAT instructor). He wrote Bridging the Gap about mental health in policing and appears in the documentary Is There Something Going On at Home? Find the book on major retailers. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you’re LEO/first responder/journalist: How do you cope—and what actually helps? Drop your tools, routines, or resources below. We’ll highlight thoughtful replies. SUPPORT & RESOURCES: If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or local peer-support resources. NEW HERE? Subscribe for long-form, straight-talk conversations about crime, policing, and the people inside the system. JOIN OUR PATREON: http://www.deviantpodcast.com Visit DEVIANT's socials: http://www.instagram.com/deviant.podcast http://www.tiktok.com/@deviant.podcast Copyright 2025 Cold Open Media LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices