The Tactical Debrief with Dr. Massimino
by You have the right to seek therapy
The Tactical Debrief podcast (Formerly The Staff Assistant Podcast) is designed to assist and educate public safety personnel about mental health issues and managing work-related stress. Dr. Massimino is a licensed clinical psychologist who works within a large law enforcement agency and treats first responders in her private practice. Each episode is designed to mimic an intake session - giving you an inside look into what meeting with a therapist would look like - through the eyes of other first responders. The goal of The Tactical Debrief podcast is to normalize therapy for law enforcement and first responders, and to reduce the suicide rate for this population.
Episodes
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Episode 53: ETL - Enter The Lion
In this episode, I interview Josh Cook - the founder of ETL - Enter the Lion. Josh joined the Baltimore Police Department as a police officer, eventually transferring to the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Feeling called to minister to law enforcement directly, he separated from his...
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Episode 52: Restorative Justice
On June 14th, 1991 at 2:15am, five armed teenagers broke into a home in Salinas, CA, believing there was a safe with cash inside the house. For 48 minutes, they tortured a mother, a father, and their 17 year-old daughter. When the family did not produce a safe, they began raping the daughter,...
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Episode 51: In memory of CSP-SAC C/O Valentino Rodriguez Jr.
In this episode, I interview Valentino and Irma Rodriguez, the parents of Correctional Officer Valentino Rodriguez, Jr. Val Jr. worked as a correctional officer at both San Quentin State Prison and California State Prison Sacramento for over five years before he died of a fentanyl overdose in…
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Episode 50: In Memory of CSP-COR C/O Jami Bowechop
In this episode, we interview Tyler Caffee, the brother of Correctional Officer Jami Bowechop. Jami worked at the California State Prison, Corcoran for nine years before she died by suicide in 2016. Tyler shares about their family history, how Jami’s death impacted their family, and reasons why…
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Episode 49: Selena
Episode 49: Selena In this episode, we interview “Selena,” a female correctional officer who works in a maximum security correctional setting. She discusses growing up with a distant mother and an alcoholic father, and the impact these early relationships had when she became a parent herself. We...
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Episode 48: Dr. Joel Fay
In this episode, we interview board certified psychologist Dr. Joel Fay. Joel spent six years in the US Army as a military police officer and as an investigative specialist. He joined the LAPD for a 5 year period, before transferring to the San Rafael Police Department, where he spent the next…
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Episode 47: CDCR Lt. Salvador Bermudez
In this episode, we interview CDCR Lt. Salvador Bermudez who works at California State Prison Los Angeles County. “Sal” as his friends know him, discusses his history of high blood pressure/hypertension that he left untreated for a prolonged period of time. We discuss the relationship between…
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Episode 46: Lt. Scott McGee
In this episode, we interview Lieutenant Scott McGee who currently works for a police department in Southern California. Scott describes himself as a “Professional Good Guy” and practitioner of "The Sisu Way." Though typically difficult to define in English, Sisu is a Finnish word that describes...
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Episode 45: Kate Pieper, LMFT
In this episode, we interview Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Kate Pieper. Kate has been in professional practice for over 30 years and currently only see first responders and their families. She is the former Coordinator for the Northern California Trauma Response Network, is a part of the...
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Episode 44: Eric the Rambler
In this episode, we interview Eric, a correctional sergeant who has worked for multiple law enforcement agencies. He discusses the impact of losing his mother to cancer at ten years of age, and his subsequent placement into foster care. He also discusses his self-diagnosed Asperger’s Disorder and...
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Episode 43: CHP Sgt. Kevin Briggs
In this episode, we interview retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant Kevin Briggs. Kevin has been dubbed, “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge” because of his work preventing suicides for over a decade while on patrol for the CHP in Marin County. Kevin is the first male guest to broach a very...
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Episode 42: NYPD Detective Matt Hickey
In this episode, we interview retired NYPD Detective Matt Hickey. Matt worked for the NYPD from 1990 to 2010, working a range of positions, including Bronx and Manhattan Narcotics, as well as the NYPD’s prestigious Hostage Negotiation Team. He discusses a series of events which led up to his...
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Episode 41: NYPD Detective Edward Conlon
In this episode, we interview retired NYPD Detective and New York Times best selling author Edward Conlon. Conlon writes and narrates a scripted historical podcast called Talk to Me, which tells the inside story of how the field of hostage negotiations was created. In the wake of major 1970’s...
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Episode 40: CDCR CRT Operator Homa (Shafii) Schweers
In this episode, we interview Homa Schweers, former NCAA athlete, firefighter, EMT, and correctional officer. She was the first female to graduate to from the SWAT/CRT Level 1 and Level 2 Operator Academy, earning two out of four of the top honors in the CRT Academy as “Top Operator” and “Top…
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Episode 39: Scott Howell
In this episode, we interview fitness entrepreneur and firearm enthusiast Scott Howell. Scott discusses the importance of competitive team sports in shaping his core beliefs and values during childhood. He translated these experiences later into his career, first working as a fitness trainer…
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Episode 38: Hope
In this episode, we interview “Hope,” a psychiatric technician who works in a correctional setting. She discusses her need for acceptance and approval that stems from her early relationships with her parents. Hope reflected on her mothers constant criticism of her own body, as well as the…
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Episode 37: Dr. Death
In this episode, we interview “Brian,” a police officer from Pennsylvania. Straight out of the academy, he responded to an usual number of fatal accidents and suicides, earning him the nickname “Dr. Death.” He discusses the impact of these critical incidents, ultimately leading to debilitating...
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Episode 36: ODOC Corporal Mychal Cohn
In this episode, we interview Oregon Department of Corrections Corporal Mychal Cohn. Mychal discusses the impact of having an emotionally and physically abusive step-father, and the greater trauma of then being removed from his mothers care. Mychal discusses his time working for the Oregon...
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Episode 35: SMPD CSO Ed Burns
Episode 35: SMPD CSO Ed Burns In this episode, we interview Santa Monica Police Department Community Service Officer Ed Burns. Ed discusses the significant impact his parents had on his life, including experiencing lack of affection and physical abuse. Living with an absent and alcoholic father,...
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Episode 34: LBPD Sgt. Jason Lehman
In this episode, we interview retired Long Beach Police Department Sgt. Jason “Tiny” Lehman. Jason discusses his early life growing up in New York city, his early brush with law enforcement, and the role of sports in his life. He recalls his early years in Long Beach - describing himself as an...
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Episode 33: Clark - Prison Bound
In this episode, we interview “Clark” who is a correctional sergeant at a high security prison. He discusses being exposed to significant physical violence during his childhood - both physical abuse and domestic violence. He recalls feeling like his father might end up killing him, which…
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Episode 32: LBPD Sgt. Adam Sturgeon
In this episode, we interview retired Long Beach Police Department Sergeant Adam Sturgeon. Adam discusses stressors that occurred during his childhood and how that later had a large impact on his marriage. Adam discusses critical incidents that occurred over his sixteen year career with the Long...
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Episode 31: CDCR Sgt. Amanda Johnson
Episode 31: CDCR Sgt. Amanda Johnson In this episode, we interview Correctional Sgt. Amanda “Mandy” Johnson who works at Ironwood State Prison. Mandy is the reason that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation participates in the Pink Patch Project every October, which focuses…
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Episode 30: LBPD Sgt. Andrew Gonzalez
In this episode, we interview Long Beach Police Department Correctional Sergeant Andrew Gonzalez. Andrew grew up in Long Beach, California, and discussed what childhood factors influenced him to pursue a career in law enforcement. Andrew worked for nine years as a correctional sergeant with Long...
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Episode 29: SBPD Sgt. Jordan Mirakian
In this episode we interview Seal Beach Police Department Sergeant Jordan Mirakian. Jordan discusses his childhood, specifically the impact of his father coming out as a gay man when Jordan was thirteen years old. He recalls having to go to work at the age of fourteen to help support his mother,...
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Episode 28: CDCR Lt. Kip Curtiss
In this episode we interview retired CDCR Lt. Kip Curtiss. Kip discusses the positive impact of watching his father interact and mentor sailors in the Navy, and how this shaped his own leadership style. Kip discusses losing his eldest brother in a house fire during childhood, and the impact on...
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Episode 27: R & R - Rants and Raves
In this episode, we discuss the basics of the healthcare and insurance system, including the difference between PPO and HMO insurance plans. We also discuss how to access mental health services using your own health insurance, the in’s and out’s of the EAP system and the need to have reasonable...
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Episode 26: The Dark Horse Project
In this episode, we interview military veteran and police sergeant “Tom,” who is one of the co-founders of The Dark Horse Project. Tom discusses his time in the military, including traumatic events that occurred over his three deployments and the impact of those traumatic events on his personal...
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Episode 25: CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz
In this episode, we interview retired CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz who recently retired after 30 years of state service. He recently started a non-profit organization called Stand Up For Victims - an organization that provides education, advocacy, information and resources to victims of crime. He is...
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Episode 24: Ten-Eight Memes
In this episode, we interview “Charlie” who is known online as Ten Eight Memes. Charlie discusses the impact of being the caregiver for his two aging and sick parents, as early as high school, and the difficulty he experienced starting his own life and career due to his family responsibilities....
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Episode 23: CDCR Sergeant Instructor Chappelle
In this episode, we interview CDCR Sergeant Chappelle who originally worked at Mule Creek State Prison, and is now currently teaching cadets at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt, California. Sgt. Chappelle discusses critical incidents that occurred early in his career,...
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Episode 22: Mikey - Life After Death (Row)
In this episode, we interview San Quentin State Prison correctional officer “Mikey” who separated from the department and is now in law school. He discusses his history of depression, which he traced back to early childhood. He recalls the impact of being a latch-key kid and being home alone...
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Episode 21: LAPD Background Investigator Ken Roybal
In this episode, we interview retired LAPD officer and background investigator Ken Roybal. He gave 35 years of service to the city of Los Angeles. He currently works as a consultant for individuals needing assistance with the background process for various law enforcement agencies. He also hosts...
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Episode 20: NYPD Sgt. Aaron Lohman
In this episode, we interview Sergeant Aaron Lohman who is a 15 year veteran of the NYPD, and works in NYPD’s Health and Wellness Section. He is nationally known and locally respected - a fellow podcaster (The Notorious HFL Podcast) and is known on social media as Huge Fat Loser. He discusses his...
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Episode 19: Luna
In this episode, we interview Sergeant Luna about sexual abuse she experienced as a child, her sexual orientation, the pervasive nature of sexual harassment inherent within the field of law enforcement, and the dynamics of being a female law enforcement officer in a male dominated profession.
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Episode 18: Poorly Made Police Memes
In this episode, we interview “Larry,” a former police officer, and meme lord behind Poorly Made Police Memes. Larry discusses his history of anxiety, starting in childhood when his mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He shares about one critical incident in particular that appears to be...
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Episode 17: Nick Wilson - The Resiliency Project
In this episode, we interview Nick Wilson - who worked as a police officer in Orange County, and is the founder of The Resiliency Project. He discusses the impact of having a father who was alternatingly absent and abusive. He shares about the cumulative trauma and stress he experienced while...
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Episode 16: Orange County Firefighter Tim Fisher
In this episode, we interview Tim Fisher - who works as a firefighter in Orange County and is the co-host of the Let’s Go Podcast. He discusses the impact of losing his brother at the age of seventeen, his own near death experience and the perspective that gave him in his life. He shares about…
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Episode 15: CDCR Sgt. Carlos Borges
In this episode, we interview retired CDCR Sergeant Carlos Borges, who spent the entirety of his 27 year career at the California Institution for Men (CIM). Sergeant Borges is one of the last of his kind, the old guard and old school supervisor who always took care of his staff. He discusses his...
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Episode 14: Golden Handcuffs Part II
In this episode, we re-interview Josh one year after his decision to leave law enforcement to get an update on his business, his adjustment to civilian life and self-employment, and his residual PTSD and anxiety. We interview his wife Hilary about her own adjustment and changes she has noticed…
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Episode 13: CDCR Sgt. Ian Pickett (The Prequel)
In this episode, we interview retired Sgt. Ian Pickett about medical retirement, PTSD, and critical incidents he experienced over his career. Sgt. Pickett also discussed his exposure to violence during childhood and how that led to desensitization to violence overall. He also discussed his time…
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Episode 12: Holiday Blues
In this episode, we have a discussion with my good friends Sean (from Episode 2) and Lisa about coping with depression and isolation around the holidays.
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Episode 11: Chronic Pain
In this episode, we talk to Joe - a correctional officer - about his injuries and chronic pain. We discuss pain management strategies, and the resulting insomnia and depression associated with chronic pain.
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Episode 10: Cop Turned Entrepreneur Jamil Syed
On this crossover episode, Ariel from Hot Mic on the Line joins in. We interview former correctional officer and current entrepreneur Jamil Syed about his history of alcohol abuse, sobriety and his mission to help others in law enforcement.
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Episode 9: Miscarriage
On this episode, we discuss the all too common, but rarely discussed trauma of miscarriage.
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Episode 8: Grief Expert Jill Johnson-Young, LCSW
On this episode, we interview grief expert and licensed clinical social worker, Jill Johnson-Young. She discusses her personal and professional experiences related to grief, strategies for supporting someone who is experiencing a loss, as well as research outcomes from examining the coping...
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Episode 7: LA County Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami
In this episode, we interview Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami, who is best known for his pivotal role in prosecuting the Gabriel Fernandez case. Jon discusses his own childhood trauma, his time as an infantryman in the US Army, and his difficulty navigating complex…
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Episode 6: LAPD Detective Moses Castillo
In this episode, we have a pre-show discussion regarding the tendency for history to repeat itself. We also interview retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo about his three decades of public service, working difficult child abuse cases, and coping with stress.
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Episode 5: Suicidal Family Members
Confidential Session with Wade In this episode, we interview Wade - current Sergeant and Army veteran, about his experiences with suicidal co-workers and family members. He also shares about his own history of suicidality.
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Episode 4: Marriage, Divorce and Child Custody Bullsh!t
Confidential session with Tony In this episode, we discuss how a person acquires the ability or capacity to commit suicide. We also interview Tony, a current Sergeant and “Inmate Whisperer,” specifically about his personal life. Tony discusses the impact of divorce, child custody issues and grief...
About this show
The Tactical Debrief podcast (Formerly The Staff Assistant Podcast) is designed to assist and educate public safety personnel about mental health issues and managing work-related stress. Dr. Massimino is a licensed clinical psychologist who works within a large law enforcement agency and treats first responders in her private practice.
Each episode is designed to mimic an intake session - giving you an inside look into what meeting with a therapist would look like - through the eyes of other first responders. The goal of The Tactical Debrief podcast is to normalize therapy for law enforcement and first responders, and to reduce the suicide rate for this population.
Hosted by
You have the right to seek therapy