BomBardened

 In this episode, Eric and Amy continue their conversation with Omari Salisbury, founder of Converge Media, about community responsibility, youth violence, and why prevention efforts in Seattle often receive less support than reactive solutions.Salisbury explains why many communities already know what works to reduce violence but struggle to secure funding for the programs doing that work every day. He shares how mentorship, youth sports, music programs, and grassroots organizations often operate with limited resources, even though they are the strongest protective factors before young people reach crisis points. The conversation explores why public messaging around safety rarely acknowledges the role communities themselves can play, and why leaders are often reluctant to say that change must start locally as well as institutionally.The discussion also examines how assumptions about policy solutions, gun legislation, and intervention strategies sometimes miss what is actually happening on the ground. Salisbury reflects on the importance of acknowledging trauma when violence occurs, why empathy from leadership matters in moments of crisis, and how trust is built through honesty rather than performative responses.Finally, Salisbury talks about a challenge he sees across media and philanthropy: the tendency to fund stories centered on struggle rather than possibility. He shares why investing in prevention, youth opportunity, and what he calls “Black joy” may be one of the most overlooked strategies for creating long-term change—and how individuals can support organizations already doing that work in Seattle today.Donate — Converge Media | Local Seattle News: https://www.whereweconverge.com/donate-ptAPd

In this episode, Eric and Amy sit down with Omari Salisbury, founder of Converge Media, to talk about storytelling, community voice, and what really shaped public understanding during Seattle’s 2020 protests.Salisbury shares how Converge Media grew from a hyperlocal blog into a trusted news source during COVID-19 and the demonstrations following the murder of George Floyd, and why authentic storytelling mattered more than production value when the city was searching for clarity.He explains the tension between reporting on events and participating in them as a community member, and what it meant to cover a moment when the entire world was suddenly watching Seattle—often through incomplete or conflicting narratives.The conversation explores who influences public policy in Seattle, why some communities feel unheard despite being most affected by violence and safety concerns, and how assumptions about what neighborhoods want don’t always match lived reality. Salisbury also discusses the responsibility of local media to reflect community voices accurately, the pushback Converge has faced from different political directions, and why trust is built by showing up consistently long before a crisis begins.

In this episode, Eric and Amy continue their conversation with Eci Ameh, Executive Director of the Seattle Community Police Commission, about the often overlooked reality of policing: trust isn’t built during crises, it’s built in the everyday interactions that happen long before something goes wrong.They discuss how routine encounters between officers and community members shape public perception of law enforcement, why leadership and supervision inside police departments matter more than many people realize, and the limits of relying on outside oversight long after incidents occur. Ameh argues that accountability isn’t just about investigations or policy reforms, it’s about how officers engage with the public thousands of times a day.The conversation explores the tension between internal responsibility and external accountability, the importance of proactive leadership within police departments, and why rebuilding trust requires more than just responding well in moments of crisis.

In this episode, Eric and Amy sit down with Eci Ameh, Executive Director of the Seattle Community Police Commission, to explore the complicated space between policing, accountability, and public trust. As an independent voice within Seattle’s police oversight system, Eci explains how community perspectives, especially from those most impacted by policing, are translated into real pressure for systemic change.They discuss why accountability is not anti-police, how distrust in law enforcement develops, and why marginalized communities often face the highest stakes when deciding whether to call for help. Eci also sheds light on the limits of reform from within, the role of independent oversight, and the tension between political leadership, public safety, and lived experience on the ground.This is a candid conversation about power, representation, and what it actually takes to rebuild trust between communities and the institutions meant to serve them.

In this episode, Eric and Amy sit down with Andrew Dameron, Director of Denver 911, to unpack how crisis response is being reimagined from the very first call for help. Drawing on Denver’s STAR program, Andrew explains why mental health and behavioral crisis response must be treated as core public safety—not an “alternative”—and why 911 is the most powerful point of intervention.They discuss the challenges of integrating clinicians into emergency systems, the limits of one-size-fits-all responses, and how data—not fear—should determine when police are needed and when they aren’t. Andrew also shares why professionalizing crisis response, building dedicated dispatch pathways, and aligning public safety and public health are essential to breaking cycles of crisis before arrest.This is a candid conversation about systems change, leadership, and getting the right responder to the right call when it matters most.

In this episode, Eric and Amy sit down with Johnny Ohta, a legendary youth recovery advocate and longtime leader at Ryther, whose life and work have helped shape how Seattle responds to youth addiction, homelessness, and fentanyl. Johnny shares his deeply personal journey—from growing up amid violence, addiction, and incarceration to finding recovery, purpose, and a calling to walk alongside young people in crisis.With raw honesty, Johnny unpacks what real recovery looks like in the age of fentanyl, why one-size-fits-all solutions fail, and how “long game” relationships rooted in compassion, accountability, and presence can save lives. He challenges false binaries between harm reduction and recovery, emphasizes the power of exposure, connection, and love, and explains why investing in young people—before it’s too late—changes everything.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, adaptation, and what it truly means to care for young people when the stakes are life and death.Learn more about Ryther and youth recovery services at https://ryther.org/

In this episode, Eric and Amy talk with Ellyse Bracken, Executive Director of Bridges, about her powerful journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a leader in youth recovery. Ellyse shares how structure, accountability, and peer support helped her rebuild her life—and why teens need community, not harm-reduction messaging, to thrive. Her work with Bridges and Seattle’s Alternative Peer Group is transforming what recovery looks like for young people.Learn more at https://www.seattleapg.com/

In Part 2 of their conversation, Eric and Amy Barden continue their deep dive with independent journalist Brandi Kruse, exploring what happens after you choose to break away from traditional media—and don’t look back. Brandi opens up about the personal and professional consequences of pushing against narratives, the cost of telling uncomfortable truths, and what it means to stay grounded when criticism gets loud. Together, they examine the evolving role of independent journalism, why honest dialogue is worth protecting, and how integrity becomes your compass when the world wants you to choose a side.

In this episode, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with independent journalist Brandi Kruse to explore what happens when you step outside traditional media and speak freely. Brandi shares her journey from newsroom reporter to independent voice, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining public trust in a divided media landscape. Together, they unpack what honesty, transparency, and accountability look like when the microphones are always on—and why telling the truth can sometimes mean standing alone.

 In this continuation of their conversation with MacArthur Fellow and justice reform leader Lisa Daugaard, Eric and Amy Barden explore how communities can define—and measure—real success in diversion and public safety. Lisa discusses what’s working, what’s changing, and how the Purpose Dignity Action and LEAD programs continue to evolve through constant learning and collaboration.Together, they examine how shifting from punishment to care can create safer, more resilient communities—and what it takes to prove that change truly works.

 In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Lisa Daugaard—MacArthur Fellow, co-founder of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, and longtime advocate for criminal justice reform. Lisa shares how her career as a public defender and activist led to pioneering new models that divert people away from jails and courts and toward community-based care.The conversation moves through Lisa’s personal journey, the systemic failures that keep communities trapped in cycles of incarceration, and the practical solutions she and her colleagues are building to replace punishment with restoration. Eric and Amy bring in their own experiences from law enforcement and nonprofit work, creating a candid, often challenging dialogue about safety, accountability, and what true reform looks like on the ground.This episode is a thoughtful and unflinching look at how communities can reimagine justice—offering listeners not just critique but a path forward toward healing, safety, and dignity.

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Deaunte Damper—community leader, activist, and the first LGBTQIA+ Chair for the Seattle NAACP. Deaunte shares his personal journey of resilience and advocacy, from navigating the challenges of being a Black queer man to driving change at the intersections of race, identity, and justice.The conversation moves from deeply personal experiences of stigma and survival to broader issues of systemic inequality, addiction, and the urgent need for safe, affirming spaces. Eric and Amy weave in their own perspectives from law enforcement and nonprofit leadership, creating a raw and layered dialogue that highlights both struggle and possibility.This episode is a powerful exploration of courage, identity, and leadership in the face of adversity—offering listeners not only perspective but also hope for what true community healing can look like.

 In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Dr. Robert Marbut, a nationally recognized expert on homelessness policy and intervention. With decades of experience advising cities and serving as the Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Dr. Marbut brings deep insight into why traditional approaches are failing and what needs to change.The conversation explores the complexities of addiction, mental health, and housing policy, while challenging the assumptions that often drive public debate. Eric and Amy bring their own lived and professional perspectives into the dialogue—Eric from his decades in law enforcement and Amy from her work in nonprofit leadership—creating a rich, nuanced discussion about what real solutions might look like.This episode is an honest, sometimes uncomfortable, but deeply necessary exploration of homelessness in America—and how compassion and accountability can coexist in lasting reform.

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Judge Dave Larson, a nationally recognized leader in reforming how our justice system responds to people disrupting public order. From the bench in Washington State to national advisory roles, Judge Larson has spent decades confronting the courtroom, law enforcement, and community-based service gaps that predictably fail to break patterns of destructive behavior. Through candid reflection and storytelling, Judge Larson shares lessons he’s learned about what actually motivates individuals to exit cycles of crime, addiction, and homelessness. He highlights how simple changes, from courtroom culture to the engagement of peers in case management, can dramatically shift outcomes, improve individual lives, and restore public safety.Eric brings his street-level law enforcement perspective, while Amy grounds the conversation in the current systemic and policy contexts that predictably fail people. Together with Judge Larson, they explore the failures that have kept our systems reactive instead of proactive, how to balance compassion, accountability, and common sense, and the urgency of building criminal justice solutions that tap individual motivations and fundamental humanity.

 In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Nichole Alexander — a powerhouse in the fight for effective homelessness response and a leader whose credibility comes from both lived experience and deep professional expertise. Nichole’s journey from surviving the very challenges she now works to solve, to becoming one of the most respected voices in the field, is nothing short of extraordinary.Through candid conversation, Nichole unpacks the systemic failures she’s witnessed firsthand, the barriers that keep people from stability, and the changes she believes are essential to breaking the cycle. She and the Bardens dive into the intersection of compassion, accountability, and smart policy, revealing how real change happens when people with direct experience have a seat at the table.Eric brings a law enforcement lens shaped by decades of navigating the realities of crisis on the street, while Amy offers a perspective rooted in nonprofit leadership and pragmatic compassion. Together with Nichole, they explore the tension, hope, and urgency in building systems that actually work.

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Mariela Ruiz-Angel, the founding Director of Albuquerque Community Safety and current Director of the Alternative Response Research Collective at Georgetown Law School. With passion and clarity, Mariela shares how she designed and launched the first independent, cabinet-level alternative first response department in the nation. Today ACS responders have been to over 110,000 calls related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness, and other non-police related issues.Mariela dives into the challenges of building something from nothing, breaking down siloes and pushing through skepticism, and centering community voices in public safety design. She discusses what it means to show up for the most vulnerable, how trauma-informed response works in real time, and why dismantling segregated systems and advancing coordination is vital to long-term change and meaningful impact.Amy and Mariela compare notes on their shared challenges myth-busting and navigating cynicism, political agendas, and territorialism – and discuss how to advance this significant movement. With Amy and Eric’s dual perspectives—alternative response and law enforcement—the conversation explores the tension and possibilities in transforming public safety models. It’s a candid, hopeful look at what happens when a city chooses compassion, care, and courage over the status quo.This episode is about vision, imagination, courage and what is required to truly redesign a dated system.

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of trauma, incarceration, addiction, and recovery. Listener discretion is advised.In Part 2 of their conversation with Jacob Ivan Schmitt, Eric and Amy continue to explore the human cost of cycles that begin in childhood and end behind bars — and what it takes to break them.Jacob shares the raw truths of reentry: trying to rebuild trust, navigating systemic barriers, and confronting the consequences of his past.He opens up about what accountability means after prison, the work of making amends, and the everyday effort of living a life rooted in service instead of survival.Together, they examine the cracks in the carceral system, the lack of resources for people who want to change, and how lived experience can be the most powerful tool for reform. Jacob’s story is far from finished — but it’s already reshaping the narrative of what redemption can look like. 

Content warning: The following episode contains detailed accounts of childhood abuse, sexual violence, and life inside the prison system. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy sit down with Jacob Ivan Schmitt, the founder and Director of Just Us Solutions — a man whose story is shaped by early childhood trauma, addiction, incarceration, and the slow, painful work of transformation.Raised around chaos and exposed to drugs early, Jacob illuminates what happens when family dysfunction and physical and psychological abuse are routine and normal. He speaks openly about how his addiction and untreated mental health issues related to his criminal behaviors, his experiences in foster care, treatment, jails and prisons, and his journey to rehabilitation.Together, they dig into myths around recovery, the limits of the current criminal justice system, and why support and stability are essential for real change. Eric brings decades of law enforcement experience, and Amy offers a compassionate lens shaped by crisis systems reform — creating space for a nuanced, raw, and powerful conversation.This is part one of Jacob’s story — and it’s one you won’t forget. 

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy sit down with Patrick Arney, Executive Director of Weld — a Seattle-based reentry organization helping people transition out of incarceration with dignity, support, and purpose.Patrick brings a rare combination of lived experience and sharp insight to the table. Once caught in the same systems he now works to reform, Patrick shares how he rebuilt his life and became a leader within one of the region’s most respected reentry programs. The conversation explores the deep flaws of the criminal justice system, the stigma surrounding people with records, and the real ingredients needed for long-term change.What does true support look like for someone coming out of prison? Why are so many reentry programs set up to fail? And how does someone go from being behind bars to building better systems from the outside?Patrick’s story is not just about second chances — it’s about what happens when the people most affected by broken systems lead the way in fixing them.This one is full of honesty, heart, and hard truths.

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Joe Barsana, King County Drug Court Manager and President and Co-Founder of the WA State Therapeutic Court Alumni Association. What begins as a conversation about the blurry line between crime and crisis quickly becomes a masterclass in why we fail to help people to change and maintain recovery.Joe brings insight forged from decades churning through the criminal justice system in a perpetual cycle of crime and addiction — explaining how it really feels to live on the streets and the hopelessness that accompanies repeated arrests and overdoses. Eric and Joe discuss how police officers are often tasked to be the first responder to addiction, homelessness, or mental illness, and inadequacy of the criminal justice system to address root causes of these behaviors. He talks openly about his experience navigating drug diversion court twice, the crucial difference between sobriety and recovery, and how and when people successfully change and sustain a new way of thinking and being.Together, they tackle controversial questions: What role should police play in recovery? Why does fentanyl keep winning? And how do we stop confusing treatment with punishment?Does “tough love” work? This episode just might make you think!

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy sit down with Staci James—visionary leader, advocate for sensible drug policy and overdose awareness, and Executive Director of Hope Movement Coalition. What begins as a spirited debate between Eric and Amy about whether jail bookings actually serve as a deterrent, quickly deepens into a conversation about dignity, disruption, and the broken systems surrounding addiction.Staci brings a powerful voice to the table—one grounded in the loss of her beloved son to Fentanyl and frontline experience in the path forward after devastating loss. She discusses the impact to family and friends, the pointlessness of these deaths and the purpose she’s found in being there for others.  She acknowledges the guilt felt by those left behind. She explains the stigma, shame and sense of responsibility often assumed by survivors. With clarity and conviction, she challenges old assumptions and makes the case for a new way forward: one where intervention doesn't end with a jail cell, but begins there.Together, the Bardens and Staci unpack the tension between law enforcement, public perception, and political pressure—especially in a world that often flips its stance on justice overnight. This episode asks hard questions about deterrence, redemption, and what truly helps someone break the cycle.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to find purpose in tragedy, this conversation will challenge your thinking. 

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Dave Durocher—Executive Director and co-founder of The Other Side Academy. Dave shares his firsthand insights into breaking the cycle of addiction and criminal behavior through a radically different approach to rehabilitation. With a background in working with individuals often labeled as "lost causes," Dave explains how The Other Side Academy offers a no-excuses, real-world program that challenges the deeply rooted behaviors preventing meaningful change.Dave delves into the philosophy of peer accountability, the critical importance of confronting behaviors rather than just symptoms, and why the focus needs to shift from treating addiction to addressing the mindset behind it. He also touches on the flaws in the current system, questioning why conventional approaches have failed to create lasting solutions for those struggling with addiction and homelessness.Eric and Amy bring their unique perspectives—his from a law enforcement background, hers from the nonprofit sector—to reflect on the larger issues at play. Together, they explore the contradictions in current addiction treatment models and the crucial role of community and personal responsibility in breaking cycles of harm.This episode is a powerful conversation about redemption, accountability, and the need for systemic change. It's a reminder that sometimes, the hardest paths lead to the greatest transformations.

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Amy King—founder of Weld and Pallet, builder of communities, and champion of second chances. Amy shares her deeply personal and unconventional path to employing justice-involved individuals, building intentional housing solutions, and raising kids in a household shaped by trust and belief in change.What began as a chance encounter with a few men in need of work evolved into a national movement rooted in purpose and dignity. With candor and insight, Amy talks about vetting risk, challenging assumptions, and the very real transformation that happens when someone feels seen, trusted, and valued—regardless of their past. She also reflects on the burden of bureaucracy and how entrenched systems often make meaningful change harder than it should be.Eric and Amy reflect on the complexities of public perception, criminal history, and the power of human connection. As always, their distinct perspectives—his from a law enforcement career, hers from decades in the nonprofit world—bring nuance and depth to a conversation that is both emotionally grounded and socially urgent. This episode is a testament to what’s possible when we stop asking, “What did you do?” and start asking, “What do you need to thrive?"

In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy sit down with two seemingly unlikely allies: Hollywood actor and activist Billy Baldwin and homelessness and addiction expert Dr. Robert Marbut.Billy Baldwin, best known for his roles on screen, found himself drawn into the world of homelessness advocacy after preparing for a role in a film about life on the streets. That journey led to No Address, a feature film, and the subsequent documentary Americans With No Address.Dr. Robert Marbut has spent decades advising cities and administrations—including the first Trump administration—on homelessness policy.  Despite their starkly different backgrounds and political identities, Billy and Robert forged a surprising friendship rooted in mutual respect and a shared desire to tackle America's homelessness and addiction crises head-on.In this conversation, the four discuss how they met, their collaborative projects, and the critical importance of bridging political divides to create real solutions. It’s a rare, inspiring glimpse into what happens when compassion meets pragmatism—and when people actually listen to each other.

In this episode of BomBardened, Eric and Amy Barden dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Ginny Burton, a fierce advocate for addiction recovery and interventions that actually work. Ginny shares her powerful redemption story, beginning with her tumultuous childhood, where she was exposed to drugs and chaos at an early age. After decades in and out of jails and prisons, Ginny found a way out, permanently breaking the self-destructive cycle of crime and crisis and sustaining recovery. She is a Truman Scholar, Martin Honor Scholar, University of Washington graduate, author, mother, and passionate champion for reform in the carceral system. Ginny’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and personal accountability; she is a living testament that every person can change.Eric and Amy’s unique perspectives on public safety and addiction recovery provide a rich backdrop for this conversation. Eric, a retired Deputy Chief of Police with 38 years of service, having led the Narcotics unit for 15 years, brings a law enforcement perspective to the dialogue. Amy, informed by decades of nonprofit work and academic training, sees the world through a lens of compassion and pragmatism. The Bardens reflect on their own experiences and the intersection of their worlds—Eric's exposure to the worst of human nature and behavior, and Amy's exposure to the best of human nature and conviction that anyone can change. This episode is a compelling blend of personal stories, professional insights, and candid conversation about what truly helps people to change and to heal.

Join Eric and Amy Barden as they introduce The BomBardened Podcast, where they bring their unique perspectives and debate critical societal issues. Eric, a newly retired deputy chief of police with 38 years of major city policing experience, and Amy, an innovative public safety leader and champion of early intervention and diversion, discuss their shared journey of finding common ground despite their differing opinions on criminal justice and human nature and behavior. In this episode, they dive into their personal backgrounds, touch on topics like homelessness, crime, and mental health, and set the stage for a thoughtful, sometimes heated, but always respectful conversation.