The Squad Room

Tom Voss is an Infantry veteran of the Army’s Stryker Brigades having served between 2003-2006 in a scout sniper platoon. He’s also an author, yoga instructor, and meditation teacher.  It wasn’t long into his deployments before Tom experienced the darkest parts of war which left him with severe PTSD that he denied for over a decade. Tom turned to drugs and alcohol to cope and spiraled into planning his suicide. The only thing that saved him was a sister who wouldn’t put up with it.  Tom is the author of Where War Ends: Recovering from PTSD and Moral Injury Through Meditation. He also organized a walk across the country to raise awareness for veteran’s issues and is the star of the documentary Almost Sunrise.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  * How Tom nearly killed himself by avoiding treatment for over 10 years by self-medicating. * How he learned to accept the experiences he endured. * The difference between PTSD and Moral Injury. * How meditation helps him manage his new path as a veteran. * How to begin a simple practice of meditation if you’re intimidated.  Tom’s book: Where War Ends: A Combat Veterans 2700-Mile Journey to Heal Follow Tom on Instagram @themeditatingvet  Tom’s website is themeditatingvet.com  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed  Click here for more Android Options  Special thanks to our episode’s sponsor, Hard to Kill Fitness. Check out their training programs designed for active and aspiring first responders and military personnel and give them a follow on Instagram @hardtokill_fitness.

Ryan Michler is the host of the Order of Man Podcast and author of the book Sovereignty: The Battle for the Hearts and Minds of Men.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  * How Ryan recommends you regain and retain sovereignty over your life. * Why he wrestles with the idea of being a good follower. * Why the idea of work/life balance is false.* Why you need to have a “life vision.”* Why you can’t talk to your significant other like you do to your partner. * How Ryan sets goals and measures his success. * Why you need to be as flexible as the flag pole in his front yard.   Follow Ryan on Instagram @orderofman  and @ryanmichler  Follow us @thesquadroom  Ryan’s website is OrderofMan.com  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed  Click here for more Android Options  Special thanks to our episode’s sponsor, Signature Coins for their support of the show. If you’re looking for high-quality challenge coins, visit their site. Use the coupon code “thesquadroom” for $50 off your first order.

In this short episode I talk about a monumental speech that was given 110 years ago today by one of the biggest personalities to ever enter the White House. In this episode, I share why this speech is so influential to me, and how you can use it to motivate and inspire those you work with. It’s also appropriate because this is the week we launched A Worthy Cause Life, our apparel and gear shop. If you’re looking for some cool t-shirts, mugs, or stickers, check out the stuff at aworthycauselife.com and you can help support the show while wearing some unique threads. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed  Click here for more Android Options

Matt is a Special Forces veteran and current police officer in Los Angeles, CA. He’s known on social media as The Operational Athlete (@theoperationalathlete). Matt has multiple combat deployments and works in a high-activity city. In this episode we talk about: * What he learned in Special Forces that he still uses on the streets today. * Why policing was his LAST option but why it turned out to be the greatest blessing. * The brotherhood of those who spend their time in service, whether in a foreign land or in our communities. * His unique ideas about how to set goals and crush them. This episode is sponsored by Hard to Kill Fitness. Hard to Kill Fitness offers training programs for aspiring and active first responders and military personnel, Their workouts can be done at home or the gym, and require minimal equipment. Right now, HTK is offering 30% off ALL of their bodyweight programs. Follow them at @hardtokill_fitness or at hardtokillfitness.co If you’re interested in some cool gear and a chance to support the show, check out our brand new apparel line A Worthy Cause at aworthycauselife.com and give us a follow @aworthycauselife

This is the first episode back after a much-needed hiatus. It was not the episode I planned to produce but one that I felt needed to be done. No ads, no music, just an honest discussion about how to manage through change, how to mitigate the stress we’re all under, and how to cultivate resilience by emptying your bucket.

This episode is a re-broadcast of one of my most important episodes so far. Dr. Jon Sheinberg wears many hats. One is as a full-time cardiologist and another is as a lieutenant for the Cedar Park Police Department in Texas. Jon comes on the show to walk us through all the confusing stuff about cholesterol, what diets work best, how to understand your blood work results and how to get the most of out life.

This episode is a rebroadcast of a fascinating interview with Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman. If you’ve been living under a rock, Lt. Col. Grossman is the author of On Combat and On Killing and the creator of the idea of the sheepdog and the wolves. He’s a former West Point professor and all-around, one of the nicest guests I’ve had on the show.

This episode was recorded live at ProForce Law Enforcement on September 28, 2019. My guests are the dynamic duo and hosts of the 911Strong Podcast, social media star Aram Choe (@911Strong) and Kristen Jauregui (@dispatcherkristen). Both are working hard to help bridge the divide between our communities and our profession using social media as their outlet. In this episode, we talk about the dangers of putting yourself out there on social media, problems with navigating an ‘old school’ police mentality, and what they’ve learned as a result. Special thanks to ProForce for hosting the event and to Sig Sauer, Taran Tactical, Side Action Apparel, and Spetz Holsters for coming out to show off their gear. Since we’re talking about social media, don’t forget to follow me @thesquadroom and join our Facebook group!

A foot chase with an armed carjacking suspect, a partner shot, an open gun battle with no cover or concealment, taking two rounds in the legs, a gun jam…its like every academy training scenario rolled into one nightmare. Troy PD Officer Josh Comitale’s nightmare. Josh won the U.S. Congressional Medal of Bravery for his actions that day, and after you hear his story, you’ll understand why. Here’s the surveillance camera footage that captures the entire shooting. (Josh is seen on foot in the parking lot in the upper right with the flashlight. His partner Chad Klein is seen coming into the seen in his patrol SUV). Don’t forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or the player of your choice. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @thesquadroom. Also, join our Facebook group to meet other like-minded professionals. Special thanks to ProForce Law Enforcement for their support of the show. Sign up here to keep up-to-date on deals in store. If you visit the Brea location and use the password, “The Squad Room” you can get 20% off a Streamlight TLR1 pistol light.

Jason Hoschouer is a veteran cop in California. Many know him by his alias “Motorcop.” Jason was one of the first cop bloggers and probably the first cop to start a podcast way back in the day with The Crossover Show. He’s also been a previous guest on The Squad Room talking about financial health.  Jason has a new podcast called What’s Your Emergency that covers a wide array of first responder topics. You can listen to it at wyeradio.com.  Follow Jason on Instagram @themotorcopmindset  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed  Click here for more Android Options Also want to send a special thanks to our sponsor, ProForce Law Enforcement. ProForce is the leading firearms distributor in the West and can handle everything from upgrading agency firearms to individual officer purchases. Check them out at Proforceonline.com

Over 27 years, Sgt. Joey Rafferty had every dream job that a hard charging cop would want in a county that requires hard charges. Wedged between Philadelphia and Trenton, NJ, Joey had plenty of action to keep him in the game. It wasn’t until he crashed a patrol car with his kids in the backseat and got arrested for DUI that he finally admitted he had a problem.  Sometimes, when you work hard you play hard too and Joey started to play hard often. In this episode you will learn:  * The red flags that Joey missed.* Why his partners knew he had a problem but wouldn’t say anything. * How he asked for help.* Coping mechanisms he uses now instead of alcohol. * How a relapse helped his sobriety.  Even if you don’t drink, there are important lessons here about the warning signs that got missed, ignored, or explained-away.  We owe it to each other to confront alcohol or drug problems in ourselves and others. Not only could we save a career but we could potentially save a life.  If you think you or a partner have a substance abuse problem, here are a few resources for first responders. Also, check with your department’s EAP program or your health insurance provider.  Alcohol.org – Tons of information, resources and treatment options specific to first responders dealing with substance abuse.  CopLine – 24/7 Peer support and crisis intervention. Website has resources and information. Call 1-800-267-5463 Safe Call Now – 24/7 Crisis Intervention and Treatment Referral for First Responders. 206-459-3020 Click here before you shop on Amazon.  Get discounts on tactical equipment, audio books, Ranger Up Clothing and more! Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts Click here to listen on Google Play Click here to listen on Spotify Click here to listen on Stitcher Click here to listen on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed  Click here for more Android Options ****** This episode is sponsored by ProForce. ProForce is the largest firearms distributor on the West Coast. ProForce works with some of the largest agencies in the country to help them replace their aging firearms with modern equipment. They also have two retail locations in Brea, CA and Prescott, AZ that service first responders selling everything they need to hit the streets. 

Mark “Smelly” Bell is an American and world-record holder powerlifter, inventor of the Sling Shot, star of the movie Bigger, Stronger, Faster, the publisher of Power Magazine, host of the Mark Bell’s Power Project podcast, a YouTube star and much more. Mark also used to be known for being fat – like really fat. But a few years ago, Mark decided to make the changes necessary to help him step into a new reality where he is a legitimate health and fitness leaders. He did it my identifying what he could control, and then he attacked it with hard work and optimism. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why it’s important to be patient with yourself when you’re trying to make changes. * How celebrating small wins can get you to large goals. * Why calories count, but why you shouldn’t be counting them. * How intermittent fasting can help improve your cardio and your mental clarity. …and much more. He’s also one of the most genuine, and generous, people I’ve ever met and his ability to motivate anyone will leave you inspired after this episode. Follow Mark on Instagram @marksmellybell Mark’s website with his products at https://markbellslingshot.com/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed Click here for more Android Options Special thanks to Ranger Up for their support of the show. Use the code thesquadroom to get 10% off your order. Hard Head Veterans makes tactical helmets that exceed NIJ standards. Use the code “squadroom” to get $20 off your helmet.

Lt. Col. Scott Mann spent 20 years in Army Special Forces (Green Berets), leading troops into some of the most hostile and deadly terrain in the world. In this episode you’ll learn: * How to create your legacy and identify what’s important to you. * How the Special Forces concept of the Mission Decision Line can apply to your own life. * How winning “hearts and minds” in Afghanistan is no different than policing in your own area. * How in order to grow, you must reach outside your comfort zone. To sign up for The Squad Room mailing list, text THESQUADROOM to 44222 to get signed up, or visit us at thesquadroom.net. You can also follow us @thesquadroom and join our Facebook Group! Follow Scott on Instagram @rooftop_leader Check out his website at www.rooftopleadership.com Amazon link to his book Game Changers: Going Local to Defeat Violent Extremism Watch his awesome TedX Talk Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed Click here for more Android Options Special thanks to Ranger Up for their support of the show. Use the code thesquadroom to get 10% off your order. Hard Head Veterans makes tactical helmets that exceed NIJ standards. Use the code “squadroom” to get $20 off your helmet.

Miranda and Julian Alcaraz are the dynamic duo behind Street Parking. In this episode you will learn: * How a CrossFit Games athlete like Julian deals with injuries and setbacks.* How Miranda’s fitness saved her life in a horrific car accident.* How to adapt and overcome adversity in your training and fitness. * How attitude is everything. * Why Julian has two identical Glock 17s. What is Street Parking? It’s an online programming subscription that gives you daily workouts that can be done with minimal equipment or a full gym at your disposal like having a garage gym (which means you have to park your car in the street – get it?). And they love cops. They’ve been great supporters of our profession and you’ll hear them talk about why they feel it is important to support us. I’ve been a member of Street Parking for over a year and I have found it to be – by far – the best fitness programming system I’ve used yet (note: Street Parking is not a sponsor and they didn’t pay me to say that). Miranda spent several years working for CrossFit HQ, working as a correspondent for CrossFit Media and being a downright badass competitor in her own right. She also spent several years on the CrossFit seminar staff (you might know her better as Miranda Oldroyd). Julian is a CrossFit beast with a beard that would make any man jealous. He qualified for the 2017 CrossFit Games but declined his invite because he wanted to focus on his newborn son at home. Solid guy. Follow them on Instagram @streetparking, @fearlessmiranda, and @009julian. To sign up for The Squad Room mailing list, text THESQUADROOM to 44222 to get signed up, or visit us at thesquadroom.net. You can also follow us @thesquadroom and join our Facebook Group! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed Click here for more Android Options Special thanks to Ranger Up for their support of the show. Use the code thesquadroom to get 10% off your order. Hard Head Veterans makes tactical helmets that exceed NIJ standards. Use the code “squadroom” to get $20 off your helmet.