The most honest conversations about culture don’t start with policy; they start with people. Assistant Director Sherry Poole and instructors Brooke McPherson and Naimah Saadiq invite us inside the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy to talk about what it really takes for women to thrive in a profession that’s been male‑dominated for decades. From day‑one nerves to front‑of‑room leadership, they share how visibility, mentorship, and clear boundaries change the learning environment and, ultimately, the way officers show up for their communities.

Sherry traces the distance from 1987, when being a woman at the academy felt isolating, to today’s growing representation. Brooke unpacks the subtle biases that still show up in training and on calls: the “I’ve got this” takeover, the “don’t strain yourself” babying, and how both can stall growth. Naimah explains the power of mindset, class leadership, and role models who make room for the human side of the job: uniforms that need to fit real bodies, instruction that respects anatomy and recovery, and a safe place to ask questions that once felt off‑limits.

We also get candid about motherhood, pregnancy, and policy. What does fair light duty look like when a pregnant sergeant is stripped of her title? How do two‑officer households juggle court dates, overnight shifts, and childcare without burning out? The team offers practical fixes, protect rank on light duty, budget for gear changes without shame, normalize pumping and recovery, build formal mentorship, and a reframe on coping that goes beyond alcohol to fitness, creativity, and community. If you care about officer wellness, de‑escalation, and retention, this is the blueprint for change that actually sticks.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more listeners find real talk that makes policing better.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org or call 515-350-6274
Visit our website! 10-42project.org
Check us out on social media!
Youtube: @1042project
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1042project
Instagram: 1042_project

What does it really take to turn a class of recruits into grounded, ethical, and resilient officers in just 16 weeks? We go inside the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy with Director Brady Carney, Chaplain Al Perez, and Attorney Kristi Traynor to unpack the systems, choices, and human stories that shape a residential academy’s culture. The conversation begins with agile leadership—how the team runs on 16-week cycles, listens to instructors, and pivots quickly. That iterative approach blends national standards with local realities across urban and rural departments, ensuring training stays current and practical without losing the human touch.

From there, we dive into the lived experience of a residential model: the distance from family, the pressure that exposes blind spots, and the bonds that form when people from 18 to 51 years old share long days and shared quarters. Christy’s “superhero cape” metaphor reframes ethics as daily practice—tightening the knot through clear boundaries, sound decision-making, and accountability that preserves public trust. We address tough truths head-on: alcohol’s easy grip in first responder culture, the slow erosion that begins with “one more drink,” and the line between support and consequence. Al highlights grief and compartmentalization—how recruits learn to focus under stress while still finding space to heal, with chaplaincy and peer support as anchors.

We also explore practical scaffolding that keeps recruits connected and grounded: earned nights out to recharge with family, facility access and wellness resources, evening windows for calls, and social updates that bring loved ones into the journey. Brady wrestles openly with whether locals should go home nightly and why the benefits of a residential cohort—networking, realism, flexibility for night training—still weigh heavily. Not everyone will finish, and that’s okay. Sometimes choosing out is a courageous win for the person and the profession. For those who stay, the academy’s promise is high standards, honest feedback, and a community that invests in both skill and character. Subscribe, share this conversation with someone starting the academy path, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear what surprised you most.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org or call 515-350-6274
Visit our website! 10-42project.org
Check us out on social media!
Youtube: @1042project
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1042project
Instagram: 1042_project

Nestled in the tranquility of Godspeed Ranch, this episode unveils the raw, unfiltered journey of healing among first responders. Three guests—each at different stages of their recovery—share how specialized trauma retreats transformed their lives when traditional therapy couldn't reach their deepest wounds.

The conversation centers around the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR), a unique program designed specifically for first responders. What makes this approach revolutionary? Cultural competence. As Connor explains, "It's about the only place that you can go and never have to explain the terminology you're using." The clinicians have either served in law enforcement themselves or have close family connections to the profession, creating an environment where participants feel truly understood.

All three guests describe a powerful turning point—Wednesday, the third day of the retreat—when trust finally blossoms. Gentry, a medically retired state trooper, shares how she arrived completely closed off: "By Sunday, there's not a single person there that I would have trusted with any thought that I had. By the end of the week, every single person in that room would have taken a bullet for me." This transformation doesn't come easily. The days are long, running from early morning until late evening, filled with intense emotional work that often brings participants face-to-face with their deepest fears.

Perhaps most revealing is the universal experience of "imposter syndrome" among first responders seeking help. Each guest admits to feeling unworthy—believing they weren't "broken enough," hadn't served long enough, or that others deserved help more. As Brianna, who attended the program for spouses, confesses: "I went out there because I was going to come back with the tools to fix my husband. I didn't realize that some of my childhood is why I had these abandonment issues."

Whether you're a first responder struggling with trauma or someone who loves one, this episode offers a beacon of hope. The healing journey isn't easy, but as these stories demonstrate, finding the right community can make all the difference. Ready to take the first step? Visit our website to learn about our ambassadorship program, where those who've walked this path help guide others toward healing.

https://www.frsn.org/west-coast-post-trauma-retreat.html

If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org or call 515-350-6274
Visit our website! 10-42project.org
Check us out on social media!
Youtube: @1042project
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1042project
Instagram: 1042_project

What happens when the people we count on to save us need saving themselves? In this raw and powerful conversation, former Marine and police officer Connor Wainscott reveals the hidden battles fought by many first responders – battles that don't end when the uniform comes off.

From experiencing childhood sexual abuse at age eight to confronting death regularly as a police officer, Connor's story is one of accumulating trauma that nearly cost him everything. After discovering a murder victim during field training and later being involved in a shooting that lasted just four seconds but changed his life forever, he found himself spiraling into increasingly risky behavior on duty while battling suicidal thoughts at home.

"I was in three or four felony stops a week," Connor reveals, describing his post-shooting mindset. "I didn't really have the ability to refrain from going after it. It was like I've already been here, I've proven myself, and I don't want someone else to have to go through what I'm dealing with."

The conversation explores the unique challenges first responders face: the stigma around mental health treatment, the difficulty separating identity from the badge, and the instinct to protect loved ones from their darkest experiences – sometimes at the cost of true connection. Connor speaks honestly about marriage during crisis, parenting while struggling, and how his faith ultimately became his foundation for healing.

Most powerfully, we witness how trauma can transform into purpose. Now volunteering at the same retreat that helped save his life, Connor walks alongside other first responders battling similar demons. "I've been able to share the gospel more at these retreats than I ever got the opportunity on a call for service," he shares. "That's where it sucks to have had to go through what I did to get to that point, but I wouldn't give it up for anything."

If you or someone you know works in emergency services, this conversation might just save a life. Because as Connor's journey proves, even our darkest experiences can become the light that guides others home.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org or call 515-350-6274
Visit our website! 10-42project.org
Check us out on social media!
Youtube: @1042project
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1042project
Instagram: 1042_project

Ketamine therapy is emerging as a groundbreaking solution for first responders battling PTSD, depression, and anxiety – and who better to guide us through this innovative treatment than someone who truly understands the first responder experience?

In this enlightening conversation, we're joined by Amanda Sieve, a physician assistant specializing in ketamine therapy who brings a unique perspective as a fourth-generation first responder herself. Having served ten years on a volunteer fire department while working in emergency medicine, Amanda bridges the worlds of first responder culture and cutting-edge mental health treatment.

Amanda breaks down how ketamine works differently than traditional medications by enhancing memory formation rather than simply inhibiting hormones. She describes it as creating "a blanket of snow" over memories, allowing patients to form new, positive neural pathways without having to verbalize their trauma – a particular benefit for first responders who often struggle to articulate painful experiences.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Jake, a former police officer, shares his personal journey. Despite trying numerous treatments including therapy, medication, EMDR, and somatic processing, Jake remained severely depressed and suicidal until finding relief through ketamine therapy. His candid testimony offers hope to others who may feel they've exhausted all options.

We explore practical aspects too – what to expect during treatment sessions, insurance coverage considerations, and the importance of creating a safe environment where first responders can let their guard down. Amanda's forthcoming clinic in West Des Moines (opening October 1st) will offer flexible scheduling specifically designed around first responder needs.

Whether you're personally struggling with PTSD or supporting someone who is, this episode removes the mystery around ketamine therapy and presents it as what it truly is: not a way to "get high," but a legitimate medical treatment offering new hope for those who serve our communities. Reach out to Amanda at 515-822-6384 to learn more about this promising path to healing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org or call 515-350-6274
Visit our website! 10-42project.org
Check us out on social media!
Youtube: @1042project
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1042project
Instagram: 1042_project

What if addiction isn't who you are, but merely what's distracting you from your true purpose? In this transformative conversation, Mark Cain shares his powerful journey from the depths of alcoholism—including a life-threatening withdrawal seizure—to founding Spiritual Sobriety and authoring "Letters from Hope: Freedom from Addiction."

Mark's approach shatters traditional recovery paradigms by rejecting permanent labels like "alcoholic" that keep people trapped in shame-based identities. Instead, he offers a healing pathway centered on reclaiming our true identity as children of God. "We don't need to be fixed, we need to be found," Mark explains, capturing the essence of his recovery philosophy.

The conversation reveals how Mark's innovative book uses letters to personify different aspects of addiction, allowing readers to externalize their internal battles. Particularly eye-opening is the letter from "Bottling Booze," where alcohol itself confesses its sinister intentions: "I make you believe you need me...even as I lead you towards a tragic end." This format creates powerful moments of recognition for those struggling with substance use.

Mark's five-module "Journey to Freedom" program begins with a deceptively simple question: "Why do you want to be sober?" Through his "seven whys" technique, participants discover their true motivation—their superpower against relapse. For Mark, this was realizing he didn't want his young daughter to grow up fatherless as he had. The program continues through mindset reframing, thought navigation, intentional living, and harnessing prayer's power.

Whether you're personally struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a fresh perspective and practical tools for lasting freedom. As Mark reminds us, "The enemy will use whatever he can to distract you from your purpose,"—but through spiritual reconnection, we can reclaim the life we were created to live.

More Info at https://spiritual-sobriety.com/

If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org or call 515-350-6274
Visit our website! 10-42project.org
Check us out on social media!
Youtube: @1042project
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1042project
Instagram: 1042_project

The mental health landscape for first responders reveals a stark coastal-interior divide. While California boasts specialized treatment facilities and innovative approaches, Midwest officers often travel cross-country seeking the same level of care. This reality frames our candid conversation with law enforcement professionals from both regions who share their personal healing journeys.

EMDR therapy emerges as a powerful tool in the first responder mental health toolkit. Our California-based guest describes her initial skepticism—"I'm going to hold these little pad things and they're going to vibrate?"—before experiencing profound breakthrough moments processing her field training officer's suicide and other career traumas. Through approximately 10-12 sessions, she found herself able to drive past triggering locations without the overwhelming emotional response that once controlled her.

Perhaps most valuable is the honest discussion about recovery's non-linear nature. "When you have a fall, it feels like you fall all the way to the bottom," one participant shares, before explaining how each setback in recovery actually comes from a higher starting point than the last. This perspective shift offers hope to those feeling discouraged by occasional backslides in their healing journey.

The conversation tackles the uncomfortable yet crucial topic of checking on fellow officers. Despite the professional culture of stoicism, our guests emphasize that simply showing up without perfect words makes all the difference. "People don't need you to show up with all the answers... they just need somebody who understands and is willing to listen."

For first responders contemplating reaching out for help, the message couldn't be clearer: Do it now. As one participant puts it, "If you already feel like you're at the bottom, therapy can either help you or keep you the same. So why not try?" Whether through peer support programs, professional therapy, or connecting with colleagues who understand, taking that first step opens the door to healing that ripples through every aspect of life.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org or call 515-350-6274
Visit our website! 10-42project.org
Check us out on social media!
Youtube: @1042project
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1042project
Instagram: 1042_project

The silent epidemic ravaging our first responder community takes center stage in this raw, unfiltered conversation with Jess, an 18-year law enforcement veteran from California. Her story unfolds against a backdrop of unimaginable loss – five officer suicides in her jurisdiction within a devastatingly short timeframe, including colleagues she worked with daily. Despite California's relative wealth of resources for first responder mental health, the deadly stigma surrounding help-seeking remains deeply entrenched.

What makes this conversation uniquely powerful is Jess's perspective as a female officer navigating the male-dominated world of law enforcement. She articulates the distinct challenges women face in the profession while offering crucial insights into how gender influences trauma processing. As both she and her husband serve in law enforcement while raising their children, Jess reveals how parenthood fundamentally transformed her emotional responses to traumatic calls involving kids – creating a vulnerability that many officers struggle to acknowledge.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when exploring the physical manifestations of trauma. Jess describes feeling distinct sensations in her chest when triggered, while fellow guest Jake identifies a knot in his stomach as his body's early warning system. These somatic responses represent critical early intervention opportunities that many first responders miss until they're already in crisis. Their candid sharing offers listeners practical tools for recognizing their own trauma responses before they become overwhelming.

Perhaps most hopeful is Jess's observation about the newest generation of officers coming through the academy where she teaches. Unlike their predecessors, these recruits demonstrate a refreshing willingness to discuss mental health concerns openly – potentially transforming department cultures from within as they advance in their careers.

Whether you're a first responder, love someone who is, or simply care about the well-being of those who protect our communities, this conversation offers rare insight into the true cost of service and the urgent changes needed to support those who sacrifice so much. Listen, share, and join the 10-42 Project's mission to break the stigma around first responder mental health before we lose another hero to suicide.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org or call 515-350-6274
Visit our website! 10-42project.org
Check us out on social media!
Youtube: @1042project
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1042project
Instagram: 1042_project