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This week's episode is a conversation with Betsy Smith, aka Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, and boy does she have some spunk!

It was such a fun convo and we touched on some topics we haven't necessarily covered on this show...like being a female in law enforcement...especially in the 80s - 90s.

For those of you who don't know Betsy, you're missing out...but, as a short intro...she is a retired LEO, Police Trainer, National Spokesman for National Police Association, on the Executive Board for The Wounded Blue, a cancer survivor, a wife, mother, fur mom, and now grandmother.

As you can see, retired life has NOT slowed her down at all!

Betsy talked about being a farm girl in Illinois in the 60s and 70s, and how she knew in Junior High that she wanted to be a cop. There were no female characters in the cop TV shows at that time and it inspired her. She was a police dispatcher in HS/College and became a cop in 1980, where she spent 29 years in a Chicago Suburb.

Betsy had a heck of a "welcome to policing" moment in the academy that I'm sure the person making the statement thought would make her leave...but it only made her more determined. She spent time on patrol, undercover (favorite role), on a task force, was an FTO, a Detective, a Sergeant, and eventually turned down Lieutenant. Betsy even starred on a Reality TV Show her last year and a half.

Due to Betsy's extensive experience in speaking, writing, and training...I asked her for advice to those looking to get into that during or after their career. She said to prepare NOW...start writing articles, do informal trainings, and go to conferences.

When asked how life has changed after law enforcement, she stated she is far less cynical, she has embraced her faith, and focused on fitness for health.

If you are not connected with Betsy, you can connect with her on Instagram, here, and on LinkedIn, here.

FYI- This conversation was recorded prior to The Wounded Blue Survival Summit, which is mentioned at the end of this episode and while that conference is now in the past...you can check out their upcoming Summit by following them on social media.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

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This week's episode is a conversation with Vickie Speed, Founder of Blue Cancer Connect and widow of LASD Detective Mitch Speed.

I don't know a single person who has not been impacted by cancer in one way or another. I want this episode to not only be in remembrance of Vickie's Husband, but also in remembrance of all our brothers and sisters in blue, taken too soon by this horrible disease.

If you don't know Vickie or aren't connected with her, I highly suggest connecting with her and finding out how you can support this incredible organization she has built, by turning pain into purpose.

In this episode, Vickie talks about the day Mitch found out he had stage 4 cancer, the 26 month battle he fought, and ultimately his passing. She also talks about how the department stepped up to help, how she got through the battle and the struggles that came afterward, getting into therapy, helping her adult son through the loss and losing his way, and eventually finding strength through the struggle and starting Blue Cancer Connect.

Her strength is admirable and you can tell that so much of it comes from her faith. In fact, she described Mitch as having faith that could move mountains and how he never questioned or got mad at God after the diagnosis, but instead, asked how they could use it to serve others. Vickie says Mitch used the 26 months after his diagnosis to bring others closer to God.

Four years after his passing, Vickie recalls being awakened by God and he told her to write, "Blue Cancer Connect." She woke up the next day and didn't know what it meant...but it eventually became an organization to help others facing the challenges of cancer.

Vickie talks about what the organization is able to do, not only for organizations, but for the individual facing the diagnosis. Whether you're a LEO, family member, or civilian PD employee, Blue Cancer Connect is here to help you. You can check out their website, here and check them out on Instagram, here.

You can connect with Vickie via email at info@bluecancerconnect.com

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

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This week's episode is a conversation with Sarah Patterson, prior Sergeant with LAPD. I first heard her story on The IA Guy podcast and was flabbergasted with what I heard. You can listen to that episode, after this one, here.

I reached out to her, not only because I wanted to be there for her...but also to share a type of transition story that has not yet been shared on this podcast, despite how often it seems to happen after 2020.

Sarah is not only a prior cop...she is a wife, mom, real estate agent, and law school student.

Sarah was one of those people who didn't grow up wanting to be a cop. She was a cross fitter and owned a Crossfit gym, where several LAPD worked out. One day, she was offered a ride along and that was all it took for her to get hooked!

Sarah loved the job and didn't mind working in the shit of things. She was promoted to Sergeant and that is when it happened...the start of her career ending.

What Sarah describes about the call that changed everything, is something almost every cop/Sergeant can relate to. It is something that so many have done. It is also something so many can't relate to at all. Sarah talks about the IA process and how it can leave you feeling left out to dry, feeling like a failure, confused, and encourages EVERYONE to know your policies and to ALWAYS get outside representation.

If this episode resonates with you, realize you are NOT alone and there are people out there who "get it." Sarah is willing to chat with you and DEBRIEF is always open to you.

If it does NOT resonate with you and/or you find it hard to believe, because it hasn't happened to you or someone you know...I'm glad it hasn't, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Ask yourself how we can ensure these things don't keep happening to good people.

Sarah has learned the hard way, what it's like to not have a backup plan and to prioritize the job over family and God. She now realizes her priorities were backwards and while the circumstances suck, she's thankful for the lessons.

Sarah is still in a fight to get her job back, despite having moved forward. Make sure you follow and connect with her on Instagram, here. She's already had so many reach out and share similar stories...which always helps the pain of sharing yours.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

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This week's episode is a conversation with Cary Goldberg... a retired LEO, a veteran, and now the Director of Business Management with Starchase.

Cary walks us through his journey of growing up in Northern Virginia, realizing a four year university was not for him, joining the Marine Corps and going to the West coast, then transitioning into Law Enforcement and working for both municipal and county departments, and eventually retiring.

The turning point in Cary's career hit in 2020, for many reasons...which he talks about and deciding to retire, he had no plan other than he didn't want to work and did not want to stay in California. He and his wife sold everything and decided to RV across the country.

Like with so many retirees...that lasted six months. With no "home base" and structure, it was difficult, so they decided on a home base and he found a career that is adjacent to Law Enforcement.

Cary talks about how he once had work over family as the priority and how FAMILY is the priority. He also encourages others to work on becoming the best version of yourself. He also gave advice for those looking to transition..."don't pigeon hole yourself."

Make sure you follow and connect with Cary on LinkedIn, here.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

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This week's episode is an incredible conversation with Dr. Erica Birkley, who was actually recommended by a prior guest and friend, Chris Perry. He credits Dr. Birkley with helping him heal and get to where he is. You can check out his episode, here.

There were sooo many notes from this episode that there is NO WAY to include them all, so I will suggest getting out a notebook while listening.

Dr. Birkley is a Psychologist in Cincinnati, who owns her own private group practice and specializes in working with first responders. Some of the things she does through her practice are outpatient PTSD treatment, clinical depression, critical incident response, psych testing for departments, and training.

Dr. Birkley trained at the VA and credits that training as a great training ground for first responders, she then worked at the University of Cincinnati Hospital treating first responders, where she realized a true passion for working with them. Treating PTSD, especially working with couples is her favorite modality. When she was confronted with the reality of not only being able to work with first responders through the hospital, she CHOSE to leave (without a plan, but a lot of faith) and start her own practice, so she could serve our community.

We discussed her "welcome to the field" moment, what patterns she sees in our law enforcement community, how important accountability is, the importance of different perspectives, and how a diagnosis (like PTSD) is NOT a life sentence.

Dr. Birkley shared stats and science that helped provide so much hope! She gives red flags for PTSD (listen to these!), realistic expectations for treatment, and gives tips for those moving into the transition to life after law enforcement.

You can connect with Dr. Birkley through her website, here.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

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If you're looking to transition out of law enforcement in 2026...this episode is for YOU.

This week's episode is a chat with Courtney Lesiak, a former recruiter turned cop...and now former LEO, who's also a mom and wife to a now former cop, and embarking on a new career journey.

Courtney talks about being a recruiter and enjoying it, but not enjoying sitting at a cubicle all day...so she became a cop. She met her husband on the job and served 6.5 years before transitioning out in 2021, after having a child, child-care in a post-covid era, and getting turned down for a position.

She also talks about being a female on the job and how you are NOT the same cop you were before children, and the initial feeling of relief during the transition. She was able to land a job after leaving, due to running into an old co-worker who offered her a position. A reminder to NEVER burn bridges.

Courtney provides "insider info" and tips for job seeker... including things like being seen as a serious professional, looking outside of the traditional corporate security roles, and being more detailed on your resume. She also touches on the short term sacrifices often necessary for long term gains...something SOOO many in this profession NEED to hear and understand.

Make sure you connect with Courtney on LinkedIn, here.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

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WE MADE IT!

Another year has come and gone, can you believe it?!

This is a solo episode that I thought would be about 20 minutes and ended up being 48-ish minutes because this topic gets me fired up. It may be helpful to have a notebook or the notes section of your phone handy as you listen to this one.

Like with every episode, but especially the solo episodes...take what resonates and leave the rest. This episode is all about closing out 2025 with reflections and intentions...VERSUS shame, guilt, and judgement.

I mention the three women below and/or their podcasts in the episode, as well as the F.I.T. Method Workbook I created for you...which you can get, here.

- Dr. Medina Baumgart (Police Psychologist & wife of retired LEO) - follow her on Instagram and check out her podcast, here.

- Dina Campbell (NYPD officer & LEO wife) - follow her on IG and check out podcast, here.

- Katherine Boyle (Daughter of retired Philly cop) - follow her on IG and check out her podcast, here.

One last reminder to close out the year...

You are NOT alone. You are NOT stuck. You are NOT "just a cop."

Cheers to a new year!

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

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This is a short and sweet episode, mainly thanking you for being here and wishing you a very Merry Christmas, along with a safe and happy New Year.

I share a couple of tips that can help during this season of hustle and bustle, including...gratitude, communication, and practicing the pause.

This season brings various emotions for everyone, and that is OKAY.

If you are full of the holiday spirit and joy...OWN IT. Live in that. Just because you have a tough job or those around you are in a tough season, doesn't mean you need to dim your light. SHINE ON!

If you are struggling in this season, for whatever reason...please know that you are NOT alone and I urge you to reach out to any number of resources NOW available.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
Dial 988

Copline: 1-800-COPLINE [267-5463]

First Responder Crisis Support Helpline:
1-844-550-HERO [4376]

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift