Safety is a State of Mind: 3 Podcasts That Shaped My Leadership and Tactical Thinking
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Safety is a State of Mind: How These Three Podcasts Shaped My Approach to Leadership & Critical Thinking
As a former police officer, supervisor, and SWAT Field Commander, I know firsthand that safety isn't just about gear, tactics, or training—it’s a state of mind. The decisions we make under pressure, the way we process information, and how we anticipate risks all stem from how we think, prepare, and lead.
Even after retiring, I find myself drawn to the same critical thinking frameworks that helped me navigate the unpredictable realities of the job. A huge part of that mental discipline came from three key podcasts that I listened to on patrol, in command, and now in retirement.
These three podcasts helped me think outside the box, make better leadership decisions, and ultimately keep my team safer. Whether you're a first responder, a leader, or someone looking to sharpen your mindset, these are must-listens for anyone serious about preparation, strategy, and leadership.
1. Shots Fired Podcast – The Power of Tactical Mindset & Scenario-Based Thinking
One of the biggest challenges in law enforcement is that no two situations are ever the same. You can have all the training in the world, but when the unexpected happens, your ability to think critically under stress is what truly determines success.
Shots Fired Podcast helped me refine my tactical mindset by walking through real-world law enforcement scenarios. Each episode breaks down high-stakes situations—the decisions made, the mistakes, the lessons learned—and forces you to think:
🔥 How would I handle this situation?
🔥 What alternative options were available?
🔥 What lessons can I apply to my own leadership?
Listening to this podcast on patrol helped reinforce my ability to analyze, adapt, and act decisively—something that was invaluable in my role as a supervisor and SWAT Field Commander.
2. The Debrief – Preparing for the Worst, Leading with the Best
One of the hardest parts of leadership is thinking ahead—way ahead. In law enforcement and tactical operations, complacency kills. If you're only reacting to problems as they happen, you're already behind.
The Debrief helped me develop a command-level mindset by diving into worst-case scenario planning, strategic foresight, and high-stakes leadership. It’s all about:
✅ Understanding how major incidents unfold
✅ Learning from past critical events
✅ Building a framework for decision-making under pressure
As a SWAT Field Commander, I couldn't afford to hope for the best—I had to plan for the worst. This podcast reinforced the importance of preparing for every variable and leading with clarity, confidence, and control.
3. Revisionist History – The Power of Perspective in Leadership
If Shots Fired made me a better tactician, and The Debrief made me a better planner, then Revisionist History made me a better thinker and leader.
This podcast isn’t about law enforcement, but it challenges the way you see the world. It forces you to:
🔍 Re-examine what you thought you knew
🔍 Analyze events from different perspectives
🔍 Consider the consequences of decisions both before and after they happen
This way of thinking was invaluable as a supervisor. Too often, we make decisions based on tradition, instinct, or surface-level information. But great leadership requires deeper thinking.
How will this decision affect my team? The public? The long-term mission?
Are we approaching this problem with the right perspective?
What biases or assumptions might be limiting our effectiveness?
This podcast sharpened my ability to lead with intelligence, fairness, and adaptability.
Why This Matters: Safety is a State of Mind
Gear, tactics, and training are only part of the equation when it comes to safety. The real difference-maker is your mindset.
📌 Can you think critically under pressure?
📌 Do you prepare for worst-case scenarios?
📌 Are you willing to challenge your own perspective and grow as a leader?
These three podcasts helped me build that mental framework—both on duty and now in retirement. They helped me be a better officer, supervisor, and field commander—and they still shape the way I think and lead today.
If you're serious about mental toughness, leadership, and staying ahead of the game, give them a listen. You won’t regret it.