Best Front Team Communities Podcasts (2025)

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Moving beyond your comfort zone: With Brant Beard 29:03

14h ago29:03

29:03

Brant Beard on embracing challenges and creating a culture of constant learning This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by Brant Beard, Assistant VP of Talent Growth at HCH Healthcare. In his 22 year career, Brant has held a variety of different roles, from product development, to cybersecurity, to communications and more. The one thing that remained…

1
How Do You Restore Power Safely and Fast? Meet the Team Behind the Work | #7 26:35

1d ago26:35

26:35

Ever wondered what it takes to bring the lights back on after a major storm? From Air Force discipline to leading storm operations for an electric co-op, Brian Lazarchick shares the intense coordination, safety-first mindset, and evolving technology behind large-scale outage restoration. You’ll hear how tree-trimming cycles, outage maps, and a comm…

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213: First Responders- Own Worst Enemies? Build Understanding and Grace w/ Robyn Sonnier 42:03

9h ago42:03

42:03

The longer I am involved in the policing industry and first responder communities, the more I believe our biggest threat isn’t what’s “out there…” it’s in HERE. It’s negative attitudes, toxic departments and leadership, corrosive gossiping, a culture that eats its own, and that starts with us individually. The negative self-talk can get out of cont…

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212: Sheriff Derek Sanders Returns, State of the County/Community/State/ Policing 59:24

4d ago59:24

59:24

After connecting with Sheriff Derek Sanders in episode 44, we have seen a LOT of proactive police work, video content, press releases, solid recruiting/staffing reports... it made sense to have the energetic/boots on the ground/lead from the front/pursuit engaging/public interfacing Sheriff back on the show to catch up and tell us how office has be…

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Field Service Palm Springs 2025: Event Highlights 24:51

3d ago24:51

24:51

Sarah shares an overview of session highlights as well as her personal observations of Field Service Palm Springs 2025.

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Building the resilience muscle: With Leonardo Hirschbrand 33:35

4d ago33:35

33:35

Leonardo Hirschbrand looks back on 29 years of digital transformation at Unilever In this week’s episode of Catalyst, Tammy is joined by a pioneer in digital transformation Leonardo Hirschbrand. Over his 29 year career at Unilever Leo helped the brand go from pen and paper to a tech-forward global company. Leo shares some stories about the early da…

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211: 5 Ways to Build Organizational Culture and Wellness 17:26

7d ago17:26

17:26

Wellness. Leadership. Culture. How do you build it? In this episode, I nod to 5 concepts we can all take on, regardless of our ranks. (Lead at all levels!) With popular demand, I’m rolling out more solo eps based on your questions, prompts and suggestions. Shoutout to prior guest, LT. Ray Polk for the episode question/prompt! Questions, topic ideas…

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Powered from Within: From Helping Customers to Shaping Community | #6 26:35

9d ago26:35

26:35

What if you could inspire the next generation, support struggling families, and uplift your entire community—just by showing up every day with purpose? That’s exactly what Natalie Cotton has done. In this conversation, we dive into Natalie’s unexpected rise through SMECO, from a job-hunting newcomer to the powerhouse behind its community engagement…

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210: Wellness Panel- How to build as individuals AND community: first responders and beyond! 47:31

12d ago47:31

47:31

We talk about building wellness, but how do we do it at scale? It starts with us, but it quickly becomes about others- and how we contribute to a COMMUNITY of wellness. In this episode, I am joined by James, a medivac paramedic and MHP, Ashley a federal LEO and physical trainer, and Tom an entrepreneur who comes from a policing family, creating an …

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Using AI to Unlock Potential While Protecting the Human Experience 51:50

10d ago51:50

51:50

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, Sarah Nicastro sits down with Faisal Hoque, serial entrepreneur, business strategist, and bestselling author, to explore the delicate balance between AI advancement and human potential. From distinguishing consumer AI from enterprise initiatives to understanding the concept of regenerative leadership, this conversatio…

1
209: Financial Health and Rediscovering how to Serve, w/ fmr. LEO Bryan Pitman 45:10

14d ago45:10

45:10

Blue Grit Wellness (and Radio) was created to promote health in all facets.. but one topic where I've been admittedly light has been financial health (likely due to my lack of expertise compared to the others!) In this episode, I am joined by fmr. local LEO, Bryan Pitman who now works as a financial advisor. I first heard Bryan speak at a local pol…

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From the archives: Navigating corporate life with humor 43:27

15d ago43:27

43:27

Chappell Ellison on balancing professionalism whilst staying true to yourself This week we’re sharing one of our most recent favorites from the archives, a conversation with Launch’s Director of Digital Strategy, Chappell Ellison. In this episode Tammy and Chappell dive into what it means to bring your authentic self to work and how authenticity ca…

1
Why They Come, And Why They Stay 35:39

12d ago35:39

35:39

Dan Sullivan and Steve Krein delve into the power of the “When Are You Great?” tool, discussing how it serves as a crucial planning aid and a potent marketing resource. Using real-world examples, they explore the implications for crafting compelling offers, narrating impactful stories, and leveraging a marketer’s secret weapon. Show Notes: To figur…

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Wired for Change: Leading a Co-op in a Shutdown | #5 25:50

16d ago25:50

25:50

When Sonja Cox stepped into the CEO role at SMECO, she had big plans—then COVID hit. In this compelling conversation, Sonja shares what it was like to lead through an unprecedented crisis, from ensuring employee safety to keeping the lights on for thousands of customers. She reflects on the challenges of running a top-tier electric cooperative, the…

1
How Trends in Enterprise Asset Management Intersect with Service 50:00

17d ago50:00

50:00

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro sits down with Berend Booms, Head of EAM Insights at IFS Ultimo, to explore the evolving landscape of Enterprise Asset Management and its critical role in service transformation. Berend and Sarah also discuss their mentee/mentor relationship as well as share honest insights about a topic they bond …

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208: 10 Tips for Police Academy, Prep, Dial in and Succeed! 15:56

21d ago15:56

15:56

For the newly hired rookies (and frankly all future prospects and candidates!) I am sharing and breaking down ten tips from a PoliceMag.com article by Ronnie Wendt. I share the tips, expand and explain my take and spin on the tips. Listen in, share with your new folks, and you'll see themes that have strong carry over for veteran officers (and othe…

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207: First Responder Career Myths, Challenges and Solutions, w/ Doc Jena Casas 27:23

21d ago27:23

27:23

High divorce rates. Failed communication. Vices. In this episode, Dr. Jena Casas returns to BGR to help us iron out these notions and help us challenge their validity. Beyond that, we discuss what we need to DO about them and the dynamics that may help us drift toward them. This is a listen that hits on all the wellness intersections- a must listen…

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Scaling responsible AI: With Noelle Russell 43:16

18d ago43:16

43:16

Noelle Russell on harnessing the power of AI in a responsible and ethical way Noelle Russell compares AI to a baby tiger, it’s super cute when it’s small but it can quickly grow into something huge and dangerous. As the CEO and founder of the AI Leadership Institute and as an early developer on Amazon Alexa, Noelle has a deep understanding of scali…

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How Linemen Keep the Lights On—Stories from the Front Lines | #4 53:49

23d ago53:49

53:49

Think power outages are just an inconvenience? For the linemen who restore electricity, it's a high-stakes mission. In this episode, we sit down with seasoned lineworkers to uncover the grit, danger, and teamwork behind the job. From grueling storm recoveries to the unbreakable brotherhood that keeps them safe, this conversation sheds light on the …

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206: Building Your Gifts for GOOD w/ Clee Tilman (Detective, Author, Host, Animator) 37:57

26d ago37:57

37:57

Clee and I connect over his career of service- from military years to policing which includes school resource officer and his current role in special assault investigations. He shares about serving the need of victims and the vulnerable and how he has embraced his gifts of creating, writing, speaking and animating to expand positivity and connectin…

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Future of Field Service: 2025 Events Update 9:36

24d ago9:36

9:36

In a brief solo episode, Sarah provides an update on Future of Field Service events for 2025 plus a sneak peek into a few other exciting things in the works!

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205: "The Backup Career": Professional Police Skill Development with Officers Vince and Devonta from Welcome to the Street 52:12

28d ago52:12

52:12

We talk about back up weapons, back up lights.. back up and contingency plans for each and every call- to include the 800 pound gorilla popping out of a trunk on a traffic stop- to train our brains and prep for the best AND worst. (Wait, your FTOs didn't pitch you those scenarios??) And yet... when we talk about our own career paths and livelihoods…

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AI enhancement not replacement: With Sandy Carter 39:16

25d ago39:16

39:16

Sandy Carter on ways to balance human and AI collaboration Sandy Carter literally wrote the book on humans interacting with AI. In her book AI First, Human Always Sandy breaks down the hottest trends in AI right now and dives into how humans can use AI to enhance, not replace, the human experience. This week Sandy joins Tammy to talk about the book…

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The Future of Energy Generation in Maryland: Navigating Demand, Data Centers, and Clean Energy | #3 31:18

30d ago31:18

31:18

In this episode, we dive into Maryland’s evolving energy landscape with a focus on the state's generation deficit, growing demand for electricity, and the complex debate surrounding energy generation solutions. From the impact of data centers and electric vehicles to the push for nuclear and renewable energy, we explore how Maryland is addressing t…

1
204: Parking Unit Game Changer, How to Improve Revenue and Reduce Violence w/ Tire Tag 24:38

1M ago24:38

24:38

Parking tickets.. logistically a challenge. Most people don't pay them, and no action is pursued since it's unfruitful. In addition, parking officers and attendants often are faced with conflict- even threat of violence- especially when using clunky devices like a "boot." I am joined by Myra Bennett of Tire Tag- which provides a cost-effective solu…

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203: Combatting First Responder and Veteran S-icide: ACTION over Awareness w/ veteran Mark Messina, QRF UP 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

We often talk on the alarming and devastating rates of depression, crisis and su-cide in first responder and veteran communities. Bringing awareness is one thing, but as combat veteran Mark Messina discusses- we don't need more awareness- we are all keenly aware. We need ACTION that actually addresses the issue and provides immediate help to those …

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Bridging the Innovation Gap: From Ambition to Execution in Modern Business 42:13

1M ago42:13

42:13

Inthis episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro welcomes Amer Iqbal, a sought-afterspeaker who has spent the last 20 years leading innovation at some of theworld’s top companies including as the Head of Digital Transformation, APAC atMeta and Director of Digital Strategy & Innovation at Deloitte Digital.Amer joins Sarah to discuss some of the the…

1
202: Leading with Conviction, NCIS to Corporate and Beyond, w/ Rebecca Fitzsimmons, Tactical Harmony 43:48

1M ago43:48

43:48

First responder careers are no joke- I have seen it be a forge for development in personal, professional arenas- in skills for leadership, problem solving, confidence and mindset. In this episode, we discuss all that- with former NCIS turned corporate leader turned leadership coach Rebecca Fitzsimmons. We expand on topics of development and elevati…

1
Navigating change with empathy: With Nimesh Mehta 40:38

1M ago40:38

40:38

Nimesh Mehta on how to lead people through large scale transformations When Tammy first met Nimesh Mehta they felt like kindred spirits. Nimesh is the Chief Information and Strategy Officer at National Life Group and is passionate about creating human experiences with AI. This week on Catalyst, Tammy and Nimesh discuss how to implement digital tran…

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Grid Safety and Security: Protecting Our Power System | #2 19:06

1M ago19:06

19:06

In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox, along with co-host Tom Dennison, dives into the critical topic of grid safety and security. Joining them is Jason Scott, the Preparedness and Security Director at SMECO, who shares his expertise on protecting the power grid from both physical and cyber threats. Jason discusses his background in law…

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Behind the Scenes of SMECO: Community, Cooperation, and Commitment | #1 24:29

1M ago24:29

24:29

In this inaugural episode of the SMECO Connects podcast, Vice President of Public Affairs Tom Dennison joins CEO Sonia to discuss the heart of SMECO's cooperative model. They dive into the company's roots, the difference between cooperatives and investor-owned utilities, and SMECO’s deep commitment to the community. From volunteer work and corporat…

1
201: Highlighting Resources for First Responders, w/Shawn Thomas 1st Responder Conferences 43:57

1M ago43:57

43:57

We can talk a lot about wellness resources, but when someone is hurting, how does one access them? We can think about these elusive, intangible words and ideas like "reaching out, EAP, Peer Support, and resources" but what are the different modalities, organizations, and strategies? Shawn Thomas, retired LEO, founded 1st Responder Conferences to ad…

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Ambassador Insights: Rogue HealthCare Community Voices 38:22

1M ago38:22

38:22

On today's episode, we are sharing an incredible live session help within the Rogue Healthcare Community, called Ambassador Insights. This session explored the power of community in healthcare talent acquisition with three amazing ambassadors: Cindy Pereira of LifePoint Health, Brooke Ludford of Endeavor Health, and Gia Johnston of Sutter Health. F…

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An Inside Look at ACCO’s Strategic Big Bets to Win the Talent War 53:08

1M ago53:08

53:08

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro sits down with Michael Potts, Executive Vice President at ACCO Engineered Systems, to explore strategic 'big bets' in talent acquisition and retention. From prioritizing cultural fit over quick hires, to embracing disruptive change and investing in emotional intelligence training, Michael shares ho…

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200: Lessons and Reflections on Growth, Purpose, Gratitude, and Dealing with the Haters (for cops, civilians, rookies, and vets alike!) 24:04

1M ago24:04

24:04

Here we are.. Episode 200! It's crazy how far we've come (we certainly being you and I, those following along, joining in and sharing out). I'm grateful for how this whole Blue Grit project, podcast and all, have grown and how they have helped me and others grow as well. It's about elevating our community through learning and developing - whether i…

1
Driving community engagement: With Martina Lee Strickland 36:06

1M ago36:06

36:06

Martina Lee Strickland on using tech to serve underrepresented communities in the healthcare industry Martina Lee Strickland is a unicorn in the healthcare industry. She’s worked in the industry for over 20 years and is now the Chief Growth Officer at Clever Care Health Plan, a healthcare company that provides culturally-sensitive Medicare options.…

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SMECO Connects Trailer 0:43

1M ago0:43

0:43

Subscribe to be the first to listen to the SMECO Connects podcast

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199: How to Model Wellness in Police Leaders- the Deputy Chief Duo Julie Beard and Andy McCurdy 55:05

1M ago55:05

55:05

I have often been complimented for being a police leader and sharing about vulnerability in the vein of first responder and police wellness and resilience. It's evokes a strange feeling, as I don't see why it matters more that I'm a "boss" and sharing it- as I feel much just "a guy" trying to support and invite others through this sharing of insigh…

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198: What I Wish Police Couples and Families Knew- w/ Rebecca, "Proud Police Wife" 49:16

2M ago49:16

49:16

Marriage is hard. Police marriage is harder. Ok, the dynamics can be challenging.. but is it helpful to dwell on that- or do we lean into the facts and build awareness, connection, framework, communication, trust, and structures to SUPPORT those dynamics? (Hint: yes, that's what we aim to do!) Enter Rebecca Lynn, of Proud Police Wife. As the name a…

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197: The Need-to-Know on Pre-Hire Police Psychological Evals for Applicants w/ Doc Jena Casas 45:25

2M ago45:25

45:25

The policing testing and hiring process is daunting enough.. and then you have to be evaluated by a psychologist? Intimidating to say the least! In this episode, I am joined by "Doc" Jena Casas. She breaks down what the psych eval and component are all about for applicants and agencies. We cover takeaways from the hiring perspective and how candida…

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From Free Cars to Field Service: How Accidental Careers Build Industry Leaders 42:44

2M ago42:44

42:44

In this heartfelt episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro sits down with Ged Cranny, Senior Consultant with Konica Minolta's International Service Business, as he reflects on his remarkable 45-year journey in field service on the cusp of retirement. From navigating the evolution of service from cost center to strategic advantage, to insights on …

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Designing the future: With Jod Kaftan 34:29

2M ago34:29

34:29

Jod Kaftan on imagining a future that’s more human What could a future with AI look like? Jod Kaftan has imagined almost every future scenario possible, both good and bad. Jod has over 20 years of design experience and is now the Head of Product Design and Research at Oracle where he is developing cutting-edge SaaS solutions to tackle climate chang…

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196: Learning from Past and Present Mistakes: NYPD Scandal w/ Bill Fraass (Capt. ret.) 58:18

2M ago58:18

58:18

When we (as an industry) fail we must not look away, but examine so we can learn from "our" collective mistakes. This stings at best and disgraces at worst. When so many of us are shedding our literal blood, sweat, and tears in the service of others and to elevate the badge, others would sully it. In this episode, ret. Capt. Bill Fraass (from Ep. 1…

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195: How to Heal Cops and Family Systems to Heal Community, w/ Dr. Jody Carrington 56:12

2M ago56:12

56:12

Some time ago I asked who I needed to have on the show. One of you emphatically said DR. JODY! I’m pretty sure that’s how it was written with much other reflection! I wasn’t familiar, and started looking and finding how much work Dr. Jody has done to share and advocate for the first responder and police communities and how to ACTUALLY support not o…

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Courtnay Wittmershaus: Transformational TA Leadership Begins with Stakeholder Collaboration 45:29

2M ago45:29

45:29

On today's episode, Matt welcomes back Courtnay Wittmershaus, Director of Workforce Planning and Recruitment Strategy at Sharp Healthcare. Since her last appearance, Courtney has been driving major transformation within her TA team, implementing new leadership structures, data-driven reporting, and operational improvements to enhance healthcare rec…

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194: True Leadership, Mentoring, & Development for Police, w/ Sgt. Eric Gordon 59:28

2M ago59:28

59:28

There have been a lot of Valley SWAT officers on this show, and it’s for good reason. When you have high cohesion and performance in team, it’s worth looking at the individuals that make it up. When local cops consider credible leadership in or out of SWAT, Eric Gordon’s name tops the list. Gordon shares on his background, getting into the military…

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Communication Matters: Skills to Create Highly Engaged Service Teams 49:38

2M ago49:38

49:38

Sarah sits down with Jason Anthoine, a veteran of internal communications with 35 years of experience, to unpack the critical balance between high-tech and high-touch communication, discuss how to leverage internal influencers effectively, and reveal why many leaders unconsciously 'under-lead.'

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Experience as emotion: Customer centered growth with Donald Chesnut 40:39

2M ago40:39

40:39

A seasoned Chief Experience Officer on going beyond traditional customer experience Donald Chesnut practically invented the term Chief Experience Officer. He’s worked at some of the world’s largest brands like Unilever, Target, Disney, General Motors and Coke and is now writing a book on why companies should move away from customer experience and t…

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193: Hiring Q&A for Police Applicants: Process, Bad Questions, College Majors, Difficulty, Timeline and More!! 32:28

2M ago32:28

32:28

Ask and you shall receive! I am grateful to be able to contribute to bringing in new, bright and committed future cops! From my time in hiring and recruiting, as a trainer and supervisor- and being on both sides of the interview tables countless times, I answer your questions about the process and how to show up BEST! It's about showing up right, s…

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192: FTO Panel: What Police Trainers want (and don't want) to see in Recruits and Rookies 55:04

2M ago55:04

55:04

With all the new police applicants, candidates, recruits, and student officers aka ROOKIES (endearing tone) tuning it, I’m excited to showcase this panel of widespread and ranged experience. Each active officer is or has been an FTO: coming to us from both sides of WA State and the Midwest. Listeners will gain tons of valuable insight hearing about…

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Front Team Communities Podcasts

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