Abolishing Police Without Saying Abolishing Police

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of your career, torn between the comfort of the familiar and the allure of the unknown? This is the tale of Tom Rink, whose pivot from a 25-year stretch as a Tulsa police officer to a librarian and educator proves it's never too late to rewrite your story. Our conversation with Tom unveils the remarkable way he discovered his true calling and how his police background enriched his new profession, culminating in the creation of a groundbreaking police department library. His journey is a beacon for anyone contemplating a dramatic career shift, illustrating the power of passion and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from embracing change.

Tom's story is further enriched by the vital role of leadership in fostering innovation within existing structures. A forward-thinking commander's support was the catalyst for Tom's vision of a police department library, highlighting how leadership can be instrumental in bringing about transformative projects. The episode goes beyond Tom's personal narrative to discuss how the deployment of an online library supercharged the efficiency of the Tulsa Police Department.

This episode is a tribute to the leaders who dare to support the unconventional and the trailblazers like Tom who help steer the ship towards uncharted but fruitful waters.


Today’s episode is brought to you by Officer Privacy! OfficerPrivacy.com is an LEO-owned company that scrubs your private information from the internet so you and your family don't have to worry about crazies or criminals showing up at your front door. The best way to reclaim your privacy going into 2024 is to use Officer Privacy. You won’t regret it!

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

Ever wondered what it takes to lead with integrity behind the badge? Join us as we sit down with Steve Neal, a law enforcement veteran of nearly three decades, whose story of transformation from a young man on the wrong side of the law to a champion for respectful policing will leave you inspired. Steve doesn't just share his journey; he takes us through the murky waters of law enforcement leadership, revealing how toxic relationships at the top can ripple down and impact the entire department. His book, "Toxic Boss Blues," dives into these turbulent dynamics, offering a lifeline to those struggling under the weight of problematic superiors.

Leadership can make or break the spirit of an organization, and nowhere is this more evident than in the corridors of law enforcement. This episode peels back the curtain on the kind of leadership that corrodes institutional morale — think micromanagement and biased discipline — and outlines why the shift in promoting leaders should favor those who prioritize authenticity and moral courage. Steve's reflections on how he navigated these treacherous leadership landscapes not only shed light on the issue but also provide valuable lessons and strategies for those in the throes of similar battles.

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

When life handed you a uniform and a badge, it didn't provide a manual on how to maintain health amidst the chaos. Today's episode is nothing short of a revelation, as Dr. Mark Sherwood, a retired police sergeant and beacon of wellness, joins us to discuss the seismic shift in his life's path. From the gritty streets of law enforcement to the holistic corridors of fitness and functional medicine, Mark's transformation is a testament to the impact of proactive health and the potent power of hope in our lives. We dissect the overlooked health crisis festering within the ranks of those who serve and protect, and how Mark's insights are changing the game for officers nationwide.

Have you ever considered the intricate ties that bind pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and the medical industry? Mark pulls back the curtain on this subject, revealing a landscape where conflicts of interest and systemic issues could be compromising our health. We confront the alarming reality that prescribed medications aren't always the lifesavers they're marketed to be, and how a more informed approach to our wellness can keep us off the path of dependency and despair. With Mark's guidance, we explore how to reclaim control over our well-being through comprehensive blood work, lifestyle adjustments, and the courage to step outside the conventional healthcare narrative.

Ending on a note of inspiration, we echo Dr. Sherwood's call for courageous leadership and personal accountability in law enforcement, and indeed, in all walks of life. Travis shares the story of his own health transformation, sparked by Mark's mentorship and the realization that vitality isn't just a professional requirement, but a personal mission.


Contact Mark Here & Learn About The Functional Medical Institute

Shop The Supplements Discussed On The Show. Travis is a huge fan of Kingdom Shake and  Kingdom Kup. 

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

When courage under fire translates from the battlefield to the streets, retired police captain and U.S. Army veteran Michael Howell steps into our studio to talk life, leadership, and the split-second decisions that make all the difference. Michael takes us behind the scenes of the Lakewood church shooting with a critical eye on the response, the impact, and the courage it takes to stand in harm's way. His first-hand account from a harrowing Black Friday incident casts a sobering light on the reality of law enforcement's high-stakes environment.

Feel your pulse quicken as we recount the actions of Michael Howell, an off-duty officer whose presence of mind and training defused a lethal threat. This episode peels back the curtain on the psychological aftermath of an active shooter event, exploring the dichotomy between public perception and the intrinsic duty felt by those sworn to protect. We wade through the murky waters of decision-making amidst chaos, dissecting the varied responses from those on the scene of Joel Osteen's Church crisis and the implications of an officer's hesitation when every second counts.

Rounding off, we grapple with the mental fortitude required for those in uniform, whether on duty or off, facing the ultimate test of their resolve. It's a stirring reminder of the weight carried by law enforcement and civilians alike who are thrust into the crucible of crisis. Stories of valor, such as Mike's, are not just tales of bravery; they are touchstones for the courageous leadership that safeguards our communities. Join us for an episode that not only salutes these unsung heroes but also empowers you with their lessons on leadership and survival.

You can watch the video of the incident discussed here.

We highly recommend this analysis by Keith Graves. 

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

Have you ever stood at a crossroads, principles in one hand, the easy path in the other? In this episode, we tackle the silent crisis afflicting today’s society: a dire need for courage among leaders. Courage that demands we stand grounded in our convictions, regardless of the tremors that threaten our professional and personal worlds.

Through our journey, the spotlight falls on Dr. Roland Fryer, the brilliant mind whose empirical research on police use of force overturned widely accepted narratives. Withstanding immense pressure and the looming threat to his career, Fryer’s resolve to publish his findings remains a testament to integrity. His story, woven from the threads of a challenging upbringing to the academic peaks of Harvard, underscores the monumental impact that one individual's adherence to truth can provide. Our discussion is not just a chronicle of Fryer’s work, but a rallying cry for the kind of leadership that can genuinely reform and inspire change within the community.

This episode is a tribute to those who prioritize unwavering principles over the luring call of comfort and a reminder that it is these rare acts of bravery that carve paths for progress. Listen in for an urgent, heartfelt charge towards cultivating a society that values integrity and the powerful influence of courageous leadership.

A special thanks to The Free Press and Barry Weiss for the audio portions of this podcast.

You can view Dr. Fryer's research here.

An article dedicated to Dr. Fryer is here that contains the full 77 minute interview. 

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

When the rules of engagement change on the streets, what happens to the guardians keeping the peace? Sean Willoughby, president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, steps into the spotlight to shed light on the stark realities of police reform under DOJ consent decrees. Through Sean's lens, we uncover the consequences these changes have wrought on the Albuquerque Police Department: a rise in officer-involved shootings, strained budgets, and a workforce grappling with the chasm between theory and practice.

As we peel back the layers of oversight, Sean's story unveils the paradox of deescalation policies leading to more fatal encounters, and the mounting pressures on officers to comply with often burdensome reforms. The narrative moves us through the city's law enforcement ecosystem, revealing the complexities of balancing constitutional protections against federal intervention and the intricate dance of local governments funding investigations into their own police forces. This episode is a wake-up call to consider the efficacy of DOJ decrees, the cultural shifts within police departments, and the broader implications for public safety.

You can watch the video version of this podcast here. 



fEXfnt3ZGqKPhoEXpXPB

ZuY5hYzi8MYe78bjqVvb

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

Join Travis Yates and his distinguished guest, retired assistant Chief Brian Baxter, for a deep and engaging discussion on the essence of leadership and trust within the law enforcement community. Brian, with over three decades at the Texas Department of Public Safety and founder of Performance Critical Inc., shares his invaluable insights and experiences that span from his initial days on patrol to his pivotal role in revamping DPS training. We unravel the fundamental shift needed for trust to evolve from being a mere metric to becoming the cornerstone of an effective policing mission. Listeners will gain a raw and revealing look into the practices that build respect and trust, not only among officers but also within the communities they serve.

Our episode pivots to the nuanced art of officer management, where the fine line between public appreciation and private rectification is explored. Brian imparts wisdom on the importance of nurturing a culture where leaders honor their officers' efforts, creating an atmosphere where respect and trust are both given and received. The conversation travels through the intricacies of police training, advocating for an approach that instills communication and respect from a rookie officer's first day. This episode peels back the layers, connecting the quality of leadership to the caliber of public service provided by law enforcement officers, and offering a unique perspective on how the internal culture of an agency can translate to its public interaction.
]
Brian and I share our professional journeys since 1993, appreciating the progress made in technology, diversity, and transparency, while acknowledging the hard road ahead. This episode is a testament to the relentless pursuit of improvement within law enforcement, offering enlightenment and a beacon of hope as we confront ongoing challenges and strive for excellence amidst scrutiny.

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

Discover a transformative perspective on leadership as former police officer Chad is trailblazing  path through his performance coaching and desire to see leadership in law enforcement improve.  Venturing beyond his book, "The Holy Trinity of Successful and Healthy Police Organizations," Chad illuminates the essence of profound leadership and personal growth, recounting the lessons from his service-driven upbringing, military discipline, and the front lines of law enforcement. His narrative is a masterclass in understanding the human psyche and instigating positive change within the ranks of those who protect and serve.

Chad juxtaposes the meritocratic ethos of military training with the seniority-centric culture pervasive in police departments. We confront the systemic challenges that hinder the cultivation of true leaders and discuss the dire need for an overhaul in law enforcement leadership. For officers feeling disheartened by their current professional environment, Chad extends actionable advice and encouragement. His insights are not just crucial for those in uniform; they resonate with anyone aspiring to lead with integrity and impact.

Join us for a conversation that promises to redefine your understanding of what it means to lead by example.



Today’s episode is brought to you by Officer Privacy! OfficerPrivacy.com is an LEO-owned company that scrubs your private information from the internet so you and your family don't have to worry about crazies or criminals showing up at your front door. The best way to reclaim your privacy going into 2024 is to use Officer Privacy. You won’t regret it!

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

Discover the secrets to financial freedom as Lamonte "Monty" Bynum, a Marine Corps veteran and retired law enforcement professional joins Travis Yates on this riveting episode that breaks the mentality of impossible that many first responders have. Monty describes the mindset and the determination that provided financial success while he was working in law enforcement.

Monty doesn't just talk the talk; he walks us through the essential mindset shifts that fire up the engines of wealth and well-being. Tune in and learn how to fuse a heart for service with a head for business, turning the page to an exhilarating chapter of life after service.

Embarking on a career transition can summon a tempest of self-doubt, but in this conversation, Monty cast a lifeline that examinse the daunting wave of identity and potential that often crashes over those in law enforcement and first responders, discussing how to navigate through the storm by recognizing personal triumphs and capabilities. Prepare to be inspired as we share stories of those who've successfully piloted their unique skills from public service into the entrepreneurial waters, illuminating the path to empowerment and success.

Find out more at The Wealthy Servant. 

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

Hernando Arce brings more than just a keen eye for detail to our latest discussion; he carries the weight of truth from the frontlines of Texas border towns. As a citizen journalist, Hernando offers an unfiltered glimpse into the immigration crisis, painting a picture of leadership missteps and the real-world consequences for communities grappling with demographic upheaval. From the perilous paths migrants tread to the cartels' merciless orchestration of human displacement,

Our conversation takes a deep and sometimes disquieting turn as we explore the strain on local resources and the government's handling of immigration. The personal freedoms and values that once drew Hernando to Texas now find themselves in the crosshairs of political decisions. We aren't afraid to tackle the hot-button issues, like the role of the Department of Justice in enforcing federal laws and the enigmatic silence of environmental advocates on the border's ecological impact. It's a no-holds-barred look at the politics of blame and the true human cost of policy inaction.

You can follow Hernando at https://twitter.com/hernandoarce

You can support his efforts here.

Join Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders:

Get The Book
Get Weekly Articles by Travis Yates
Join Us At Our Website
Get Our 'Courageous Leadership' Training
Join The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance