Summary   In this episode of the Bend Don't Break Podcast, retired police chief Les Sylven and Garry Foster discuss the benefits of transcendental meditation (TM) for first responders. They explain that TM is a simple and easy practice that can help reduce stress and build resilience. They share research studies that show the effectiveness of TM in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the proactive nature of TM, highlighting its ability to enhance concentration, conflict management, and relationships. They encourage listeners to explore TM a ..read more

Watch our video on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4axm4Kd   Summary   In this episode, we remember Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, who was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. Ryan battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story. He discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. Despite the challenges he faced, Ryan remained resilient and focused on spending time with his family. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. This conversation with Chopper and his wife ..read more

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, Courtney Luxen from the Calgary Police Service shares her journey of overcoming functional neurological disorder (FND) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She initially joined the police service with a background in sports medicine but fell in love with the idea of becoming a cop after seeing a female officer in action. Courtney experienced various physical symptoms, including uncontrollable blinking, breathing difficulties, and loss of motor control. After a long and challenging recovery process, she returned to work in a part-time capacity and now ..read more

In this episode, Chief Neil Dubord speaks with Detective Greg Linkert from the Calgary Police Service, who shares his journey of resilience in the face of adversity after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Greg discusses his career in law enforcement, including his time in specialty sections such as the tactical team and bomb unit. He recounts the symptoms he experienced before his MS diagnosis and the challenges he faced in accepting his condition. Greg emphasizes the importance of communication, support systems, and maintaining a positive mindset. He also shares his involvement in ..read more

In this episode, Mitch Hardington from the Calgary Police Service shares his experience with PTSD and his journey to recovery. Mitch recounts a traumatic call where he found a man who had cut his own throat and the impact it had on Mitch's mental health. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and therapy, including the use of EMDR therapy. Mitch also discusses the concept of post-traumatic growth and how he has found a new identity outside of being a police officer. He shares his reintegration strategy for returning to work and encourages others to live authentically and take control of ..read more

RCMP Sergeant Greg Toogood was at home enjoying an evening with friends and family when his chocolate labrador Abby started uncharacteristically barking outside.  He went to the back door of his house to check on the dog.  Greg, silhouetted in the door, was ambushed from afar and shot causing significant, permanent damage to his right arm. On this episode of Bend Don't Break, Greg joins Chief Neil Dubord to talk about how the shooting affected him, and how he found the courage to come back both physically and mentally.  Join Chief Dubord and Sgt. Toogood as Greg shares the power ..read more

Join Chief Neil Dubord as he speaks with Greater Sudbury Police Service Constable James Jefferson. James was involved in a critical incident that had a profound impact on how he managed and functioned.  Until he was ready to acknowledge this impact and do something to help himself, he spiraled to his rock bottom.  But when James did acknowledge the impact, he started a road to recovery for himself, and now uses his experiences and outlook to help others with the GSPS.  Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and ..read more

Join Chief Neil Dubord as he speaks with psychologist Dr. Mark Davies. Mark has recently joined the Delta Police Department and works with our wellness section to help our officers be mentally healthy. A psychologist on staff is not a completely new thing, but it goes a long way to show how committed the DPD is to employee wellness.   Mark believes organizational culture can reduce barriers and contribute to healthy mental well-being. In speaking about a study conducted at Harvard, Dr. Davies states, “Unit cohesion in the military was a negative predictor of PTSD by a 20% variance.”  ..read more

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Sande Higgins, an RCMP member who bravely shares her unique story of survival, followed by trauma.   In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Sande who, several years ago, boarded a plane five days before getting married to the love of her life, to moments later finding herself as a survivor. Sande describes the traumatizing experience and how it accompanied her in silence for many years, painfully but away from the sight of her close ones. Sande has remained resilient in the face of all the different obstacles she had to overcome and shares her ..read more

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by   Ryan Moore of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.   In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Ryan about his struggle with PTSD and how he ended up helping others due to his own healing journey. Ryan has indigenous roots and received his formal name when he was young, he was called Big Uncle, a name they hadn’t given for a while in his culture, which represents somebody who looks after people, a perfect name that foresaw his destiny.  In his role helping others, Ryan experienced extreme situations, which over time disturbed his pea ..read more