Mind Matters – Empowering Conversations for Public Safety Professionals Hosted by Elizabeth Morris
Welcome to Mind Matters, where we’ll discuss topics involving mental wellness and first responders. Join me on this journey of learning from subject matter experts in their various fields of psychology, medicine, leadership, and many more.
Episodes
In the next installment of our Next Generation of Public Safety Professionals series, we're exploring the critical role confidence plays in developing successful public safety professionals. Join Elizabeth and Gary as they sit down with Major Mantrese Dodson of the Alamance County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina for a thoughtful conversation on how leaders can help build confidence early in a person's career...
We're kicking off a new series aimed at the next generation of candidates entering the public safety workforce. This episode explores the critical differences between training and coaching in public safety, emphasizing how coaching fosters resilience, adaptability, and continuous development beyond initial training. Leaders learn practical strategies to build a culture of coaching that enhances performance, reduces ...
What does it truly mean for a candidate to be psychologically suitable for a role in public safety?
In this episode of Mind Matters, hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly are joined by FMRT’s Lead Psychologist, Dr. Peter Schulz, to break down one of the most critical and often misunderstood parts of the hiring process.
This conversation provides a clear, high-level look at how psychological suitability is de...
Join us as we explore the leadership journey of Chief Christy Wentzell of Brevard Police Department, highlighting her diverse experiences, leadership evolution, and insights on fostering a positive police culture.
In this mini episode of Mind Matters, FMRT CEO Elizabeth Morris is joined by Victoria Tumilty, Research and Business Development Specialist at The FMRT Group, to discuss the launch of BRAINS™ 2.0, the newest evolution of FMRT’s pre-screening assessment designed specifically for public safety hiring.
Together, they explore the research and development behind the updated assessment, including feedback...
911 telecommunicators are often the first voice in moments of crisis—calming chaos, gathering critical information, and guiding help long before responders arrive on scene. Yet their role is frequently misunderstood and underrecognized.
In this episode of Mind Matters, hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly are joined by Ashley Garren, Telecommunicator II and Certified Training Officer with High Point 911, t...
In this powerful episode of "Mind Matters," hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly engage in a heartfelt conversation with Doug Monda, a retired narcotics agent and former SWAT operator. Doug shares his journey from a decorated law enforcement career to facing personal battles with PTSD and depression, leading to a suicide attempt. Now, as the founder of Survive First, Doug advocates for first responders and their fami...
Dr. Peter Schulz, a seasoned forensic psychologist and founder of Triangle Forensic Psychologists, joins Elizabeth and Gary to demystify Fitness for Duty Evaluations (FFDEs). With decades of experience conducting evaluations for law enforcement and safety-sensitive agencies, Dr. Schulz shares when and why FFDEs are used, how they protect both employees and the public, and why these evaluations should be seen a...
In this episode of Mind Matters, hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly sit down with Jason Armstrong – retired police chief, author of I’m Done Here!, and nationally recognized leadership consultant – to explore what it truly means to lead with intentionality. Drawing from over two decades in law enforcement, including his tenure as police chief in Ferguson, Missouri, Jason shares lessons on building...
Paul Butler is a nationally respected leadership trainer and former Chief Deputy with over 27 years of law enforcement experience.
In this episode, Paul draws on both his public safety career and global training expertise to explore what it truly means to lead in public safety. From empowering team builders behind the scenes to navigating difficult conversations with quiet strength, Paul shares insights int...
In this powerful episode, Elizabeth sits down with retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Kijuan Amey to explore how one life-changing moment reshaped his identity and revealed a deeper sense of purpose. After surviving a devastating motorcycle accident that left him permanently blind, Kijuan had every reason to give up. Instead, he leaned into faith, resilience, and the power of perspective.
From his decade of servic...
This episode gets real about stress, trauma, and what it actually means to take care of your mental health. Bob Delaney—a former undercover cop who infiltrated the mob, an NBA referee, and now a leading voice on post-traumatic stress—joins Elizabeth and Gary to talk about the emotional toll of high-pressure careers. From recognizing invisible wounds to building everyday resilience, Bob shares hones...
Elizabeth and Gary are joined by Dr. Leah Kaylor, a clinical and prescribing psychologist with deep experience supporting first responders and the FBI. Together, they explore how trauma impacts sleep, common disorders in law enforcement, and simple ways to improve rest and resilience. This is a must-listen for anyone working in or supporting public safety!
In this powerful episode, we sit down with retired Deputy Chief Patrick Traitor from the Jacksonville Police Department to explore the often-unspoken emotional and mental toll of a life in law enforcement. From advice for spouses and early career officers to recognizing disconnection and breaking the stigma around mental health, this conversation focuses on the personal side of policing. We also discuss the importan...
In this episode of Mind Matters, we explore why communication is the ultimate leadership superpower. Guest Edward Beltran, Elizabeth, and Gary discuss how fostering open dialogue and emotional intelligence can build resilient teams. Learn how fierce conversations help leaders navigate challenges, build trust, and create a culture of transparency. Tune in for actionable insights on strengthening leadership through be...
In this episode of Mind Matters, Chief Curtis Cheeks III of the High Point Police Department discusses the importance of wellness initiatives in law enforcement, focusing on implementing comprehensive programs, securing funding and resources, and gathering employee feedback. He shares success stories from his department, strategies for overcoming resistance to wellness efforts, and the critical role of leaders...
In this episode, we sit down with Chief Parker of Black Mountain PD to discuss the challenges and lessons learned from navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Chief Parker shares powerful insights on building resilience and coping mechanisms in law enforcement during times of crisis. We discuss leadership strategies for effective disaster response and explore the vital role of community support in recovery eff...
In this episode, Sgt. Joshua Lee joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of mental health support in law enforcement. From innovative treatments and therapies to best practices for peer support teams, Sgt. Lee shares valuable insights on how departments can better serve their officers. We also explore strategies for encouraging officers to seek help and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in the pr...
In this episode, Elizabeth, Gary, and retired Capt. Dan Willis discuss the impact of trauma and the importance of mental wellness. They explore recognizing signs of distress, effective coping mechanisms, and the role of peer support. The conversation highlights spiritual wellness, organizational wellness, and leadership's role in fostering a supportive environment, sharing practical techniques for trauma recov...
Elizabeth speaks with Chief Blair Myhand of the Hendersonville Police Department about leadership and mental wellness in law enforcement. They reflect on 9/11, discuss transitioning from the military to policing, and explore the future of the profession. Chief Myhand shares insights on supporting officers’ well-being and adapting to changing community expectations.
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