The First Responder Playbook: Insights on Leadership and Training

On this deeply moving episode of The First Responder Playbook, host Brent sits down with Susan Snow—trauma resiliency coach, speaker, and author. Susan opens up about the life-altering night she lost her father, a Los Angeles police detective, in the line of duty when she was just 17. She shares her raw, emotional journey through grief, trauma, and survival, highlighting the lack of mental health resources for law enforcement famil...

Welcome to this episode of the First Responder Playbook. Join our host and Sergeant V from DXI Training Solutions for an in-depth discussion about the essential aspects of carrying knives as a first responder. Discover the various roles a knife can play, from a backup weapon to a general utility tool, and the importance of understanding its use based on departmental policies and personal preferences.

Learn about the features of dif...

Join us in this enlightening episode of the First Responder Playbook as we welcome Sharon Dunleavy, an educational advocate dedicated to enhancing the educational success of children in foster care. Sharon shares her invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by these children, emphasizing how trauma impacts their learning and behavior.

Discover actionable strategies for first responders to effectively support and commu...

Step onto the front lines with this episode of The First Responder Playbook, as host Brent sits down with Mark Mowbray—Marine Corps and Army veteran, former corrections officer, trooper, and author-to-be. Mark shares his remarkable career journey, from seeking purpose after high school, through the rigors of Parris Island, SWAT-style prison teams, and the realities of Ohio corrections, all the way to patrolling city streets and cou...

In this engaging episode, Brent sits down with Patrick Faulkner—a seasoned law enforcement professional, Air Force veteran, and host of the “Knock and Talk Show”—to unpack his winding journey through policing, military service, and ultimately, first responder training through ADB Nation. From tales of policing in both large metro areas and tiny “Mayberry”-like towns, to the challenges faced after leaving law enforcement, Patrick’s ...

On today’s episode, I sat down with Keith Grounsell—a two-time chief of police, DEA special agent, and international law enforcement leader—with nearly 27 years of experience taking on everything from undercover narcotics to fighting global corruption. Keith shared powerful lessons on leadership, innovation, and never taking “no” for an answer, whether it’s solving budget challenges or building trust with the community. If you want...

1. Travis’s Military Background and Transition Out of the Marine Corps

• Duration in the Marine Corps (13 years)

• Reasons for leaving: changes in times, God’s plan, instructor role, need to move on

• Positive outlook on his service and reasons for not criticizing the Marine Corps

2. Transitioning to Civilian Life: Initial Experiences

• Early transition jobs: working at Don Corp and Lockheed Martin

  • Surround...

Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the episode, with sub-topics for each main subject:

1. Introduction and Background of the Guest

• Travis Mitchell’s connection to Wagner and background

• Travis’s status as a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong association

• The episode’s focus on military life and transitions

2. Decision to Join the Marine Corps

• Influence of cousin Michael and early impressi...

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨 The First Responder Playbook 🎙️

This week, we’re diving into the world of small-town grit with Officer Brady Bailey—a cop who proves you don’t need a big city badge to make a big-time impact.

From traffic stops to training rooms, Brady has turned his passion for criminal interdiction and police instruction into a mission. He’s part cop, part teacher, and all-in when it comes to sharpening the blade for ...

This week, we’re flipping the script on high-stress calls and adrenaline-fueled responses. Join us as we sit down with David Vilsaying, nationally recognized de-escalation instructor and voice of calm in chaos.

From the streets to the classroom, David shares real-world strategies that save lives—and careers. Whether you're a rookie responder or a seasoned supervisor, this episode will sharpen your tools, not just your tactics.

Why...