Public Safety Talk Radio

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 177 What happens when two retired law enforcement professionals trade the badge for microphones? In this lively episode, host Ken Bator sits down with Robert “Curly” Flanagan and Rich Bricklin, the voices behind Real American Blue. Curly and Rich share how frustration with anti-police rhetoric inspired their show and explain why its conversations span law enforcement, politics, training, officer wellness, firearms, technology, and current events. They also disc

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 176 What makes a good decision—and what can a bad one teach us? In this episode, host Ken Bator sits down with longtime colleague Scott Arney, CEO of National Police Federal Credit Union, for a candid conversation about leadership, risk, resilience, and the choices that shape a career and a life. As Scott prepares for retirement and the launch of his upcoming podcast, The Serial Decision Maker, he reflects on pivotal moments from nearly 25 years of leadership.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 175 What does it take to give missing-person families meaningful support—and help law enforcement strengthen its response? On this episode of Public Safety Talk Radio, host Ken Bator speaks with Nina Innsted, president of Missing in Michigan and creator of the long-running true-crime podcast Already Gone. Nina explains how Missing in Michigan connects families, law enforcement, students, advocates, and the media through family meetings and Day of the Missing ev

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 174 Former Seattle police officer and Mission First Alliance Executive Director Jeremy Wade joins us to discuss the personal toll of public-safety work—and why faith, identity, and community matter long before a crisis hits. Drawing on 13 years with the Seattle Police Department, including his work in training, peer support, and officer wellness, Jeremy shares how his own struggles reshaped his sense of purpose and led him to build a nationwide alliance serving

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 173 Retired Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office deputy Ryan Cleveringa joins Ken Bator for a candid conversation about the hidden toll of a career in public safety—and the courage it takes to ask for help. Ryan shares how repeated critical incidents, moral injury, isolation, strained relationships, and an early mismatch with therapy shaped his journey before he found a culturally competent clinician and the California Law Enforcement Assistance Program (CALEAP).

The Financial Cop’s Guide to Getting Out of Debt Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 172 Ken Bator sits down with Nick Daugherty—known as “The Financial Cop”—for a candid conversation about financial wellness for first responders. A retired sergeant and financial professional, Nick shares his own journey from heavy debt to financial freedom and explains why money problems are often less about math and more about behavior, discipline, and control. Ken and Nick discuss practical approaches to gett