In this episode, host Jeff Spivey sits down with Stephanie Kiesow, a former police officer and the author of Work Aside, for an important conversation about mental health, recovery, and life after the badge.

Kiesow shares her firsthand experience navigating the psychological toll of policing and the often unspoken challenges that surface when a law enforcement career begins to unravel. At the center of the discussion is her “Work Aside” triad, isolation, low self-esteem, and occupational trauma, and how these forces quietly shape behavior, relationships, and self-worth over time.

Together, Spivey and Kiesow explore the stigma that continues to surround mental health in public safety and why traditional support systems often fail to reach officers before damage is done. Kiesow introduces proactive frameworks such as Connected Wellness Efficacy, emphasizing the need for early awareness, intentional connection, and practical tools that meet first responders where they are.

This episode offers thoughtful insight for those currently serving, those transitioning out of the profession, and the families who walk alongside them. Kiesow’s perspective underscores a critical truth. Supporting first responder wellness requires more than crisis response. It demands proactive, human-centered care that addresses the full impact of the job.

Listen to this episode on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!