Épisodes

  • E1010 The Comfort in Chaos: Why Peace Feels Unfamiliar After Years of Law Enforcement

    E1010 The Comfort in Chaos: Why Peace Feels Unfamiliar After Years of Law Enforcement
    Sep 19 2025
    This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, explores the hidden challenge many first responders face: learning to live in peace after years of running toward chaos. For those who thrive in adrenaline-filled environments, boredom, silence, or calm can actually feel unsafe. We dig into why your nervous system gets wired for chaos—and how to retrain it for lasting peace. Why Chaos Feels Like Home Years of conditioning in high-stakes environments rewires your brain (Amazon Affiliate). Adrenaline becomes addictive, making calm feel like danger. The Downside of Always Being “On” Living in hyper-vigilance damages physical and emotional health. Why restlessness, irritability, and mistrust show up during downtime. The Silent Struggle of Transitioning Off Duty Why silence at home can feel unbearable. How relationships suffer when you unconsciously seek out conflict or stimulation. Recognizing the Signs of Nervous System Overload Trouble sleeping without noise or activity. Needing constant stimulation (TV, noise, busywork). Struggling to sit still or relax without guilt. Steps to Rewire for Peace Tactical breathing and mindfulness to retrain your body’s “baseline.” Gradual exposure to stillness—learning to sit in quiet without panic. Physical exercise as a healthy adrenaline release. Creating rituals that signal safety (music, routines, prayer). Seeking professional help to break cycles of nervous system dysregulation. 🎯 Why This Episode Matters: Chaos might feel like home, but peace is where true healing happens. Learning to embrace calm isn’t weakness—it’s a retraining of your nervous system so you can live fully, connect deeply, and thrive both on and off the job. 🎙️ Listen now to discover how to step out of the comfort of chaos and into the strength of stillness. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: ashliewalton555@gmail.com 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
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    11 min
  • E1009 What Stress Are You Handing Down? The Hidden Legacy of First Responder Parenting

    E1009 What Stress Are You Handing Down? The Hidden Legacy of First Responder Parenting
    Sep 17 2025
    This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a raw look at what you may be passing down to your kids, without even realizing it. First responder stress doesn’t just stay at work (Amazon Affiliate). The silence, the discipline, the avoidance, and the constant tension of the job can quietly trickle into your parenting and shape the next generation. We dig into the emotional inheritance that comes from responder culture, exploring how children often absorb unspoken lessons about fear, conflict, and emotional distance. More importantly, we share how to break the cycle—so your kids inherit your strength, not your struggles. How Kids Absorb Stress You Don’t Speak About Why silence isn’t neutral—it’s still communication. The way kids mirror tension even when you think you’re hiding it. Discipline vs. Connection in Responder Homes How rigid structure can be misinterpreted as coldness. Balancing rules with empathy so kids feel both safe and understood. The Cost of Avoidance How refusing to talk about emotions teaches kids to bury theirs. Why avoidance feels protective but often leads to disconnection. Signs of Generational Stress Transfer Children showing anxiety, hyper-vigilance, or perfectionism. The unspoken fear of “what could happen” carried into adulthood. Practical Ways to Break the Cycle Talking openly about stress in age-appropriate ways. Modeling vulnerability as strength. Creating family rituals that focus on presence, not performance. Seeking outside support so your family isn’t carrying it alone. 🎯 Why This Episode Matters: The job will always leave its mark on you—but it doesn’t have to define your children. By becoming aware of what you’re passing down, you can rewrite the story and give your kids a foundation of safety, honesty, and resilience. 🎙️ Listen now to learn how to pass on your courage, not your burnout. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: ashliewalton555@gmail.com 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
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    11 min
  • E1008 Hostage to Retirement: Counting Down the Years in Uniform

    E1008 Hostage to Retirement: Counting Down the Years in Uniform
    Sep 15 2025

    This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, digs into the mindset of “just making it to retirement (Amazon Affiliate).” For many officers, the countdown becomes a mantra—yet the years between can feel like being held hostage. From financial obligations to fractured relationships, we examine the reality behind retirement obsession and how to reclaim your career and identity before the clock runs out.

    Check out Scott Medlin's The 10 Code Mindset.


    Pros of the Retirement Countdown Mindset:


    Clear Goalpost – Provides a sense of direction and something to work toward.

    Financial Security – Builds hope for stability in the future.

    Motivation to Stay the Course – Helps push through rough patches.

    Sense of Pride in Longevity – A badge of honor to reach full retirement.

    Opportunity to Plan Ahead – Encourages focus on life after the job.


    Cons of the Retirement Countdown Mindset:


    Living for the Future Only – Creates disengagement from the present.

    Resentment Builds – Toward the job, leadership, or system.

    Strained Relationships – Ex-wives or financial obligations tied to pensions before retirement even starts.

    Emotional Hostage State – Every shift feels like survival until the clock runs out.

    Risk of Identity Crisis – When retirement arrives, purpose and structure vanish.


    Why officers measure time in “years to retirement.”

    The emotional toll of feeling trapped by the pension.

    The financial reality—alimony, divorce, and obligations before retirement even begins.

    Healthy ways to find meaning and fulfillment in the now, not just the future.

    Preparing emotionally and financially for retirement without letting it dominate your present life.

    💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community:
    🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free

    🎯 Connect With Us:
    ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families
    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews
    🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more

    💬 Listener Question:
    What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram!

    Disclaimer:
    All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education.

    🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living?
    Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here

    (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust.

    📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities:
    📧 Email: ashliewalton555@gmail.com
    📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340
    🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
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    11 min
  • E1007 The Good Parts of Being Off Duty: When Your Neighbor Needs a Cop

    E1007 The Good Parts of Being Off Duty: When Your Neighbor Needs a Cop
    Sep 12 2025
    This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a closer look at the unexpected perks of being a police officer (Amazon Affiliate) when you’re off duty. From helping a neighbor in crisis to stepping in at the right moment, we explore how the badge carries influence and responsibility—even when you’re not wearing it. Here's my USCCA referral link that I mentioned in our show today. Pros of Being an Off-Duty Cop: Immediate Trust in Emergencies – Neighbors and community members turn to you with confidence. Preparedness & Training – Ability to act quickly and provide guidance before official responders arrive. Community Role Model – Sets a tone of service and safety outside of the job. Stronger Neighborhood Bonds – Helping builds trust and relationships with those around you. Personal Fulfillment – Brings pride knowing your skills can directly impact lives beyond the shift. Cons of Being an Off-Duty Cop: Never Fully “Off” – Always being called on can make it hard to relax. High Expectations – Neighbors assume you’ll always know what to do, even if it’s outside police work. Risk of Liability – Getting involved off duty carries legal and safety risks. Emotional Burnout – Constant readiness can weigh heavily over time. Boundary Issues – Difficult to maintain personal privacy when your role spills into daily life. Why it feels like you’re never truly off duty. The pride and purpose that comes with helping those around you. How to manage expectations without becoming the “neighborhood cop.” Navigating the balance between privacy and responsibility. Stories of meaningful off-duty moments that show the good side of wearing the badge. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: ashliewalton555@gmail.com 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
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    11 min
  • E1006 LIVE Interview With Ryan Woodruff, CEO of Clear Path for Veterans

    E1006 LIVE Interview With Ryan Woodruff, CEO of Clear Path for Veterans
    Sep 10 2025

    On a serene campus in Upstate New York, Clear Path for Veterans is helping veterans find healing, purpose, and connection, one dog at a time. Their flagship program trains and pairs veterans nationwide with service dogs, and the impact is life-changing (Amazon Affiliate).

    We’re honored to welcome Ryan Woodruff, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, to the Tactical Living Podcast 🎙️

    Ryan’s story is raw, powerful, and inspiring:

    His personal journey through post-traumatic stress and alcoholism

    The life-or-death reality many veterans face before being paired with a service dog

    The $18 million campus expansion that will bring cabins and a state-of-the-art canine training center

    How Clear Path is going beyond service dogs with career placement, peer and family support, wellness, and more

    You won’t want to miss this one—tag a veteran or family member who needs to hear Ryan’s message. 🐕❤️

    💥 GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO OUR FACEBOOK GROUP MEMBERS ONLY 💥Join below!

    💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community:
    🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free

    🎯 Connect With Us:
    ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families
    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews
    🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more

    💬 Listener Question:
    What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram!

    Disclaimer:
    All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education.

    🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living?
    Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here

    (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust.

    📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities:
    📧 Email: ashliewalton555@gmail.com
    📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340
    🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
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    27 min
  • E1005 Uniformed and Undiagnosed: High-Functioning Mental Health Struggles in First Responders

    E1005 Uniformed and Undiagnosed: High-Functioning Mental Health Struggles in First Responders
    Sep 8 2025
    This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a candid look at the hidden mental health battles many first responders fight (Amazon Affiliate) while appearing perfectly fine on the outside. The discipline, structure, and professionalism that make them effective in the field often double as masks—concealing anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout from colleagues, family, and even themselves. Defining “High-Functioning” Struggles: How success and competence can hide serious internal distress. The difference between coping and truly healing. Why First Responders Mask Symptoms: Cultural pressure to appear unshakable. Fear of stigma, career repercussions, or losing trust. The Role of Routine in Concealment: How structure and discipline can maintain outward stability. Why routines can become a crutch instead of a lifeline. The Cumulative Toll of Silent Struggles: The long-term health risks of untreated anxiety, depression, or trauma. The emotional cost on family relationships and personal well-being. The Danger of Self-Deception: How “I’m fine” becomes a habit, even to oneself. Why high-functioning doesn’t mean healthy functioning. Strategies to Recognize and Address the Issue: Normalize Conversations Around Mental Health: Peer leaders and supervisors openly sharing their own experiences. Look for Micro-Signs in Yourself and Others: Changes in sleep, irritability, withdrawal, or overworking. Encourage Early Check-Ins, Not Crisis Interventions: Making mental health maintenance as routine as physical training. Use Trusted, Confidential Resources: Peer support, vetted therapists, or off-the-record consultations. Reframe Help-Seeking as Tactical Strength: Position mental wellness as part of operational readiness. This episode is a reminder that a polished uniform and a strong performance in the field don’t always mean someone is okay—and that the bravest thing a responder can do might be to take off the mask. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: ashliewalton555@gmail.com 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
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    11 min
  • E1004 Training Day vs. Trauma Day: Why Simulation Doesn’t Prepare You for the Emotional Fallout

    E1004 Training Day vs. Trauma Day: Why Simulation Doesn’t Prepare You for the Emotional Fallout
    Sep 5 2025
    This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, explores the critical gap between the training ground and the reality of the field (Amazon Affiliate). While simulations sharpen technical skills, they rarely prepare first responders for the emotional aftermath of a traumatic call. We unpack why this disconnect exists, the hidden cost of unaddressed emotional impact, and how to better equip responders for both the tactical and mental sides of the job. The Strengths of Simulation Training: Why repetitive skill practice builds confidence and speed. How scenario-based drills mimic high-pressure decision-making. Where Simulations Fall Short: The emotional detachment of training compared to real-world trauma. Why stress inoculation doesn’t always translate to emotional resilience. The Shock of First-Time Exposure: How sensory details, grief, and chaos hit harder in the field. Why early traumatic experiences can shape long-term coping patterns. Unspoken Cultural Barriers: The expectation to “shake it off” after a difficult call. Why admitting emotional struggle is still stigmatized in many departments. The Long-Term Impact of Ignored Fallout: How cumulative stress and unresolved trauma build toward burnout or PTSD. The ripple effect on relationships, decision-making, and mental health. Strategies to Bridge the Gap: Integrate Emotional Debriefs into Training: Include discussions on emotional response alongside skill critique. Normalize Mental Rehearsal for Trauma: Practice emotional grounding and self-talk techniques before the real thing. Pair Training with Peer Support Exposure: Introduce recruits to safe spaces for sharing and processing. Leadership Modeling Vulnerability: Supervisors openly discussing their own emotional fallout experiences. Ongoing Mental Resilience Training: Treat emotional readiness like physical skills—requiring regular refreshers. This episode challenges the idea that technical proficiency alone equals readiness, reminding us that true preparedness includes the mental tools to face what happens after the sirens fade. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: ashliewalton555@gmail.com 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
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    11 min
  • E1003 The Badge and the Bottle: Is Alcohol Still an Unspoken Coping Tool?

    E1003 The Badge and the Bottle: Is Alcohol Still an Unspoken Coping Tool?
    Sep 3 2025
    This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a hard look at the role alcohol still plays (Amazon Affiliate) in first responder culture. For generations, the badge and the bottle have been intertwined—used to unwind, to bond, and, for some, to bury the weight of the job. We explore why alcohol remains an unspoken coping mechanism, how it impacts personal and professional lives, and what it takes to break free from cycles of silent self-medication. The Cultural Legacy of Alcohol in Service: Why drinking has long been normalized in first responder circles. The “work hard, play hard” mentality and how it perpetuates risky habits. The Fine Line Between Social and Self-Medication: How occasional drinks can shift into dependency without realizing it. The difference between relaxation and numbing out. Signs Alcohol Is Becoming a Problem: Red flags that often go unnoticed—or are brushed off—in responder culture. How high-functioning dependency hides in plain sight. The Impact on Relationships and Performance: Why substance reliance affects emotional regulation, decision-making, and intimacy. How alcohol-related issues can put careers and families at risk. The Role of Peer Influence and Stigma: How fear of judgment or isolation keeps people from seeking help. The unspoken pressure to join in to “fit in.” Strategies to Break the Cycle: Audit Your Habits: Track how often and why you’re drinking to gain clarity on patterns. Replace Rituals, Not Just the Drink: Find healthier ways to decompress and bond that still meet the same needs. Seek Support Early: Connect with confidential peer support programs or counseling before it becomes a crisis. Shift the Culture Through Leadership: Leaders setting examples by promoting sober or low-alcohol events. Prioritize Emotional Tools Over Liquid Ones: Build coping skills that can handle stress without relying on alcohol. In this episode, we challenge the silence around alcohol in first responder life—and offer practical steps to protect your health, relationships, and career. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: ashliewalton555@gmail.com 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
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    11 min