Ask The Tactical Trio

Traci Tauferner, Becky Swan, & Anna August
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

Ask the Tactical Trio addresses the questions faced by tactical professionals, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and strength coaches. Each episode provides practical guidance on subjects such as injury management, performance, recovery, and return to duty, based on real-world experience. Submit questions to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com

  1. Oct 3

    EMDR After Trauma - Two Firsthand Experiences

    What is EMDR really like when you’re the person sitting in the chair? In this episode of Ask the Tactical Trio, we’re talking about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) from a perspective you don’t always hear: lived experience. Rather than giving you a clinical lecture on how EMDR works, Becky and Traci share what it was actually like to experience EMDR themselves—and their experiences were very different. Becky sought EMDR after a traumatic first-responder incident and describes a significant change in how she experienced the memory, her physical responses, and her ability to return to situations that could have triggered those memories. She shares what surprised her about the process, what happened with physical tension in her neck, and what it was like to return to CPR training afterward. Traci shares a different perspective. After experiencing trauma during her military service and later developing symptoms that affected her life at home, she tried EMDR more than once. Her experience wasn't the dramatic success story she had hoped for—and that's an important story to tell, too. We talk honestly about: • What it feels like to actually go through an EMDR session • Why you don't necessarily have to repeatedly talk through the details of a traumatic event • Eye movements, tapping, sound, and other bilateral stimulation • The connection between trauma, the nervous system, and physical sensations • EMDR may help one person but not another • The importance of finding a clinician you trust • What happens when a treatment doesn't work the way you expected • Why one therapy or treatment doesn't have to be the answer for everyone • Mental health and trauma treatment for police, military, firefighters, and other first responders Most importantly, this conversation is about removing some of the mystery—and some of the stigma—around asking for help after trauma. If you've ever wondered what EMDR is actually like, are considering EMDR for yourself, or work with first responders and want to better understand their experiences with trauma treatment, this episode is for you. Real questions. Real experience. Real tactical wellness. Remember to submit your questions to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com! This episode reflects personal experiences and is intended for education and conversation, not individual mental health advice. EMDR should be provided by an appropriately trained professional. Support the show

  2. Sep 19

    Strong, Fit… and Still Peeing Yourself? Returning to Duty After Pregnancy

    What does it really mean to be “cleared” to return to work after pregnancy? In this episode of Ask the Tactical Trio, we tackle a question from a firefighter and new mom of twins who was medically cleared to return to work just six weeks after giving birth—but didn’t feel physically or mentally ready to perform the demands of the job. We talk about the often-overlooked gap between medical clearance and true return-to-work readiness for female first responders. Tracy shares her own postpartum experiences and discusses pelvic floor recovery, urinary incontinence, fatigue, strength training, and the importance of working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist when needed. We also explore how to progressively rebuild strength, recognize when your body is ready for more load, and regain confidence in your ability to perform physically demanding work. But this conversation goes beyond postpartum fitness. For firefighters, police officers, and other tactical professionals, returning to duty means being physically capable of performing the essential functions of the job—not simply having a healed injury or receiving medical clearance. We discuss what a more supportive postpartum return-to-work pathway could look like and why agencies should consider individualized return-to-duty plans for female first responders. We also talk about: • Postpartum pelvic floor health and urinary leakage • Returning to strength training after pregnancy • Progressive loading and listening to your body • Fatigue and recovery after having a baby • Rebuilding confidence after pregnancy • The difference between “medically cleared” and “fit for duty” • Why postpartum recovery is highly individual • How organizations can better support female firefighters and first responders • The importance of giving yourself grace during recovery • Prehab and preparing the body for pregnancy and birth Resources Referenced: Navigating the 'new normal': what guidelines exist for postpartum return to physical activity and sport? A scoping review www.birthfit.com Perinatal Periodization: Trimester Phased Training for Beginner to Elite Athletes Whether you're a female firefighter, police officer, tactical professional, athletic therapist, strength coach, healthcare provider, or leader responsible for supporting your people, this episode offers a practical and honest look at postpartum recovery and return-to-duty readiness. Real questions. Real experience. Real tactical wellness. If you have a question for us, make sure to send it in to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com! Support the show

  3. Sep 5

    Grant Me an AT! How to Fund Tactical Athletic Training & Wellness Programs

    How do you actually pay for an athletic training, fitness, or wellness program in a police or fire department? In this episode of Ask The Tactical Trio, we tackle a question from a self-employed athletic trainer in Michigan who is looking to bring an on-site athletic training program to a police department and needs to figure out how to fund it. We break down grant funding for law enforcement and public safety wellness programs, where to look for funding, and why grants are definitely not “free money.” From state and federal grants to COPS programs, insurance company funding, occupational safety initiatives, and department budgets, we discuss the opportunities and the fine print. We also talk about an often-overlooked piece of the funding puzzle: proving the value of your program to department leadership. Whether you're providing injury prevention, early access to care, musculoskeletal assessments, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sleep support, or mental health and wellness services, understanding what a department actually needs is critical to finding the right funding source. You'll hear real-world lessons from programs serving agencies ranging from small departments with just a handful of officers to large agencies with extensive wellness programs. We discuss: Where to look for law enforcement and fire department grantsHow COPS, AFG, NIOSH and other funding opportunities may fit public safety wellness initiativesWhy you need to understand the purpose and requirements of a grant before applyingWhat grants may, and may not, pay forHow to conduct a needs assessment before designing your programWhy department leadership, HR, legal and other stakeholders need a seat at the tableHow to demonstrate the value of athletic training and injury preventionWhy relationships with police and fire leadership can be just as important as the grant itselfHow to build a program that becomes sustainable after the grant money runs outThe responsibility athletic trainers have when representing the profession in public safetyAnd because we couldn't resist, we finish with a fun question: If you were given $100,000 for your agency tomorrow, how would you spend it? If you're an athletic trainer, athletic therapist, strength and conditioning coach, tactical strength coach, police officer, firefighter, EMS professional, wellness coordinator, or public safety leader, this episode is packed with practical ideas for turning a great wellness program into a fundable and sustainable one. Have a question for the Tactical Trio? Send it our way at askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com or connect with us on social media. Real questions. Real experience. Real tactical wellness. Support the show

  4. Aug 22

    When the Call Comes Home (Part 3): Practical Tools for Stress, Recovery & Nervous System Regulation

    What can first responders do after a critical incident when the call is over but their body is still in high alert? In the final episode of our three-part When the Call Comes Home series, the Tactical Trio gets practical. Becky, Traci, and Anna explore first responder stress, nervous system regulation, recovery after critical incidents, and the transition from work back to home. We talk about simple techniques that can help the body shift out of a heightened stress response, including: Grounding techniques after a stressful callShaking off the adrenaline dumpBreathing exercises and the physiological sighThoracic mobility and movement for stress regulationHumming, singing and chantingUnderstanding the vagus nerveUsing gratitude to shift attention toward the presentTalking through a difficult experience with someone you trustCreating space to recover before walking through the door at homeWe also talk about something that can be just as important as any technique: creating safe, supportive spaces where first responders can process physical and emotional stress without judgment. And then we tackle one of the most important parts of first responder wellness: what happens when you go home. How do you transition from police work, emergency response, or a difficult shift back into family life? Sometimes the answer is a few minutes of silence. Sometimes it's blasting your favourite song, taking a few breaths, talking it out, or simply telling the people you love, “I had a really hard day. I need five minutes.” The goal isn't to eliminate the stress response. It's to understand what your nervous system is doing and give your body opportunities to recover, regulate and return to a state where you can reconnect with yourself and the people around you. And, of course, we finish with our question of the day: Are you a sit-in-silence person, a blast-the-music person, or a talk-it-out person after a stressful day? This episode is the final part of our When the Call Comes Home series, following Becky as she shares her experience with a critical incident and the Trio's conversation about the nervous system and the window of tolerance. If you're a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, dispatcher, corrections professional, athletic therapist, tactical strength and conditioning coach, or someone who supports first responders, this conversation offers practical strategies you can use to better understand and manage stress after difficult calls. Most importantly: check in with the people around you. Sometimes “I'm fine” isn't the answer. We just need to get better at asking the question—and making space for the real answer. Notes from episode: - Correction on song Becky mentioned at the end - it was Bad Habit (not road rage) by Offspring.  - the connection between the eyes and the heart is called the oculocardiac reflex If you have questions, send them our way to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com! Support the show

  5. Aug 9

    When the Call Comes home (Part 2): Making Sense of Your Stress Response

    Why do some critical incidents stay with us long after the scene is over? Why can you think clearly during a call, yet find yourself struggling days or even weeks later? In Part 2 of our When the Call Comes Home series, we move beyond the story to explore what's happening inside the brain and body after a critical incident. Using Becky’s personal experience as a starting point, the Tactical Trio breaks down the neuroscience behind stress and trauma in a practical, easy-to-understand way. Together, we discuss: Why your nervous system can stay on high alert after a traumatic eventThe role of the amygdala and the body's survival responseWhat the Window of Tolerance is and why it mattersWhy some reactions don't show up until after the incident is overCommon signs that your stress response may need additional supportHealthy and unhealthy coping strategiesHow movement, EMDR, peer support, and self-awareness can help you recoverWhether you're a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, dispatcher, athletic therapist, healthcare professional, or anyone exposed to high-stress environments, understanding your stress response is one of the first steps toward healing. Because sometimes the hardest part of a critical incident isn't what happens during the call—it's understanding what happens after. In Part 3, we'll shift from understanding to action, sharing practical tools you can use to help regulate your nervous system and recover more effectively after difficult calls. Here are some resources about the window of tolerance for those who want to dive deeper. Book recommendation: Widen the Window – Elizabeth Stanleyhttps://mi-psych.com.au/understanding-your-window-of-tolerance/Do you have a question for the Tactical Trio? Email it to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com to have it answered on a future episode. Support the show

  6. Jul 25

    When the Call Comes Home (Part 1): When the Critical Incident Finds You Off Duty

    In this powerful episode of Ask the Tactical Trio, Becky shares the deeply personal story of responding to her first fatality, one that is quite recent and that happened completely unexpectedly when she wasn't working. Without hesitation, she shifted into first responder mode, performing CPR until emergency crews arrived. What followed, however, was a very different experience: processing the emotional and physiological impact without the preparation or structure that often exists when on duty. But the real story begins after the call ends. In the hours, days, and weeks that followed, she shares how she experienced the delayed emotional, cognitive, and physical effects that often come after a critical incident. Traci helps her explore what many first responders quietly navigate: nervous system activation that lingers long after the event, exhaustion, rumination, and the challenge of knowing what to do , but still struggling to do it. In this episode, we discuss: Immediate and delayed responses to critical incidentsWhy the nervous system stays activated after a traumatic callThe role of peer support and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)How social connection supports recovery and resiliencePractical strategies for processing difficult callsWhy stress after trauma is a normal physiological response, not weaknessWhether you're a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, dispatcher, military member, healthcare provider, or athletic therapist, this conversation normalizes the post-incident experience and reinforces one key message: you don’t have to process it alone. Coming Next: In Part 2, Anna joins the Tactical Trio to break down - simply and practically - what happens inside the nervous system after a critical incident and how to regulate, recover, and build resilience. If you have a question you'd like the Tactical Trio to answer, send it our way at askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com - you might be featured in a future episode!  Support the show

  7. Jul 11

    Old Dude in the Outfield: Back to Work ≠ Back to Play

    Back to work doesn't always mean you're ready to get back in the game. In this episode of Ask the Tactical Trio, we answer a question from "Old Dude in the Outfield," a firefighter who returned to work successfully after shoulder surgery, only to discover that his first recreational softball game left his shoulder "very, very angry." Why does this happen? Because rebuilding strength for your job isn't always the same as preparing your body for the unique demands of throwing. Join Becky, Anna, and Traci as they break down: ·       Why returning to work and returning to sport require different preparation. ·       How to know if your shoulder is truly ready to throw again. ·       The importance of eccentric rotator cuff strength and shoulder stability. ·       Why listening to how your body responds during, after, and the next day is one of your best guides. ·       Practical strategies tactical athletes and recreational athletes alike can use to reduce the risk of setbacks. Whether you're a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, military member, or weekend warrior trying to get back to the activities you love, this episode offers practical advice to help you return with confidence—not just hope. Resources Mentioned ·       Thrower's Ten Exercise Program: https://www.ortho.ufl.edu/throwers-ten If you have a question you'd like the Tactical Trio to answer, send it our way at askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com - you might be featured in a future episode!  Support the show

  8. Jun 27

    Minimum Effective Dose: Fitness for Busy First Responders

    Most first responders believe fitness requires more time, energy, motivation, and discipline than they actually have. Five-day programs. Long workouts. Complex training plans. Perfect consistency. The result? Many police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers feel overwhelmed before they even start. In this episode, we break down the latest resistance training guidance from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM),  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41843416/ which reviewed 137 systematic reviews on strength training. The findings are surprisingly simple and incredibly encouraging for first responders working shifts, managing fatigue, and balancing demanding careers. You'll learn why two days per week of strength training can produce meaningful improvements in strength, health, and resilience, why complicated fitness programs are often unnecessary, and how the "minimum effective dose" can help you build a sustainable routine that actually fits your life. We also explore an often-overlooked topic: the connection between resistance training and mental health. From stress recovery to sleep, mood, anxiety, and resilience after difficult calls, strength training may be one of the most powerful wellness tools available to first responders. In this episode we discuss: ✅ What ACSM says about effective resistance training ✅ Why consistency beats complexity every time ✅ The minimum amount of exercise needed for results ✅ How strength training improves job performance in policing, fire, and EMS ✅ The connection between resistance training, sleep, stress, and mental health ✅ Common fitness myths that keep first responders stuck ✅ A simple 20-minute workout framework you can start today If you've ever thought: ·      "I don't have enough time." ·      "I'm too tired after shift." ·      "I need a better program before I start." Then this episode is for you! Because something is infinitely better than nothing and the research shows you may need far less than you think to become stronger, healthier, and more resilient. If you have first responder health and wellness questions you would like answered, please send them to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com we will be happ Support the show

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About

Ask the Tactical Trio addresses the questions faced by tactical professionals, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and strength coaches. Each episode provides practical guidance on subjects such as injury management, performance, recovery, and return to duty, based on real-world experience. Submit questions to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Traci Tauferner, Becky Swan, & Anna August
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ask The Tactical Trio
  • Show Website
    Ask The Tactical Trio