Chapter Blue

Tyra Valeriano
  • 4.7 (15)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Tyra Valeriano, host of Chapter Blue, comes with 11 years of law enforcement experience and talks about mental health, self-care, work-life balance and more. Through honest conversations and personal experience, Chapter Blue allows for officers worldwide to share their stories, struggles, and successes both on and off duty and to give the public an insight to what the media has made into such a controversial profession. The podcast will establish the connection to the important topics and struggles in law enforcement and open up to all first responder roles in the new year to address how interchangeable the roles relate to the struggle. Join the conversation, because it’s long overdue!

  1. 6D AGO

    Toxic Leadership & Emotional Intelligence with Bill McAuliffe

    The truth most of us only whisper: the job can break your body before it breaks your badge. From Coast Guard beginnings to SWAT and command, Bill McAuliffe walks us through toxic leadership, a federal civil rights fight, and the day a doctor said returning to work might end his life. What follows isn’t a simple solution, but it’s the blueprint for resilience that more departments need to teach and more officers deserve to practice. We explore how mindfulness-based stress reduction and men’s emotional work can decompress years of stored trauma without dulling your edge. Bill explains somatic processing through a single devastating call and how the body’s release changed everything, including his relationship with alcohol. We talk about masculinity, empathy, and the culture that still tells cops to “suck it up,” then lay out a modern path: emotional intelligence as fieldcraft. Think self-awareness before briefing, controlled language on scene, and the humility to accept that three responders can live three different truths from one incident, and all be valid. The conversation turns to prevention. Suicide in public safety remains a crisis, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all therapy. It’s confidential coaching, peer circles, practical tools you can use off-duty, and leadership that rewards candor without career damage. Bill shares why he built Settle for Better Consulting to serve first responders privately and how small, consistent actions can turn into real change at work and at home. If you care about officer wellness, culture change, and keeping good people in the job without losing their lives to it, this one matters. Subscribe, share with your squad or shift partner, and drop a review with the one mindset you’ll commit to changing this week. Your voice could be the one that helps someone stay. Website: www.settleforbetter.life  Let us know what you loved about this episode! Support the show Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, stress reduction, and community. Make this app a part of your agencies wellness program today, or visit our website for a 30-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.

    41 min

  2. JAN 20

    Predators & Protecting Kids with Former Special Agent Christopher Duff

    A smooth DM from “Johnny” can feel like harmless attention until the mask slips. Former special agent Chris Duff joins us to unpack how grooming actually works in the apps and games kids use every day, what law enforcement ran into during the early internet years, and how a shift from arrests to education can protect families. Chris helped stand up one of the first high‑tech crime units and later drafted online solicitation laws. Not only did he see the entire evolution, he was part of the foundation of creating it.  We walk through the playbook predators use: leveraging mutual friends, mirroring interests, and building trust before escalating to explicit demands. Chris explains why kids stay silent over fear of losing their phones, and gives parents a script that keeps the door open. We outline practical, non-negotiable boundaries that cut risk fast like no phones in bedrooms at night, devices charging in the parents’ room, open doors during screen time, and immediate review if a child hides their screen. You’ll also learn how to use iPhone Screen Time to restrict unknown contacts, block app installs, and audit communication inside “safe” apps that quietly enable chat. Chris shares what grooming, cyberbullying, sextortion looks like from the perspective of a parent and a law enforcement officer. Predators go where kids are, not where parents assume. Learn the terrain, set calm rules, and make home the safest place to tell the truth. If this conversation helps you, share it with a parent, subscribe for more frontline insights, and leave a review. If you're a first responder, share this with your family and friends so they can be more aware and prepared for the threats our children face today.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adversity-institute/ Let us know what you loved about this episode! Support the show Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, stress reduction, and community. Make this app a part of your agencies wellness program today, or visit our website for a 30-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.

    50 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    Mission Fields To Fireground: The Life Of Trevor Williams

    Trevor Williams takes us inside the moments that reshaped his life and explains how surviving Haiti’s 2010 earthquake set the course for his career as a Los Angeles County firefighter and entrepreneur.  We walk through the quake in vivid detail: blocked roads, aftershocks, food distribution that turned dangerous, helicopter drops, and the raw urgency of a field hospital where he learned procedures on the fly under the watch of exhausted doctors. Trevor talks about PTSD, why sharing his story became therapy, and how closure helped him heal in ways his evacuated family had to find later. Trevor is the creator of the Williams Key—an L-shaped forcible-entry tool that opens gates and outward-swinging doors without damage, getting firefighters to patients faster. What started as a personal solution now rides on engines across every state and in departments around the world, with countless saves tied to faster access. He’s since expanded into a full line of entry tools and training insights that help crews choose precision over destruction when seconds matter. Tune in to hear Trevor's captivating story and how he turned his experiences into purpose. Subscribe, share this story with a friend in public safety, and leave a review to help more listeners find conversations they can relate to.  IG: @thewilliamskey Website: www.williamskey.com    www.estatefiredefense.com Email: trevor@williamskey.com Let us know what you loved about this episode! Support the show Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, stress reduction, and community. Make this app a part of your agencies wellness program today, or visit our website for a 30-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.

    1h 5m

  4. 12/08/2025

    We're Back: Solo Episode with T. Val

    A lot can change in seven months. We’re back without theme music and a some thoughts behind my message. I share why I paused the show, what I’ve learned about mindset and accountability, and how intuition and a belief system can be of importance to anyone. I talk about the lawsuit that stemmed from the night a loud party became a mass-casualty scene and what it felt like to be first on scene. Making those decisions in real time and the aftermath that came with it; the public backlash, flyers with my face around town, and years of second-guessing. After internal reviews and a long legal process, the lawsuit tied to that incident was dismissed with prejudice. Relief arrived, but so did the reality that the families still don’t have justice.. Beyond the case, we talk about peaks and valleys after leaving the badge, how the job can hollow out empathy if you let it, and what it takes to rebuild. I share why I chose to focus my energy on two things that feel true: this podcast and Fit For Shift, a first responder-only fitness app my husband and I built to support health and performance on real schedules. If you’ve felt swallowed by the work, this conversation offers practical footing and a way forward. Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help others find the show. Want to be a guest or bring Fit For Shift to your agency? Check out the links below! Fit For Shift Website: www.fitforshift.com Instagram Handles: @chapter_blue  @fitforshift  @xo_t.val Agency contact for Fit For Shift: Contact@fitforshift.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/tval_official  Let us know what you loved about this episode! Support the show Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, stress reduction, and community. Make this app a part of your agencies wellness program today, or visit our website for a 30-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.

    1h 35m

  5. 04/24/2025 · BONUS

    Law Enforcement & EMS: Bridging the First Responder Gap with Stacee

    Tyra Valeriano opens a new chapter for the podcast by welcoming her first non-law enforcement, but first responder guest, paramedic Stacee. Though they once worked alongside each other without forming a connection, they've since developed a friendship that bridges the gap between their first responder roles. Stacey reveals the subtle psychological shifts that happen to EMS professionals after just a few years on the job. "I catastrophize things," she admits, describing how constantly witnessing worst-case scenarios creates a hyperawareness of mortality that most people never experience. This conversation exposes the hidden mental burden carried by those who respond to our most desperate moments. The discussion tackles the physical toll of interrupted sleep during 24-hour shifts, the complex gender dynamics women face in these traditionally male-dominated fields, and the fascinating interplay between law enforcement and EMS on emergency scenes. Their humor about hoping the other first responder will "take" difficult cases reveals the unspoken professional dynamics rarely seen by the public. Most compelling is their shared experience on a disturbing call with potential paranormal elements—a story that went viral when Stacee posted about it online. Their willingness to discuss this encounter is a story telling aspect Chapter Blue has not yet taken on how first responders sometimes face situations that defy easy explanation, adding another layer to their psychological processing. For those considering careers in emergency services or trying to understand what their first responder loved ones experience, this conversation offers some interesting and fun perspective. With advice about avoiding burnout, protecting mental health, and prioritizing physical wellness, Stacee and Tyra provide a roadmap for sustainability in professions that constantly expose workers to trauma and stress. Tune into this bonus episode to hear more honest conversations about the realities behind the badge and beyond. 📌 Resources & Contact Info from the Episode: Guest: Stacee | Light Sirens Action EMS 📲 Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @lightssirensaction 🌐 Website: https://lightssirensactionems.com/ ✅ Offers EMS education videos ✅ Free resources for those in or considering EMS ✅ EMT class advice for law enforcement crossover Let me know if you’d like alternate captions for Instagram Stories or LinkedIn! Let us know what you loved about this episode! Support the show Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, stress reduction, and community. Make this app a part of your agencies wellness program today, or visit our website for a 30-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.

    52 min

  6. 04/14/2025

    Tom Smith: 30 Years with NYPD to True Crime Podcasting

    Tom Smith's 30-year career with the NYPD reads like a roadmap through the evolution of modern American policing. From his early years patrolling the streets during New York's high-crime era through his extensive work in plainclothes units, narcotics, and gang divisions, Tom offers listeners extraordinary insights into the realities of law enforcement. Following 9/11, Smith's career took a dramatic turn when he joined the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, where he would spend the next 17 years. This transition led him across several countries, including a three-month deployment, putting him at the forefront of international counter-terrorism operations. Throughout our conversation, Smith balances operational experiences with deeply personal reflections on the psychological toll of police work. Perhaps most compelling is Smith's discussion about mental health challenges in law enforcement. He shares his own experiences with nightmares and the difficult balance of protecting his family from the darkness of his profession while maintaining open communication with his wife of 35 years. As he explains, while the average person experiences approximately five traumatic events in a lifetime, officers might encounter that many in a single shift, a reality that leaves invisible scars on those who serve. Now retired and co-hosting the Gold Shield podcast, Smith advocates passionately for better mental health support within the profession and offers a powerful perspective on the changing policing. His advice for new officers centers not on tactics or techniques, but on something more fundamental: developing strong communication skills. As Smith puts it, "If you don't know how to talk to someone, you are not going to be successful." Whether you're considering a career in law enforcement, currently serving, or simply interested in understanding the human beings behind the badge, this conversation offers invaluable wisdom from someone who's lived through three decades on the front lines. 🔗 Resources & Contact Info from the Episode: 🎧 Gold Shields Podcast Website: www.thegoldshieldshow.comInstagram: @thegoldshieldshowYouTube: youtube.com/@goldshieldsListen on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple, etc.)📞 Mental Health Support Mentioned: Copline — A 24/7 confidential hotline where officers can speak to retired law enforcement officers. ☎️ 1-800-267-5463Let us know what you loved about this episode! Support the show Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, stress reduction, and community. Make this app a part of your agencies wellness program today, or visit our website for a 30-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.

    53 min

  7. 04/05/2025

    Robie Poynter: Breaking the Mental Health Stigma with Psilocybin

    Ever wondered what happens when traditional mental health approaches fail our first responders? In this groundbreaking episode, I speak with Rob Poynter, a retired deputy sheriff, who took an unconventional path to healing the wounds left by his law enforcement career. Rob's story begins with his upbringing as the son of a homicide detective who was an active father but struggled with alcoholism. He decided to follow in his dad's footsteps and after nearly 15 years of service, a motorcycle accident forced his medical retirement, leaving him to confront how his career had affected his relationships with his wife and son. Despite trying various wellness practices – from yoga to talk therapy – nothing seemed to break through the emotional armor he'd built up over years of service. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Rob describes his journey with the Siren Project, a nonprofit organization that facilitates psilocybin therapy retreats specifically for first responders. With remarkable candor, he details his experience with plant medicine in a ceremonial, medically-supervised setting in Mexico, and the profound insights he gained about his relationships and behavior patterns. Most surprisingly, he discovered his issues stemmed less from traumatic calls and more from childhood  issues that had shaped his adult relationships. What sets this episode apart is Rob's perspective as someone who once enforced drug laws now advocating for the healing potential of plant medicine. He emphasizes that he's "not some wavy gravy guy" but a typical law enforcement officer who found healing through an unconventional path. The lasting changes he describes – from daily meditation practices to newfound clarity in his relationships – challenge our assumptions about mental health treatment for those who serve. Whether you're in law enforcement, another first responder field, or simply interested in alternative approaches to mental health, this conversation offers valuable insights into healing pathways that might not be found in traditional settings. Join us as we explore this aspect of first responder wellness and consider what it might mean for those struggling to process trauma in high-stress professions. Ready to challenge your assumptions about healing? Listen now, share your thoughts, and help us continue this important conversation about mental health options for those who serve and protect. 🧰 Listener Resources from the Episode: 🌿 The Siren Project A nonprofit organization offering plant medicine retreats for first responders Website: www.thesirenproject.org 📬 Connect with Rob Poynter: Facebook: Rob PoynterInstagram: @rawb_zoneTwitter: @RobZone1LinkedIn: Rob PoynterEmail: Rawbzone@gmial.comLet us know what you loved about this episode! Support the show Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, stress reduction, and community. Make this app a part of your agencies wellness program today, or visit our website for a 30-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.

    54 min

  8. 03/10/2025

    Vincent Scotto: What 20 Years at NYPD Taught Me About Officer Wellness That No One Is Talking About

    What happens when the badge comes off? In this powerful conversation, former NYPD officer Vincent Scotto takes us behind the blue wall of silence to reveal the deeply human struggles of life in law enforcement. After serving 20 years with the NYPD and being retired for 13 years, Scotto brings rare perspective on how police work fundamentally transforms those who wear the uniform. "People who join law enforcement go in wanting to change the world and they get out with the world changing them," cutting to the heart of why officer wellness matters. He shares his personal journey through dark times and how hitting rock bottom ultimately led him to become an advocate for mental wellness in the law enforcement community. With unflinching honesty, he addresses the cultural barriers that prevent officers from seeking help and the systemic issues that leave them feeling unsupported. The conversation takes us through the psychological impact of constantly switching between high-alert policing and family life, the power of authentic communication amongst officers, and why many department wellness programs fail despite good intentions. "Cops see through the b******t," Scotto explains, highlighting why authenticity matters more than flashy initiatives. His stories about using humor to process trauma and his regrets about not sharing his experiences with loved ones offer profound insights for officers and their families alike. Whether you're in law enforcement, love someone who is, or simply want to understand the human beings behind the badge, this episode offers rare insight into what it really takes to protect both the public and the protectors themselves.  Website: www.boyz-in-blue.com Contact: LinkedIn: Vincent Scotto Email: Vincent@boyz-in-blue.com Let us know what you loved about this episode! Support the show Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, stress reduction, and community. Make this app a part of your agencies wellness program today, or visit our website for a 30-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.

    1h 1m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Tyra Valeriano, host of Chapter Blue, comes with 11 years of law enforcement experience and talks about mental health, self-care, work-life balance and more. Through honest conversations and personal experience, Chapter Blue allows for officers worldwide to share their stories, struggles, and successes both on and off duty and to give the public an insight to what the media has made into such a controversial profession. The podcast will establish the connection to the important topics and struggles in law enforcement and open up to all first responder roles in the new year to address how interchangeable the roles relate to the struggle. Join the conversation, because it’s long overdue!

Information

  • Creator
    Tyra Valeriano
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chapter Blue
  • Show Website
    Chapter Blue