Ask The Tactical Trio

Traci Tauferner, Becky Swan, & Anna August
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Health & Fitness
  • 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. 1d ago

    Breasts and Vests: Finding The Right Bra For Duty - Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Does your bra leave you counting down the minutes until you can take off your vest? Underwire digging into your ribs, straps cutting into your shoulders, upper back pain, chafing, and constantly adjusting your bra throughout a shift shouldn't have to be part of the job. In Part 2 of our Breasts and Vests series, the Tactical Trio gets into a conversation that doesn't happen often enough in public safety: finding the right bra for duty. We explore bra fitting, sports bras versus underwire bras, breast support, and how your bra interacts with your police body armor and duty gear. We're sharing practical advice, clinical experiences, and emerging research to help female police officers and other tactical professionals improve comfort, reduce unnecessary physical strain, and feel better throughout long shifts. In this episode, we discuss: ·       How to tell if your bra fits properly: Learn what to look for, including a band that rides up, straps that dig in, cup gaping, tissue spilling out, and underwire that doesn't sit where it should. ·       Sports bras vs. underwire bras: Why there's no single best bra for every woman, and what to consider when choosing the right level of support for your body and job. ·       The importance of the bra band: Understand how breast weight should be supported and why relying too heavily on shoulder straps may contribute to neck and shoulder discomfort. ·       Breast support and musculoskeletal pain: Explore the relationship between bra fit, upper back pain, shoulder discomfort, headaches, and the physical demands of wearing body armor. ·       How to fit a bra for duty: Why you should move, reach, twist, and raise your arms when trying on bras rather than judging the fit while standing still in a fitting room. ·       Breast tissue, body changes, and individual fit: How breast size and shape can change over time, and why finding the right bra may require trying different styles, brands, and sizes. ·       Tactical gear, posture, and injury prevention: We discuss friction points, posture supports, strengthening the posterior chain, and practical ways to support your body while wearing a vest for 12-hour shifts. ·       Women's health in public safety: Why conversations about breast health, appropriate equipment, and women's occupational needs matter for recruitment, retention, and long-term career health. The bottom line? You are not the problem, and discomfort shouldn't be dismissed as part of wearing the uniform. The right bra will look different for different bodies, but understanding fit and exploring your options can make a meaningful difference. This episode is for female police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, military personnel, athletic therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and anyone working to improve occupational health and equipment fit for women in tactical professions. Link to bra fitting study https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/00140139.2011.647096?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed Missed Part 1? Listen to Breasts and Vests: Getting Tactical Vest Fit Right for our conversation about body armor fit, female officers, equipment ergonomics, and injury prevention. Have a question for the Tactical Trio? Send it to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com. Ask the Tactical Trio — Real Questions, Real Experience, Real Tactical Wellness. Support the show

  2. Oct 17

    Breasts and Vests: Getting Tactical Vest Fit Right - Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 1 of our two-part Breasts and Vests series, the Tactical Trio tackles tactical vest fitting, body armor ergonomics, and the unique challenges female police officers can face when wearing duty gear for long shifts. We’re three athletic therapists and strength coaches with more than 45 years of combined experience working with first responders. We’re sharing practical, real-world advice to help officers, athletic trainers, strength coaches, and police leaders understand why proper vest fit matters for occupational health, injury prevention, comfort, and performance. In this episode, we discuss: Female-fit vs. male-fit body armor: Why different body shapes and torso lengths matter when choosing a tactical vest.Signs your vest may not fit properly: Constantly adjusting your gear, pinching around the neck or armpits, shoulder pain, and numbness or tingling in the hands.How to get a better vest fitting: What to consider when being measured, why you should wear the same type of bra you plan to wear on duty, and why you should test your fit while sitting, standing, twisting, and reaching.Duty gear and chronic load carriage: How your vest, duty belt, and other equipment work together to affect comfort and mobility.Practical strategies for neck, shoulder, and back discomfort: Simple mobility and decompression ideas to consider before and after wearing your gear.Breathing and nervous system regulation: How to use awareness of your breathing to support better movement, recovery, and readiness while wearing your vest.Here is a link to a video of the Accessory Nerve Floss to help with neck pain https://youtube.com/shorts/skRUAzGoRNE?feature=share Your body armor is essential protective equipment, but that doesn’t mean you should have to accept unnecessary discomfort as part of the job. We talk about advocating for a proper fit, exploring approved equipment options, and taking steps to support your body throughout a long shift. Coming up in Part 2: We go under the uniform to discuss bra fitting for female officers, including the challenges of wearing a bra under body armor and practical considerations for comfort and support on duty. Have a question about tactical wellness, body armor, injury prevention, or working with first responders? Send it to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com. Support the show

  3. Oct 3

    EMDR After Trauma - Two Firsthand Experiences

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  4. Sep 19

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  5. Sep 5

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  6. Aug 22

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  7. Aug 9

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  8. Jul 25

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

See All (17)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ask The Tactical Trio
  • Show Website
    Ask The Tactical Trio