The Next Shift Podcast

Jess Flores
  • 5.0 (32)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is a podcast dedicated to serving current and former law enforcement, by sharing the stories of my own personal transition out of law enforcement, lessons learned through the transition and since, as well as the stories of officers who’ve also transitioned out, their significant others to gain that perspective, and resources for embracing their Next Shift. It is MY mission to help YOU remember who you are/were behind the badge by helping you REdiscover your identity, REdefine your purpose, and REignite your passions so that you can create the life you WANT to live. 

  1. 5D AGO

    Tell me about your Next SHIFT

    Send us Fan Mail This episode is one that I love to do, but haven't done in awhile.  There is a form at the link in my bio on both LinkedIn and Instagram, that I created back in 2022, when I first thought of Next Shift. Over the years, people randomly click on the link and fill out the form. If you've made the transition to life after law enforcement, you can fill it out here.  This is an episode where I share YOUR words, from that form, anonymously of course. There were so many forms filled out in 2025 and a majority of them were from people with 20+ years of service...which kind of blew me away.  The purpose of an episode like this, is to help YOU feel less alone...to make YOU feel seen, heard, and understood. I can assure you, that you are NOT alone in anything you are thinking or feeling as you prepare for or go through the transition to life after law enforcement. You are NOT the first and you won't be the last to go through it...so lean on those who've been there, and be there for the others going through it.  I mention DEBRIEF a few times in this episode and this month's call is Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:45pm CST. This is a zoom call for current and former LEOs ONLY and is typically around 1.5 hours. If you have signed up before, the link will go out Wednesday. If you have NEVER signed up, but want to join us, sign up , here.  I also mention one of the very first resources I made, a 25 transferable skills sheet, that you can reference, here. It will help you realize you have more skills than you're giving yourself credit for. If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU! Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.  You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here. See you Next Shift

    48 min

  2. MAR 18

    Unprepared for the transition

    Send a text This week's episode is a conversation with David Berez, a retired LEO turned Founder of Six4 Consultants, an author, and media consultant. David worked at his campus PD in college and as an EMT, then became a cop at 24 years old. He worked in the state of New Jersey and was a responder to 9/11, which he says gave him new perspective.  David served in various roles throughout his career, but DRE was his favorite because it was a mix of narcotics and community policing. During his 19th year on the job, he was part of an IA that took a toll on him and in his words, "broke him." He ended up retiring at 20 years, versus 25, with some encouragement from his wife. David admitted his transition was not graceful and that he left burned out, empty, and without the ability to love. He was NOT prepared for the transition and it took years to get back to a version of himself he was comfortable with and that his family deserved. The hardest part of David's transition was understanding and finding his purpose. David talked about how liberating it felt to put in his retirement papers, but how hard it was to drive out of the parking lot on his last day.  When talking about his retirement, David talked about being able to process the emotional side of the transition because there was no financial strain to deal with. After a couple of months being retired, his wife asked him what he was going to do.  David went back to school and earned a Master's Degree is Applied Positive Psychology and now teaches/facilitates courses on Positive Psychology for law enforcement, through his Courageous Optimism training series. He also teaches the science of storytelling and how it can be used to identify purpose and meaning.  When asked what his advice was for those struggling with the "Just a cop" mindset, he acknowledged that it's a valid feeling. Sit with it and find your purpose/meaning statement. Make sure you connect with David on LinkedIn, here and Instagram, here. You can also check out his website, here. If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU! Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.  You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here. See you Next Shift

    1h 12m

  3. MAR 11

    A career-ending call, that was almost life-ending...twice

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is an important and impactful conversation with Meagan McCarthy...a former Deputy from California, with one helluva story. One thing I love about Meagan's story, is that she is still figuring out what life after law enforcement looks like...six years out. *TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE Meagan is a LEO wife, a mom, speaker, advocate for law enforcement...especially in the realm of mental health, and an entrepreneur. Meagan talks about getting married young, becoming a single mom, going to nursing school, and having a friend convince her to do a ride along. Like many of us, Meagan was sold on the job after doing that ride along.  She worked the jail for 6 months, then spent time in various units throughout her career, and her last assignment prior to her career ending was SRO. As an SRO, Meagan handled child abuse cases and said investigations was her favorite role. In fact, June of 2019, she was about to be promoted to detective...so she had to work some road shifts. Meagan recounted the details of the call that ended her career...where a suspect was able to get her gun and shoot at her...but thankfully missed. She also recounted everything that comes after a critical incident...the questions, the doubts, the fears, the unknown, the trial...and even a suicide attempt. Thankfully, once again, her life was spared and she is WILLING to share her story to save others.  Since medically retiring with PTSD in 2022, Meagan has written a book, been a Fox News contributor, has been involved with CA politics (especially involving LEOs), has spoken at numerous conferences, and now runs a successful health and wellness business via social media.  Make sure you connect with Meagan on Instagram, here, and LinkedIn, here. If you are in need of immediate crisis assistance, PLEASE CALL any one of the below trusted/vetted resources:  National Suicide Hotline: 988 COPLINE: 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463) First Responder Crisis Support Hotline: 1-844-550-HERO (4376) If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU! Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.  You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here. See you Next Shift

    54 min

  4. MAR 4

    A career ended before it even got started

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is a chat with Chris Samayoa, a prior LEO who lost his career just one week into FTO and is now an associate therapist for first responders.  There was a time, I wouldn't have believed this kind of thing could happen, but we are seeing it more and more these days. For those still on the job...this can happen, especially if you're involved in a UOF or OIS incident. You NEED to be prepared for not only what comes next, career wise...but what to do to make it through the incident and aftermath. Chris was born and raised in the San Fransisco area and had LEOs in his family, plus a neighbor that was a cop, so he was always around the job. He went to college and obtained a degree in Psychology. He then went to the academy and when asked if he felt prepared for the road after graduation... I was shocked to hear him say no. He explained his answer and while I could not relate...I know plenty of people who can.  Chris recalled a visit from the Behavioral Science Unit, within the first week of the academy and family was invited. It was there that the class was told they could be involved in an officer involved shooting their first day...but like many rookies..."That  won't happen to me," crossed his mind. Little did he know, that just one week into FTO, he would be involved in an OIS and his career would be over.  Chris did not want to go into specifics of the call/case...and I don't blame him, after what he was put through by the department, DA's office, and the public. He says you can search his name and find information, but it isn't super accurate and he was EVENTUALLY cleared by the DA, after a prior cop hating DA who charged him years later, was removed from office. Chris detailed what the immediate aftermath and YEARS of court proceedings. He talked about the bulk of the trauma being the admin betrayal and the now recalled DA gloating about charging a cop. While he was off and eventually unemployed, Chris obtained his Master's Degree in Counseling...but there were also hiccups receiving that, due to criminal charges filed by the DA. One piece that I want to reiterate because I see it so often with those who are injured in the line of duty or off work on admin leave for one reason or another, is the stronghold departments seem to keep on people, not allowing them to move on.  Chris says his purpose now is to be the support officer's need, to alleviate mental health concerns, bring goodness into the world, and ministry work.  Make sure you follow Chris on Instagram, here, or check out his website, here.  If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU! Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.  You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here. See you Next Shift

    1h 35m

  5. FEB 25

    Medical retirement: A career cut short

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is a conversation with another one of my favorite people I've met through this journey...and YES, it WAS on LinkedIn! Caitlin (Cait) Thomas is a former Federal LEO with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), who had her career cut short due to a medical condition and is now in the financial industry...something she did prior to law enforcement.  Cait grew up in Hawaii, her parents are/were involved with the Justice system, and her father and brother are/were involved in the military... so she always knew she wanted to make a difference, protect others, and be part of something bigger than herself.  Cait was a finance major in college and was an Investment Specialist at a bank, prior to joining HSI. One day, she had the realization she was not fulfilled and making the kind of difference she wanted to make. She talked to her dad about it, who was an Assistant US Attorney at the time. He started introducing her to different agents he worked with and she eventually chose HSI.  She started the academy in 2019 and once an agent worked Cyber Crimes/ICAC cases. In 2020, after putting off symptoms for over a year and pushing through pain like so many of us do...she finally scheduled an MRI after a co-worker encouraged her. The doctor called right away and informed her that her brain was herniated at the base of her skull, due to a cyst they couldn't drain, and she would need brain surgery to remove it or she could possibly be paralyzed. After surgery, other neurological issues started happening and that was the beginning of the end to her career, in April 2025. As the writing on the wall started to appear, that her career was over...she had to decide what she wanted to do and how she could still serve. The financial industry is what her degree was in, she had prior work experience in the industry, and finance allows her to help people who don't always know how to help themselves. Cait talked about feeling like her body betrayed her, the grief she felt for losing structure, identity, purpose, and "family," and how lonely she felt because there was no one who "got it." She also talked about realizing that none of us are actually alone, and that was something she learned because of LinkedIn and this podcast.  Cait's advice for those facing the "Just a cop" mindset was to stop thinking you're not that interesting and your story doesn't matter (because it does), to not limit yourself, and to know your WHY. Make sure you connect with Cait on LinkedIn, here. If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU! Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.  You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here. See you Next Shift

    1h 4m

  6. FEB 18

    Kurt's Next Shift

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is a chat with my guy, Kurt Hoffler...a retired LEO turned Video Content Strategist and a regular member of the monthly DEBRIEF call.  Kurt's exudes positive energy, is always encouraging others to lean into their hobbies and passions, and just a darn good guy who's always smiling.  Kurt is from Connecticuit and grew up in the church. When he was playing AAU basketball, one of the coaches was a detective and he really leaned into him and decided to work in law enforcement.  Kurt started as a dispatcher for the State Police, worked in Juvenile Detention, and finally went through a live in police academy. He began working at UCONN in 2004 and enjoyed several positions...most of which included collaboration and had a community aspect. During Covid, his department was undergoing the accreditation process and he was asked to help with a video to assist...they passed. When he was eligible to retire, he did and had no regrets. His retirement took a bit of a detour and he ended up moving to Washington DC and getting hired by George Washington University, where he served as a Sergeant. He spent a couple years there, while also leaning into his passion for audio engineering and videography. Pretty soon, he realized, he retired for a reason and decided to leave law enforcement a second time.  Kurt says he's the same person, but has less stress and is more relaxed. When asked what he believes his purpose is now, he stated it's storytelling, through a lens. Kurt's advice to those facing the "just a cop" mindset, is to surround yourself with people outside of law enforcement, who will help you grow.  Make sure to connect with Kurt on LinkedIn, here or on Instagram, here.  If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU! Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.  You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here. See you Next Shift

    59 min

  7. FEB 11

    Retirement doesn't always mean a slow down

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is a conversation with Betsy Smith, aka Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, and boy does she have some spunk!  It was such a fun convo and we touched on some topics we haven't necessarily covered on this show...like being a female in law enforcement...especially in the 80s - 90s.  For those of you who don't know Betsy, you're missing out...but, as a short intro...she is a retired LEO, Police Trainer, National Spokesman for National Police Association, on the Executive Board for The Wounded Blue, a cancer survivor, a wife, mother, fur mom, and now grandmother.  As you can see, retired life has NOT slowed her down at all! Betsy talked about being a farm girl in Illinois in the 60s and 70s, and how she knew in Junior High that she wanted to be a cop. There were no female characters in the cop TV shows at that time and it inspired her. She was a police dispatcher in HS/College and became a cop in 1980, where she spent 29 years in a Chicago Suburb.  Betsy had a heck of a "welcome to policing" moment in the academy that I'm sure the person making the statement thought would make her leave...but it only made her more determined. She spent time on patrol, undercover (favorite role), on a task force, was an FTO, a Detective, a Sergeant, and eventually turned down Lieutenant. Betsy even starred on a Reality TV Show her last year and a half. Due to Betsy's extensive experience in speaking, writing, and training...I asked her for advice to those looking to get into that during or after their career. She said to prepare NOW...start writing articles, do informal trainings, and go to conferences. When asked how life has changed after law enforcement, she stated she is far less cynical, she has embraced her faith, and focused on fitness for health. If you are not connected with Betsy, you can connect with her on Instagram, here, and on LinkedIn, here.  FYI- This conversation was recorded prior to The Wounded Blue Survival Summit, which is mentioned at the end of this episode and while that conference is now in the past...you can check out their upcoming Summit by following them on social media. If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU! Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.  You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here. See you Next Shift

    1h 10m

  8. FEB 4

    Blue Cancer Connect

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is a conversation with Vickie Speed, Founder of Blue Cancer Connect and widow of LASD Detective Mitch Speed. I don't know a single person who has not been impacted by cancer in one way or another. I want this episode to not only be in remembrance of Vickie's Husband, but also in remembrance of all our brothers and sisters in blue, taken too soon by this horrible disease.  If you don't know Vickie or aren't connected with her, I highly suggest connecting with her and finding out how you can support this incredible organization she has built, by turning pain into purpose.  In this episode, Vickie talks about the day Mitch found out he had stage 4 cancer, the 26 month battle he fought, and ultimately his passing. She also talks about how the department stepped up to help, how she got through the battle and the struggles that came afterward, getting into therapy, helping her adult son through the loss and losing his way, and eventually finding strength through the struggle and starting Blue Cancer Connect. Her strength is admirable and you can tell that so much of it comes from her faith. In fact, she described Mitch as having faith that could move mountains and how he never questioned or got mad at God after the diagnosis, but instead, asked how they could use it to serve others. Vickie says Mitch used the 26 months after his diagnosis to bring others closer to God. Four years after his passing, Vickie recalls being awakened by God and he told her to write, "Blue Cancer Connect." She woke up the next day and didn't know what it meant...but it eventually became an organization to help others facing the challenges of cancer.  Vickie talks about what the organization is able to do, not only for organizations, but for the individual facing the diagnosis. Whether you're a LEO, family member, or civilian PD employee, Blue Cancer Connect is here to help you. You can check out their website, here and check them out on Instagram, here.  You can connect with Vickie via email at info@bluecancerconnect.com If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU! Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.  You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here. See you Next Shift

    1h 19m
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About

This is a podcast dedicated to serving current and former law enforcement, by sharing the stories of my own personal transition out of law enforcement, lessons learned through the transition and since, as well as the stories of officers who’ve also transitioned out, their significant others to gain that perspective, and resources for embracing their Next Shift. It is MY mission to help YOU remember who you are/were behind the badge by helping you REdiscover your identity, REdefine your purpose, and REignite your passions so that you can create the life you WANT to live. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jess Flores
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Next Shift Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Next Shift Podcast

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