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. APR 29

    SEASON 4 RECAP

    Send us Fan Mail Well, we made it! Another season of the Next Shift Podcast has come and gone! A very special THANK YOU to you, the listener, and to all of the guests who have truly become HOPE DEALERS to so many in the LE community! This episode is me recapping the Top 10 downloaded episodes and encouraging you to go back and listen to each of them, and make sure you connect with the guests. One of my solo episodes was in the top 10, but I wanted to highlight our incredible guests...so I added it as a BONUS top episode, since clearly it resonated. Your TOP 10 episodes are... 1. Episode 2 - From surviving to thriving w/ John Kelly 2. Episode 4 - Retired...for 3 days, then back at it w/Chris Perry 3. Episode 3 - COPLINE as a LIFELINE w/Stephanie Samuels 4. Episode 15 - Former recruiter & prior LEO w/Courtney Lesiak 5. Episode 18 - FIRED. It COULD happen to YOU w/Sarah Patterson 6. Episode 17 - Retirement doesn't always mean retired w/Cary Goldberg 7. Episode 8 - Retirement feels like free falling w/Dan Murphy 8. Episode 6 - From cop to Public Safety consultant w/Tim Kucerovy 9. Episode 7 - Therapy is a aCOLLABORATIVE process w/Dr Brooke Bartlett 10. Episode 16 - PTSD is NOT a life sentence w/Dr Erika Birkley *BONUS - Episode 5 - Don't wait for life AFTER law enforcement to have a life OUTSIDE law enforcement w/me Make sure you connect with each of these incredible guests. Their contact information is available in the show notes for their episode.  If you want to wear the mission, you can get your Next Shift Podcast gear, 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

    50 min

  2. APR 22

    This MIGHT be why you feel stuck

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the next to last show of season 4! I didn’t record last week and it wasn't because I didn't have anything to say (we all know that's never a problem) or that I didn’t care… but because I just didn’t have the capacity.  I spent the day alternating between thoughts of guilt/shame and grace. It made me realize something a lot of us don’t want to admit...we ALL have a capacity, whether we admit it or not. Being aware of that capacity and being willing to step back to create space in our minds and in our lives...is NOT weakness.  If your life is packed, your schedule is full, you're in the middle of learning something new, and your brain is constantly running… there’s no room to think, let alone move forward. So while you may NOT be stuck...you may be FULL, which is not allowing you to move forward.  In this episode, I talk about what it actually looks like to hit your capacity, why we tend to label it as weakness, and the hard truth about creating space if you really want something different. I am not talking as a "professional" or someone with a degree, but from MY real life and in the moment lessons. What I've learned over the years and what I'm currently learning again in realtime, is that you can’t build a new life on top of one that’s already maxed out. You have to give yourself both grace and space to create a new life. 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

    32 min

  3. APR 8

    Why it's important to expect the unexpected

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is a chat with Travis Powell...a retired LEO, Marine Corps Veteran, husband, and father...who is now in his second post LE career.  Travis and I connected on LinkedIn back in 2023, while he was in the midst of planning his retirement. A year later, he was retired, moving several states away, starting his first post LE career, a regular at DEBRIEF, and a constant giver on LinkedIn.  Several months later, Travis found himself facing something we never had to worry about in law enforcement...laid off...just before the holidays. Due to Travis continuing to show up for others in the LinkedIn space (always willing to have a conversation with someone), he was able to find his current career in right around 30 days! SO...in this episode we talk about the power of LinkedIn and always giving more than you receive. We also discuss his career, his meticulously thought out 3-year retirement plan, the actual transition to civilian life, the difference of the corporate worked, advice for setting retirement expectations, the importance of networking, and even mental health.  Travis talked about how he felt when he put in his retirement papers and how it took him back a little, how the first day as a civilian felt, and how he/his life has changed in life after law enforcement.  His words for those facing the, "I'm just a cop," mindset..."You're not. But you have to want something different or find a new spark."  Make sure you connect with Travis on LinkedIn, here, and tag him if you share this episode with your network. It's full of golden nuggets! 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 6m

  4. APR 1

    Preparing to transition...do these 3 things

    Send us Fan Mail Over the past 10 years out of LE and the past 3 years working with those preparing for/going through...or struggling with the transition...I've learned a few things.  This episode is for those thinking about and/or preparing for the transition to life after law enforcement.  There have been 3 recurring themes I've seen over and over and over. I've talked about them on calls, in posts, in DMs, and even on this show...but there are still several people from 3 years ago claiming they are stuck.  This episode is NOT about calling you out...but instead, about calling you UP. To give you 3 specific things, from MY experience, that you MUST do if you are truly trying to transition out of law enforcement.  This list is NOT all encompassing, but again...the 3 main themes I see over and over, and the things that helped me get to the point I am now at, 10 years removed.  There is a previous episode I reference, from season 2..."Career transition tips from a recruiter," and I highly recommend you listen to it if you haven't already or listen to it again if you're still feeling stuck. It was one of the most popular episodes and the tactical tips were so good!  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

    41 min

  5. MAR 25

    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

  6. MAR 18

    Unprepared for the transition

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    120
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Next Shift Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Next Shift Podcast

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