Life After The Badge

Jul 21 2023

Life After The Badge Podcast artwork

This podcast discusses the issues and aspects of life after retirement from a career in law enforcement. Financial, emotional, psychological, and social factors will be discussed through the lens of a retired police officer, as well as experts in related fields. The host, Sgt. Chuck Frey (Ret.), relates personal experiences, and opens the podcast up to be shared by other officers and retirees.

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Share Your Nightmare

Jul 21 2023 18 mins

This is my first podcast episode in a couple months. A series of unfortunate events kept me from it, but I am back. In this episode, I am sharing a recurring nightmare that haunted me when I was in a bad place during my battle with PTSI. I am looking for others to share their nightmares, and other aspects and symptoms of their battles with this living nightmare.

Jason Gillaspie Interview

May 24 2023 34 mins

This episode features an interview with Retired Davenport, Iowa Police Officer Jason Gillaspie, who, along with Retired Officer Craig Stone, co-host the Broken Badges Podcast. Great interview, and a fantastic Podcast by these two PTSD survivors.

Eric Reynolds Interview

Apr 22 2023 41 mins

In this episode, I interview Retired Police Officer Eric Reynolds of the Boynton Beach PD in Florida. Eric was shot in the line of duty, and tells his story of the gunfight, as well as his battle with PTSD afterwards. Eric also has a couple other very interesting stories to share. He is the owner of KetoFiveo.com, and copsandcampers.com. Please check out both of these projects and

Firefighter/Medic Brian Harkins

Apr 17 2023 28 mins

This week, I interview Brian Harkins, an Army Vet, Corrections Officer, Paramedic, and for the past 20 years, a Firefighter/Paramedic. Brian is also a PTSD survivor, and his story of helping others battle PTSD is remarkable. Brian welcomes contact and has supplied the following contact information for anyone who needs help, or for anyone who wants to help. Brian Harkins774-766-0852

Dispatcher Debbie Green

Apr 13 2023 36 mins

This week's guest is California Dispatcher, Debbie Green. Debbie finished a 30 year career with a retirement caused by PTSD. She tells her story, and offers advice to those in a similar career path. This week's NEVER FORGOTTEN tribute remembers Houston, Texas Officer Maria Michelle Groves, killed on April 10, 1987; and Pennsylvania State Corporal Paul Almer, and Trooper Wayne Bilhe

Apple Tree

Apr 06 2023 19 mins

This episode features a new section that will be a weekly addition. I will be remembering two officers a week who were killed in the line of duty. My selections will be from a list of officers that perished on the current week in history. I also tell a story based on true, actual events that help explain and share the nightmare of PTSD.

Family Support

Mar 25 2023 28 mins

This episode discusses the support you receive from your family as a first responder, and how that support changes and adapts to the issues you face as a retiree. Special guest Jennifer Frey describes these issues as seen through the lens of the spouse of a retired police officer. (Yup...me.)

Kids These Days

Mar 23 2023 24 mins

This episode discusses the gap between generations of law enforcement, and how society has changed the way policework must be done. I also talk about the FOP and why it is so important to belong and participate aside from the political activity... even if your chapter is not involved in your contract.

Sgt. Garcia's Final Call

Mar 13 2023 16 mins

On January 26th of this year, at 10:18 am, Sgt. Madelin Garcia, a 33 year veteran of the Miami Police Department, made her last call at the end of her last shift upon retiring. What she said caught everyone's attention. Listen to her transmission made amongst numerous allegations of police corruption within the administration of the Miami Police Dept. References: Having the last wo

Best Retirement States

Mar 06 2023 21 mins

This episode discusses the best states to retire in. The factors of this decision are discussed, including lifestyle consideration and "tax-friendliness" . REFERENCE:Deer, P. (n.d.). Best U.S. States to Retire to 2022. Empower.com. Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https//:empower.com