Episode 18: Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
Release Date: 11/05/2025
Thirty Episodes Strong: A Tactical Pause at One Year
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer reflects on why the podcast began and revisits some of its most impactful moments — lessons learned, lives touched and where the conversation is headed next. He also takes an honest look at the hard truths of the profession, addressing the challenges and realities that aren’t talked about enough in law enforcement.
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Episode 29: Kimberly Caruso
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by retired Miami Police Commander Kimberly Caruso to discuss the realities of a career in law enforcement — from the academy to command. They discuss the gap between perception and reality, the challenges of leadership and what it truly takes to survive and sustain a career in policing without losing yourself along the way. Contact Information
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Episode 28: Jamie Peterson - Tallahassee-Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Jamie Peterson of the Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency (CDA) about the response to the April 17, 2025, active shooter incident at Florida State University. Jamie takes us inside the day that became one of the most intense shifts in CDA history. From a call board that exploded in real time to managing hundreds of unknown units on a single channel, this conversation is raw, grounded and full of hard-won lessons about what it takes to be the calm voice when everything else is in chaos.
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Episode 27: Mike Abbey - Tallahassee-Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Mike Abbey of the Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency about the response to the April 17, 2025, active shooter incident at Florida State University. Abbey shares how the event unfolded from a communications and command perspective, highlighting the critical role 911 telecommunicators and dispatch centers play in the earliest moments of a crisis. The conversation also explores the challenges of managing a large-scale emergency while routine calls for service continue, and emphasizes how preparation, coordination and experienced dispatchers are...
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Episode 26: Miami Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office about her historic first year as Miami-Dade’s first elected sheriff since 1966. She shares candid insights on leading a 5,000-member agency, navigating budgets and legislative pressures, and managing everything from critical incidents to major events like FIFA and the G20. Sheriff Rosie also outlines her vision for modernizing the agency while keeping safety, security and service front and center.
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Episode 25: U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis to discuss his path from growing up in a Florida family restaurant business to serving as Florida’s chief financial officer and now representing Florida’s 1st Congressional District in Congress. Patronis reflects on his experience in public service and his longstanding work alongside law enforcement, firefighters, dispatchers and emergency managers, particularly during hurricanes and major disasters. He also addressed national challenges facing public safety, including social media, community safety and first...
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Episode 24: Tracy Hejmanowski, Ph.D. – First Responder Project
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Tracy Hejmanowski, Ph.D., a combat trauma psychologist with almost 20 years of experience supporting military and first responders, about her transition from special operations work to leading recalibration retreats for first responders. The conversation emphasizes why camaraderie-based healing, creative expression and proactive mental health care are essential to first responder wellness. It also underscores the importance of cultural change in law enforcement and the reminder that everyone needs backup before their cup overflows. Contact...
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Episode 23: Michael Laidler
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Michael Laidler, a leadership keynote speaker and resilience strategist with more than 20 years of experience in high-pressure local and federal law enforcement leadership roles. Drawing from his two decades of frontline service, Michael shares how adversity can become a powerful foundation for resilience, effective leadership and long-term success. John and Michael explore his personal journey, including experiences with homelessness, family mental health challenges, divorce and the cumulative toll of service, and how those setbacks shaped his...
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Episode 22: Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Part 2)
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer continues his conversation with Orange County Cpl. Jeffery James-Potts about his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. In Part 2, Cpl. James-Potts recounts what happened after he was freed from being held hostage at the Orange County Jail. He discusses the physical injuries he sustained, as well as the emotional trauma that was not immediately visible and how he began the process of rebuilding his life. Cpl. James-Potts also reflects on the support he received from Orange County Sheriff John Mina and his ongoing...
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Episode 21: Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Part 1)
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for Part 1 of his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. Cpl. James-Potts recounts his journey from military service to law enforcement in one of the nation’s most complex and dynamic jurisdictions and the life-altering day he was taken hostage inside a county jail during a routine arrest. With candor and insight, Cpl. James-Potts walks listeners through the realities of modern law enforcement and the split-second...
info_outlineIn this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP, a licensed clinical psychologist for the FBI and best-selling author of If Sleep Were a Drug. Drawing on years of clinical experience with law enforcement, military personnel and first responders, Dr. Kaylor explains how sleep directly affects cognitive function, emotional regulation and long-term health. She breaks down the stages of sleep and their critical roles in brain and body recovery, the physiological impact of chronic sleep deprivation and the connection between poor rest and impaired judgment.
Join John and Dr. Kaylor as they explore practical topics such as caffeine use, pre-workout timing, light exposure and strategies for building an effective sleep routine. Whether you’re managing shift work, coping with stress or looking to improve overall wellness, this episode offers actionable insights on how quality sleep can enhance performance, protect your health and promote longevity in high-demand careers.
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