Bend Don't Break

Bend Don't Break

On this episode of Bend Don’t Break, your host, Neil Dubord, is joined by Constable Jordan MacWilliams once again, to continue his story from last week’s episode.   Jordan has gone through significant events over the last several years — making him the perfect person to discuss the topic of resiliency in the field.   His story starts on November 8th, 2012, a fateful night in both his life and work. Having been sent to a dangerous hostage situation at Starlight Casino, Jordan has to make one of the toughest decisions of his life for the safety of his colleagues. In this episode,...

Bend Don't Break

Today on Bend Don’t Break, it is another one from the archieves and the next two episodes will go over one of the most popular series on Bend Don’t Break.  Jordan has gone through significant events over the last several years — making him the perfect person to discuss the topic of resiliency in the field. He’s happily married with two young daughters. Currently, he’s seconded, working at The Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team. He joined the Delta Police Department as a Reserve Constable back in 2007, graduated in 2009, and then worked Patrol until...

Bend Don't Break

Former CIA intelligence officer Michele Rigby Assad knows better than anyone what it means to venture into uncharted territory. Michele explains in the Bend Dont Break Podcast her experience to help you embrace the often uncomfortable path to success. She will talk about how to escape your comfort zone and realize your full potential! Michele has played a pivotal role in high-stakes missions both as a counterterrorism official and as a human rights defender in the civilian world, culminating in the 2015 airlift operation and relocation of 149 persecuted Iraqi Christians. Michele also provides...

Bend Don't Break

Episode #80 is a replay of one of the Top 3 downloaded Episodes in the 6 Year history of Bend Don't Break. It was originally played over 65 Episodes ago. Lane Douglas Hunt. Lane has been a member with the Victoria Police Department since 2008. She has spent most of her career on the front lines in patrol where she was on the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team for 6 years. Currently, she serves as the Explosives Technician, a Detective in the Special Victims Unit, and a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Outside of work, Lane and her amazing husband, Jeff, are parents...

Bend Don't Break

"Insights into Resilience of First Responders" This episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast features a role reversal, with Brian Willis of the Excellence in Training Academy interviewing Neil Dubord, about the lessons and insights gained from the first 70 episodes of Bend Don't Break. The podcast explores the resilience of first responders, touching on critical incidents, mental health challenges, and strategies for overcoming adversity. Key Themes Discussed: Origin of the Podcast: Neil shares how the Bend Don't Break podcast started as a Delta Police Department initiative, inspired by the...

Bend Don't Break

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, I sit down with Jake Suelzle, a seasoned corrections officer with over a decade of experience, to delve into the challenges faced by those working in one of the most demanding fields. Together, we explore the often-overlooked realities of life behind the fence, the emotional toll it takes, and the resilience required to thrive. Key topics include: Moral Injury and Burnout: Understanding the cumulative impact of administrative pressures, long hours, and difficult policies on corrections officers. Personal Responsibility in Mental Health: Why individual...

Bend Don't Break

In this powerful episode of Bend Don’t Break, I sit down with Dr. Nolan Beise, neuroscientist and CEO of Circle—a groundbreaking Canadian neurotechnology company. Dr. Beise shares how first responders can proactively strengthen their brain health using innovative brainwave sensing technology. Drawing parallels to physical fitness, Dr. Beise explains how measurable, actionable insights can transform mental resilience and prevent the neurological injuries often caused by high-stress careers. First responders will learn: How to identify early signs of mental strain before it becomes a...

Bend Don't Break

On this episode of "Bend Don't Break," Neil speaks with Jess Flores, a former police officer who has navigated the challenging journey from law enforcement to becoming a transition coach. Jess shares her gripping story of near-death experiences on the job, her struggle with injury, and the painful reality of losing her law enforcement identity. Listeners will hear how Jess battled feelings of betrayal, isolation, and hopelessness before finding a new purpose in helping other officers transition out of policing. Jess also dives into how fitness and personal development saved her and inspired...

Bend Don't Break

Strength in the Face of Trauma - BRIAN MURPHY  In this compelling episode of Bend, Don’t Break, host Neil Dubord sits down with Lieutenant Brian Murphy, a survivor of the Oak Creek Sikh Temple shooting. On August 5, 2012, Brian responded to a distress call, confronting a gunman who had already claimed multiple lives. Despite being shot 15 times, Brian refused to back down, displaying unwavering resilience as he continued to assist his fellow officers. Brian opens up about his recovery, the challenges faced by his family, and the importance of mental strength in law enforcement. He sheds...

Bend Don't Break

In this powerful episode, host Neil Dubord sits down with Jim Nixon, a seasoned community safety professional from the UK, to explore the deep and personal challenges that first responders and law enforcement officers face. Jim opens up about his journey from 20 years in policing to his current role, sharing the mental health battles he’s endured along the way, including his experiences with PTSD and moral injury—a sense of betrayal by the system that many officers will relate to. Jim and Neil discuss the complexities of leaving a profession that becomes part of your identity and the...