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IN THE ARENA

Episode 001 - WHY NOW?

In the inaugural episode of IN THE ARENA, Travis and Taylor start with answering the question that is often asked most during his training seminars, “Why now?” This question is usually followed up with questions about current trends, statistics, and the argument of dollars available to fund mental health wellness programs. This episode dives into the opinions that Travis has, and questions that Taylor has as a civilian, about the current trend of First Responders seeking assistance in their journey through mental health wellness and awareness. 

LISTEN HERE.

Episode 002 - CRITICAL INCIDENTS & DECOMPRESSION

During Travis's time in Law Enforcement, he and his team responded to multiple calls that would be labeled as "Critical Incidents." After these calls, the team would come together for a Debrief, which Travis describes as being an "important piece of the puzzle" to find growth opportunities.

Now, Travis's narrative has shifted to not only encourage a tactical debrief, but a mental health debrief as well where first responders are given the chance to speak towards the potential trauma they just encountered. Travis is directing this topic towards leadership and is encouraging administrators, executives, and team leaders within agencies to do an inventory and evaluation of their post-Critical Incident practices.

LISTEN HERE.

Episode 003 - NO MAN UNSCATHED ft. Justin Organ

It is nearly impossible to make it out of a First Responder career without trauma. Whether your career lasts 5 years or 20+ years, your heroic service will lead you to horrific events. While hindsight may be 20/20, Travis and Justin explore culture, stigma, and how they would change if they could speak to their younger selves about mental health wellness. By sharing their stories of strength through healing, they hope to inspire other brothers and sisters in the first responder community to tell their story and to #smashthestigma.

PART 1 - PART 2

Episode 004 - NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS

'Tis the season... of additional stress. The holidays are already a crazy time of year for most people, but when your career is a first responder, the craziness multiplies nearly exponentially. In this episode, Travis reflects on the holidays during his own law enforcement career and the effects they had on his mental health. He also explores how his family was affected by the career and shares sage advice for not just the first responders, but their family members as well. The most important thing to remember is to advocate for the things that will keep you healthy and well.

LISTEN HERE.

Episode 005 - LEADERSHIP: The Key to Change

An incredible test of leadership is the ability to solve a problem before they become an emergency. When it comes to Mental Health Wellness & Awareness in the first responder community, avoiding the conversation or encouraging the stigma is completely unacceptable. Travis shares his insight of the current stigma of mental health in the first responder community, and how projects to see that stigma change in 2024 starting with leadership. 

LISTEN HERE.

Episode 006 - CULTURAL COMPETENCE ft. Jennifer Cooper, LPC, NCC

The culture around Mental Health Wellness in the First Responder community is changing; slowly but surely. A career that is seemingly so heroic is also quite horrific. First Responders are exactly that… the first to respond. And often times, the situations they are called to are traumatic, rattling, and disgusting scenes that civilians can hardly fathom deeper than what is shown on TV.  In this episode, Travis is joined by one of My Arena’s trusted clinicians, Jennifer Cooper, LPC, NCC who can talk the talk because she has truly walked the life of a First Responder herself. Through her time as a Probation Officer and working in Crisis Response with a Fire Department, she too understands the critical incidents that can be defining moments of the career. We explore her passion, why she chooses to work with First Responders, and her insight on how to #smashthestigma. 

PART 1 - PART 2

Episode 007 - CRITICAL INCIDENT POLICY & PRACTICE

Dependent on the size of agency or department, First Responders will respond to an average of 200-700 critical incidents during a 20 year career. And for most agencies, critical incidents that warrant follow-up beyond the debrief are rare occurrences. In this episode, Travis dives deeper into the importance of creating policies that keep our first responders from falling through the cracks after an incident.

LISTEN HERE.

Podcast Guest Features

CLEARED HOT w/ Andy Stumpf

Episode 251 - "In simple terms, it's really a ride-along with a senior Sergeant who shows you the ropes. The start of Travis's training began in January of 2016, working the day shift.  His very first call out of the station, on his very first training day, was the call that changed his life.

The next five years were hell and ultimately led to Travis seeking his retirement, after getting the help he needed."

From Trauma to Triumph - "Travis offers a raw, unfiltered recount of his struggles with PTSD, the personal demons he wrestled with, and the transformative journey of healing that followed. Discover the birth of "My Arena", a beacon of hope for first responders battling mental health challenges, and the profound message Travis has for the world: you're not alone.
Whether you're in law enforcement, a first responder, or just someone in need of inspiration, this episode is a testament to human resilience and the power of community."

The Next Shift Podcast w/ Jess Flores

Get in the arena w/ Travis Gribble, retired LEO - "In this episode we chat about Travis' transition from a small department to a larger department and what that was like. We dive into the reason for his transition out of law enforcement, retirement due to PTSD, and they things he did to help himself through that time. We touch on what he is doing now with his company, My Arena, to help other first responders."

GRAVITY Podcast - Two Feet on the Ground

Episode 90 - "Demon Slayer"

"As the years and calls went by my cup was reaching capacity and in 2021, I was brought to my knees. Thankfully I was put in touch with a therapist who specializes in first responder care and I began the journey of healing."
Travis breaks down the calls that impacted him most and the lessons he has learned about himself in the healing process.

Blue Grit Radio

Episode 43: "The Man in the Arena: Lessons from Critical Incidents in Police Work" -

with Eric Tung, "Travis and I discuss his career, from start through transitions and accomplishments, to the finish.  We talk about mutual connection in this unparalleled world of brotherhood, and the genesis and evolution of his work creating and operating My Arena.  Travis now travels and delivers training seminars focused on teaching and building insight and resilience with mental health professionals as we steadily and deliberately combat the stigmas of addressing mental health issues in our emergency response professions and culture."

The Overwatch Collective Podcast

Szn 5, Eps 1 - Travis, My Arena/LEO/SWAT/PTSI Retirement/Making Huge Progress in our Community -

"Kicking off Season 5 with Travis from the hills of Montana. Travis is medically retired from law enforcement after 24 years of service which consisted of Deputy, Sergeant, SWAT commander & TL. Travis founded My Arena, who's mission is to help the first responder community find peace, healing, and strength as they navigate the mental health challenges during their careers. Travis is actively traveling across the U.S.A. conducting much needed training to normalize mental health and get critical incident standard operating procedures in place."

"Be Here Tomorrow" - My Arena & T.O.C. Training on February 19, 2024 in San Mateo, CA -

"Joining via Zoom in Ohio is Travis Gribble and Jennifer Cooper from My Arena. Listen in to get an introduction of Travis and Jennifer. Travis was previously on T.O.C.'s podcast (SZN 5 EP 1) and spoke at T.O.C.'s 3rd Annual Fundraiser. Jennifer, a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, was Travis's therapist at the beginning of his journey and travels across the Country with Travis to share the clinical perspective of what our first responder and military community endures and how to best look out for yourself and others."

COMMUNITY

NEVER GIVE UP

NEVER GIVE UP

When I started 12 years ago, I always knew I needed to take care of my mental wellbeing. As a professional, I knew it was important to cover all aspects of...

NEVER GIVE UP

When I started 12 years ago, I always knew I needed to take care of my mental wellbeing. As a professional, I knew it was important to cover all aspects of...

YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE

YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE

One of my field training officers, the best cop I've ever met, recently sent me the link to your Cleared Hot podcast episode. He sent the link because of a recent...

YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE

One of my field training officers, the best cop I've ever met, recently sent me the link to your Cleared Hot podcast episode. He sent the link because of a recent...

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

"It's ok, to be not ok"

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

"It's ok, to be not ok"