The Team Ten Eight Podcast

Master Corporal (Ret’d) James Gendron’s story is one of service, sacrifice, and the healing power of music. Over a 29-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, James performed 63 ramp ceremonies in Afghanistan—solemn farewells for fallen soldiers making their final journey home. Those experiences left deep scars, leading him to put down his bagpipes altogether. Years later, the pipes returned to him in the most unexpected way—culminating in a powerful moment at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, where Prince Harry publicly honoured James for transforming what once haunted him into a source of healing. In this conversation, we explore: James now serves his community as a volunteer firefighter and continues to share his story to help others navigate trauma, healing, and resilience. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

This episode of goes deep with Corporal Peter MacDonald, a veteran RCMP officer with nearly 18 years of service across the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. From his early days in frontline policing to the intense files that shaped his career, Peter speaks candidly about the weight of trauma, the moments that nearly broke him, and the path back through therapy, honesty, and support. Today, he serves as a Member Services NCO and a leader in the RCMP’s National Reintegration Program, helping colleagues navigate long-term leave, recovery, and the return to work. We talk about: This is an honest, powerful conversation about what it means to serve, to struggle, and to find your way back. Guest Contact: Peter can be reached via email at peter.macdonald@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or through the Langley RCMP detachment. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

In this episode, host Christian Lane interviews firefighter, veteran, and founder of Victory Medals, Andrew Siwy, who shares his journey from childhood bullying to military service and firefighting. Andrew discusses the impact of his experiences on his mental health, the significance of self-awareness, and the challenges faced during his deployments in Afghanistan. He reflects on the importance of understanding intent in human interactions and the ethical complexities of military duty, emphasizing the need for compassion and humanity in service roles. In this conversation, Andrew shares his journey from military service to becoming a firefighter, detailing the mental health challenges he faced and the importance of support systems in recovery. He recounts a traumatic incident during the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival and discusses the need for recognition of sacrifices made by first responders. Andrew emphasizes the significance of mental health strategies and the role of community support in navigating trauma. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Andrew Siwy's Journey 02:52Overcoming Childhood Bullying 05:44Self-Awareness and Reflection 08:09The Impact of 9/11 on Military Aspirations 10:58Joining the Canadian Armed Forces 13:24First Deployment to Afghanistan 21:36Cultural Shock in Kandahar 27:09Second Deployment and Special Forces Experience 35:05The Complexity of Military Ethics 40:36Reflections on Duty and Humanity 44:29Understanding the Military Mindset 45:18The Journey Through Mental Health Challenges 46:10Crisis and Recovery: A Personal Story 52:34The Role of Support Systems in Recovery 55:25Navigating Trauma in First Response 01:00:05Responding to Tragedy: The Lapu-Lapu Day Incident 01:11:32Personal Growth and Mental Health Strategies 01:14:17Honoring Service: The Importance of Recognition 01:20:32Advocating for Civilian Recognition of Sacrifice keywords military, service, resilience, mental health, bullying, Afghanistan, Canadian Armed Forces, firefighting, leadership, special forces, military mindset, mental health, first responders, crisis recovery, support systems, trauma response, personal growth, service recognition, civilian honors, mental health strategies Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

In this powerful episode, host Christian Lane sits down with RCMP Sergeant and National Police Federation Board Director Chris Voller to explore the weight police officers carry—on the job, in their hearts, and within the system they serve. Voller reflects on multiple officer-involved shootings during his tenure, his father’s legacy as an officer involved in a tragic 1998 incident, and the human cost of systemic inaction in mental health care. Chris reads aloud a viral Facebook post he authored—a stark, vulnerable, and honest meditation on policing in a time of crisis. Together, he and Christian unpack the intersection of law enforcement, mental illness, public scrutiny, and systemic breakdowns. Topics Covered: Relevant Links: National Police Federation (NPF)The Connie and Ty Jacobs Shooting – CBC ArchivesVancouver's CAR 87/88 Mental Health Car ProgramIIO BC – Independent Investigations OfficeThe Death of Service Dog Gator – CBC NewsConst. Shaelyn Yang remembered – Global News Connect with Sgt. Voller: @chrisvollerNPF Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Christian Lane is joined by Carly Ring, a dedicated mental health professional, first responder advocate, and passionate speaker on trauma, healing, and identity. Carly shares her lived experiences as a survivor of childhood trauma, a first responder, and someone who has walked through complex grief, post-traumatic growth, and the transformative journey of self-reclamation. Together, they explore: This episode is a raw, unflinching look at what it means to break — and how, through love, courage, and community, we become something stronger. Links & Resources: @csrpsychotherapybcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Episode Summary: In this deeply reflective and inspiring episode, host Christian Lane sits down with Dr. Alec Ritchie—an emergency physician, educator, and mountain medicine expert. From the adrenaline-filled peaks of Whistler to the life-saving trenches of North Shore Rescue, Dr. Ritchie shares the personal and professional journey that led him to wilderness medicine. We explore the “Zen of the mountains,” the hidden stressors medical professionals face, how fitness and mindset impact recovery, and the life-saving gaps in wilderness healthcare policy. Alec speaks candidly about purpose, legacy, and the healing power of both nature and connection. What You’ll Learn: Resources & Links: North Shore Rescue Documentary – Knowledge NetworkUBC Department of Emergency Medicine – Wilderness & Mountain Medicine Working GroupWilderness.Mountain.Medicine@ubc.caThank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, but what happens when they’re stretched beyond their limits? In this powerful episode, host Christian Lane sits down with Adriane Gear, President of the BC Nurses Union, to explore the critical challenges facing nurses today—from workplace safety and burnout to the historic win for nurse-patient ratios in BC. Adriane shares her journey from bedside nursing to frontline advocacy, the mental and physical toll of the profession, and what needs to change to retain and recruit nurses. This conversation is essential listening for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone who values the people who care for us when we need it most. Topics Covered: ✅ The reality of nurse-patient ratios and how it impacts patient care ✅ How BC became the first jurisdiction in Canada to mandate minimum ratios ✅ The mental health toll of nursing and the fight for PTSD recognition ✅ The truth about nurse salaries and why pay matters for retention ✅ Why nursing isn’t just a job—it’s a deeply personal commitment 📌 Follow & Connect with Adriane Gear: Instagram: @adrianegear LinkedIn: Adriane Gear 🔗 Resources Mentioned: BC Nurses Union: [www.bcnu.org]Nurse-Patient Ratio Studies: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8408834/https://nursesunions.ca/research/nurse-patient-ratios/ Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

In this episode, Christian interviews Dr. Mike Christian, an expert in critical care and disaster medicine. Dr. Christian shares his experiences responding to major crises, including the SARS outbreak, the Haiti earthquake, and the London Bridge attack. He discusses his journey into medicine, the challenges he faced, and the importance of mental health in first responders. The conversation highlights the resilience of individuals in crisis situations and the critical decision-making required in emergency medicine. This conversation delves into the critical aspects of mental health in emergency medicine, focusing on the interplay between primary and secondary stressors faced by first responders. It emphasizes the importance of organizational culture in mitigating these stressors and highlights the benefits of interprofessional teams in pre-hospital care. The discussion also outlines key strategies for improving mental health support within organizations and the potential for implementing successful models from other countries in North America. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mike Christian 05:00 The Journey into Medicine 16:09 Reflections on the Haiti Earthquake 27:30 Mental Health in First Responders 33:06 The Impact of Organizational Culture on Stressors 39:25 Interprofessional Teams in Pre-Hospital Care 50:06 Implementing Change in North American Emergency Services Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

In this episode of the Team Ten Eight podcast, Christian Lane speaks with Canadian army veteran and fitness coach Dave Morrow. Morrow shares his mission to help veterans improve their health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness as a foundation for mental health. He discusses his personal journey from struggling with injuries and mental health challenges to becoming a fitness advocate for veterans. The conversation covers various topics, including the significance of community, the impact of childhood experiences on health, and the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. Morrow also shares insights from his books, which aim to provide actionable steps for veterans to improve their lives and health. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Mission 02:36 The Importance of Physical Health for Veterans 06:51 Mind-Body Connection: The Foundation of Wellness 12:23 Tracking Progress: The 100K Veterans Mission 14:49 Childhood Influences on Health and Fitness 20:37 Maintaining Mental Health: Routines and Connections 30:55 Reading and Lifelong Learning 31:57 The Shift to Entrepreneurship 39:49 Understanding Money and Wealth 41:11 The Depth of Conversation 42:50 The Meaning of Life 51:01 Transforming Anger into Purpose 01:01:08 Books and Personal Growth Visit Dave's Hard to Kill website to learn more about his mission, the Hard To Kill podcast and for information on how to pick up any of his books! Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

I’m your host, Christian Lane. If you are a discerning listener of this show you may have noticed that it's been some time since I've produced an episode, and there's good reason for that. I’m not really want to talk about myself or use this platform to share my own story but, given the time that's gone by since my last episode, I feel like I you some measure of explanation about where I've been and what's been going on. So, this is my story, or at least a part of it, as told through an interview I gave to my good friend and host of The Gravity Podcast, Chris Litrell. A word of warning, this episode deals with suicidal ideation, depression and mental health. If you, or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or has attempted to end their life, please seek help in hospital, call 911 or contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 (in Canada). Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Summary Marissa Rose, a paramedic with a background in advanced care paramedicine, shares her journey of navigating the challenges and traumas of her profession. She discusses how her childhood experiences and the need for help shaped her desire to become a paramedic. Marissa highlights the demanding nature of the job, the accumulation of trauma over time, and the impact it has on mental health. She talks about the feelings of betrayal, anger, and depression that she experienced, as well as the physical and emotional toll of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties, Marissa continues to do the job because of her passion for helping others. Marissa Rose shares her journey of struggling with mental health and finding healing through equine therapy. She opens up about her darkest moments and the decision she made to end her life. However, her encounter with horses, particularly a horse named Caesar, brought her a sense of relief and connection that she had never experienced before. Equine therapy became a transformative experience for her, leading her to advocate for its benefits and pursue research in the field. Marissa emphasizes the importance of understanding the physiological changes that occur in the brain during therapy and the need for more comprehensive studies in this area. Marissa Rose shares her journey of resilience and healing after experiencing trauma as a paramedic. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding balance in life, as well as the need for better support and mental health resources for frontline workers. Marissa discusses the impact of trauma on the brain and the potential for healing through holistic methods such as equine therapy, yoga, and art therapy. She also highlights the significance of debriefing and the reconsolidation of memories in managing PTSD. Marissa's mission is to empower and support her peers in the first responder community. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 07:55Challenges and Trauma in the Job 26:34The Physical and Emotional Toll of the Job 38:02The Transformative Power of Equine Therapy 44:41The Need for Research on Equine Therapy 55:32Overcoming Challenges and Finding Hope 01:02:30The Significance of Saving Lives 01:10:24Understanding the Impact of Trauma 01:18:48Training to Do vs. Being Marissa's The Inner Response website is available here: https://innerresponse.com.au/ Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker Mortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Summary Dr. Scott MacDonald, a physician at the Providence Crosstown Clinic in Vancouver, discusses the drug crisis in British Columbia and the need for safe supply harm reduction strategies. He emphasizes the limitations of current treatments and the importance of diversifying options for people with opioid use disorder. Dr. MacDonald advocates for the use of prescription heroin and explores the potential of prescription fentanyl. He highlights the need to move beyond the abstinence-only approach and prioritize patient-centered care. Dr. MacDonald also addresses the role of law enforcement and the importance of resources for individuals seeking help with substance use disorder. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:42 Criticism of Drug Decriminalization 03:07 Insufficient Treatment Options 05:00 Lack of Access to Treatment 06:06 Attracting More Patients to Treatment 07:26 Prescription Heroin as an Option 08:12 Challenges of Prescribing Heroin 09:36 Exploring Prescription Fentanyl 11:07 Success Stories and Case Studies 20:11 Factors Driving Fentanyl Use 23:39 Moving Beyond Abstinence-Only Approach 25:24 Following the Evidence 27:39 The Need for Diversified Treatment Options 29:24 The Role of Law Enforcement 33:07 Addressing Drug Diversion 35:53 Reevaluating Prohibition 41:17 Personal Experience with the Crisis 43:22 Resources for Substance Use Disorder 44:00 Connecting with Dr. Scott MacDonald 45:11 Conclusion Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker Mortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Summary In this episode, Christopher Littrell, a former police officer and mental health advocate, shares his journey of resilience and healing. He discusses the impact of traumatic experiences, the importance of support systems, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Litrell also opens up about his struggles with alcohol abuse and the role it played in his mental health. He emphasizes the significance of mutual support in marriage and the need for first responders to seek help and overcome the stigma surrounding mental health. Overall, Littrell's story highlights the importance of mental health support for first responders and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity. In this conversation, Chris Littrell shares his personal journey of dealing with post-traumatic stress and the importance of seeking help. He emphasizes the need for a culturally competent counselor and employer support. Chris also discusses the impact of an intensive treatment program and the value of self-care practices, including talking to trusted individuals and being self-aware. He concludes by providing his top three must-do's for someone struggling and shares how to connect with him. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:26 Transition to Law Enforcement 06:21 Impact of Traumatic Experiences 09:21 Importance of Mutual Support in Marriage 12:21 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 13:05 Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma 14:45 Cumulative Trauma and PTSD 20:16 Supporting Spouses and Sharing Responsibilities 23:24 Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Struggles 25:13 Reaching Out for Help 26:09 Importance of Mental Health Support for First Responders 26:19 The Importance of Seeking Help 32:01 Employer Support 38:07 Chief Guerrero's Response 40:47 Intensive Treatment Program 45:31 The Value of Intensive Treatment 47:40 Self-Care Practices 53:52 Top Three Must-Do's for Someone Struggling 57:41 Connecting with Chris Littrell Click here to visit Gravity Training and Consulting and to listen to the Gravity podcast. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Calvin Chrustie, a former senior operations officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, discusses the importance of navigating the threats, risks, and challenges of the contemporary world. He highlights the convergence of threats and the weaponization of activities by foreign threat actors, which he refers to as hybrid warfare. The conversation covers various topics related to the challenges and issues faced by Canada, particularly in relation to fentanyl and toxic drug deaths. It highlights the ineffectiveness of current approaches, the weaponization of fentanyl, societal indifference towards drug deaths, lack of interconnectivity and collaboration, concerns for the future of Canada, the role of politicians in addressing the issues, concerns of business leaders, advice for aspiring politicians, and the need for self-reflection and courage. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these issues for the well-being and security of Canada. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Background and Interest in National Security 11:36 Convergence of Threats and Hybrid Warfare 22:43 Factors Contributing to Canada's Blind Eye 28:04 Comparison of CSIS Mandate with Other Intelligence Agencies 29:24 Lack of Legislative Changes to Address Contemporary Threats 29:52 The Ineffectiveness of Current Approaches 31:16 The Weaponization of Fentanyl 32:21 Toxic Drug Deaths and Societal Indifference 36:26 Lack of Interconnectivity and Collaboration 37:26 Concerns for the Future of Canada 40:21 The Role of Politicians in Addressing the Issues 45:08 Concerns of Business Leaders 50:04 Advice for Aspiring Politicians 55:24 The Need for Self-Reflection and Courage 56:10 Conclusion and Contact Information Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker Mortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Jas Dhillon, a former professional football player and current police officer, shares his journey from the football field to law enforcement. He discusses the excitement of draft day and the challenges he faced transitioning from a defensive player to an offensive lineman. Jas highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and determination in both football and policing. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and building trust with the public, especially in diverse communities. Jas also reflects on his personal experiences with the police and the cultural differences that can impact interactions with law enforcement. In this conversation, Jas Dhillon, a police officer, discusses his experiences with law enforcement and the community. He shares how his South Asian background and proud military history influenced his decision to become a police officer. Jas emphasizes the importance of positive interactions, trust, and respect in building relationships with the community. He also highlights the significance of effective communication, humility, and listening in achieving the platinum standard as a police officer. Jas shares stories of his worst and best calls, showcasing the emotional impact of the job. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork, culture, and mentorship in law enforcement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Football Career 06:14 Transition from Football to Policing 12:54 Lessons from Football Applied to Policing 20:15 Building Trust with the Public 26:36 Personal Experience with Police and Cultural Differences 30:26 Interactions with Law Enforcement 31:17 Proud Military History 32:08 Positive Interactions with the Community 33:08 Policing in the Neighborhood 34:37 Building Trust and Respect 35:17 Achieving the Platinum Standard 36:13 Continued Learning and Growth 37:35 Effective Communication and Respect 38:21 Humility and Listening 39:05 Being Heard and Treated with Decency 40:24 Dealing with Newcomers and Long-Time Residents 41:31 Recognized as a Police Officer 42:04 Connecting with the Community 43:15 Teamwork and Leadership 44:17 Importance of Communication and Culture 48:10 Field Training and Mentorship 49:08 Worst and Best Calls 55:26 Family History and Sikh Culture 57:04 Connecting with Jas Dhillon 58:41 Appreciation for Service To follow or connect with Jas check out the links below: Instagram: @jdhillon54 Email: jas.dhillon@surreypolice.ca Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker Mortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

In this conversation, Necole Belanger shares her experiences as an openly gay woman in the Canadian Armed Forces. Necole talks about the importance of language skills in the military and the respect given to French-speaking troops. She reflects on the French-English question in the military and the challenges faced by Francophone members. Necole also discusses the impact of the Purge, a period of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. She shares her personal journey of self-acceptance and the trauma she experienced. Necole highlights the need for change and allyship in the military to address gender disparities and discrimination. In this conversation, Necole Belanger shares her experiences in the military and the challenges she faced as a woman and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She highlights the importance of mentors and supportive figures throughout her career. Necole also discusses the difficulties she encountered in speaking out about her experiences and finding support. She shares her motivation for writing her book 'Pride Amid Prejudice' and the cathartic process it provided. Necole emphasizes the need for change and inclusivity in the Canadian Armed Forces and offers advice to her younger self. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:20 Joining the Military and Language Skills 07:03 The French-English Question in the Military 09:05 The Dual Language System in the Military 12:36 Early Desire to Join the Military 16:12 Coming Out and Family Rejection 23:20 The Purge and Discrimination 25:54 Trauma and Seeking Help 34:03 Challenges Faced as a Woman in the Military 39:37 Gender Disparity in the Military 45:12 Reconciliation and Allies 46:18 Mentors and Supportive Figures 48:11 Speaking Out and Fin Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker Mortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Summary Brendan Hynes, a military veteran and advocate for mental health and brain injury research, shares his journey of resilience and service. He discusses the challenges he faced during his military career, including failures and injuries. Brendan emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the support of loved ones in overcoming mental health issues. He also highlights the need for better understanding and support for brain injuries in the military and first responder communities. Brendan's advocacy work aims to raise awareness and drive change in these areas. This conversation explores the work of the Concussion Legacy Foundation and Project Enlist in addressing sports concussions and brain donation. It also delves into the importance of embracing technology and brain research, as well as the overlap between sports and military/first responder brain injuries. The conversation highlights the institutional challenges and lack of action in addressing these issues and emphasizes the need for more resources and support. It concludes with advice for those going through similar experiences and the importance of buddy checking and opening up discussions. Takeaways Seeking help and support is crucial in overcoming mental health challenges. Brain injuries, including concussive and sub concussive injuries, are often overlooked and require more research and support. Advocacy and raising awareness are essential for driving change in the military and first responder communities. Resilience and the support of loved ones can help individuals overcome challenges and continue to make a positive impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 11:37 Defining Moment in Military Service 20:15 Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Help 25:46 Job as an Explosives Technician 29:02 Concussive and Sub concussive Traumatic Brain Injuries 34:33 Rock Bottom Moment and Seeking Help 41:43 Advocacy and Taking Action 49:02 Concussion Legacy Foundation and Project Enlist 49:59 Embracing Technology and Brain Research 50:57 Overlap with Sports and Military/First Responder Brain Injuries 51:53 Institutional Challenges and Lack of Action 53:16 The Need for More Resources and Support 54:06 How to Get Involved and Make a Difference 57:42 The Importance of Buddy Checking and Opening Up Discussions 59:01 Advice for Those Going Through Similar Experiences Brought to you by: Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker Mortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

In this episode, we revisit an interview with a remarkable individual, Shawn Coady, a retired Vancouver Police Department Sergeant, Canadian Armed Forces veteran, and the founder and president of the Police and Peace Officer Memorial Ribbon Society. Shawn's life has been one of service, dedicated to his community, law enforcement colleagues, and his country. After an illustrious career, Shawn and his wife settled into a well-deserved retirement in the tranquil community of Armstrong, British Columbia. Unfortunately, life had a different plan, as cancer has entered the scene, challenging Shawn and his family in their fight for his health. A Hero's Journey: From Service to Survival Shawn's story is one of resilience, strength, and dedication. As a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and decorated member of the Vancouver Police Department, Shawn shares his experiences as a domestic violence investigations specialist, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the impact on his life. He bravely discusses his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, offering listeners a raw and honest perspective on the struggles that often accompany a life of service. Creating Symbolism: The Birth of a Memorial Ribbon During the interview, Shawn talks about what inspired him to establish the Police and Peace Officer Memorial Ribbon Society. He reveals the driving force behind creating the official national symbol of mourning for law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. His dedication to honoring those who serve, even in the face of adversity, is truly inspirational. Joining Forces: A Call to Action As a testament to the strength of our podcast community, we are re-releasing Shawn's interview to rally support for him during this challenging time. Shawn was one of the first to join our show when we launched, and now, it's our turn to stand with him. How You Can Help In the spirit of teamwork, we invite you to support Shawn and his family by contributing to the Help Shawn Coady Beat Cancer Go Fund Me Page mentioned in the show notes. Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to helping Shawn face cancer head-on and allowing him to enjoy the peace and good health he deserves in retirement. Closing Thoughts: Giving Cancer the Salute It Deserves As we listen to Shawn's powerful story, let's unite as a team and give cancer the salute it deserves. Together, we can make a difference in Shawn's journey towards recovery. Join us in this special episode dedicated to the resilience of a true hero, and let's show Shawn that he is not alone in this fight. 🔗 Help Shawn Coady Beat Cancer Go Fund Me Page Together, as a team, let's support Shawn and his family on their journey to overcoming cancer. Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker Mortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Summary In this episode, Christian sits down with John Vintar, an author and Army officer who has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years. The conversation revolves around Vintar's book, 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium,' which details his experiences in South Sudan. They discuss the history of Sudan and South Sudan, the challenges of peacekeeping missions, the impact on returning soldiers, and the perception of peacekeeping in Canada. Vintar shares his most fearful moment in South Sudan and the importance of history for military leaders. The episode concludes with book recommendations and contact information for Vintar. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:29 The Book: A Swamp the Size of Belgium 04:52 The History of Sudan and South Sudan 08:27 The Invisibility of Peacekeeping Missions 10:00 The Challenges of Returning Home 11:27 The Most Fearful Moment in South Sudan 14:48 Establishing Safety and Gaining Trust 15:49 The Genesis and Objective of the UN Peacekeeping Mission 18:18 Tribal Cleansing and Violence in South Sudan 20:17 Lessons Learned from Peacekeeping Missions 24:13 Public Perception of Peacekeeping 29:36 Canada's Number One Threat 31:13 The Fragility of the World Order 37:20 The Importance of History for Military Leaders 39:54 The Role of Research in Mission Success 42:27 Top Three Must-Read Book Recommendations 45:53 Book Promotion and Contact Information 46:31 Closing Remarks and Thank You Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker Mortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Surrey Police Service Sergeant Andrea Martens has over nineteen years of experience across a range of law enforcement professions including as a probation officer, a border services officer and police officer. Andrea joins us to talk about her career path into policing, some of the progressive programs her department has put in place to foster a culture of health and wellness, and what it's like for officers on the ground as municipal and provincial politicians continue to battle over a very contentious policing transition in her city. She is also the founder of Support Retired Legends, a clothing and coffee company dedicated to raising funds to assist with the medical bills of retired police and military service dogs across Canada, and shares the story that inspired the brand and how it's helping prolong the lives of our four legged friends. Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!