{"podcast":{"title":"Sit Around the Fire","slug":"sit-around-the-fire-7092992","podcast_index_feed_id":7092992,"rss_url":"https://api.riverside.fm/hosting/p7CgHNTy.rss","website_url":"http://www.sitaroundthefire.org","image_url":"https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/a1a89402-3cb2-4d0e-8271-1dc3f9195458/logos/1ca2cda6-5777-4806-9283-839da608aef6.png","author":"Ashlea Dillard","episode_count":62,"summary":"Welcome to Sit Around the Fire — the space where stories ignite transformation. Hosted by a former first responder turned licensed professional counselor and certified hypnotherapist , this podcast blends real-life experiences , powerful teachings, and practical tools for mental and physical health . Each episode invites you to slow down, reflect, and find your spark again. Together, we explore mindfulness, stress management, trauma recovery, and PTSD healing — all through the lens of someone who’s lived it. You’ll hear raw conversations with first responders, veterans, and mental health experts as well as other incredible human beings with amazing stories and missions who share their wisdom on how to move from burnout to balance, from survival mode to thriving. If you’re ready to break free from old patterns and beliefs , reclaim your peace, and live your most abundant, limitless life , this is your community. ✨ What you’ll learn: How to manage stress and trauma while building emotional resilience. Practical mindfulness and mental well-being techniques that fit your lifestyle. Real stories of healing from first responders and military families . Tools to strengthen both mental an…","last_synced_at":"2026-07-28T08:19:32.620717+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/sit-around-the-fire-7092992"},"episode":{"title":"#039 Jess Flores: When the Badge Becomes Your Identity","slug":"039-jess-flores-when-the-badge-becomes-your-identity","published_at":"2026-02-24T22:24:51+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/sit-around-the-fire-7092992/039-jess-flores-when-the-badge-becomes-your-identity","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/sit-around-the-fire-7092992","url":"https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/a2a778e882f3f561f18d175467ac0cf0864ce06867cd1ef0238e00fd0060acf1/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIwNmZjYjRmYS1iZjYwLTQ5ZWItODlmMi05OTg2ODA3NmEzYTEiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJhMWE4OTQwMi0zY2IyLTRkMGUtODI3MS0xZGMzZjkxOTU0NTgiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTFiODUwMTcyODQxMTU2YjI2M2VmY2QiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjk5Y2FkNDFjZGVkOTE2YjI1NmMwNWQzL2FzaGxlYS1kaWxsYXJkcy1zdHVkaW8tY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi0yLTIzX18yMC00MC00OS5tcDMifQ==.mp3","audio_url":"https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/a2a778e882f3f561f18d175467ac0cf0864ce06867cd1ef0238e00fd0060acf1/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIwNmZjYjRmYS1iZjYwLTQ5ZWItODlmMi05OTg2ODA3NmEzYTEiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJhMWE4OTQwMi0zY2IyLTRkMGUtODI3MS0xZGMzZjkxOTU0NTgiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTFiODUwMTcyODQxMTU2YjI2M2VmY2QiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjk5Y2FkNDFjZGVkOTE2YjI1NmMwNWQzL2FzaGxlYS1kaWxsYXJkcy1zdHVkaW8tY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi0yLTIzX18yMC00MC00OS5tcDMifQ==.mp3","summary":"In this episode, Ashlea Dillard speaks with Jess Flores, a former law enforcement officer, about her journey of identity loss after leaving the police force. They discuss the challenges of navigating relationships, the importance of communication, and the need for self-awareness and personal responsibility in the law enforcement community. Jess shares her insights on mental health, the impact of law enforcement culture, and offers advice for new first responders. The conversation emphasizes the power of sharing stories and the importance of seeking support and resources for personal growth. Takeaways -You are not alone and you are not stuck. -You are not just a cop; your identity is multifaceted. -Losing your career can lead to a significant identity crisis. -Communication is key in relationships, especially for first responders. -Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and responsibility. -Transitioning out of law enforcement can be challenging but manageable. -Mental health is a critical issue in law enforcement. -Struggle is a part of life, but suffering is a choice. -Your story matters and can help others. -You can choose to be better every day. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Key Messages 02:46 Jess's Journey in Law Enforcement 05:36 Identity Crisis After Leaving Law Enforcement 08:25 The Impact of Law Enforcement Culture on Identity 11:27 Navigating Relationships as First Responders 14:23 Communication in First Responder Relationships 17:30 The Transition Out of Law Enforcement 20:36 Finding Self Beyond the Badge 24:03 Navigating Grief and Loss in Relationships 30:06 Taking Responsibility for Your Well-being 33:36 The Importance of Self-Awareness 38:58 The Power of Sharing Your Story 43:12 Resources for Law Enforcement and Mental Health law enforcement, ide…","meta_description":"In this episode, Ashlea Dillard speaks with Jess Flores, a former law enforcement officer, about her journey of identity loss after leaving the police for…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3047,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/sit-around-the-fire-7092992/episodes/039-jess-flores-when-the-badge-becomes-your-identity/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/sit-around-the-fire-7092992/039-jess-flores-when-the-badge-becomes-your-identity.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}