The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis exposed failures in communication of immigration enforcement—escalating tensions and deepening public distrust in law enforcement leadership.

In this episode, retired Police Chief Christopher Mannino joins Robert Asencio and Dr. Pamela Seraphine for a candid conversation on crisis communication in law enforcement. They examine how political rhetoric shapes public perception, why transparency and credibility are essential during high-stakes incidents, and how communication failures can erode trust.

The discussion also explores the neurobiological impact of stress on officers, underscoring the need for comprehensive training, wellness support, and recovery practices. Together, they make the case for building a culture where officers are empowered to intervene when a colleague is losing control—strengthening accountability, improving decision-making under pressure, and restoring public confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Crisis Communication in Law Enforcement

03:11 - The Impact of Political Rhetoric on Communication

06:01 - The Importance of Transparency and Honesty

09:07 - Understanding Neurobiological Load in Crisis Situations

12:11 - Creating a Supportive Culture in Law Enforcement

14:48 - Personal Reflections on Stress and Decision Making

17:56 - The Need for Comprehensive Training in Law Enforcement

20:54 - Prioritizing Officer Wellness and Recovery

24:04 - Empowering Officers to Intervene

26:54 - Conclusion and Call to Action

About Neuroscientist Dr. Pamela Seraphine:

https://www.drpamelaseraphine.com/

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

Info@VetsAndBadges.com

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

In this episode of Vets and Badges, host Robert Asencio engages in a profound conversation with Chris Wiacek, a U.S. Amry combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They delve into the often-overlooked aftermath of war, discussing the psychological toll on service members and the challenges they face upon returning to civilian life. Chris shares his personal experiences, including a harrowing incident during his deployment that continues to haunt him. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the struggles veterans endure and the need for better support systems to aid their transition back into society.

Chris recounts his journey from military service to becoming a police officer, revealing how untreated trauma led him down a path of self-destruction through alcohol abuse. However, a turning point in his life came when he sought help, leading him to rehabilitation and ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career in social work to assist other veterans and first responders. The episode emphasizes the significance of reaching out to those who have served, as a simple conversation can make a profound difference in their lives.

OUT OF THE FIRE INTO THE LIGHT DOCUMENTARY:

https://outofthefireintothelight.com/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

00:57 - The Cost of War: A Veteran's Perspective

01:39 - Meet Chris Wysak: A Combat Veteran's Story

03:28 - The Box Incident: A Harrowing Experience

11:32 - Life After Combat: Untreated Trauma

16:29 - Turning Point: Seeking Help and Recovery

21:35 - A New Mission: Helping Fellow Veterans

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

Info@VetsAndBadges.com

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

#History: American Hero, Colonel Tedesco III shares his experiences as the US Army's 1-37 AR Task Force Commander during the intense 2md battle of Ramadi, Iraq. He discusses the challenges of urban combat, the strategies employed to secure neighborhoods, save lives, and the importance of genuine leadership in high-stress environments.

Colonel Tedesco reflects on his personal journey, the sacrifices made for family, and the ongoing struggles faced by veterans. He offers valuable insights for future leaders, emphasizing the need for authenticity, learning from others, and the importance of support systems for healing after trauma.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Battle for Ramadi: A Commander’s Perspective

13:07 - Leadership in Combat: Personal Experiences and Challenges

30:14 - Lessons for Future Leaders: Insights and Advice

36:57 - Healing and Moving Forward: Support for Veterans

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

Info@VetsAndBadges.com

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026