Best Michael Laidler Podcasts (2024)

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When That Day Comes featuring Chris Hoyer 18:07

2h ago18:07

18:07

In this episode of The LEO First Podcast, we feature Chris Hoyer, a retired Arizona police officer with over 20 years of experience on the streets. Born and raised in New England, Chris has been a protector, survivor, and advocate for mental, physical, and emotional wellness throughout his career. Now, as an author and public speaker, Chris shares …

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Leadership Unveiled: Sheriff Fred Stevens on Training, Authenticity, & Balance 35:55

7h ago35:55

35:55

Join us for an episode of the LEO First podcast as I sit down with Fred Stevens, the Sheriff of the Seneca County Sheriff's Office. With his wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to leadership, Sheriff Stevens offers invaluable insights into cultivating a culture of training, fostering authenticity without fear, and prioritizing the crucia…

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87: Debunking Myths and Unveiling Lies of Prison Life 37:12

8d ago37:12

37:12

Send us a text Ever wondered how much of what you've heard about prison life is actually true? Mike Cantrell pulls back the curtain on the misconceptions that society holds about prisons and their inmates. Through a personal recount of a misguided community meeting, he reveals how families are often manipulated by prisoners who exaggerate their har…

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Deputy Sean Grayson Fatally Shoots Sonya Massey Who Called 911 For Help 23:01

6h ago23:01

23:01

In this solo episode of The LEO First Podcast, hosted by Michael Laidler, we dive into the tragic case of Sonya Massey, who was fatally shot by Deputy Sean Grayson after she called 911 for help. We explore the stressors that law enforcement officers face and how these pressures can impact their decision-making in critical situations. Michael breaks…

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"I never want to be this way" featuring Sheriff Will Akin 37:57

20d ago37:57

37:57

In part two of the LEO First Podcast, we continue our conversation with Sheriff Will Akin from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Building on last week’s episode, Sheriff Akin, a US Army veteran and former officer with the Phoenix Police and South Bend Police Departments, delves deeper into the critical topic of mental health in law enforcement. Dis…

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86: The Complex World of Corrections: A Deep Dive with Dr. Mike Pittaro 55:21

22d ago55:21

55:21

Send us a text What drives someone to dedicate their life to understanding inmate behavior and educating future criminal justice professionals? Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Mike Pittaro, associate professor of criminal justice at the American Military University and Director of Corrections for Northampton County Department of Corr…

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"I didn't understand her" featuring Sheriff Will Akin 39:31

14d ago39:31

39:31

In part one of the LEO First Podcast, join us for an eye-opening conversation with Sheriff Will Akin of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. A US Army veteran and former officer with the Phoenix Police and South Bend Police Departments, Sheriff Akin brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to mental health in law enforcement. Discover how h…

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I Thought I Was Gonna Die featuring Chris Martinez 22:25

1M ago22:25

22:25

🚔 New Episode Alert: The LEO First Podcast 🚔 This week, we're honored to feature Christian Martinez AKA Kable, a retired law enforcement officer with 24 years of service. Chris' extensive career includes 8 years with Hialeah Police, 16 years with Miami Gardens Police, 4 years in the Army, and 2 years in the National Guard. Despite his professional …

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85: Best of The Prison Officer - Greatness Beyond the Badge - Interview w/Michael Laidler 1:01:03

1M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a Border Patrol agent to a federal corrections officer, all while becoming a renowned public speaker and author? Today, we sit down with Michael Laidler, whose journey in law enforcement began at just nine years old, inspired by the O.J. Simpson case. Raised in Miami by a single…

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Leadership and Tactical Communication with Captain Kory Flowers 48:17

1M ago48:17

48:17

New Episode Alert! Join us on the LEO First Podcast as we sit down with Captain Kory Flowers, a 25-year veteran of the Greensboro Police Department. Captain Flowers is not just an expert in law enforcement but also a renowned trainer on subversive criminal groups, leadership, and tactical communication. His insights have been featured in top public…

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Special "Trump" Edition featuring Michael Sugrue 32:08

2M ago32:08

32:08

Join us on The LEO First Podcast for a special "Trump" edition featuring Michael Sugrue. In this powerful episode, Michael shares his harrowing experiences from two critical incidents. During the first shooting, his body broke down under immense stress, leaving a lasting impact on his mental health. The second shooting was fatal, where Michael had …

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84: The Role of Leadership in Preventing Misconduct in Correctional Facilities 27:42

2M ago27:42

27:42

Send us a text Can leadership failures create a breeding ground for misconduct in correctional facilities? In this episode of the Prison Officer Podcast, we confront this critical question head-on. Through the lens of Stanley Milgram's famous 1963 obedience study, we unravel the often unseen dynamics of authority in corrections, exploring when and …

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Episode 50 - A Milestone featuring Michael Laidler 19:27

2M ago19:27

19:27

Welcome to the milestone 50th episode of the LEO First Podcast! I’m Michael Laidler, your host, and I couldn’t be more excited to reach this significant point in our journey. We started this podcast back in 2019, took a necessary break from 2020 to 2023, and came back stronger than ever with 40 incredible episodes from May 2023 to June 2024. As we …

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83: Insights and Advocacy with Union Executive Director William Doyle 53:43

2M ago53:43

53:43

Send us a text In the realm of correctional facilities, the roles and challenges of those who maintain order are often misunderstood and overlooked. Doyle discusses the trajectory of becoming deeply involved in union activities, from his early days in law enforcement to his current role in advocating for the welfare of correctional employees. He ou…

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82: Legacies and Innovations in WV Corrections - Interview w/Commissioner William Marshall 55:49

3M ago55:49

55:49

Send us a text In this episode, I speak with Commissioner William Marshall and get an inside look at the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. We learn about his path from State Police to Corrections Commissioner. We discuss the department's evolution into more training, enhanced career paths, and the future of corrections. We…

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81: A Journey through Leadership, Training, and Corrections Challenges - Interview w/Joseph Gunja 1:22:42

3M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

Send us a text Joe Gunja's career trajectory from a military police officer to a regional director is not just a tale of personal achievement, but also a story of the varying levels of inmate-related issues and the work required in the different roles. Joe reveals a career where promotions often come with intricate challenges and highlights the imp…

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Finding Strength in Struggle: Mike Schentrup's Story | LEO First Podcast Episode 49 1:08:18

3M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

Episode 49 of the LEO First Podcast features Mike Schentrup, a seasoned law enforcement officer with 25 years of service at Gainesville PD. As a dedicated father and husband of nearly three decades, Schentrup shares insights from his personal and professional journey. Amidst personal losses, including the passing of his wife's parents and brother d…

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80: Are You a Hunter or Are You Prey? 23:00

4M ago23:00

23:00

Send us a text A prison is a place of violence. Pretty quickly, as they begin their sentence inside, other inmates categorize each other as Predator or Prey. As a Hunter or the Hunted. Their role is determined by whether or not they have the strength to stand up against the other inmates. Will they run and hide in their cell, or will they stand and…

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Leadership, Legacy, and Family: Insights from Chief Keith Grounsell | LEO First Podcast Episode 48 1:07:58

4M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

In episode 48 of the LEO First Podcast, Keith Grounsell, Chief of Police at the Laurens Police Department, shares his inspiring journey balancing the responsibilities of law enforcement with the joys and challenges of family life. With four children, including a 6-year-old adopted from a troubled background, Keith emphasizes the importance of famil…

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79: The Best of The Prison Officer - Strangeways - A Prison Officer's Story - Interview w/Neil "Sam" Samworth 1:12:29

4M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Send us a text Walking the corridors of HMP Manchester, former Prison Officer and author Neil Samworth—known as Sam—witnessed the stark realities of prison life, a tale he recounts with raw honesty in "Strange Ways: A Prison Officer's Story." Join us as we step into Sam's world, where the line between guard and guarded blurs, and where humanity fac…

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Episode 47: From Music to Service: Lindsay McCall Long's Journey 1:45:11

4M ago1:45:11

1:45:11

In Episode 47 of the LEO First Podcast, we bring you the inspiring story of Lindsay McCall Long. Born in the Bay Area to parents deeply entrenched in the music industry, Lindsay's life took an unexpected turn after her father's passing at the age of 17. Retiring from Tempe PD three years ago, Lindsay shares her unique journey, having initially dive…

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78: A Journey of Growth and Change in Prison Management - Interview w/Art Beeler 1:05:38

4M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Send us a text His four decades in the Bureau of Prisons have equipped him with a library of stories, and in our latest episode, Art's candid reflections peel back the curtain on the daily grind of corrections work, from the first clang of the prison doors to the intricate challenges of managing inmate programs. His tales are not just a narrative o…

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Episode 46: Resilience and Reflections: A 23-Year Law Enforcement Journey featuring Ray Beshirs 1:03:26

5M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

In Episode 46 of The LEO First Podcast, join us for a compelling conversation with Ray Beshirs, boasting 23 years of experience in law enforcement in the DFW area. Explore Ray's remarkable journey, from growing up in poverty to becoming a dedicated supervisor with a passion for training. Uncover the lessons he learned along the way, including the i…

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77: Behind the Bars - Prayers & Executions - Interview w/Larry Peoples 45:40

5M ago45:40

45:40

Send us a text This episode doesn't just chronicle Larry's experiences, it delves into the heart of what it means to uphold justice in one of the most challenging environments imaginable. He shares vivid details of the 'death watch,' the procedure leading up to executions, and provides a sobering glimpse into the complexity of enforcing the death p…

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Episode 45: Insights from the Frontline featuring John Vik 1:15:44

5M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

In Episode 45 of the LEO First Podcast, join us for an exclusive conversation with John Vik, a distinguished member of the Lancaster Sheriff Office. Discover the intricacies of professional standards, hiring and firing, and internal affairs as John shares his journey of starting professional standards from scratch. Gain valuable insights into the t…

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76: Part 2 - Best of The Prison Officer - The Unseen Battles of Correctional Integrity - Interview w/Glen MacDonald 1:01:17

5M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Send us a text In today’s episode, we talk with former BOP Captain Glen MacDonald about doing the right thing, even when it is tough. Glen walks us through many of the decisions throughout his life and career, where doing the right thing was not popular. Despite being shunned by staff, loss of promotions, and horrible stress, Glen persevered. Glen …

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Episode 44: Navigating Mental Health and Leadership in Federal Corrections with Andrea Ballesteros 1:05:00

6M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Join us on Episode 44 of the LEO First Podcast as we sit down with Andrea Ballesteros, a seasoned psychologist who has risen to the role of Deputy Chief in the federal correctional setting system. Andrea, a dedicated mom and wife, opens up about her journey in law enforcement and her profound commitment to mental health. From her aspirations in 6th…

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75: Part 1 - Best of The Prison Officer - Doing What's Right, Even When it's Tough - Interview w/Glen MacDonald 1:00:07

6M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Send us a text Glen's reflections on the internal battles correctional officers face—such as finding drugs and corruption within their ranks—are eye-opening. These revelations highlight the lesser-known aspects of prison life and the constant vigilance required to uphold the law within its walls. The discussion around the corruption he witnessed, a…

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Episode 43: Cultivating Empathy in Law Enforcement with Burke Brownfeld 1:18:05

6M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

In the latest episode of the LEO First Podcast, we sit down with Burke Brownfeld, a former police officer with a unique journey that took him from dreaming of law enforcement in his hometown to serving in the Peace Corps in Latin America. Burke shares insights from his time in the private sector and introduces the Guardian Score, a revolutionary ap…

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74: Part 2 - When Stress Tries to Kill You - Interview with Bronner "Bama" Allen 1:06:15

6M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

Send us a text It is not merely the high-stakes nature of maintaining order that this interview touches upon. The psychological toll of being a correctional officer is scrutinized through "Bama's" heartfelt story. He takes us through the day-to-day operations within the prison walls, where he encountered a gamut of scenarios – from gang violence to…

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Episode 42 - Unveiling the Journey - Jennie Hill, Executive Director of Wounded Blue 1:09:11

7M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

In Episode 42 of the LEO First Podcast, join the riveting conversation with Jennie Hill, the dynamic Executive Director of Wounded Blue, who launched her impactful journey in 2019. Living in Buford, GA, Jennie shares her compelling story of eight years as a former officer, reflecting on a time when K9 wasn't part of her life. She introduces Barron,…

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73: Part 1 - All I Know is Corrections - Interview with Bronner "Bama" Allen 49:56

7M ago49:56

49:56

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Bronner "Bama" Allen about his interesting career that started at The North Carolina Department of Corrections which led to a 21-year career with Federal Bureau of Prisons where he retired. But Bama wasn't done yet, he returned to where he had started at The North Carolina Department of Corrections, and w…

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72: How to Manage Inmates with Mental Illness 52:54

7M ago52:54

52:54

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about the fourteen years I worked around mental health inmates. Suicide, self-harm, schizophrenia, depression, pedophilia, they all affect the running of your housing unit. I will discuss some of the more common mental illnesses you will encounter working in corrections and some of my tips for managing some of…

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Episode 41 - Exploring Decades of Policing Wisdom with Bob Stewart 1:33:17

7M ago1:33:17

1:33:17

Tune in to Episode 41 of the LEO First Podcast for an illuminating conversation with the seasoned law enforcement veteran, Bob Stewart. With 28 years of active service and a wealth of experience, Bob takes us on a journey through the underbelly of policing, sharing insights from his fascinating career. Born and raised in Pittsburgh and an alum of H…

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71: Leadership and Professionalism in Correctional Tactical Teams 34:48

8M ago34:48

34:48

Send us a text In this episode, explore with me the strategies that forge resilience and cohesion in correctional tactical teams. I discuss how shared experiences bond a team and why selecting the right individuals is vital to maintaining a positive dynamic. Learn about the decision-making that goes into team structure, and specialized roles, and h…

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Episode 40 - Balancing Badges and Empowering Mindsets with Lyndsay Taylor 1:06:33

8M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

In our milestone 40th episode, we welcome Lyndsay Taylor, a dedicated officer with 5 years part-time and 2 years full-time experience at the Upper Uwchlan Township Police Department, starting in 2022. Lyndsay wears many hats as a daughter, sister, and someone juggling four jobs, shouldering the heavy responsibility of her badge while navigating the…

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70: No Place Like Home - 40 Years in Corrections/Law Enforcement - Interview w/Keith Hellwig 1:00:39

8M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Send us a text In this episode, I interview Keith Hellwig. Keith has been in law enforcement for over 40 years. He has worked in State and County Correctional facilities and is a certified Law Enforcement Officer. He retired in March of 2017 from Corrections holding the rank of Captain. He continues to work as a Police officer for two rural departm…

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Episode 39 - Unleashing the Warrior Spirit with Pat McNamara 1:08:25

9M ago1:08:25

1:08:25

In Episode 39 of our podcast, we sit down with the incredible Pat McNamara, a true warrior with 22 years of experience in the Army. Owner of TMACS and the mastermind behind Invader Coffee, Pat holds a unique position on the internet with a massive following on LinkedIn (57k), Instagram (600k), and a thriving YouTube channel. Discover the man behind…

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69: The Wardens - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 37:32

9M ago37:32

37:32

Send us a text In this episode I reflect on the Wardens I have worked for over the years. Some were amazing leaders, others were good examples of what not to do as a leader. A prison Warden can be one of the toughest jobs. Always trying to balance that line between whatever political issue headquarters is pushing and what is best at a local level f…

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Episode 38 - A Legacy of Service with Randall Doizaki 1:10:49

9M ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Join us on the LEO First Podcast as we sit down with Randall Doizaki, a seasoned law enforcement professional with an impressive 23-year career at the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. Randall brings a unique perspective, having also served four years as a sergeant in the Marines, and he currently coaches law enforcement personnel to reach their fu…

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Episode 37 - Flawed yet Faithful: A Candid Conversation with Dina Campbell 1:03:49

9M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

In this compelling episode of the LEO First Podcast, we are honored to host Dina Campbell, a dedicated NYPD police officer with 12 years of experience. Join us as we explore Dina's unique journey, navigating the challenges of a law enforcement career while balancing the roles of a mother, wife, and advocate for mental health. In this candid convers…

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68: Last Call at Missouri State Pen - Interview w/John Motel 55:17

9M ago55:17

55:17

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with John Motel about his career, leadership lessons, the transfer of maximum security inmates from MSP to JCCC, and his five seconds of fame when he made the last radio call from the old Missouri State Penitentiary. After ten years in the United States Army, John went to work for the Missouri Department of Co…

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Ep 64: "From Service to Support: Navigating Trauma and Empathy" with Paul Evancoe 2:47:13

9M ago2:47:13

2:47:13

Welcome back to The Interrupted Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories and experiences that shape exceptional individuals. In this episode, we're honored to have Paul Evancoe, an executive board member of the Hook-a-Hero Foundation and a seasoned law enforcement officer, joining us. Paul's life has been shaped by a tapestry of influences, fro…

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Episode 36 - From Cop to Counselor: A Journey of Healing with Donn Bradley 1:03:24

9M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

In Episode 37 of our podcast, we welcomed Donn Bradley, a remarkable individual who transitioned from a career as a police officer to becoming a therapist. Donn's life journey is a testament to the power of personal growth and transformation. Born in Oregon and raised in Oklahoma, Donn reflects on the societal norms he grew up with, where men were …

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67: Leadership Works Best with Common Sense - Interview w/Percy Pitzer 40:08

10M ago40:08

40:08

Send us a text In this episode, I speak with Percy Pitzer. Percy has had a long career in corrections starting with the Bureau of Prisons, he rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as Warden. After returning to work in private corrections, he started his own corrections audit company, Creative Corrections. Percy and his family have also starte…

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Episode 35 - A Dispatcher's Journey: 30 Years in the Heartbeat of the Department with Deborah Green 1:08:10

10M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

In Episode 35 of our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Deborah Green, who has dedicated three decades to the world of emergency dispatch. With an impressive 28 years of experience in this critical role, Deborah's insights into the challenges and triumphs of this demanding profession are invaluable. Hailing from El Dorado, California, Deborah…

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Episode 34 - From a Small City to Big Impact: A Constable's Journey with Christopher Bates 1:24:13

10M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

In Episode 34 of our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Christopher Bates, a dedicated constable serving in Jefferson County. Known simply as "Chris" to many, Chris shared his remarkable journey in a small city as a constable. With 15 years of experience in law enforcement, Chris' path to becoming a constable wasn't always straightforward. In…

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Ep 63 Voices of Resilience: Addiction and Redemption With Dr. Robb Kelly 1:11:41

10M ago1:11:41

1:11:41

In this deeply engaging episode, we sit down with renowned addiction expert, Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD. Dr. Kelly is not only a licensed psychologist but also a sought-after recovery expert who has dedicated over two decades to unraveling the complexities of addiction, its root causes, and the path to genuine recovery. Join us as we explore the multiface…

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66: Not all Inmates are Created Equal 28:19

10M ago28:19

28:19

Send us a text After having this discussion over and over, I finally decided I am going to share my thoughts in a podcast about the use of restrictive housing. I have worked and seen the good, bad, and ugly. At the end of the day though, restrictive housing is necessary! I agree that many of our inmates need programming that prepares them for the o…

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Episode 33 - Building a Legacy of Leadership: A Conversation with Daryell Harmon, VP of Sales at ASP 1:18:18

10M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

In Episode 33, we have the privilege of sitting down with Daryell Harmon, Vice President of Sales at ASP. Daryell's journey is one of inspiration and resilience, marked by his roles as a father, grandfather, and dedicated law enforcement officer. Before stepping into his current role, Daryell spent 13 years with the Dallas Police Department, focusi…

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Michael Laidler Podcasts

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