Mind Matters – Empowering Conversations for Public Safety Professionals Hosted by Elizabeth Morris

Hosted by The FMRT Group

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Mind Matters, where we’ll discuss topics involving mental wellness and first responders. Join me on this journey of learning from subject matter experts in their various fields of psychology, medicine, leadership, and many more.

Listen to episodes

24 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 2346 min

Building Confidence in the Next Generation of Public Safety Professionals

Send us Fan MailIn the next installment of our Next Generation of Public Safety Professionals series, we're exploring the critical role confidence plays in developing successful public safety professionals. Join Elizabeth and Gary as they sit down with Major Mantrese Dodson of the Alamance County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina for a thoughtful conversation on how leaders can help build confidence early in a person's career, why confidence matters for performance and retention, and what agencies can do to better support the next generation entering the profession.

May 14, 2026Episode 2234 min

Coaching the Next Generation of Public Safety Professionals

Send us Fan MailWe're kicking off a new series aimed at the next generation of candidates entering the public safety workforce. This episode explores the critical differences between training and coaching in public safety, emphasizing how coaching fosters resilience, adaptability, and continuous development beyond initial training. Leaders learn practical strategies to build a culture of coaching that enhances performance, reduces turnover, and prepares professionals for real-world challenges.

April 22, 2026Episode 2135 min

Understanding Psychological Suitability in Public Safety

Send us Fan MailWhat does it truly mean for a candidate to be psychologically suitable for a role in public safety?In this episode of Mind Matters, hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly are joined by FMRT’s Lead Psychologist, Dr. Peter Schulz, to break down one of the most critical and often misunderstood parts of the hiring process. This conversation provides a clear, high-level look at how psychological suitability is defined in the context of public safety, how it differs from general mental health or clinical diagnosis, and why it plays such an essential role in selecting candidates for high-stakes positions. Whether you’re involved in hiring or leading a team, this conversation offers valuable insight into how strong, defensible processes lead to stronger departments.

March 18, 2026Episode 2032 min

Her Badge, Her Voice: A Conversation with a Police Chief Leading in Public Safety

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we explore the leadership journey of Chief Christy Wentzell of Brevard Police Department, highlighting her diverse experiences, leadership evolution, and insights on fostering a positive police culture.

March 6, 202615 min

Hiring Insight Before the Background: The Evolution of the FMRT BRAINS Assessment 2.0

Send us Fan Mail In this mini episode of Mind Matters, FMRT CEO Elizabeth Morris is joined by Victoria Tumilty, Research and Business Development Specialist at The FMRT Group, to discuss the launch of BRAINS™ 2.0, the newest evolution of FMRT’s pre-screening assessment designed specifically for public safety hiring. Together, they explore the research and development behind the updated assessment, including feedback gathered from chiefs, command staff, and background investigators across the profession. To learn more about BRAINS™ 2.0 or schedule a walkthrough of the assessment, contact learnmore@fmrt.org.

February 11, 202642 min

The 1st First Responders: Caring For Those Who Take the Call

Send us Fan Mail911 telecommunicators are often the first voice in moments of crisis—calming chaos, gathering critical information, and guiding help long before responders arrive on scene. Yet their role is frequently misunderstood and underrecognized. In this episode of Mind Matters, hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly are joined by Ashley Garren, Telecommunicator II and Certified Training Officer with High Point 911, to explore the emotional, psychological, and operational demands of emergency communications. Ashley shares what it truly means to be a “first first responder,” how the role of telecommunicators has evolved, and why cumulative exposure, shift work, and staffing challenges can take a toll on wellness.

September 23, 2025Episode 1834 min

Surviving First: A Conversation with Doug Monda

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of "Mind Matters," hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly engage in a heartfelt conversation with Doug Monda, a retired narcotics agent and former SWAT operator. Doug shares his journey from a decorated law enforcement career to facing personal battles with PTSD and depression, leading to a suicide attempt. Now, as the founder of Survive First, Doug advocates for first responders and their families, offering support and hope. Tune in to hear Doug's inspiring story of resilience, the importance of mental health, and how he's turning pain into purpose.

August 19, 202538 min

More Than a Checkup: The Role of Fitness for Duty in High-Stakes Professions

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Peter Schulz, a seasoned forensic psychologist and founder of Triangle Forensic Psychologists, joins Elizabeth and Gary to demystify Fitness for Duty Evaluations (FFDEs). With decades of experience conducting evaluations for law enforcement and safety-sensitive agencies, Dr. Schulz shares when and why FFDEs are used, how they protect both employees and the public, and why these evaluations should be seen as support, not punishment.

August 4, 2025Episode 1642 min

Resilient by Design: The Mindset Behind Intentional Leadership

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Mind Matters, hosts Elizabeth Morris and Gary Fly sit down with Jason Armstrong – retired police chief, author of I’m Done Here!, and nationally recognized leadership consultant – to explore what it truly means to lead with intentionality. Drawing from over two decades in law enforcement, including his tenure as police chief in Ferguson, Missouri, Jason shares lessons on building resilience, sustaining purpose in high-stakes environments, and creating cultures of trust and accountability. Through candid conversation, he reflects on personal defining moments, offers advice to leaders facing burnout, and explains how discipline, empathy, and self-awareness can drive lasting, positive change.

July 17, 2025Episode 1542 min

Leading from the Front: Unlocking Leadership, Support, & Accountability in Public Safety

Send us Fan MailPaul Butler is a nationally respected leadership trainer and former Chief Deputy with over 27 years of law enforcement experience. In this episode, Paul draws on both his public safety career and global training expertise to explore what it truly means to lead in public safety. From empowering team builders behind the scenes to navigating difficult conversations with quiet strength, Paul shares insights into the traits that distinguish real leaders from those simply in charge. We discuss the importance of role clarity, cultural awareness, and fostering mutual respect between seasoned officers and new recruits. A powerful conversation on how the right leadership can transform not just teams, but entire agencies.