De-Escalation Conversations

About De-Escalation Conversations

Calm an Angry Person in Seconds! Welcome to De-Escalation Conversations, a podcast all about how to De-Escalate tense situations, resolve conflicts and talk to angry people in a constructive and helpful way. We'll be featuring Educators from K-12 schools, Law Enforcement Officers, Security Specialists, Firefighters, Medical Services providers, and Flight Attendants, to discuss strategies for managing conflict, ways to prevent violence, and how to stay safe in high-pressure situations. Join us for an engaging and informative show that will help you learn how to diffuse dangerous situations and better prepare yourself for the unexpected.

Publisher

Sgt. Kerry Mensior (Ret.)

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Mar 2023

Latest episode

23 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

46 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Feb 2026

   047 - What Every Police Supervisor Should Know About Use-of-Force Training with Michael Warren

   Welcome to the De Escalation Conversations podcast! In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Michael Warren, a retired Michigan law enforcement officer with 24 years of experience, current Virtual Academy partner, and seasoned trainer—to talk about all things police culture, de-escalation, teamwork, and the powerful ‘culture of speed’ affecting modern policing. GUEST INFO: Retired law enforcement officer from Michigan with 24 years of experience. He holds multiple degrees and is an avid reader. He currently serves with Virtual Academy ensuring partner success. Episode Highlights: Michael Warren’s Journey: From growing up surrounded by law enforcement in Georgia, to serving his childhood dream in Michigan, Michael shares the pivotal moments and family influences that shaped his career. Inside the Police Profession: Hear how shifting between dispatch, road patrol, detective work, and training molded Michael’s approach and perspective on effective policing. Culture of Speed vs. De-Escalation: Michael and Kerry dive deep into how the pressure for quick metrics and fast response times can undermine thorough, thoughtful police work and why de-escalation always requires time, patience, and empathy. Building High-Performing Teams: Both guests emphasize the irreplaceable value of well-rounded teams, leveraging individual strengths, and supporting each other on tough calls. Real-Life Lessons: Michael recounts a moving story about supporting a young man through a family tragedy, showing that de-escalation is much bigger than just use-of-force scenarios it’s about allowing people to be heard, seen, and understood. Training that Matters: The conversation highlights the importance of micro-learning, ongoing, realistic training, and the critical role of first-line supervisors in shaping officer success. Duty to Intervene & Teamwork in Action: The hosts reflect on the evolution of peer de-escalation and intervention long before it became policy and why humble teamwork is the backbone of safe, effective law enforcement. Key Takeaways: De-escalation isn’t just about avoiding force it’s about connection, understanding, and giving people their say. Law enforcement thrives not on being "well-rounded" individuals, but on well-rounded teams leveraging each member’s strengths. Training, experience, and intentional mentorship are essential to developing future-ready officers. Sometimes, calls that "go right" are just as important to analyze as those that go wrong so the right skills get transferred throughout the team. Shout Outs & Resources: Virtual Academy: Elevating first responder training for safer communities. ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association): Highly recommended by both hosts. Conferences, learning labs, and an unbeatable network of professionals. Special mention for industry leaders: John Bostain of Command Presence and Brian Willis, both recognized for their groundbreaking work in law enforcement education. Connect & Learn More: Find Michael Warren’s contact info and links to Virtual Academy in the show notes below. Interested in law enforcement training, de-escalation, or joining Aelita? Check out the links this podcast is your gateway! Listen On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube Music, and more! Stay Safe, and Keep the Conversation Going! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share. Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments what topics would you love to see covered next? #PolicePodcast #DeEscalation #LawEnforcement #ILEETA #FirstResponders #VirtualAcademy #Teamwork #Training #DutyToIntervene Subscribe for New Videos Every Week! ► https://www.youtube.com/@The-IDEA-World Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidea.world Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheIdea.World Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-idea Visit our Website ► https://www.theidea.world

2. 

   23 Feb 2026

   046 - Grounding and Gratitude: Simple Crisis Tools for Everyday Life with Jamie Wehmeyer

   Welcome to another powerful episode of the De Escalation Conversations Podcast! In this episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Jamie Waymire, a licensed clinical social worker, international conference speaker, and clinical director at The Battle Within. Jamie shares her extraordinary journey from working in community mental health to serving veterans and first responders, and how personal tragedy shaped her advocacy and her work. GUEST INFO: Jamie Wehmeyer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, faced unimaginable tragedy when her 17-year-old son, Jake, was murdered on June 25th, 2017. Already dedicated to trauma and resilience work, this loss deepened her understanding of these concepts. Jamie now shares her journey of honoring Jake's memory while healing and rediscovering joy. She is the Clinical Director of The Battle Within, helping Veterans and First Responders heal from trauma, and owner of Jamie Wehmeyer, LLC. With a Master's in Social Work from the University of Kansas, Jamie offers seminars and consultations on trauma-informed practices, resilience, and healing. Episode Highlights: Jamie’s Path to Trauma Work: Jamie opens up about her career, which began with aspirations for business but quickly shifted to social work, driven by her passion for helping others and a natural ability to connect with people. Understanding Secondary Trauma: The core of Jamie’s work at The Battle Within is addressing the secondary trauma that veterans and first responders experience. She explains why recognizing and tending to this trauma is crucial for their long-term health and ability to continue serving. A Mother’s Loss and New Purpose: In a deeply personal segment, Jamie discusses the impact of losing her 17-year-old son, Jake, to violence. She details the fallout for her family and community, sharing insight on how trauma reverberates and the gap in preparedness to support grieving families, even among those with experience in trauma-informed care. Supporting Others Through Crisis: Jamie offers practical advice for supporting those experiencing the immediate aftermath of loss, focusing on simply “being present,” offering basic support, and avoiding unhelpful clichés. She shares what actions and words were most meaningful for her family in their darkest times. Recognizing & Managing Triggers: Jamie and Kerry discuss how trauma sets off triggers, sometimes unexpectedly and share strategies for recognizing and managing them. Jamie’s personal tips include tuning into physical cues, sensory grounding (with a special mention of her “Prickly Pig” tool), and the importance of curiosity and gratitude as means to re-engage the thinking brain. Self-care and Grounding Techniques: The episode emphasizes the need for movement, nature, and grounding practices as vital tools for emotional regulation, especially for frontline professionals. Jamie breaks down how simple things like mindful walks, breathing exercises, and gratitude journaling can help reset the nervous system and restore a sense of safety. The Battle Within – What It Offers: Jamie shares about her work at The Battle Within, an organization founded by veterans and first responders. Their flagship program, The Revenant Journey, is a 5-day intensive that empowers participants with emotional regulation skills, meditation, yoga, ceremonies for healing, and ongoing therapy connections - all at no cost. The Battle Within aims to break isolation and provide community and evidence-based strategies for healing trauma. How You Can Help: Jamie discusses the importance of both professional and community support. She encourages listeners to educate themselves, be present for others, and to check out The Battle Within if you or someone you know could benefit from their programs. Key Takeaways: Healing from trauma isn’t linear, and everyone’s experience is unique. Sometimes the most powerful support is just presence and kindness—not trying to “fix it.” Self-awareness and simple practices like nature walks, breathing, and gratitude can interrupt trauma cycles. Organizations like The Battle Within are critical resources for those who serve our communities. Connect & Learn More: The Battle Within – Programs for veterans and first responders (all services are free). If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who may need support, and leave us your comments and feedback. For more resources on trauma, resilience, and advanced de-escalation training: Visit Idea That World for upcoming courses and events. Thank you for listening, and remember, stay safe, stay connected, and support those who serve. Subscribe for New Videos Every Week! ► https://www.youtube.com/@The-IDEA-World Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidea.world Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheIdea.World Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-idea Visit our Website ► https://www.theidea.world

3. 

   23 Feb 2026

   045 - What It Takes to Survive and Thrive in Corrections with Randall Larkin

   In this episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Randall Larkin, an award-winning corrections officer from London, Ohio, yes, not the UK, but right between Dayton and Columbus. Randall shares his inspiring journey from Army infantryman to leading the way in crisis intervention and de-escalation inside Ohio’s correctional facilities. If you're interested in real-life applications of de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and connecting with people in high-stress environments, you need to hear Randall's experiences and practical advice. GUEST INFO: Randall Larkin is a Correctional Officer with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Randall is the local CIT Coordinator for his institution as well as a Hostage Negotiator for ODRC. Over the course of the last year he has trained more than 300 correctional staff in Crisis Intervention. Randall is also the 2024 CIT International Corrections Officer of the Year. Key Topics Covered Randall’s Unconventional Path: From Army infantry in Alaska and Iraq straight into Ohio corrections, Randall’s unique background shapes his approach to reducing violence and managing crisis situations. Life Inside Corrections: Randall discusses the day-to-day realities of correctional officers, endless rules, occasional pushback, and how to keep your cool after reminding someone to tuck in their shirt for the thousandth time! Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training: Discover how CIT training transforms the workplace. Randall shares insights from teaching over 20 CIT courses in 2023 alone, and how advanced de-escalation tools are critical for both safety and emotional health. The Power of Empathy and Active Listening: Learn the practical skills and mindsets Randall teaches, phrase things as requests, build rapport, use active listening, and always remember that even incarcerated individuals have choices. Managing Stress and Coming Home: Randall reveals his strategies for decompressing after a tough shift (hint: podcast silence and a good drive home), and how he makes the intentional transition from officer to dad and husband when he walks through the door. Impact Beyond the Prison Walls: Hear about the impact Randall’s teaching has had on COs across Ohio, many of whom reach out weeks or months later to share powerful stories of emotional growth and crisis averted. Trauma, Wellness, and Self-Care: A must-listen segment for anyone in high-stress professions, why “you were only supposed to climb the mountain, not carry it,” and how emotional wellness is the foundation for helping others. Memorable Quotes "Even if you’re telling someone to do something, they still have a choice. My job is to communicate it in a way that respects their humanity." "How can we be expected to help somebody else if we can’t help ourselves?" "Practice makes perfect, but only if you practice the right things." Listen in and walk away with actionable skills, a better understanding of trauma-informed care, and inspiration for building safer, more compassionate workplaces, no matter your profession! Subscribe for New Videos Every Week! ► https://www.youtube.com/@The-IDEA-World Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidea.world Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheIdea.World Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-idea Visit our Website ► https://www.theidea.world

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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