When the Blue Comes Off
Hosted by DeShanda Carter—retired NYC Department of Corrections Captain, creative entrepreneur, and current local legislator—When the Blue Comes Off is where uniforms come off and real stories shine.
This empowering podcast spotlights the humanity behind the badge, sharing inspiring journeys from law enforcement professionals who took the oath to serve and protect. Beyond the world of corrections and policing, the show opens its doors to entrepreneurs, authors, entertainers, and thought leaders, weaving together conversations that uplift, educate, and spark dialogue.
At its core, When the Blue Comes Off is about showcasing law enforcement in a positive light—highlighting resilience, purpose, and the personal legacies built through service. With a lighthearted and safe environment, listeners can expect authentic storytelling, empowering lessons, and a celebration of voices that often go unheard.
✨ Whether you’re drawn to stories of courage, entrepreneurship, or community leadership, this podcast is your space to be inspired, informed, and reminded of the power of service.
The conversation delves into the experiences of Kimberly Bowen, an NYPD officer, as she shares her journey in law enforcement. From breaking barriers as a woman in the NYPD to transitioning between police departments and specialized units, Kimberly's story highlights the challenges and triumphs of her career. Her transition to detective and comparison with being an officer, as well as her duties and responsibilities, provide valuable insights into the world of law enforcement. Kimberly shares her experiences in law enforcement, highlighting the emotional toll of dealing with traumatic cases, the impact of child abuse, memorable arrests, and career highlights. She also offers advice to young women in law enforcement, emphasizing the resilience and strength of women in the field.
Takeaways
Challenges and triumphs of being a woman in law enforcement
Transitioning between police departments and specialized units The emotional toll of law enforcement can be significant, especially when dealing with traumatic cases.
Resilience and dedication are essential qualities for women pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Chapters
00:00 Breaking Barriers in Law Enforcement
05:35 Career Choices and Test Assignments
11:08 Transition to Detective and Work as an Officer
21:31 Duties and Responsibilities of an Officer
27:13 Heartbreaking Cases of Child Abuse
32:47 Memorable Arrests and Career Highlights
39:11 Advice for Young Women in Law Enforcement
20 Feb 2026
When The Blue Comes Off- Nyasia Segure
The conversation delves into the purposeful career choices and the role of faith and spirituality in law enforcement. It explores the transition to law enforcement, strategic career moves, military experience, working with youth, impact of prayer, and the balancing of family and career. The discussion also covers the transition from law enforcement and a challenging day in law enforcement. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining professionalism in difficult situations and the impact of personal values on work ethic. It also explores the transition to a new chapter in life after leaving the Department of Corrections.
Takeaways
Purposeful career choices
Faith and spirituality in law enforcement Maintaining professionalism in the face of challenges
The impact of personal values on work ethic
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Special Connection
07:14 Military Experience and Transition to Law Enforcement
12:14 Working with Youth in Law Enforcement
18:40 Effect of Prayer and Spiritual Guidance
26:01 Balancing Family and Career
32:30 Transitioning from Law Enforcement
41:34 The Impact of Personal Values on Work Ethic
49:39 Transitioning to a New Chapter
20 Feb 2026
When The Blue Comes Off- Angelica Robinson
The conversation covers Angelica Robinson's journey in law enforcement, her role in empowerment and advocacy, and her experience in overcoming betrayal. It delves into her career highlights, transition to advocacy, and personal experiences of betrayal and empowerment. The conversation covers the challenges faced by women in law enforcement, the importance of self-love and empowerment, the journey to self-discovery and healing, the impact of self-love on relationships, parenting and self-love, community and empowerment, and the upcoming 'New Love Story' event. The themes of self-love, empowerment, and the challenges of women in law enforcement are central to the discussion.
Takeaways
Law Enforcement Career
Empowerment and Advocacy
Overcoming Betrayal Self-love and empowerment
Challenges of women in law enforcement
Chapters
00:00 Law Enforcement Journey
11:09 Overcoming Betrayal
23:42 Challenges of Women in Law Enforcement
29:15 The Impact of Self-Love on Relationships
35:23 Community and Empowerment
20 Feb 2026
When The Blue Comes Off- Bernard Rivers
The conversation covers the career progression of Bernie Rivers, from starting in law enforcement and corrections to transitioning to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). It also delves into the role of conservation officers, their training, and the impact of a law enforcement education program. Additionally, it explores the retirement and career comparison between corrections and the DEC. The conversation delves into the themes of leadership and decision-making in law enforcement, as well as the impact of politics on law enforcement and the transition to politics. Bernie Rivers shares insights on the challenges of leadership and decision-making in law enforcement, as well as the influence of politics on the field and his transition into the realm of politics.
Takeaways
Career progression
Law enforcement training
Transition from corrections to DEC Leadership and decision-making in law enforcement
The impact of politics on law enforcement and the transition to politics
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
08:33 Role of Conservation Officers and Training
13:33 A Day in the Life of a Conservation Officer
19:21 Impact of Law Enforcement Education Program
25:42 Leadership and Decision-Making in Law Enforcement
20 Feb 2026
When The Blue Comes Off - Lt. Robert McLymore
The conversation covers the journey of Lt. Robert McLymore in law enforcement, highlighting the challenges faced, struggles with promotions, the impact on family, and the multi-faceted nature of his career in law enforcement, politics, and ministry. The conversation covers themes of community involvement, the importance of mentorship, love for the city, family involvement in politics, encouraging voter participation, bipartisanship and unity, challenges in politics, and diversity and inclusion.
Takeaways
25 years in law enforcement
Challenges of racial barriers
Promotion struggles
Family impact on career
Multi-faceted career in law enforcement, politics, and ministry Community involvement
Importance of mentorship
Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Law Enforcement
05:39 Promotion Struggles
13:07 Family Impact and Multi-Faceted Career
19:36 Stepping into Politics
25:13 Encouraging Voter Participation
31:24 Challenges in Politics
37:52 Diversity and Inclusion
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15 Jan 2026
When The Blue Comes Off- Jennifer Eskew
The conversation delves into the experiences of women in law enforcement, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of pioneering female officers. It also explores the transition to specialized work in the ATF and the impact of these experiences on mental health and well-being. The conversation covers Jennifer Eskew's journey of 'Becoming Fire,' her experience with writing and publishing her book, and her words of wisdom for those considering a career in law enforcement. Jennifer shares insights on finding the fire within, overcoming obstacles, and surrounding oneself with support. She also discusses the cathartic process of writing, the book launch, and the availability of her book. Additionally, she provides valuable advice on pursuing a career in law enforcement, emphasizing physical fitness, training, and realistic expectations.
Takeaways
Pioneering women in law enforcement faced unique challenges
Transition to specialized work in law enforcement can be impactful
Mental health and well-being are important considerations for law enforcement officers Finding the fire within is essential for personal growth and success.
Pursuing a career in law enforcement requires physical fitness, training, and realistic expectations.
Chapters
00:00 Empowering Women in Law Enforcement
07:56 Transition to ATF and Specialized Work
20:58 Impactful Moments in Law Enforcement
31:13 Becoming Fire
36:29 Writing and Publishing
57:50 Words of Wisdom for Law Enforcement
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