Half Serious

E38: Interview with a Killer, How He Chose the Victims, and Why Hair Length Matters

This episode features an in-depth interview with author Chelsea Noel about her book 'Beyond the Path,' which explores the chilling case of the bike path serial killer and her unique experience of befriending him to uncover his story. We discuss the psychological complexities of criminal interviews, the emotional toll on law enforcement and writers, and the fascinating insights into the mind of a long-time criminal. We also touch on her personal life which  compounded the trauma that led her to get fatherly advice from a serial killer.  BOOK: The Family wants a Conviction [https://www.amazon.com/family-wants-conviction-Chelsea-Noel/dp/B0F8JDNDNB] Book: Beyond the Path (Bike Path Rapist/Killer) [https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Path-Chelsea-Noel/dp/B0FTVGH1TS?ref_=ast_author_mpb] Here is her Website [https://noelnovels.mystrikingly.com/]  Instagram is @noel.novels  Website now up! [https://www.halfseriouspodcast.com/]- yep and we have merch! TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel  free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.  Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

E37: PTSD911 Movie, Helping the Caregivers, and Leadership's Responsibility

Tess sits down with Conrad Weaver to unpack what it truly takes to protect the longevity, mental health, and sanity of first responders working one of the most psychologically demanding career paths imaginable. Together, they dive into why leadership must make a real investment in the people behind the badge, sirens, and uniforms—and how departments can do better before burnout, trauma, and isolation take their toll. First responders are routinely exposed to the darkest moments humanity has to offer. While the average person may experience only a handful of traumatic incidents in their lifetime, many first responders will witness hundreds—sometimes more than 800—over the course of their careers. Those numbers are staggering, and they come with a cost that can no longer be ignored. That reality is exactly why Conrad viewed the PTSD911 project as one of the most important works of his career. His passion for changing the culture surrounding mental health in emergency services is powerful and deeply inspiring. Even without a personal stake in the profession, he recognized a critical need and committed himself to creating awareness, sparking conversation, and helping drive a movement focused on supporting the mental wellness of the people who spend their lives protecting everyone else. If you are interested in the movies or supporting the future endeavors of it, please see the links below.  The PTSD911 Movie [https://ptsd911movie.com/] First Responder Wellness [https://firstresponderwellness.co/] Kickstarter for their next project should be up and running: Code Red: A Cardiac Wake up Call  Website now up! [https://www.halfseriouspodcast.com/]- yep and we have merch! TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel  free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.  Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

E36 Police Podcasting, Rookie Advice, and Are You Good?

This week we talk to Mike from Caffeinated Trauma, a police podcaster out of Austin, Texas. We delve into the motivations for podcasting and what is his current driving force. Podcasting while being an active law enforcement officer is rare so it was interesting to hear how he navigates it. We also talk about our common topic, police mental health. Although police agencies and first responders are lightyears ahead of where they were decades ago, there is still a long way to go to build a better future for cops in the mental health realm. Mike is doing what he can with his podcast to facilitate the discussion which will hopefully lead to a more informed future. And at the end of the day, all we can do is what we can before passing the torch to the next generation to improve upon.  If you are interested in Mike's podcast, you can find him on Apple and Spotify under Caffeinated Trauma. If you want to follow his socials, go to Caffeinated Trauma on Instagram where he posts clips of his current/future episodes.  Website now up! [https://www.halfseriouspodcast.com/]- yep and we have merch! TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel  free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.  Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

E35 Meditation, Therapies, and Trashcan Mattresses

This week we talk to Jaide who started life diagnosed with several different ailments (due to a traumatic event), attempted suicide, became homeless as a teenager, and then was able to crawl out of this purgatory to eventually owning her own thriving business. She had the grit to keep freaking going and redefine who she thought she had to be in order to be who she is today.  She was willing to go outside of the box when it came to exploration of her well-being, and now is a advocate for anyone wanting to do the same. She isn't saying that her way is for everyone, but wants to give people other opportunities to grow and thrive if they see it as something they want to try.  Anyone interested in learning any additional should visit www.rosemaryslighthouse.com   [http://www.rosemaryslighthouse.com/] Website now up! [https://www.halfseriouspodcast.com/]- yep and we have merch! TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel  free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.  Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com

E34 Comparing Different Departments, Recognizing Pros/Cons Before Hire, and Police Mental Health

Ever wonder how police departments differ and how you choose the right one? Want to know why there is such an issue with police mental health and how they deal with mental health in the public? We approach all of these topics with a special 2 guest episode this week.  All of us are passionate about mental health and know there is a struggle between learning how to compartmentalize so you don't fall apart on a scene and the need to seek therapy. For all the legal guidelines in the lawbook, there are a thousand blurry lines in police and how the adminstration handles each internal issue. However, although all three individuals on this episode have had a completely different policing career, they all come to the same conclusion that changes need to be made.  Website now up! [https://www.halfseriouspodcast.com/]- yep and we have merch! TRIGGER WARNING should be assumed with all episodes. This is real life with real problems. But along with that is real advice on how they got through it. Listen long enough and you may find the thing that gets you over that next hurdle. Feel  free to reach out if you would like to be a guest or share with someone you think should be. We are always looking for new people that have a story to tell.  Email: tess@halfseriousllc.com