The 6th Pillar Podcast - Sponsored by Virtual Academy and OnSite+ Training

Ep 14 – IGNITE 2025 Voices: Building Strength Through Peer Support with Special Guest Elizabeth Pol, M.A.

The 6th Pillar Podcast [https://www.the6thpillarpodcast.com/] Episode 14 – IGNITE 2025 Voices: Building Strength Through Peer Support with Special Guest Elizabeth Pol, M.A.  This week, Chief Neil Gang (Ret.) sits down with Elizabeth Pol, M.A., a 22-year Chicago Police Officer, mental health professional, and founder of Resilient Heroes, for a powerful discussion on the impact of peer support in law enforcement. Blending lived experience with clinical insight, Liz explores how proactive peer programs can reduce crisis, prevent suicide, and create healthier, more connected agencies. She also shares how her 200-pound therapy dog, Arlo, has become an unlikely but effective partner in helping first responders heal. As one of the featured speakers at Ignite 2025, Liz challenges leaders to move from reaction to prevention - and to make wellness a true priority. 🎧 Sponsored by Virtual Academy and OnSite+ Training [https://www.onsiteplus.training/] 📢 Produced by Techne Innovations LLC [https://www.techneinnovations.com/]

Ep 13 – IGNITE 2025 Voices: Spiritual Resilience with Special Guest Jeremy Wade

The 6th Pillar Podcast [https://www.the6thpillarpodcast.com/]Episode 13 – IGNITE 2025 Voices: Spiritual Resilience with Special Guest Jeremy Wade In this episode, Chief Neil Gang (Ret.) welcomes Jeremy Wade, former Seattle Police Officer and founder of Mission First Alliance, for an honest discussion about faith, service, and leadership in the first responder community. Jeremy shares how his experiences in law enforcement shaped his understanding of spiritual wellness and why it remains the most overlooked piece of the wellness puzzle. He offers insight into how courage, conviction, and compassion can guide leaders to build healthier, more grounded teams - both in uniform and at home.  🎧 Sponsored by Virtual Academy and OnSite+ Training [https://www.onsiteplus.training/] 📢 Produced by Techne Innovations LLC [https://www.techneinnovations.com/]

Ep 12 – IGNITE 2025 Voices: Healthy Habits with Special Guest Dr. Kelly Kennedy

The 6th Pillar Podcast [https://www.the6thpillarpodcast.com/] Episode 12 – Ignite 2025 Voices: Healthy Habits with Special Guest Dr. Kelly Kennedy On this episode of The 6th Pillar Podcast, Chief Neil Gang (Ret.) is joined by Dr. Kelly Kennedy, national expert in fitness and occupational health for law enforcement, to discuss the critical role healthy habits play in overall wellness. Drawing from her 27 years of experience leading Fit2Enforce, Dr. Kennedy shares insights on physical fitness, injury prevention, sleep, and practical strategies for supporting first responders both on and off duty. As one of the featured speakers at Ignite 2025, she offers tangible tools and guidance for leaders to help their teams thrive, extend healthspan, and create a culture of sustained wellness.  🎧 Sponsored by Virtual Academy and OnSite+ Training [https://www.onsiteplus.training/] 📢 Produced by Techne Innovations LLC [https://www.techneinnovations.com/]

Ep 11 – IGNITE 2025 Voices: Building Resilience with Special Guest Dr. Phil Baquie

The 6th Pillar Podcast [https://www.the6thpillarpodcast.com/] Episode 11 – IGNITE 2025 Voices: Building Resilience with Special Guest Dr. Phil  Baquie  In this episode of The 6th Pillar Podcast, Chief Neil Gang (Ret.) is joined by Dr. Phil Baquie, military veteran, former law enforcement officer, and resiliency expert, to discuss proactive strategies for wellness and resilience in public safety professionals. Drawing from his lived experience and professional expertise, Dr. Baquie shares insights on “left of bang” thinking, self-care, and the power of curiosity and vulnerability in leadership. As one of the featured speakers at Ignite 2025, he offers practical tools for maintaining mental and physical health and fostering emotionally intelligent leadership both on and off duty. 🎧 Sponsored by Virtual Academy and OnSite+ Training [https://www.onsiteplus.training/] 📢 Produced by Techne Innovations LLC [https://www.techneinnovations.com/]

Ep 10 – IGNITE 2025 Voices: Igniting Change with Special Guest Dr. Rachelle Zemlok

The 6th Pillar Podcast [https://www.the6thpillarpodcast.com/] Episode 10 – Ignite 2025 Voices: Igniting Change with Special Guest Dr. Rachelle Zemlok In this episode of The 6th Pillar Podcast, Chief Neil Gang (Ret.) is joined by Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, licensed clinical psychologist and first responder spouse, to discuss the vital role families play in the overall wellness of public safety professionals. Drawing from her research and personal experience, Dr. Zemlok shares practical tools for strengthening relationships, improving communication, and supporting resilience at home. As one of the featured speakers at Ignite 2025, she offers a preview of how departments can better engage families as an essential part of lasting organizational wellness. 🎧 Sponsored by Virtual Academy and OnSite+ Training [https://www.onsiteplus.training/] 📢 Produced by Techne Innovations LLC [https://www.techneinnovations.com/]