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Podcast

Behind the Badge

Kettlebell Push-Ups

What does it take to push your limits and achieve your fitness goals? Sheriff Heath Speckman of Lake County and Sgt. Chris McDonald of Boulder County join Shawn Laughlin to share their journeys as accomplished athletes and how physical fitness has strengthened their careers in corrections. From personal challenges to lessons in discipline and perseverance, their stories offer inspiration and practical advice for anyone striving to reach the next level.

Colorado Jailers Experiences and Insights

NextGen Ideas is proud to sponsor Behind the Badge, the Colorado Jail Association’s podcast focused on real experiences and practical insights from professionals working in Colorado detention facilities. ​​Through this sponsorship, NextGen Ideas supports continued learning and collaboration within Colorado’s correctional community.

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Introduction to the CJA with Chief Jamison Brown of the Denver Sheriff’s Office and Lt. Jesse Alcantara of the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office

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Commander Jake Straw, Summit County Sheriff, and Captain Isaac Lucas from Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office discuss the unique challenges of running small county jails in resort and high traffic areas.

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Deputy Angel Phillips, Deputy Jacquelyn Shea, and Corporal Rhiannon Valdez discuss what draws women to careers in corrections, the challenges and rewards of the profession, work-life balance, and the camaraderie of the “Blue Family.”

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Capt Matt Turner and Lt. Jon Patton from Weld County CO Sheriff's Office discuss how their military experience has  benefited their careers by giving them the skills needed to succeed in corrections.

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Sheriff Heath Speckman (Lake County) and Sgt. Chris McDonald (Boulder County), both accomplished athletes, share their personal stories on the benefits of physical fitness for correctional officers.

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Coming soon.

Meet the Voices Behind the Badge

Real Stories.
Valuable Insights.
Voices from Corrections.

Hear from correctional professionals, industry leaders, and experts who share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping today's correctional community.

Conversations with the
Leaders Shaping Corrections

Hear from correctional professionals, industry leaders, and experts who share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping today's correctional community.

Meet the Innovators Behind the Solutions

Moderator

Shawn Laughlin

Shawn Laughlin brings more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, public safety administration, and organizational leadership. His expertise spans strategic planning, team development, technology implementation, and community engagement. With a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, Shawn brings valuable insight and a passion for connecting professionals across the corrections community as host of Behind the Badge.

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Colorado Jail Association

Our Mission

To serve as a resource for networking and mutual assistance for each other, thereby promoting and elevating ethical standards among members and others engaged in the profession of detentions and corrections.

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