Truth Be Told

Are you a Work in Progress? Understanding how embracing shame can empower authenticity with Dr. Abbie Maroño.

Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Abbie discusses the importance of understanding and owning our shame to guide us towards authenticity. She emphasizes that personal growth is a continuous journey, where self-reflection plays a crucial role. The discussion with host, Dave Thompson also delves into overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of kindness and empathy in relationships, and the impact of social media on self-perception. Dr. Abbie shares her personal journey, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that shaped her into the person she is today, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their flaws and recognize their potential for change.
Truths:
Understanding our own shame can guide us to authenticity.
Personal growth is a continuous journey; the work is never done.
Self-reflection is essential but often difficult.
Imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially in new roles.
Setting and communicating boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships.
Kindness can empower others and foster connection.
Social media can distort our perception of success and self-worth.
Self-talk significantly impacts our mental health and performance.
Embracing our flaws is part of being human.
We have the ability to choose to change and grow.

Beyond Tragedy: Connecting through Compassion with Jeanne Bishop

If you were the victim of a crime, what would you want to happen to the person responsible?
How would you manage grief, anger and forgiveness?
In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, a Certified Forensic Interviewer speaks with Jeanne Bishop about her personal tragedy and her journey towards forgiveness and advocacy against the death penalty.  Jeanne is an author, a professor at Northwestern University School of Law and an attorney at the Cook County Public Defender's Office.
In this episode, Jeanne shares her story of losing her sister in a violent crime and how it shaped her views on justice and mercy. The conversation delves into the Oklahoma City bombing, her relationship with Bud Welch, father of Julie Welch - one of the victims of the horrific event.  Jeanne also discusses the connection she formed with Bill McVeigh, the father of the bomber. Through their stories, Jeanne emphasizes the importance of compassion, understanding, and the power of communication in healing and reconciliation.
Truths:
Anger is a natural response to loss, but it can be managed.
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting; it means letting go of anger.
Each person has their own timetable on processing grief and anger.
Allowing somebody to share their story without judgement helps in obtaining reliable, genuine information.
Communication is key to understanding different perspectives.
Healing is a personal journey that varies for everyone.
Empathy can bridge the gap between victims and perpetrators' families.
Jeanne's work emphasizes the importance of victim advocacy.
 

Don’t let the President outrun you! Polygraphs and Protectees with retired Supervisory Special Agent Brad Beeler.

In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews Brad Beeler, a former Secret Service agent, about the importance of communication in law enforcement and everyday life. They discuss the role of communication in interviews and interrogations, the significance of nonverbal cues, and the impact of assumptions on communication. Brad shares insights from his experience as a polygraph examiner and emphasizes the importance of honesty and mental preparedness in polygraph tests. They also touch on the challenges of communication in high-stress situations and the need for respect and rapport in building effective communication.
In this conversation, Brad Beeler, discusses various topics related to polygraph examinations, protective detail, and effective communication. He addresses the use of countermeasures in polygraphs and the prevalence of myths surrounding them. Brad also shares his experience working in protective detail for the Bush administration and highlights the importance of advanced communication and event management in ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals. He emphasizes the use of all five senses in creating a comfortable environment and demonstrates the significance of non-verbal cues, such as handshakes and body language, in effective communication.
 
Truths:
Communication is a crucial skill in law enforcement and everyday life.
Nonverbal cues, such as body language and vocal tonality, play a significant role in effective communication.
Assumptions can hinder effective communication and should be challenged.
Honesty and mental preparedness are key in polygraph tests.
Respect and rapport are essential in building effective communication.
Advanced communication and event management are crucial in protective detail to ensure the safety of high-profile individuals.
Using all five senses and paying attention to non-verbal cues, such as handshakes and body language, can greatly enhance communication effectiveness.
Continuous learning and improvement in communication skills are essential for becoming a better communicator.

Why should you stop saying “just” in your emails? Being Disruptive and Authentic with Amy Reczek.

Can you be a more efficient and effective communicator?  What is your response rate to emails? How do you approach somebody you've never met?  Is elevator conversation an essential skill?  
 
Amy Reczek, founder and CEO of Sales and Presence, discusses the importance of effective communication in sales and beyond. She emphasizes the role of nonverbal behavior in building trust and rapport, and highlights the impact of small changes in verbal communication. Amy provides insights on how to personalize emails and avoid filler words to increase engagement and credibility. She also advises on the use of bullet points in emails to improve readability and engagement. Overall, Amy emphasizes the importance of authentic and intentional communication in building relationships and achieving success. In this conversation, Amy Reczek and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of effective communication in building relationships and achieving success. They emphasize the need to be clear, concise, and considerate in all forms of communication, whether it's written, verbal, or nonverbal. They also highlight the significance of preparation before meetings and conversations, including doing research on the other person and showing that you understand their needs and challenges. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of tangible takeaways, the value of fresh perspectives, and the art of follow-up. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and practical tips for improving communication skills.
Thank you to Alto for supporting this episode!  Visit www.alto.us to learn more.
Nonverbal behavior plays a crucial role in building trust and rapport in sales and other areas of life.
Small changes in verbal communication, such as personalizing emails and avoiding filler words, can have a significant impact on engagement and credibility.
Using bullet points in emails can improve readability and make it easier for recipients to understand and respond to the message.
Authentic and intentional communication is key to building relationships and achieving success. Effective communication is crucial for building relationships and achieving success.
Preparation and research before meetings and conversations are essential.
Tangible takeaways and fresh perspectives can make communication more impactful.
Follow-up is important, but it should be done with frequency, strategy, and value in mind.
 

Being a Student of the Game. Continued Education, Communication and Pickleball with David Lund, CFI, LPC

In this conversation, Dave Thompson, CFI and David Lund, CFI discuss various topics related to interviewing and investigations. They talk about their backgrounds and how they got into the field, the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, and the impact of interviewing skills in both professional and personal relationships.
They also address common challenges and questions faced by loss prevention professionals, including the difficulty in protecting product while not impacting sales.  Lund provides insights from his leadership experience on how to communicate effectively when challenged by business partners, the media or his own team. 
Lund also takes the hot-seat and provides his thoughts on how to handle some of the difficult questions faced by leaders in the loss prevention or asset protection industry. They emphasize the importance of safety and the use of technology in investigations. In this conversation, Dave Thompson and David Lund discuss the importance of recording interviews and the benefits it brings to both the interviewer and interviewee.
They highlight the value of self-reflection and continuous learning in improving interviewing skills. They also emphasize the need for transparency and open communication in the interview process. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Elite Training Day and the unveiling of the new Certified Forensic Interviewer Exam.
Truths:
Treating people with dignity and respect is crucial in both professional and personal relationships.
Loss prevention professionals should focus on building positive relationships with other departments and external partners.
The role of loss prevention is not just about preventing theft, but also about ensuring the safety of employees and customers.
Investigative interviewing is a skill that can be applied in various aspects of life.
Technology plays a significant role in investigations, including the use of cameras, license plate readers, and facial recognition. Recording interviews can improve interviewer behavior and adherence to training and policies.
Watching or listening to recorded interviews allows for self-reflection and improvement.
Continuous learning and curiosity are essential for professional growth.
Transparency and open communication are key in the interview process.
Elite Training Day will feature the unveiling of CFI 2.0, an evidence-based update to the Certified Forensic Interviewer designation.

The Crisis after the Incident: A Discussion on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention with Elizabeth Pol

In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews Liz Pol, a Chicago police officer with expertise in trauma and suicide among first responders. They discuss the prevalence of suicide in the law enforcement world and the need for proactive measures to address mental health. They also explore how trauma affects individuals in various professions, such as retail and healthcare. Liz emphasizes the importance of communication and psychoeducation in creating awareness and providing resources for mental wellness. They discuss the role of leadership in creating a safe space for employees to share th
Suicide is of high risk among first responders, and it is important to address the root causes and provide proactive measures for mental wellness.
Trauma and mental health issues are not limited to the law enforcement world; individuals in various professions, such as retail and healthcare, can also be affected.
Creating awareness and providing psychoeducation about trauma and mental health can help individuals understand their own responses and seek appropriate resources.
Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a safe space for employees to share their struggles and promoting mental wellness in the workplace.
Training and protocols are needed to address mental health issues and provide practical tools for individuals to navigate and cope with trauma.
Increase awareness and understanding of suicide among first responders
Break the cycle of business as usual after a suicide occurs
Open conversations and training are essential to prevent suicide
Identify and address risk factors and triggers for suicide
Promote protective factors and support systems
Debriefings and self-care are crucial after traumatic incidents
Seek resources and support for suicide prevention
 
eir struggles and the need for training and protocols to address mental health issues. The conversation with Liz Pol focused on the topic of suicide prevention among first responders. Liz discussed the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding suicide, and the need for a proactive approach to address the issue. She emphasized the importance of breaking the cycle of business as usual after a suicide occurs and the need for open conversations and training to increase awareness and knowledge. Liz also highlighted the risk factors and triggers for suicide among first responders, such as stress, trauma, interpersonal relationship issues, and sleep deprivation. She emphasized the need for protective factors and support systems to prevent suicide. Liz discussed the challenges of sharing information with loved ones without placing blame and the importance of debriefings and self-care in the aftermath of traumatic incidents. She provided resources and encouraged individuals to reach out for help and support.
For more resources on this topic or to contact Liz directly, visit About Me | Resilient Heroes (resilient-heroes.com)
Truths:
 

National Security, Human Intelligence and Effective Communication. A discussion with forensic behavioral expert, An Gaiser.

In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews An Gaiser, an expert in nonverbal assessments and intelligence and security screenings. An shares her background and how her personal experiences led her to study behavior and psychopathy. She discusses her work as a probation officer and the challenges of working with individuals who have made poor decisions. An also talks about her role as a security clearance officer and the pressure of making decisions about someone's clearance. She emphasizes the importance of understanding people's drivers and motives in order to elicit information. An addresses the misconceptions about nonverbal behavior and deception, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to interpreting behavior. In this conversation, An Gaiser and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of context and self-awareness in investigative interviewing. They emphasize the need for interviewers to understand their own impact on the interviewee's behavior and to be aware of their own non-verbal cues. They also discuss the limitations of body language analysis and the dangers of making judgments without proper contextual information. An Gaiser shares her experiences in training intelligence officers and her approach to combining non-verbal assessment, conversational skills, and understanding behavior in her method. The conversation concludes with the importance of self-reflection and vulnerability in building trust and understanding others.
Learn more about An here: Home - www.angaiser.com
 
Truths:
Understanding people's drivers and motives is crucial for eliciting information.
Misconceptions about nonverbal behavior and deception exist, and there is no single behavior indicative of deception.
A comprehensive approach that combines scientific knowledge and scenario building is necessary for interpreting behavior.
The role of an interviewer or investigator is to be aware of their own impact and manage their judgments.
High-stakes conversations require empathy and understanding, even when dealing with individuals who have made poor decisions. Understanding context is crucial in investigative interviewing
Interviewers should be aware of their own impact on the interviewee's behavior
Body language analysis has limitations and should be used with caution
Combining non-verbal assessment, conversational skills, and understanding behavior is key in effective interviewing
Self-reflection and vulnerability are important in building trust and understanding others

Dogs, Detectives and Developing Rapport. How Therapy Dogs Support Survivors with Det. Becker and K9 Luna

It’s difficult to be upset when you are snuggling up with a loving dog.  In this episode, Det. Bianca Becker from UCF describes her experiences working with K9 Luna, the department’s therapy dog. Luna helps victims of sexual assault feel more comfortable and relaxed, which in turn helps them open up to the Detectives. The presence of Luna also helps build rapport, trust and provide comfort for victims. This episode explores the wide range of crimes that Campus police handle, including theft, DUIs, cyber-stalking, fraud schemes, attempted homicide, and extortion. Luna is also outsourced to other agencies in need of a therapy dog. The use of therapy dogs like Luna has been proven to reduce fear, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in people who have experienced trauma. Understanding the impact of trauma on victims is crucial for investigators to conduct trauma-informed interviews. Detective Bianca Becker discusses the impact of therapy dogs in law enforcement interviews, specifically in cases of sexual assault. She emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed interviewing, allowing the interviewee to dictate the narrative, and providing a safe and comfortable environment. Luna, the therapy dog, plays a crucial role in creating a calming and supportive atmosphere for victims and witnesses. Luna's presence helps victims feel more comfortable, open up about their experiences, and build trust with law enforcement. The use of therapy dogs also extends to the department itself, providing emotional support for first responders and helping to alleviate secondary trauma. Detective Becker encourages other law enforcement agencies to consider implementing therapy dog programs and offers her expertise and resources to assist them.
 
Truths:
Campus police handle a wide range of crimes, including theft, DUIs, cyber-stalking, fraud schemes, attempted homicide, and extortion.
Therapy dogs like Luna have been proven to reduce fear, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in people who have experienced trauma.
Understanding the impact of trauma on victims is crucial for investigators to conduct trauma-informed interviews.
Trauma-informed interviewing allows the interviewee to dictate the narrative and start the story from a point that is most important or detailed to them.
Therapy dogs, like Luna, create a safe and comfortable environment for victims and witnesses, helping them feel more at ease and open up about their experiences
The presence of therapy dogs in law enforcement interviews can help build trust between victims and law enforcement, leading to more cooperation and information sharing.
Therapy dogs also provide emotional support for first responders and help alleviate secondary trauma.
Implementing therapy dog programs in law enforcement agencies can have a significant positive impact on both victims and officers.

Can I ask you something? If you want reliable information, you need to ask better questions, with Emily Joseph, PhD

Dr. Emily Joseph, a social science researcher and user researcher for Xbox, discusses the impact of clear and not-so-clear communication on the elicitation of information. She highlights the importance of question phrasing, construct validity, and avoiding contamination of memory and responses. Emily emphasizes the need for open-ended questions, especially in investigative settings, to avoid bias and allow for accurate recall. She also explores the challenges of predicting future behavior and the significance of clear and concise questions in obtaining meaningful insights. Additionally, she addresses the misinterpretation of physical behavior and the influence of cultural and experiential factors. In this conversation, Dave and Emily discuss the importance of asking effective questions in various contexts, such as investigations, interviews, and surveys. They explore the impact of different types of questions, including open-ended and closed-ended questions, on the quality of responses. They also highlight the potential biases and limitations associated with certain question formats. The conversation emphasizes the need for interviewers to be aware of their own biases and create an environment where individuals feel comfortable providing honest feedback. Overall, the key takeaway is the significance of asking neutral and unbiased questions to elicit accurate and meaningful information.
 
Truths:
Question phrasing and construct validity are crucial in obtaining accurate and meaningful information.
Open-ended questions are essential in investigative settings to avoid bias and contamination of memory and responses.
Predicting future behavior is challenging, and questions should focus on thought processes rather than final decisions.
Physical behavior should not be relied upon as an indicator of truth or deception, as it can be influenced by various factors.
Cultural and experiential factors can impact both verbal and nonverbal behavior, highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity in communication. The interpretation of responses in interrogation footage can be biased, leading to false assumptions of guilt.
Closed-ended questions can limit the amount of information obtained, while open-ended questions encourage more detailed responses.
The framing and wording of questions can influence the answers given.
Likert scales and other survey response options should be carefully designed to capture a full range of perspectives.
Interviewers should be aware of their own biases and strive to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable providing honest feedback.

Cheap Wine, Good Cigars and Forensic Evidence. The Influence of Biases with Jeff Kukucka, PhD.

Does expensive wine taste better?  Can you tell if somebody is lying to you? Is bitemark evidence reliable?
 
In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews Dr. Jeff Kukucka, a psychologist specializing in using his expert, scientific approach to impacting the criminal justice system. They discuss topics such as forensic sciences, bias, and the impact of expectations on perception. They highlight the limitations and potential errors in visual forensic sciences, such as facial recognition and pattern matching disciplines. They also explore how biases and expectations can influence behavior and decision-making in investigations and interviews. The conversation emphasizes the importance of relying on relevant information and avoiding irrelevant distractions. In this conversation, Jeff Kukucka and Dave Thompson discuss the impact of bias in everyday life, including choosing the right cigar and how much to pay for your favorite wine. They highlight the importance of avoiding information overload and focusing on relevant evidence. They also discuss the need for clear communication and collaboration between investigators and forensic experts. The conversation touches on topics such as the influence of bias in decision-making, the role of cognitive biases in everyday life, and the challenges of addressing bias in the criminal justice system. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for standardized procedures, intervention to mitigate bias, and continuous improvement in forensic practices.
 
Truths:
Forensic sciences encompass a range of disciplines, including biological, chemical, medical, and pattern matching disciplines.
Visual forensic sciences, such as facial recognition and pattern matching, heavily rely on human judgment and can be prone to errors.
Biases and expectations can influence behavior and perception, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies.
People are not good at detecting lies, and common myths about nonverbal behavior are not reliable indicators of truthfulness.
Relying on relevant information and avoiding irrelevant distractions is crucial for making accurate decisions in investigations and interviews.
Avoid information overload and focus on relevant evidence in forensic science and investigative practices.
Clear communication and collaboration between investigators and forensic experts are crucial for accurate decision-making.
Bias is a natural human tendency and should be addressed through standardized procedures and intervention.