Bend Don't Break

• Mind Over Matter - Performance Enhancement Imagery

  Top of Form Subject: Review of key themes and concepts from interviews with Inspector Mo Perry and Sergeant Chris Borgstead on performance enhancement imagery and its application in policing and personal health.   Executive Summary: This briefing document summarizes key themes from interviews with Inspector Mo Perry and retired Sergeant Chris Borgstead of the Delta Police Department (DPD). The discussion centers around "Bend Don't Break," a series focusing on optimum performance. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the power of performance enhancement imagery, also known as visualization or mental rehearsal. Mo Perry, a seasoned police trainer and advocate for wellness, details the historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and diverse applications of this technique. Chris Borgstead shares a deeply personal and compelling account of how performance imagery, specifically a personalized script developed by Mo, played a crucial role in his successful navigation of a life-threatening pancreatic surgery (Whipple procedure) and subsequent recovery. The interviews highlight the critical link between mental and physical well-being for high-level performance in demanding professions like policing and in overcoming significant health challenges. Key Themes and Ideas: 1. The Importance of Mental and Psychological Aspects in High-Level Performance: ·       Both sources emphasize that physical skill and training are only part of the equation for achieving peak performance. ·       Mo Perry highlights historical evidence from Eastern Bloc countries' dominance in international sports, attributing it partly to their significant emphasis on the mental and psychological aspects of training. ·       Key Fact: "when it comes to high level performance about 85% minimum. Some will say as high as 90% is the mental psychological aspect of um of what's going on inside your mind in the privacy of your own mind." (Mo Perry) ·       This mental component involves internal dialogue, self-talk, and managing stress and anxiety. 2. Performance Enhancement Imagery: Definition and Applications: ·       Performance imagery is defined as "creating or recreating an experience in the mind." (Mo Perry) ·       It targets and leverages the "power of the subconscious mind because it's the subconscious mind that driv drives high level performance." (Mo Perry) ·       While commonly used informally (e.g., rehearsing a speech), structured and intentional imagery is shown to be more effective, supported by research and science. ·       Mo Perry has applied performance imagery in various domains within policing and beyond: ·       Firearms training (for new recruits, inservice members, and overcoming fear) ·       Sport (baseball pitching) ·       Police recruit training (final tests, scenario-based exams) ·       Sergeants promotional panels (interviews) ·       Reintegration for members after extended leave or use of force incidents ·       Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test preparation ·       De-escalation training and effective listening ·       Pre-surgery and post-surgery applications (most impactful personally for Mo and highlighted through Chris's story) 3. The Mind-Body Connection: ·       A central tenet discussed is the powerful and often underestimated connection between the mind and body. ·       Mo Perry explains how the mind controls various physiological processes, including heart rate, hormone release, healing, and blood flow. ·       Key Quote: "your body can your mind sorry can actually control blood flow." (Mo Perry) ·       This connection is leveraged in imagery, particularly in the context of Chris's surgery, to influence physical outcomes. 4. Chris Borgstead's Journey and the Impact of Imagery on His Whipple Surgery: ·       Chris faced a significant health challenge: recurrent pancreatitis due to a structural abnormality in his pancreas, leading to a high risk of pancreatic cancer. ·       He was diagnosed with an IPMN (Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm), an unknown origin tumor, and deemed a candidate for a Whipple procedure. ·       The Whipple is a complex and invasive surgery involving the removal of significant portions of the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine. It carries a low two-year survival rate for those with cancer, and even for preventive cases like Chris's, involves a challenging recovery. ·       Chris describes feeling like a "ticking time bomb" and experiencing fear when confronted with the reality of the surgery and being referred to an oncologist. ·       Mo Perry developed a personalized 30-minute imagery script for Chris with several key goals: ·       Lowering cognitive state and anxiety: Reducing worry and negative self-talk leading up to the surgery. ·       Improving sleep: Counteracting the negative effects of anxiety on sleep, which is crucial for physical recovery and immune function. ·       Preparing for the hospital experience: Mentally rehearsing the process, setting expectations for a successful outcome, and empowering Chris to communicate with his surgical team about positive language and encouragement. ·       Leveraging the mind-body connection for physical benefits:Redirecting blood flow: The script included intentional suggestions for Chris's mind to redirect blood flow away from the surgical site, aiming to improve visibility for the surgeon and potentially reduce bleeding. ·       Facilitating healing: The script reinforced the body's natural ability to heal and encouraged a positive expectation of recovery. ·       Results and Anecdotal Evidence:Chris reports that the imagery script was "instrumental" and he "listened to it religiously," often falling asleep to it, which helped with sleep. ·       He felt mentally prepared and calm going into the surgery. ·       Remarkable Outcome: Chris's surgeon described the Whipple procedure as "one of if not the easiest surgery he's ever done." (Chris Borgstead, recounting the surgeon's words) ·       The surgeon anecdotally confirmed a lack of significant bleeding at the surgical site, aligning with the intention of the imagery script. ·       Chris's recovery has been notably successful, allowing him to regain physical strength and maintain a high quality of life. He is over two years post-surgery, exceeding typical two-year survival rates discussed. ·       Chris shared the imagery script with another individual undergoing a similar surgery, who also reported a positive experience with reduced bleeding, further suggesting a potential impact of the technique. ·       Chris's physical recovery and return to an active lifestyle, including working out with a coach and potentially joining the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy, serve as tangible evidence of his successful journey. ·       Chris was a finalist for "ultimate guy" in Men's Health magazine, highlighting his physical and mental resilience. 5. The Role of Support and Openness: ·       Chris emphasizes the importance of support networks, specifically highlighting his wife Gina's medical background and comfort level in the hospital environment as crucial. ·       He also underscores the value of being "open to receiving things" and sharing his story to help others. ·       Both Mo and Chris advocate for having an "open mind and a willingness to learn and maybe even step outside your comfort zone" to benefit from techniques like performance imagery. 6. Future of Performance Imagery: ·       Mo Perry believes the potential applications of performance imagery are vast and only limited by one's imagination. ·       He encourages others to learn more about it, recommending Brian Willis's Winning Mind Training. ·       The technique is seen as a powerful tool for "performance excellence" and giving oneself an advantage in any domain. Most Important Ideas/Facts: ·       The significant impact of the mental and psychological aspects (85-90%) on high-level performance. ·       Performance enhancement imagery is a structured technique targeting the subconscious mind to improve performance and well-being. ·       The profound mind-body connection and its potential to influence physical outcomes, as demonstrated by Chris's surgical experience and the anecdotal evidence of reduced bleeding. ·       Chris Borgstead's successful navigation of a life-threatening Whipple surgery, attributed in part to the intentional use of personalized performance imagery. ·       The potential of performance imagery to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and facilitate healing. ·       The accessibility and underutilization of this powerful tool, despite its proven benefits in various fields. Quotes to Consider: ·       "when it comes to high level performance about 85% minimum. Some will say as high as 90% is the mental psychological aspect of um of what's going on inside your mind in the privacy of your own mind." - Mo Perry ·       "performance imagery it it you know to to give a little bit of a history on on it if you go back uh to the 60s and 70s when the uh Eastern block countries really dominated uh uh athletic international sport... they placed a significant emphasis on the mental and psychological aspect of training." - Mo Perry ·       "you can give yourself the advantage through the use of performance enhancement imagery." - Mo Perry ·       "He said you the surgery I had that he conducted on me was one of if not the easiest surgery he's ever done." - Chris Borgstead (recalling his surgeon's statement) ·       "there really wasn't a lot of bleeding like that. You see, and that's kind of what made the surgery so easy." - Chris Borgstead (recalling his surgeon's statement about bleeding) ·       "if you don't put yourself out there you're not going to get anything in return you got to be open to receiving things" - Chris Borgstead ·       "having an open mind and a willingness to learn and maybe even step outside your comfort zone is really critical." - Mo Perry Conclusion: The interviews with Mo Perry and Chris Borgstead provide compelling evidence for the power of performance enhancement imagery. Beyond its traditional applications in sports and professional training, Chris's personal story demonstrates its significant potential in addressing severe health challenges and influencing physical outcomes through the mind-body connection. The discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing mental and psychological well-being as integral components of overall performance and resilience. The interview serves as a powerful testament to the benefits of structured imagery and encourages wider exploration and utilization of this technique.

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• Elite Nutrition

  Alright everyone, welcome back to the "Bend Don't Break" podcast! This is episode number 87, and we're rolling right along in our six-part series on becoming an elite performer, whether that's in your job or your personal life. We've already covered the essentials of elite sleep, and last time we dove into knowing your markers with Nia Health and Sameer Dhar who talked about proactive tests for optimum health and wellbeing   And today, we're tackling part three of this elite performance puzzle, and it's a big one: elite nutrition. We've got a fantastic guest joining us today, Lynae Chodat.  Now, Lynae has a really interesting background. She grew up in Saskatchewan, moved to Alberta for her paralegal studies, and then headed to Vancouver where she worked as a paralegal and in the fitness industry . But that's not all – at 28, she became a police officer and served for 26 years1 . So, right off the bat, she understands the demands and pressures that our first responder community faces.  But Lynae's journey didn't stop there. In her mid-40s, she started to seriously study nutrition, building on decades of personal interest . Today, she's a Certified Holistic Nutritionist (CHN), Certified Holistic Counsellor (CHC), Natural Nutritional Clinical Practitioner (NNCP), and a Certified Mindset Coach. She's got diplomas in Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Consulting from Alive Academy and is registered with the Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Practitioners.  Lynae's personal wellness journey has definitely been tested, as she describes it, building strength and resilience along the way. She even credits her fitness with helping her survive a life-saving surgery . And that's really where the "Bend Don't Break" philosophy comes in, right? As Lynae says, "Build for Impact," train for the hard days, not just the good ones. That mindset is crucial, especially for our first responders who face incredibly challenging situations. So, get ready to dive deep with Lynae Chodat as we explore the world of elite nutrition and why it's absolutely vital for those who are on the front lines, day in and day out. Let's get to it!

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• Episode 86 Sameer Dhar - Nia Health

  I had the pleasure of hosting Sameer Dhar, CEO & Co-Founder of NiaHealth, on Episode 86 of the Bend Don't Break podcast! We dove deep into the future of proactive health and how NiaHealth is revolutionizing employee health benefits. NiaHealth is making cutting-edge proactive care accessible to everyone, offering a breakthrough health check-up that’s available to all employees, not just the C-suite . This means first responders can really start to be proactive about their health. Nia Health are changing the game with next-gen longevity check-ups that analyze over 50 health biomarkers, VO2 Max, body composition, gut microbiome, and more . The insights are truly unprecedented!     What makes NiaHealth stand out? Real Outcomes: They're uncovering undiagnosed conditions like pre-diabetes in over 30% of clients, which can lead to significant cost savings for companies .   Employee-Loved Experience: Think 15-minute in-office blood draws, user-friendly dashboards, customized plans, and ongoing support . It's convenient, clear, and impactful.   We discussed how NiaHealth is addressing key employer challenges like rising healthcare costs, lost productivity, and the need to attract and retain top talent . This isn't just a benefit; it's a game-changer for employee health and the bottom line.     A huge thank you to Sameer for sharing his vision and expertise! Listen to the full episode to learn more about: The difference between NiaHealth and traditional primary care/executive health programs .   How NiaHealth’s technology delivers personalized health plans and empowers individuals to take control of their well-being .   The importance of proactive health in today's work environment. #EmployeeHealth #HealthBenefits #ProactiveHealth #Wellbeing #HR #Benefits #NiaHealth #Podcast #BendDontBreak #SameerDhar #HealthTech #PreventiveCare #Longevity Want to learn more about NiaHealth? Check out their website or reach out to Sameer Dhar  www,niahealth.co  

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• Episode 85 - Elite Sleep with Dr. Landry

  Elite Sleep  The Bend Don't Break podcast is shifting its focus from stories of resilience in first responders to exploring the foundations of high performance for everyone, not just elite athletes. The upcoming six-week series will delve into often-overlooked aspects such as sleep, mental imagery, nutrition, and mental resilience, providing practical tools and techniques for listeners to improve their daily functioning and thrive. The first episode of this new direction will focus on "Elite Sleep" and will feature Dr. Glenn J. Landry, a sleep coach and founder of Elite Sleep, as the expert guest.   ·       Shift in Podcast Focus: The podcast is intentionally pivoting from sharing emotional stories of overcoming challenges to providing actionable strategies for achieving peak performance in everyday life. The hosts state, "In the past we have been telling stories of first responders who have gone through challenges and found a way to overcome the barriers... But now we are going to talk about how to perform at your best." This indicates a move towards practical self-improvement content. ·       Democratization of High Performance: A core theme is the belief that high performance is not exclusive to elite athletes. The podcast aims to make these concepts accessible and applicable to a wider audience, including "whether you're leading a team, raising a family, running a company, or just trying to get through the week." The central message is, "here at Bend Don’t Break, we believe high performance isn’t just for athletes. It’s for everyone." ·       Focus on Foundational Elements: The upcoming series will concentrate on what are considered the fundamental building blocks of optimal performance. These include: ·       Sleep: Highlighted as the topic of the first episode. ·       Mental Imagery: Suggesting the importance of mental preparation and visualization. ·       Nutrition: Emphasizing the role of diet in overall performance. ·       Building Mental Resilience: Indicating the need for psychological strength and adaptability. ·  ·       Introduction of Dr. Glenn J. Landry and the Focus on "Elite Sleep": The first episode will feature Dr. Glenn J. Landry, a seasoned sleep researcher and practitioner. His extensive background in sleep and circadian rhythms, spanning over 25 years of research at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia, lends credibility to the topic. His current work as a sleep coach aims to translate research into practical solutions to "help people feel and function better by sleeping better."   https://neosperformance.com/ Course - Surviving Shift Work  ·       Dr. Landry's Expertise and Target Audiences: Dr. Landry's research background includes understanding how internal clocks adjust and the impact of aging and poor sleep on cognitive function. His practical experience involves helping diverse populations such as "shift workers, families, and older adults" improve their sleep. His past speaking engagements at conferences focused on first responders, geriatric services, and older adults further highlight his expertise in addressing sleep challenges across different demographics.  

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• PART TWO. Starlight Casio Shooting - Jordan MacWilliams

  On this episode of Bend Don’t Break, your host, Neil Dubord, is joined by Constable Jordan MacWilliams once again, to continue his story from last week’s episode.   Jordan has gone through significant events over the last several years — making him the perfect person to discuss the topic of resiliency in the field.   His story starts on November 8th, 2012, a fateful night in both his life and work. Having been sent to a dangerous hostage situation at Starlight Casino, Jordan has to make one of the toughest decisions of his life for the safety of his colleagues. In this episode, Jordan outlines the events that followed this event: his court appearances, avoiding the media, and managing his stress, emotions, and feelings around the whole ordeal. He also highlights key factors in how he managed to overcome his struggles surrounding the situation and gives advice on how to get through similar situations.   Key Takeaways: [:43] Chief Neil Dubord recaps last week’s episode and Jordan picks up the story where he left it, with the fated phone call. [3:06] Jordan outlines the events following the phone call: getting a lawyer, going to court, receiving bail, and avoiding the media. [7:55] Jordan talks about the internal part of the week after being charged: managing stress and emotions, and his feelings towards the organization. [11:00] Jordan explains how he managed to have a positive outlook on the situation and gives his advice to others. [13:51] Who helped Jordan the most get through this difficult time? And what did they do to make him feel better? [15:57] How Jordan’s 2014 ended (in terms of where he was with the organization). [19:43] The early events in 2015, 30 months after being charged: watching the tape of the incident for the first time, his second court appearance, and hearing the hostage’s side of the story. [24:04] The summer of 2015: the moment Jordan was waiting for that marked his freedom. [26:00] Jordan talks about an important factor in his recovery: choice. [27:47] Jordan reflects on the importance of structure. [29:30] What Jordan considers to be a key component in helping him to overcome his struggle. [32:02] Jordan’s suggestions for how to help others we may not know are carrying silent struggles or burdens. [34:45] Chief Neil Dubord gives his thanks to Jordan for talking about his story.   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don't Break on all the major Podcast Channels 

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