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Self-Improvement Episodes

Dec. 10, 2025

Under Pressure: A Hostage Negotiator’s Approach to High-Stakes Commun…

In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson, CF I sits down with Scott Tillema — former SWAT hostage negotiator, FBI-trained crisis negotiator and practitioner with over two decades of experience — as he reveals how ...

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Nov. 12, 2025

Training Isn’t About You: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything w…

What if your next training didn’t just check a box - but actually changed behavior? In this episode, Dr. Carrie Graham joins us to unpack how better learning design can turn information into transformation - whether you’re le...

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Oct. 15, 2025

Bringing Calm to Chaos: The Art of Connection with Carlamay Sheremata

In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson engages with Carlamay Sheremata , a former school resource officer and author, to explore the intricate connections between leadership, communication, and personal experien...

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Oct. 1, 2025

When Detectives Start Thinking Like AI: A Dangerous Drift with Brando…

In this episode of Truth Be Told , Dave Thompson sits down with Dr. Brandon May, a cognitive psychologist and forensic researcher, to explore the intersection of investigative interviewing, memory, and artificial intelligence...

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Aug. 20, 2025

Beyond the Hype: How AI Is Changing Work, Law, and Investigations wit…

Is AI replacing you? Can you be more efficient without being extinct? Join Dave Thompson, CFI and Tom Meehan, CFI as they delve into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Discover how AI is reshaping careers,...

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July 9, 2025

Achievement Anxiety – Breaking Up with Burnout with Kasey Franco

Ever feel like you're running on ambition fumes? In this episode, Dave Thompson and Kasey Franco unpack the sneaky ways burnout shows up—especially for high-achievers who "power through" everything. From tech overload to boun...

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May 14, 2025

From Cringe to Credibility: Scroll-Stopping Truths with Dawn Faithful…

Stop scrolling. This is an emergency. Also, it's a hook. A way to grab your listeners attention to increase engagement. How can lessons from social media impact our everyday communication? In this engaging conversation, Dav...

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April 30, 2025

The Art of Speaking Up: Intentional Communication with Heather DeSiena

Are you afraid to "ask the question"? How does communication help extend your network, enhance your credibility and strengthen your relationships? In this conversation, Dave Thompson and Heather DeSiena explore the significan...

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April 2, 2025

From Interviewing to Industry Leadership: Career Pivots and Communica…

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews David Johnston , Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations at the National Retail Federation . They discuss David's extensive career i...

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March 5, 2025

Shut the F Up and Listen: The Communication Hack You’re Probably Igno…

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast , host Dave Thompson engages with Matt Halloran to explore the critical role of listening in effective communication. They discuss the undervalued skill of listening, the importanc...

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Feb. 19, 2025

Turning Pain into Purpose: An Inspirational Journey with Chad Porter

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson speaks with Chad Porter, who shares his inspiring journey from being a star athlete to surviving a life-altering accident. The conversation delves into the powe...

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Oct. 23, 2024

Public Speaking and Jury Duty. Getting comfortable being uncomfortab…

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson and communication expert Lisa Mitchell delve into the intricacies of effective communication, public speaking, and the impact of our demeanor and body language ...

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Oct. 9, 2024

Are you a Work in Progress? Understanding how embracing shame can em…

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...

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Sept. 25, 2024

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 Fore...

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Aug. 28, 2024

Why should you stop saying “just” in your emails? Being Disruptive an…

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 ...

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Aug. 14, 2024

Being a Student of the Game. Continued Education, Communication and …

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 peo...

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July 31, 2024

The Crisis after the Incident: A Discussion on Mental Health and Suic…

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 fo...

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July 3, 2024

Dogs, Detectives and Developing Rapport. How Therapy Dogs Support Su…

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 ...

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May 22, 2024

Building Relationships Through Effective Communication: A Sales Thera…

Not your typical "salesperson" - this episode of Truth Be Told features McKenah Elizabeth, a full-time content creator, discusses sales, communication, and building rapport in this episode. She shares her journey from being a...

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May 8, 2024

Turning Secrets into Superpowers through Storytelling. The Importance…

Lauren Brill, founder of The Unsealed, discusses her career path and how her sociology background has influenced her work. She shares her experiences working in sports broadcasting, including her time with the NBA and WNBA. L...

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April 24, 2024

Is it a job interview or an interrogation? Studying the science of In…

In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Anna Papalia, author of Interviewology , about the art of interviewing. Anna shares her background in talent acquisition and her realization that there was a lack of research-backed t...

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April 17, 2024

Leading with Humility and Recruiting for Character: A Story of Never …

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews former NFL player Don Beebe . The conversation focuses on communication, both internally and externally, and how it has played a significant role in ...

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April 10, 2024

Applying the Disciplined Listening Method to Effective Communication …

In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Mike Reddington , an expert in effective communication techniques. They discuss various topics related to communication, including teaching and mentoring, moving people from resistanc...

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March 27, 2024

Behind the Badge: Crisis Communication and Mental Wellness with Forme…

Former Police Chief of Aurora, IL, Kristen Ziman , discusses her career in law enforcement and the importance of effective communication in crisis situations with host, Dave Thompson. She shares her experiences leading during...

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