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BomBardened

BomBardened

Written by: BomBardened
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 In BomBardened, Eric Barden, a retired Deputy Chief of the Seattle Police Department, and Amy Barden, Chief of Seattle’s new third public safety department, come together—not just as professionals, but as husband and wife—to tackle some of the most pressing issues in public service and community safety and health.

Eric, the enforcer with decades of boots-on-the-ground experience, and Amy, the champion of compassion and crisis response, take a constructively critical approach to big questions: Do we need more enforcement or better interventions? Is the criminal justice system designed to punish or correct? What does compassion actually look like? Why do we keep doing what doesn’t work? And why does it feel like no one’s getting it completely right?

Every episode features hard-hitting debates, real-world insights, and guest experts who bring fresh takes and bold ideas. It’s not just talk; it’s a call to action for anyone who cares about creating safer, smarter communities and a return to civil discourse.

So, if you’re tired of political rhetoric and excuses and ready for real talk about the messy intersection of accountability and compassion, tune in to BomBardened. You might not always agree, but you’ll definitely think.

The views, information or opinions expressed on the BomBardened Podcast are solely the personal views of the individuals involved and do not represent the views of any third party. Where guests appear on the Podcast, the views expressed by such guests are solely their own. The Podcast does not accept responsibility for the views of its guests and their appearance on the Podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.None of the guests or contributors to the BomBardened Podcast will be held responsible for your use of the information contained therein.Copyright BomBardened Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ep 20: Long Game Grinders: Love, Recovery & the Fight for Our Most Vulnerable Youth | Johnny Ohta

    Ep 20: Long Game Grinders: Love, Recovery & the Fight for Our Most Vulnerable Youth | Johnny Ohta
    Dec 23 2025
    In this episode, Eric and Amy sit down with Johnny Ohta, a legendary youth recovery advocate and longtime leader at Ryther, whose life and work have helped shape how Seattle responds to youth addiction, homelessness, and fentanyl. Johnny shares his deeply personal journey—from growing up amid violence, addiction, and incarceration to finding recovery, purpose, and a calling to walk alongside young people in crisis.

    With raw honesty, Johnny unpacks what real recovery looks like in the age of fentanyl, why one-size-fits-all solutions fail, and how “long game” relationships rooted in compassion, accountability, and presence can save lives. He challenges false binaries between harm reduction and recovery, emphasizes the power of exposure, connection, and love, and explains why investing in young people—before it’s too late—changes everything.

    This is a powerful conversation about resilience, adaptation, and what it truly means to care for young people when the stakes are life and death.

    Learn more about Ryther and youth recovery services at https://ryther.org/
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Ep19: Rising From Rock Bottom: Recovery, Resilience & Rewriting Your Story | Ellyse Bracken

    Ep19: Rising From Rock Bottom: Recovery, Resilience & Rewriting Your Story | Ellyse Bracken
    Dec 9 2025
    In this episode, Eric and Amy talk with Ellyse Bracken, Executive Director of Bridges, about her powerful journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a leader in youth recovery. Ellyse shares how structure, accountability, and peer support helped her rebuild her life—and why teens need community, not harm-reduction messaging, to thrive. Her work with Bridges and Seattle’s Alternative Peer Group is transforming what recovery looks like for young people.
    Learn more at https://www.seattleapg.com/
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    51 mins
  • Ep18: Beyond the Headlines: Courage, Consequences, and Speaking Hard Truths | Brandi Kruse

    Ep18: Beyond the Headlines: Courage, Consequences, and Speaking Hard Truths | Brandi Kruse
    Nov 25 2025
    In Part 2 of their conversation, Eric and Amy Barden continue their deep dive with independent journalist Brandi Kruse, exploring what happens after you choose to break away from traditional media—and don’t look back. Brandi opens up about the personal and professional consequences of pushing against narratives, the cost of telling uncomfortable truths, and what it means to stay grounded when criticism gets loud. Together, they examine the evolving role of independent journalism, why honest dialogue is worth protecting, and how integrity becomes your compass when the world wants you to choose a side.
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    41 mins
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