In this special episode, host Katharine Pope shares her webinar "Building Resilient Responders.” Katharine, an experienced coach for last responders and death investigators, provides invaluable guidance on mental health, wellness, and community engagement for those in the demanding field of death investigation.

Recognizing the immense stress and emotional toll this profession can take, Katharine offers practical strategies to manage burnout, improve sleep and nutrition, and maintain balance. This episode is not only a lifeline for current last responders but also a source of valuable insights for individuals considering entering this challenging yet rewarding career.

We are thrilled to announce Forensic Found’s new partnership with Gap Science! Through this collaboration, Katharine will be offering her comprehensive courses, starting with The Burnout Protocol, to provide ongoing support and education for last responders. Be on the lookout for all the courses coming soon at Gap Science to further enhance your forensic skills and personal wellness.

Links Mentioned In This Episode

Building Resilient Responders FULL WEBINAR

2024 IACME Training Symposium

St. Louis University Masters Conference 2024

Hit the follow button; it's time to thrive, not just survive!

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FREE Life Kit for Death Investigators: learn the six most important skills needed to prevent burnout and maintain focus on the job and at home → www.forensicsfound.com/life-kit-ebook-opt-in

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*All conversations between guest and host represent the opinions of the participants and do not reflect official statements or facts from any represented agencies.

We're bringing you a compelling conversation with Sandy Pope, a professor of education, as he offers a glimpse into his unique love story with a forensic anthropologist and death scene investigator who is none other than your host, Katharine Pope! Imagine meeting your soulmate in college, only to navigate a life that is entwined with a profession that studies human remains and encounters death on a daily basis. Quite the contrast to Sandy's role as an educator. 

They dive into discussions around issues of oversight and mismanagement that plague both their fields, and the repercussions these have on their personal lives. Tight schedules, and demanding jobs, all while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy and connection. They talk about the importance of training and professional development. And discuss the struggles of balancing calendars and the adversities of having unconventional jobs.

But the discussion doesn't stop there. They unravel the dangers and emotional toll of working as a death scene investigator and the cruelly overlooked aspects of this profession. They talk about the need for recognition, the high rates of burnout, and the glaring lack of support and safety measures. 

Join us in this final installment of the Forensics Found Podcast as we celebrate the professional achievements of this extraordinary couple, and share in the discussions of the day-to-day struggles of their unique professions. 

About Sandy Pope

Born in Austin, Sandy peaked as the number 53 ranked tennis player in the state of Texas but now prefers watching his son play flag football and his daughter act on stage. He's spent enough time traveling that birds on four different continents have pooped on him. Sandy is an associate professor of education at Salisbury University, teaching courses on social studies methods and spending time in local schools. He is also Director of the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, leading a range of programs that help bridge the imaginary gaps between campus and community. An Us@250 Fellow with New America, Sandy has won the Outstanding Professional at a Social Studies Organization from the Maryland Council for Social Studies, Barbara Burch Award for Faculty Leadership in Civic Engagement from AASC&U, and Distinguished Faculty Award from Salisbury University. His first book, Becoming a Holocaust Educator: Purposeful Pedagogy through Inquiry, is available from TC Press.

Topics Covered

Relationships and Abnormal Professions

Challenges With Oversight and Schedules

Challenges of Death Investigators, Support Needed

Challenges and Misconceptions of Death Investigators

Proud Moments and Professional Achievements

Mentioned in This Episode

"Per the National Center for Education Statistics, across the nation 17% of teachers exit the profession within the first 5 years."

Hit the follow button; it's time to thrive, not just survive!

Podcast + Newsletter sign up → www.forensicsfound.com/podcast 

Connect → mentor@forensicsfound.com 

Free Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/471306163206486/ 

Paid Community (monthly calls and support)→ https://forensicsfound.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTM0NTA0 

Courses → www.forensicsfound.thinkific.com

FREE Life Kit for Death Investigators: learn the six most important skills needed to prevent burnout and maintain focus on the job and at home → www.forensicsfound.com/life-kit-ebook-opt-in

Connect on social!

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ForensicsFoundMentor

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/forensics_found/ 

*All conversations between guest and host represent the opinions of the participants and do not reflect official statements or facts from any represented agencies.

In this episode, Kat interviews retired deputy Medical Investigator, Barry Hazen. Barry opens up about his career as a death investigator, highlighting the alarming increase in fentanyl use and the critical role of customer service skills in his profession.

They dive into the mental toll of such work, the necessity for professional detachment, and the power of resilience. Barry recounts his experience identifying a missing Native American man, showcasing the importance of his role in providing closure to grieving families.

Their conversation shifts to Barry’s time in Kansas City, Missouri as a medical examiner, where he faced realities of violent crime, gang culture, drug use, and infant mortality. Finally, Barry reflects on his tenure as a police officer in rural Missouri, discussing the unique challenges of rural policing.

This episode offers a deep dive into medical investigation, personal resilience, and rural law enforcement. Head to your favorite podcast player to listen to episode 24!

Topics Covered

Retired Death Investigator's Medical Journey

Investigating a Suicide, Finding Closure

Working in Medical Examiner's Offices

Navigating Rural Missouri at Night

Hit the follow button; it's time to thrive, not just survive!

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Podcast + Newsletter sign up → www.forensicsfound.com/podcast

Connect → mentor@forensicsfound.com

Free Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/471306163206486/

Paid Community (monthly calls and support)→ https://forensicsfound.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTM0NTA0

Courses → www.forensicsfound.thinkific.com

FREE Life Kit for Death Investigators: learn the six most important skills needed to prevent burnout and maintain focus on the job and at home → www.forensicsfound.com/life-kit-ebook-opt-in

Connect on social!

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ForensicsFoundMentor

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/forensics_found/

*All conversations between guest and host represent the opinions of the participants and do not reflect official statements or facts from any represented agencies.