Episode 51: The Stoic Responder with Kristofor Healey

Kristofor Healey, is a speaker, author, and former DHS HSI Special agent who spent more than 15 years in federal law enforcement. He is also the host of The Stoic Responder podcast where he uses his experiences in law enforcement and endurance racing to teach Stoic lessons on leadership and overcoming adversity.

He had no plans for a career in law enforcement but after 911, Kris put aside his plans and his purpose shifted and he pursued a career in federal LE.

We discuss his career and then transition to discussing his new book, 𝘐𝘯 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘳: 𝟹𝟼𝟻 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘪𝘤 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴. 

Kris was first introduced to the stoic philosophy when he was a freshman in college and discusses how and how it helped him throughout his career.  He provides an explanation of the philosophy and explains it was born out of hard times and is based on the virtues of wisdom, courage, temperance or moderation, and justice.  Stoicism can be distilled down to the concept of focusing on what we can control rather than the external, or what we cannot control. 

Kris tells us how Stoicism grounded him during a chaotic 3-year period during his career when he uncovered a criminal conspiracy involving his own supervisor and colleagues. 

We talk about the philosophy and how it is a great tool for all first responders.  I had the opportunity to read some of his book before we spoke, but have read even more since then. 

The book is organized so that there is an entry for every day of the year.  Each month has a theme such as truth, discernment, and consistency. I have been enjoying using the book as a resource, the gentle reminder I often need to shift my mindset and perspective.  Each day has a quote, a reflection that integrates the daily theme to the work we do, and a journaling prompt. 

I encourage you to check out Kris’s podcast the Stoic Responder.  Similar to the book, each episode has a theme, a stoic teaching or quote, and its application to current day and its free.

LINKS:

Wendy's - “Building a Wellness Program from the Ground Up” through Justice Clearinghouse.

Kris' Book Link:  In Valor: 365 Meditations for First Responders

Podcast Link:  The Stoic Responder

Website:  KristoforHealey.com