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Courageous Leadership
Courageous Leadership
Courageous Leadership with Travis Yates Podcast examines what it means to be a Courageous Police Leader. Join us weekly as the concepts of Courageous Leadership are detailed along with interviews with influencers that are committed to leading with courage.
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Courageous Leadership

Courageous Leadership with Travis Yates Podcast examines what it means to be a Courageous Police Leader. Join us weekly as the concepts of Courageous Leadership are detailed along with interviews with influencers that are committed to leading with courage.

Recent Episodes

Jan. 8, 2026

The Doxxing of Law Enforcement with Pete James

Send us a text We sit down with Pete James of OfficerPrivacy.com to break down why doxxing has escalated, how data brokers expose home addresses, and what it takes to protect families. We also announce a waived-fee removal for Minnesota ICE agents and share practical steps to lock down social media…

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Jan. 5, 2026

Courageous Optimism with David Berez

Send us a text We sit down with David Berez to unpack culture, leadership, and mental health in policing, and why science-backed tools beat checkbox trainings. He shares practical ways to build anti-fragility, define purpose beyond the badge, and lead with courageous optimism. • differences in cult…

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Dec. 22, 2025

Terrorists Among Us with Keith Graves

Send us a text In this powerful interview, Travis speaks to Keith Graves, a 29-year law enforcement veteran and a worldwide expert in church security, to discuss the dangers in and outside the church. We share practical steps for Christmas services, early warning signs, and how to act with discernm…

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Dec. 10, 2025

The Leadership Bible with Chief John Blackledge

Send us a text Leadership gets real when the stakes are high and the cameras roll. We sit down with retired deputy chief and author John Blackledge to unpack what it takes to build courageous, effective leaders in policing and beyond—leaders who make the right call even when it costs them. John’s p…

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Dec. 4, 2025

The Legacy of Captain Rudy De Leon

Send us a text Legacy is a common theme in leadership, but it's rarely seen. In this episode, Dr. Travis Yates explores the legacy of LAPD Captain Rudy De Leon through the lived experience of his granddaughter, Brandi Stansbury-Moody. For more information on Captain De Leon, read our article here. …

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Nov. 26, 2025

Why Gratitude Gives Leaders A Head Start

Send us a text We share a candid reminder that gratitude is not fluff, it’s a force that makes leadership steadier. By reframing complaints through global perspective and practical habits, we show how leaders gain clarity, courage, and momentum. • the pull of negativity and how it distorts judgment…

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Recent Blog Posts

Aug. 21, 2024

A New Level Of Police Transparency

In the latest episode of Courageous Leadership, Travis Yates explores the controversial impact of Department of Justice (DOJ) consent decrees on local policing. These federal interventions, designed to address systemic issues within police departmen…

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July 30, 2024

Police Recruiting: A Philosophy Shift

In a rapidly changing world, the recruitment strategies for law enforcement must evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities. In this episode of Courageous Leadership with Travis Yates, Doug Larson, co-founder of Safeguard Recruiting, shares…

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July 22, 2024

How To Fireproof Law Enforcement

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve deep into the pressing issue of workplace toxicity and its profound effects on both individual careers and organizational cultures. Our guest, Pete Havel, a former lobbyist and political consultant, sha…

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About the Host

Travis Yates Profile Photo
Travis Yates

Bestselling Author / Keynote Speaker / Leadership Instructor

Dr. Travis Yates, a 30 year veteran of law enforcement, is one of the most prolific writers in law enforcement and one of the most popular speakers in the industry. Over the last two decades his seminars on risk management, officer safety and leadership have been given to thousands of law enforcement professionals across the globe including 45 states. His articles have been read by millions of people and his leadership principles have been adopted by countless law enforcement leaders across the globe.

Travis has been published hundreds of times in various publications including The Daily Caller, Law Officer Magazine and Police One. His expertise in various areas of law enforcement have been featured in media outlets such as Fox News, CNN, ABC, USA Today, Associated Press and many others.

Travis is the author of the best-selling book, “The Courageous Police Leader." He is a widely sought out speaker for law enforcement agencies, schools, businesses and conferences. His seminars range from leadership, tactics, survival, and resiliency.

Travis has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish and a Master of Science Degree Criminal Justice from Northeastern State University. He obtained his Doctorate Degree from Liberty University with a focus on Strategic Leadership. His dissertation research filled a significant gap in research to the law enforcement profession that focused on how communication by leaders affected the overall performance of agencies. Travis is a graduate of the 227th session of the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Development & Leadership Program and certified trainer for the IACP Leadership in Police Organizations. He has taught university level courses to thousands of students over the last twenty-five years and continues that today. He is a sought-after court expert in various areas including patrol, policy, pursuits, and tactics and has testified on behalf of law enforcement officers in several states.

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Reviews

A Must Listen

"A must listen for anyone working in public safety or for anyone wanting to be a courageous leader."

MedicJudd | Jan. 5, 2024

Awesome podcast

"A must listen for anyone working in public safety or for any wanting to be a courageous leader."

MedicJudd | Jan. 3, 2024

An Amazing Look Behind The Curtain

"There are many leadership podcasts out there but frankly, so many sound the same. I applaud the efforts here to tell it like it really is. This is a great resource."

James Jones | Jan. 8, 2024

Keep Fighting The Fight

"I have experienced so much hardship at the hands of poor leaders and until I found this show, I thought maybe there wasn't any hope. I have never heard anyone say what I am hearing on these podcasts …"

Kyle Reese | Jan. 10, 2024

A really good listen!

"Mr Yates has a really neat show! It’s interesting to see what guests he brings on and get his opinions on different topics. He’s got a great message and he’s trying to share leadership tools and tale…"

BeccaEller | Jan. 30, 2024

Life changing show!

"Dr. Yates gets it! He truly is the guru of leadership. His principles and lessons are not only applicable in law enforcement, but for leaders in general. I am a better man, father, husband, and leade…"

lightbulbwindow | Feb. 27, 2024