E.230 From Restorative Sleep To Field-Proven Leadership For First Responders (Part 2 of 2)

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Change that lasts doesn’t come from a one-time high or another sleepless night patched by a pill. It comes from disciplined, daily work that your brain can actually keep—paired with leadership that people trust when it matters most. Steve sits down with Marine veteran and CEO Tony Crescenzo to unpack how audio-driven brain signals can turn short-term “state” shifts into month-later “trait” changes, especially for first responders who need real restorative sleep, calmer stress responses, and sharp, on-demand focus.

Tony explains why many sleep aids trade consciousness for quality, and how targeted signals—played on speakers, no headphones required—help nudge your brain into restorative rhythms you can retain. We talk timing and caution with upregulation tools, creative research that mimics ketamine-like EEG states without the drug, and why a practical 28 to 31 day window is fast when you’re aiming for durable change. Therapy isn’t sidelined; it’s strengthened. Cultural competence, honest fit, and doing the work between sessions matter as much as any technology.

Then we move from personal resilience to organizational resilience. Tony draws from the Marine Corps to break down four levels of leadership, from positional authority to field effect, where mission, vision, values, and culture guide action even when you’re not in the room. He favors bad news because it’s actionable, builds systems that surface hard questions, and sets expectations so clearly that people don’t have to guess. Management keeps metrics on track; leadership gives the plan meaning and keeps teams aligned under pressure.

If you’re a first responder, veteran, or leader trying to build a healthier, higher-performing team, this conversation offers tools you can use today and habits you can keep for the long haul. Subscribe, share this episode with a teammate who needs better sleep or better leadership, and leave a review to help others find the show.

How to reach Jonathan:

1) https://www.IntelligentWaves.com
2) https://www.PeakNeuro.com
3) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycrescenzo/

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