E1049 The Call That Changed You: Why Some Incidents Never Leave Your Mind

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton explore one of the deepest truths in first responder life (Amazon Affiliate) — there is always that one call that never fully lets you go. It may have been early in your career. It may have blindsided you years later. It may involve a face you still see, a sound you still hear, a decision you still question, or a moment you still relive in the quiet. Some calls fade. Other calls get stored in the nervous system like a permanent tattoo. This episode unpacks why certain incidents imprint so deeply and what you can do when a moment from the past keeps interrupting your present. 💡 Psychological Concept: Trauma Encoding & Flashbulb Memory Trauma Encoding describes how the brain records high-intensity events differently than normal memories. Flashbulb Memories are the vivid, sensory snapshots your mind captures during overwhelming stress. Together, they explain why: • certain smells take you back • certain sounds trigger your body • certain images play on repeat • certain anniversaries hit harder • certain calls feel "unfinished" Your brain wasn't malfunctioning — it was protecting you. These memories remain sharp because, at the time, your mind believed the information was essential for survival. 🚑 5 Reasons Some Calls Stay With You Forever The Call Violated Your Sense of Control Moments where you felt helpless or powerless imprint the deepest. It Involved Someone Who Reminded You of Your Family The brain personalizes trauma when it overlaps with your emotional world. You Questioned Your Performance or Decisions Even if justified, doubt keeps the memory alive. You Never Got Closure Not knowing the outcome forces the nervous system to "stay open." It Was Your First Big Trauma — or Your Last Straw Some moments feel like initiations… others feel like breaking points. 🛠 5 Ways to Heal When a Call Still Lives Inside You Tell the Story in a Safe Space Peer support, therapy, chaplains, or trusted officers can help you process instead of repeat. Use Somatic Techniques to Release Stored Stress TRE, breathwork, EMDR, grounding, stretching — trauma leaves the body through the body. Let Go of the Myth That You "Should Be Over It" Time doesn't heal unprocessed trauma. Attention does. Reframe the Narrative With Compassion The version of you on that call did the best they could with what they had. Build Rituals for Closure Write a letter, visit a location, pray, light a candle — intentional acts help complete the loop. 🎯 Why This Episode Matters: If a call changed you, it's not because you're weak — it's because you're human. Your mind held onto that moment because it mattered. Healing doesn't erase the memory… It just frees you from reliving it. 🎙 Listen now to learn why certain calls never leave — and how to finally reclaim the peace that trauma tried to take from you. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What's one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: [e-mail] 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie's Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement