John D. B. Carr: Heavy Is the Head that wears the crown: Real Talk from an Elected Sheriff

John D. B. Carr: Heavy Is the Head that wears the crown: Real Talk from an Elected Sheriff

March 13, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 4

About this episode

Sheriff John Carr shares unfiltered insights on leadership, emphasizing service and mentorship over rank and politics.

Sheriff John Carr served 26 years in the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office before being elected to lead it. In this episode, he delivers unfiltered insight into what most people get wrong about leadership: it's not about rank, politics, or paychecks. It's about developing those who come after you and serving citizens who don't care if you're exhausted. Carr shares why he hand-selects leaders based on servant hearts, not résumés. He reflects on mentorship from three African American sheriffs, the cost of expanding his office beyond evictions and warrants, and the brutal honesty of losing a deputy to suicide. He admits the courthouse assignment he didn't want became his greatest training ground. This conversation challenges the myth that leadership is glamorous. It's a 52-minute examination of what it costs to lead with integrity in public safety. No motivational fluff. Just the truth.

People in this episode

Host: Dominick Watters

Guest: John D. B. Carr

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Prince George's County Sheriff's Office

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