"Don’t Hang Out With Coworkers" – 30-Year DEA Vet’s Brutal Advice | Jim Molesa | Episode 172
About this episode
A 30-year law enforcement veteran shares crucial career advice and insights on mental health in public safety.
A 30-year law enforcement veteran shares the one piece of advice he gave a young academy classmate that stuck for an entire career: Don’t hang out with the people you work with. In this powerful episode of Reasons We Serve, Jim Molesa (former Mesa PD, longtime DEA agent, and Navajo County Chief Deputy) opens up about mental health in public safety, the child abuse cases that burned him out, massive drug seizures, working with the FBI after 9/11, life on Indian reservations, and why law enforcement is finally confronting PTSD head-on. From patrol to elite federal work, Jim breaks down real wisdom on staying grounded, building healthy relationships, and surviving a career that exposes you to trauma multiple times a week. Key Timestamps: 00:02:56 - The advice that changed everything 00:10:14 - Child abuse cases that led to burnout 00:25:03 - 980-kilo cocaine bust as a new DEA agent 00:36:33 - Working 9/11 and Oklahoma City 00:44:05 - Life as DEA Public Information Officer 00:56:50 - Reopening the Flagstaff office & reservation work 01:24:30 - PTSD in public safety: the crisis we must face If you respect the men and women who serve, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications…
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