The Antihero Podcast: Episode Summary - "Female Cops"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Antihero Podcast
- Host/Author: The Antihero Podcast
- Description: Part Delta Force. Part Street Cop. All Truth.
- Episode: Female Cops
- Release Date: April 14, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Antihero Podcast, titled "Female Cops," hosts Tyler and Brent engage in a deep and intimate conversation with Heather Glogalich, a seasoned police captain with over two decades of law enforcement experience. Heather not only leads her department but also serves as the president of the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in policing. Throughout the episode, the trio delves into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by female officers, shedding light on issues such as workplace culture, leadership dynamics, and personal resilience.
Guest Biography
Heather Glogalich:
- Position: Police Captain, New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement President
- Experience: Over 20 years in law enforcement
- Personal Background: Proud mother of four, domestic violence survivor, blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Organizations: President of New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement, co-host of the "Belted and Unbroken" podcast
Heather's journey in law enforcement is marked by resilience and dedication. As the only female officer in various departments, she has navigated challenging environments, advocating for equity and fostering supportive communities for women in policing.
Key Discussions and Insights
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Challenges of Being a Woman in Law Enforcement
Heather recounts her early experiences, highlighting the hostility and lack of support she faced as the sole female officer in a sheriff's office. She describes instances of overt sexism, such as coworkers covering her bench with derogatory notes:
"And as I go back into the locker room, the girls had covered the entire like bench in my locker room and wrote a note and said, clean up after yourself, whore." [06:52]
These experiences underscored the lack of sisterhood Heather anticipated, leading her to seek better opportunities where she could be both a capable officer and a supportive colleague.
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Leadership and Cultural Transformation
Transitioning to a new agency in Morris Township, Heather faced the daunting task of being the only female officer for an extended period. She emphasizes the importance of building a cohesive team based on merit rather than gender:
"I can't just walk in here and be like, I need you to do this without showing you that I can do it too." [06:22]
Heather advocates for a culture where every officer, regardless of gender, earns their position through skill and dedication, fostering mutual respect and eliminating biases.
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Domestic Violence and Personal Resilience
A significant portion of the episode delves into Heather's harrowing personal experiences with domestic violence. She bravely shares her story of surviving an abusive marriage, detailing the emotional and physical trauma inflicted by her ex-husband, Keith Riley:
"He took his belt off and said, I'm gonna whip you on the legs because if I allow you to live, at least it's October and you can wear jeans and nobody will see it." [19:30]
Despite the abuse, Heather's determination to protect her children and rebuild her life shines through. Her advocacy now includes supporting others facing similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of mental health and resilience.
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Advocacy and Mentorship for Women in Policing
As president of the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement, Heather spearheads initiatives to empower female officers. She discusses the importance of mentorship, financial planning, and leadership training tailored to the unique challenges women face in this field:
"We have a mentoring program that's not just for women cops. It's for men cops, too. We have men mentors and female mentors that are a part of it." [118:28]
Heather highlights how tailored programs can bridge gaps in understanding and support, fostering a more inclusive and effective workforce.
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Cultural Perceptions and Gender Dynamics
The hosts and Heather explore the nuanced dynamics of gender within law enforcement. They discuss how preconceived notions and biases can hinder collaboration and mutual respect:
"You can't treat someone differently just because they're a woman. It's not within this culture for them to call you out." [22:18]
Heather counters the notion that specific leadership or tactical skills are inherently tied to gender, advocating for recognizing individual strengths irrespective of gender.
Notable Quotes
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Heather on Team Cohesion:
"You're looking for the best team. Workforce population and diversity align with building a cohesive team that everyone can respect and support each other no matter what." [Various timestamps]
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Heather on Resilience:
"I've done a lot of work, like, I felt like such a victim in that four and a half hours where I didn't realize. And I've done a lot of work." [94:10]
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Tyler on Mindset:
"If you're looking for something, you'll find it. If you're looking for the negative, you'll find it. If you're looking for the positive, you'll find it." [42:16]
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Heather on Leadership:
"Leadership is about the right person at the right task. You have to put the right person at the right task." [114:20]
Personal Stories
Heather's candid recounting of her abusive relationship provides listeners with a raw and honest portrayal of the intersection between personal trauma and professional life. Her decision to leave her abuser, despite systemic obstacles and personal fears, serves as a powerful testament to her strength and determination:
"When I got into a car chase... he says, if you let me live, you can't go to work like this for the next three days." [19:30]
Additionally, Heather shares the emotional toll of her ex-husband's actions on her children and her relentless pursuit of justice and personal healing. Her advocacy efforts aim to create safer and more supportive environments for female officers who may be facing similar adversities.
Conclusions and Insights
The episode culminates in a profound discussion on the importance of mindset, leadership, and cultural change within law enforcement. Heather emphasizes that true leadership stems from understanding one's "why" and leveraging personal strengths to foster a supportive and effective team environment:
"If you understand the why, you'll do the do." [110:27]
The conversation underscores the necessity of creating equitable workplaces where every officer, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully. Heather's journey from a marginalized officer to a leader and advocate highlights the transformative power of resilience and intentional leadership.
Final Thoughts:
The Antihero Podcast successfully sheds light on the multifaceted experiences of female officers through Heather's compelling narrative. By addressing both systemic challenges and personal triumphs, the episode provides valuable insights into fostering inclusivity and strength within law enforcement agencies.
Notable Segments to Skip
Throughout the transcript, there are segments dedicated to advertisements and promotional content for various products and services. These non-content sections were excluded from the summary to maintain focus on the episode's substantive discussions.
Example of Skipped Content:
- Promotional codes and advertisements for apparel, coffee, testosterone replacement therapy, bedding, holsters, and more.
Engagement and Call to Action
The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their Patreon for additional content, including behind-the-scenes footage, extra promo codes, and Q&A sessions. Heather also mentions upcoming conferences and leadership courses, inviting listeners to participate and support their initiatives.
Closing Remarks
The Antihero Podcast masterfully combines personal storytelling with critical discussions on gender dynamics and leadership in law enforcement. Heather Glogalich's experiences and insights provide a powerful narrative that not only highlights the challenges faced by female officers but also celebrates their resilience and contributions to the force.
"Leadership isn't about how you lead, it's about how other people follow and how they need to be led in order to follow the best way." – Heather Glogalich [115:08]
This episode stands as a testament to the strength and perseverance of women in policing, offering listeners both inspiration and actionable insights to foster more inclusive and effective law enforcement communities.