Elevate Your Call To Service
Elevate Your Call to Service is a leadership podcast for law enforcement professionals who want to lead with greater clarity, readiness, and purpose.
Hosted by Michael McIntosh, a career law enforcement leader with decades of experience, and Cathy McIntosh, a longtime law enforcement wife and business leader, this podcast brings together field-tested leadership experience and the human side of service.
Each episode explores the real challenges facing today’s law enforcement leaders, including leadership readiness, communication, trust, mentorship, culture, wellness, resilience, and service-driven leadership.
Michael and Cathy help current and future leaders think beyond the title, prepare before promotion, and lead in a way that strengthens their teams, agencies, families, and communities.
Whether you are preparing for your next leadership role, mentoring future leaders, or responsible for developing leadership within your agency, Elevate Your Call to Service will help you grow as a leader and stay connected to the purpose behind the work.
Episodes
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
What does it take to lead when hope seems lost? In this gripping episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, we unravel the dramatic tale of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition, where leadership defied impossible odds to save a stranded crew.
Paired with powerful law enforcement insights, you'll discover why trust and empathy outshine task-driven management. Unlock the LIFT framework (Listen, Ignite, Foster, Thrive) to build unbreakable teams in high-stakes moments. A must-listen for leaders eager to inspire and elevate with purpose.
Watch the episode in its entirety on YouTube here.
View our Show Notes at www.leleaders.com/elevate/33-stop-struggling-lead-through-team-disconnect-with-LIFT
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Ever wonder why half your team stays silent while the other half won’t stop talking—and how that’s quietly sabotaging your leadership? Join us as MBTI expert Mary Thompson unpacks the introvert-extrovert divide, revealing why these misunderstandings derail communication, fracture trust, and leave your team running on half power—especially in high-stakes fields like law enforcement. Tune in to discover practical, game-changing strategies to bridge the gap, unlock every voice, and transform your team into a cohesive, resilient unit ready to tackle any challenge.
If you want to walk away with tools to lead smarter, connect deeper, and turn personality clashes into your team's greatest strength, you won't want to miss this episode!
Watch the episode in its entirety on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1eh_8dxQKlo
Be sure to view our show notes here: www.leleaders.com/elevate/32-why-your-teams-silent-half-isnt-talking-and-how-to-fix-it
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Feeling worn out, disconnected, or like emotional weight of the badge has drained you dry? You’re not alone—and this episode offers hope.
In this gripping episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, hosts Mike and Cathy McIntosh tackle the silent crisis of wellness in law enforcement. With nearly 40 years experience, Mike reveals how neglecting his wellness nearly broke him—and their marriage.
Cathy, a branding expert with a front-row seat to the human toll, shares how they clawed back from the edge. Together, they unpack five aspects of wellness that help you survive the job: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational. Strength in each aspect will help you thrive and lead stronger teams.
Discover actionable frameworks and hear raw stories of burnout, sleepless nights, and a family on the brink.
Ready to transform from ash to iron? Listen now. Take the five-step challenge and find out how small moves ignite big change.
Visit leleaders.com to find our show notes.
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
What if your team’s mission wasn’t just a faded “Serve and Protect” mug—but a rallying cry that lit them up every shift? Former Sheriff Mike McIntosh digs into the playbook for crafting a mission that inspires, motivates, and unites law enforcement teams.
From a fractured agency finding “Unity through trust” to an SRO unit igniting over safer schools, they reveal how to make your “why” stick—in one breath.
Expect real stories, a slick V.I.S.I.O.N. framework, and a free worksheet to spark your own. Ready to lead with purpose? Dive in—this one’s a game-changer.
View our show notes here https://leleaders.com/elevate/30-inspiring-law-enforcement-teams-lead-with-a-clear-why and grab your free worksheet!
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Ever briefed your team only to find chaos later? Poor communication isn’t just frustrating—it’s a leadership killer.
In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, Mike and Cathy McIntosh tackle the hidden costs of unclear messages, from crumbling trust to life-or-death missteps.
Hear how calm clarity saved 155 lives and how a sergeant’s steady voice tamed pending chaos on a shooting scene.
We’re breaking down why communication fails, how it tanks teams, and what you can do today to fix it. Sergeants, chiefs, deputies—this is your playbook to speak clearer, listen smarter, and lead stronger.
Hit play—clarity can’t wait.
View our show notes here: https://leleaders.com/elevate/29-how-law-enforcement-leaders-master-communication-and-win
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Are your officers disengaged, burned out, or drifting apart? The problem isn’t more schedules or checklists. It’s a leadership gap.
In this episode, we dive deep into the critical divide between managing tasks and leading people, revealing why law enforcement teams crumble under box-checking bosses but thrive with vision-driven leaders.
Join us as we unpack a gripping SWAT standoff that exposes the life-or-death stakes of leadership and shares practical steps to rebuild trust, boost morale, and stop the ripple effect of burnout—before it’s too late. From sergeants to chiefs, if you’re ready to transform your agency with balanced leadership, this is your breakthrough moment.
Hit play now—your team can’t wait.
Be sure to view our show notes here: https://leleaders.com/elevate/28-burnout-or-breakthrough-transforming-law-enforcement-with-balanced-leadership

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Championship teams—whether on the field or in law enforcement—are built on one critical foundation: trust. Without trust, teams falter, relationships break down, and missions fail. In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, Mike and Cathy McIntosh are joined by special guest Chris McIntosh to explore how leaders can build trust within their teams and create high-performing, championship-level organizations.Drawing from decades of law enforcement experience and lessons learned from championship sports teams, this episode dives into the key challenges law enforcement leaders face when trust is lacking—and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. Whether you’re leading a small shift or an entire agency, this episode offers the tools you need to create a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence.View our show notes here: https://leleaders.com/elevate/27-the-trust-problem-in-law-enforcement-and-how-leaders-can-solve-it

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Your leadership reputation isn’t what you say it is—it’s what others say about you when you’re not in the room. In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, Mike and Cathy McIntosh dive into the often-overlooked concept of building your leadership reputation and why it’s critical for law enforcement leaders. This episode is packed with insights for law enforcement leaders at every stage of their career who want to build trust, strengthen their leadership style, and ensure their reputation works for them—not against them.

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
How you develop law enforcement leaders is pivotal in the success of your organization. That’s why this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service dives into the challenges law enforcement leaders face in preparing the next generation of leadership. Mike and Cathy McIntosh discuss why so many organizations struggle to develop internal leaders, the dangers of reactive leadership, and the importance of creating a proactive, people-focused leadership culture. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for law enforcement leaders looking to strengthen their teams, organizations, and communities.

Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Maximizing Officer Performance: Nutrition and Exercise Strategies by Corey Proulx
Do you want to enhance your officer safety and performance through a comprehensive fitness program? Today, I'm with Corey Proulx, who will share keys to help you achieve peak physical fitness and improve your overall health. By implementing the recommended strategies, you can experience heightened officer safety and performance. Get ready to take your fitness to the next level and see the positive impact on your law enforcement career.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover the key to officer safety through comprehensive fitness programs.
Uncover the importance of balanced nutrition for optimal performance and well-being.
Master strength training techniques tailored specifically for law enforcement officers.
Overcome the challenges of implementing effective fitness programs in law enforcement settings.
Unearth practical fitness tips designed to enhance the physical and mental capabilities of law enforcement officers.
With a solid foundation in exercise science and a heartfelt commitment to promoting wellness among law enforcement officers, Corey Proulx stands out as a trusted fitness ally. Drawing from her extensive experience in working with diverse populations, Corey brings a personalized touch to fitness programs. Her emphasis on tailored exercise routines and comprehensive health risk assessments ensures that officers receive the support they need to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Corey's holistic approach, coupled with a deep understanding of the unique challenges first responders face, positions her as a valuable resource in guiding individuals and groups toward sustainable fitness practices.
"Strength is paramount for every individual or deputy to have. It supports your body better, helps you stand differently, and ultimately enhances your performance." —Corey Prioulx
If you find value in today's episode, we would love your 5-star rating to share our message with more law enforcement officers. Don't hesitate to share it with a colleague or a friend, and be sure to listen to our past and future episodes for more insights about succeeding at work and in life.
Helpful resources and links from Corey are below:Electrolytes
LMNT
This company does a LEO discount:
http://elementallabs.refr.cc/coreyt
Nuun
Sold at most major grocers.
Nuun Hydration Complete Pack - Sport, Vitamins, Immunity and Rest Electrolyte Drink Tablets, Mixed, 4 Pack (42 Servings) https://a.co/d/jesmXce
Liquid IV
https://www.liquid-iv.com/collections/all
Programming
For online or in-person training and nutrition programs, Corey is available at Coreyatownsend (at) gmail.com
Power Athlete also provides a well-rounded program here: https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/workout-plan/team/hamr




