Episode 28

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Published on:

4th Mar 2025

Alaska State Trooper (Ben)

In this episode, former Alaska State Trooper Benjamin Garcia shares his unique experiences and challenges he faced while serving in one of the most rugged and remote areas of the United States. He discusses the wildlife encounters, the extreme cold, the rigorous training, and the realities of law enforcement in Alaska, including the high rates of violent crime and the need for self-reliance in dangerous situations. Ben also reflects on the community culture, the interactions with the public, and the injuries he sustained during his service, providing a comprehensive look at what it means to be a state trooper in Alaska. Challenges included the limited manpower available for a large population, the complexities of search and rescue operations, and the mental health impact of the job. He reflects on specific cases that have stayed with him, emphasizing the importance of compassion and self-improvement in law enforcement. The conversation highlights the demanding nature of the role and the personal growth that comes from such experiences.

Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).

Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).

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Mentioned in this episode:

Mondo Freako (Sponsor)

Mondo Freako is a comedic exploration of the weird and wonderful world of cryptids, paranormal phenomena, and all things bizarre. Join Bob LeMent & Rob Howell as they delve into the unknown with laughter, curiosity, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Search for Mondo Freako wherever you get your podcasts.

Mondo Freako

Banned Camp (Sponsor)

If you're a fan of YOUR PODCAST NAME, you’ll love Banned Camp—a comedy podcast about why books are banned. Be sure to check it out and give them a listen. Search for them wherever you listen to podcasts—that's Banned with two Ns.

Banned Camp

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About the Podcast

Baggage
Everyone has a story.
Baggage is a collection of compelling, unique, and sometimes traumatic stories from people of all walks of life. These stories typically only get heard by the storyteller’s friends, family, or co-workers. Now there is a platform for everyday individuals to share their experiences with a larger audience as well as how they cope with the emotional and mental baggage that sometimes follows those events. Once a month, the show’s hosts—Eric Shaw (doctor), Ryan Frank (prosecutor), Adrian Bonenberger (journalist/author), and Ryan Conner (comedian)—hear a different set of stories bringing their own distinct perspectives. Sometimes serious and sometimes humorous, it’s sure to always be interesting.

To share your story or ask a question, email us at thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com.
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About your hosts

Eric Shaw

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Eric is a pediatrician in Denver, Colorado. He started his medical career as a volunteer EMT in Blacksburg, Virginia. He practiced professionally as a Cardiac Tech for Richmond Ambulance Authority. He attended VCU Medical School and completed his pediatrics training at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter's in Norfolk. He currently is a partner at Pediatrics West, and an associate professor at Rocky Vista University.

Ryan Frank

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Ryan Frank has prosecuted criminal cases since graduating law school in 2012. He's handled everything from petit theft to homicides with a focus on child-victim crimes. Before going to law school, he served in the Marine Corps with two combat tours in Iraq.

Adrian Bonenberger

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Adrian Bonenberger is an essayist, writer, and poet. In addition to publishing his war memoirs and co-editing an anthology of veteran fiction, his writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Commonweal Magazine, The New Republic, Forbes, and other outlets. He co-founded and edits fiction for The Wrath-Bearing Tree. Several of his books can been found here.

Ryan Conner

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Ryan Conner is a writer/comedian who has been on the Late Late Show with James Corden and was a Top-10 finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. View his website, https://ryanconnercomedy.com/, for his latest tour dates. His debut novel, The Party, is available for purchase on Amazon.