The Courage To Live
The Courage to Live podcast is hosted by retired Police Captain Josh Bitsko and his wife Jenna, and it explores resilience, leadership, and the real stories behind critical incidents and everyday challenges. Each episode blends lessons from Josh’s career in law enforcement including his response to the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas with honest conversations about trauma, growth, and the courage it takes to face both professional and personal battles. The show covers everything from leadership and decision making under stress to mental health, family, and the daily choices that help us live with purpose.
The Courage To Live
Ep. 36: Courage Casts - The Anniversary of 1 October
Eight years have passed since the 1 October shooting, a night that changed 22,000 lives and left a lasting impact on an entire community. In this episode of The Courage to Live Podcast, I reflect on the weight of anniversaries and how dates connected to trauma can bring emotions back to the surface.
I share a powerful encounter with two survivors who attended one of my recent trainings, and how their story reminded me that even years later, new layers of this tragedy continue to emerge.
We talk about grief, the heaviness of anniversaries, and how Las Vegas came together in the face of unimaginable loss. I also share why I chose to release my book on the anniversary of 1 October, as a way to reframe the day with purpose and new meaning.
For anyone carrying the weight of a painful date, this episode is a reminder that while the hurt may never go away, you don’t have to carry it alone.