Every now and then you meet someone who allows you to shift your own perspective in a way that you don't see coming, Matt Griffin is that human being. Matt is so many things and like many of us allowed the job to define who he was entirely as a man. It's never just one thing, however that surrender to that undercover identity was the beginning of the end for Matt. In this candid interview we discuss his faith and the challenges he faced in the wake of a child dying in his arms. Homeless, filled with desperation, hopelessness, physically and emotionally exhausted, he penned his last note to his sons.

Thankfully Matt found the courage to stay, to keep getting up. Sit back, reflect, and find hope in his message. We are the writers of our tale, we decide how the story ends. My mom always would say, "John its not how you start that matters, it's how you finish". If you are struggling or know someone who is, be the reason they stay and if you can't, send them our way.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/authormattgriffin?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B8vkhvxBTSDezufGji7Mt1Q%3D%3D

http://www.authormattgriffin.com/

More about Matt:

As a former Search and Rescue Swimmer in the US Navy and Undercover Police Officer, my journey has been anything but ordinary. Having faced the intense challenges and adversities that come with operating in the shadows, I turned my experiences into powerful narratives that resonate with audiences around the world. My book, “The Journey to Midnight,” has become a 4x bestseller, offering an unfiltered account of my life and the resilience it took to overcome the trauma I encountered.

Beyond writing, I have had the privilege of sharing my story as a motivational & keynote speaker, both nationally and internationally. My talks focus on themes of resilience, mental health, and the power of transformation through vulnerability, aiming to inspire individuals to find strength in their own challenges. Additionally, I was recently featured on several well-known podcast, further expanding my reach and sharing insights from my unique perspective.

I am passionate about connecting with organizations, agencies and individuals who seek to foster resilience, understanding, and growth—both personally and professionally. Let’s connect and explore how we can inspire change together!

Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :

www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

John@lawenforcementlifecoach.com

And if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel :
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

This week I had the pleasure of siting down with James Billig, retired LEO and threat mitigation expert. James is also the founder of Blueline SCG with a focus on keeping our communities safe from the active shooter threat. The conversation James and I had revolved around real, sustainable solutions to the problems faced not only;y in our schools but our houses of worship. Sit back and give this episode a listen and when you're done put the folks that are responsible for the safety of your kids and places of worship in touch with James. Im sure he can add value to the programs you already have in place.

jamesbilligsjc@gmail.com

(Cell) 772-631-3653

More Information about James:

Very pleased to share that I have taken on the role as Chief Compliance Officer and Law Enforcement Liaison for United Against Child Trafficking (U-ACT.org). Although my efforts will continue to mitigate active shooter tragedies as CEO of BLUELINE Life Safety, my heart is committed to applying my expertise to prevent the rapidly growing child sex trafficking, abuse and exploitation threat to our innocent youth, and bring the deviants who seek to destroy their lives to Justice.

Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :

www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

John@lawenforcementlifecoach.com

And if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel :
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with the founder and director of Throttle & Thrive, A first responder and veteran, male only, recovery center located in the beautiful neighborhood of Palos Verdes Estates out in Cali.

Shavonne and I discussed her calling to establish this program and just as important the mission of saving lives within a community she and her staff care deeply about. Something she said to me really hit home. "We aren't just saving men from themselves, we are giving families back their fathers and husbands.

If you or someone you know is struggling to get back to the man you once were, share this episode, give us a call and let's get it done!

https://throttleandthrive.com/

tel:805.701.1309

More info on Shavonne and Throttle & Thrive

Throttle & Thrive is a men’s only, 6-bed detox and residential (inpatient) substance misuse treatment program exclusively for First Responders and Veterans. We are a 12-step program and place emphasis on processing trauma through a variety of different modalities including EMDR. Throttle & Thrive is licensed by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) as a dual-diagnosis facility for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health. We are accredited by the Joint Commission and accept most medical insurance policies.

Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :

www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

John@lawenforcementlifecoach.com

And if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel :
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

Season 5, Are you kidding me!!!! I had the absolute privilege to sit down with Veronica Sterling. Veronica is a beautiful soul that has this amazing ability to walk with folks through what some would say are dark times, the end of life. After this discussion you'll realize the beauty in what she does and the power behind her message of purpose, resiliency and alignment. A conversation we all should be having. Sit back and give this episode a listen and be better prepared for doing so.

vsterling@hillandale.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicasterlingspeaks/overlay/contact-info/

http://www.veronicasterling.com/

More information about Veronica

Veronica Sterling is a keynote speaker known for helping audiences navigate change with clarity, capacity, and courage. Her message is shaped by more than twenty years of executive leadership, including her role as CEO of Hospice of Southwest Ohio. Her work informs her approach to purpose, resilience, and alignment. Veronica created The Commitment Compass to give people and teams a grounded, practical method for shaping meaningful goals and staying steady through seasons of transition. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, she is available for speaking engagements nationwide.

Outside of work, Veronica loves going on adventures. She and her husband have visited 40 national parks, traveling together in their 1984 DIY renovated Airstream motorhome. Stay in touch to follow the spring 2026 cross country national park blitz - It's their biggest road trip yet.

Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :

www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

John@lawenforcementlifecoach.com

And if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel :
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

This week I had the pleasure of having back on the podcast, Autumn Schmidt. So many adjectives I could use to describe her, I'll try to limit it to one, empowering! Autumn has taken her career in law enforcement, passion for martial arts, and her amazing coaching abilities to form, She's An Asset. A women's empowering movement that provides the women of all ages with the skills and mindset necessary to make themselves a "Hard Target". Autumn delivers from a place of first hand experience. Sit back and give our conversation a listen, share it with the women in your life that you want to keep healthy, happy and remaining "Hard Targets".

http://www.autumnclifford.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumnclifford/overlay/contact-info/

More about Autumn:

Most people teach confidence from the neck up.
I teach it from the ground up — body, voice, presence, and mindset.

I’m Autumn Schmidt — a former police officer turned trauma-informed empowerment trainer, personal safety coach, and speaker. I help women and high-stakes teams build confidence, calm, and leadership that actually shows up in the real world.

I founded She’s An Asset to teach women how to stop playing small, trust themselves, and move through life like they matter. Our trainings help women access personal leadership, situational awareness, and real tools to navigate stress, boundaries, and safety — without losing their softness, spirit, or truth.

I also lead You’re An Asset — corporate leadership trainings designed for teams, educators, client-facing industries, and anyone who works under pressure. This isn’t a lecture or a slideshow. It’s training that activates your people’s voice, body language, nervous system, and clarity — so they can lead effectively and feel grounded at work.

Private coaching with me is also open to a small number of women who are ready to stop second-guessing and start showing up with powerful clarity — in boardrooms, relationships, and everything in between.

Let’s talk if you’re ready to work together — or if your organization wants to train women and teams to show up differently.

www.shesanasset.com
autumn@autumnclifford.com
Based in Maine | Available Nationwide

Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :

www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

John@lawenforcementlifecoach.com

And if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel :
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

I have had some impactful guests on the show, Chris Littrell is not only one of them, he's a friend. This episode will move, remind, and encourage you to embrace the hope, love, and life that is always present, even in the darkest and most violent of storms. We discuss his book, Echoes from the Street... , but the real take aways came from our conversations that we never want to have but need to. Connect with Chris, give his podcast a listen "Gravity Podcast", and pick up a copy of his book on Amazon.

https://christopherlittrell.com/1

Echoes from the Street: A Police Officer’s Journey through Trauma, Recovery, and Redemption

Every call leaves a mark. Some fade. Others echo for a lifetime.

When Christopher Littrell pinned on his badge, he believed his mission was clear: protect the innocent, stop the dangerous, and serve his community with courage. But what he could not anticipate was how the streets would shape him, scar him, and eventually force him to confront the cost of wearing the uniform.

Over years of service, Christopher investigated crimes that tore families apart, witnessed tragedies that no one should ever have to see, and walked into danger when others ran away. The weight of those experiences didn’t stay at work—they followed him home, echoing into his marriage, his role as a father, and his own identity.

Echoes from the Street is more than a police memoir. It is a deeply personal journey into the unseen battles first responders fight long after the sirens fade. Christopher shares stories of:

• 
  Harrowing calls that forever changed how he saw life, death, and humanity.
• 
  The toll trauma takes on families living in the shadow of the badge.
• 
  The turning point where he chose to seek help, embrace vulnerability, and pursue healing.

Raw and unflinching, this book shines a light on the hidden struggles behind the badge. But it also offers something more—hope. Through faith, endurance, and the courage to face his past, Christopher found a way to rebuild his life, rediscover his voice, and reclaim joy.

For first responders carrying invisible scars, families who have stood beside them, and anyone searching for proof that redemption is possible, Echoes from the Street is both a testimony and a guide. It reminds us that even the deepest wounds can become part of a story not of defeat, but of resilience.

https://christopherlittrell.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gravitychris/

Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :

www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

John@lawenforcementlifecoach.com

And if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel :
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

This week I had the great pleasure to sit down with a friend, caring human being, and a yoga instructor, Vance Row. vance and I discussed his journey and transformation and the role that yoga has played in his life. Could the practice of yoga be the thing that adds immeasurable value to your life? Could this practice be the thing that becomes your "game changer"? Give this episode a listen and find out!

https://www.yoga-rescue.com

http://www.youtube.com/@yogarescuewithVance

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vance-row-0474bb50/

More about Vance

Vance Row is a retired Public Safety Professional from Ocean City, MD. During his public safety career, Vance was both a Police Officer (22 yrs) as well as a Police/ Fire Dispatcher (3 yrs).

As a result of this experience, Vance became a Yoga Teacher to share the benefits with others like him. Since that time, Vance is a Registered Yoga Teacher thru Yoga Alliance with more than 500 hours of Teacher Training. Included in that training are such organizations as Warriors at Ease, Veterans Yoga Project, and the iRest Institute.

Since his retirement, Vance works as an independent contractor for O2X, Boulder Crest Foundation, and various other Mental Health and Wellness Organizations.

At the current time, Vance is working on obtaining his certification in Peer Recovery thru the State of Maryland.

Vance regularly gives presentations where he addresses some of the factors that affected him in his Law Enforcement Career. In this presentation, “Calming stormy seas, how yoga quieted my storm within” …Vance describes how police culture and stress led to potentially catastrophic results. Vance now speaks on topics related to suicide prevention, alcohol abuse, and overall wellness for those in all First Responder Communities. Ultimately, his story shows the power of yoga in resilience and why Vance wants to use yoga to combat First Responder/ Military Suicide. In November 2021, Vance founded “Yoga Rescue” as a way to do so…

Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :

www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

John@lawenforcementlifecoach.com

And if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel :
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with retired Leo, author, and Boulder Crest Struggle Well guide, JP McMichael. JP and I discuss his passion for helping those that have experienced trauma find a way forward. We discussed his line of children books as well as his role as a Struggle Well Guide for the Boulder Crest Foundation. Sit back and give this episode a listen and If you or somebody you love is struggling with trauma, contact JP and the Boulder Crest Foundation to find out more about post traumatic growth.

Jmcmichael0621@outlook.com

https://bouldercrest.org/research-resources/what-is-posttraumatic-growth-ptg/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-p-mcmichael-ma-ba-cpt-

44b62344/http://www.catalystofchangeassociates.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Why-Wont-You-Play-Responders/dp/1792922981/ref=sr_1_8?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f7Y7i2xyvpkwxpyM2bCv26wyVrqAppqh22Hj5mdLhfD-t_4QdLjJd8XPX-vF4Rn7U9HczexGarYZSRvgMmSIcKsvjRN5A6I1nKVJp8F9_u7OGQ5tBh12M9u6vYpAW_S9.C__SPT5AjpbelcxxeGpamxD7cPiIQOFTNNhR8deqhfk&dib_tag=se&qid=1762023234&refinements=p_27%3AJ.P.+McMichael&s=books&sr=1-8

Public Speaker. Experienced Incident Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Crisis Management, Criminal Intelligence, Nonprofit Organizations, Intelligence Analysis, and Microsoft Word. Strong support professional with a Master's degree focused in Counseling Psychology from Liberty University.

Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :

www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

John@lawenforcementlifecoach.com

And if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel :
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D