Shielded Voices

In the final part of this powerful three-part series, Leanne shares the raw and emotional breaking point that forced everything into the light. What began as a slow unraveling reaches its peak as she confronts the internal betrayal, the silence from leadership, and the lasting impact it had on her family.

This episode dives deep into the emotional toll of toxic leadership and the culture of fear that isolates both officers and their...

In this raw and powerful conversation, Leanne opens up about the realities she faced throughout her law enforcement career — from the lasting weight of traumatic calls to the invisible battles within her own department. She discusses the systemic challenges female officers often confront, the emotional toll of internal affairs investigations, and how workplace culture can undermine even the most well-intentioned efforts toward prog...

In this midweek update, Mitch and Brian unpack the highs, lows, and heatwaves of the week—literally and figuratively. Brian shares about the chaos of working HVAC in 90+ degree weather, while Mitch talks about the emotional weight of a recent fatal motorcycle crash and how it’s reignited his interest in crash reconstruction. The two reflect on how their perspectives have shifted—especially when it comes to mental health, recovery, ...

In the first installment of this three-part series, Leanne shares her powerful journey through law enforcement — beginning with her roots in a law enforcement family and continuing through her own path from personal trainer to officer. She opens up about the challenges of early training, the pressure of tough coaching, and the internal battles around identity and resilience.

This episode also explores the emotional weight carried by...

It’s been months since our last check-in, but a lot has changed. Mitch is back on the road with a renewed mindset and five months of sobriety under his belt. Brian’s thriving in a new career outside the badge—bringing leadership lessons from the field into the world of HVAC. This update is all about growth, healing, and the quiet power of choosing to keep going.

We also give you a glimpse into what’s coming this Sunday: the start of...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Angela Graham, we pick up where we left off—crossing the border into Mexico for a psychedelic journey that would change everything.

Angela shares what happened after she took that leap into the unknown: the inner battles, the healing breakthroughs, and the raw reckoning with pain she had spent years suppressing. This episode dives deep into her experience with alternative therapies, the emotional u...

Before she co-founded The SIREN Project, Angela Graham was a firefighter, a medic, a mother—and completely falling apart. In Part One of this raw and honest two-part series, Angela opens up about the years of trauma, burnout, and breakdowns that nearly ended everything. From holding it together on the outside to crumbling behind closed doors, she shares what it looked like to lose herself in the job, in the pain, and in silence.

Thi...

In this powerful follow-up, Jimmy Ward returns to Shielded Voices for a deep dive into the personal transformation that followed his career in law enforcement. Through open discussion with Brian and Mitch, Jimmy shares how hitting emotional walls led him toward coaching, leadership development, and a shift in perspective that changed his life.

This conversation is about more than rank or recognition—it's about rediscovering who you ...

In this solo episode, Mitch opens up about the personal side of wearing the badge—what the job takes from you, how the warning signs show up, and what it really means to hit a breaking point.

This isn’t a story about heroism. It’s about honesty. About struggling silently with PTSD, depression, and alcoholism while still showing up to work. It’s about how the job changes you—and what recovery can look like when you finally stop prete...

In Part Two of their conversation, Brian and Mitch move beyond the light-hearted banter and step into a raw, vulnerable space—one that explores trauma, addiction, recovery, and the mental health battles often faced in silence, especially within the first responder community.

Mitch opens up about childhood trauma, the weight of vicarious pain passed down through family, and the internal battles he faced behind closed doors. Together,...

In this first part of a deeply personal two-part conversation, Mitch sits down with co-host Brian to begin opening up about his journey—both in life and in law enforcement. From childhood struggles to the early signs of emotional weight building behind the badge, Mitch starts to unpack the foundation of a story he’s kept private for far too long.

This episode isn’t about rock bottom—it’s about what comes before. The quiet pressure. ...

In this episode of Shielded Voices, former Senior Trooper Jimmy Ward shares his journey through law enforcement—from rookie moments and narcotics work to the realities of addiction, drug enforcement, and personal growth. Jimmy and the hosts dive into the mental toll of the job, the importance of vulnerability, and the power of leadership through compassion. This conversation is raw, real, and full of insight for anyone navigating t...

In this midweek update of Shielded Voices, Brian shares the story of Gabe Monteiro, a fellow first responder courageously battling a brain tumor. Gabe’s determination reminds us of the strength it takes to keep moving forward. We also discuss the mix of excitement and anxiety when returning to work, how leadership impacts well-being, and the importance of open conversations about mental health. We’ve had the privilege of interviewi...

After 16 years of dedicated service, Brian makes the difficult decision to resign from law enforcement. In this emotional episode of Shielded Voices, he shares his journey, the weight of this transition, and the challenges officers face when stepping away from the badge.

Brian reflects on the emotional toll of leaving a career that became part of his identity, the complexities of dealing with law enforcement administration, and the ...

In this midweek update, we highlight the power of storytelling, the importance of humor in law enforcement, and the incredible support that makes all the difference. Returning to work after recovery is a huge milestone, and we take a moment to recognize the unwavering support from our agency—proof that when leadership and peers rally around you, it can make the road to recovery that much smoother. We also discuss why open conversat...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jess Flores, we dive deep into the power of physical health and personal transformation. Jess shares his journey of rebuilding both mind and body after leaving law enforcement, offering insights on the challenges and victories that come with transitioning into life beyond the badge.

The biggest focus of this episode? The Next Shift Podcast—Jess’ mission to help current and former officers rediscove...

In this episode of Shielded Voices, we sit down with Jess Flores, a former law enforcement officer and the host of The Next Shift Podcast. Jess is dedicated to helping current and former officers navigate life after law enforcement, sharing powerful stories of transition, personal growth, and rediscovering purpose beyond the badge.

In Part 1 of our conversation, Jess opens up about her journey in law enforcement, the challenges of s...