Heroic Nation Podcast
The ONLY podcast addressing Physical Health and Mental Health for First Responders. Host: Anthony Shefferly -Full time Police/SWAT (16+ years) -Master's in Science: Psychology -Tactical Strength & Conditioning Owner Heroic Fitness/CrossFit Tactical Strength College Football/CrossFit Regionals/BJJ/Kettlebells
Episodes
July 5, 2025 • 53 mins
This week, I’m joined by Eric—a Pennsylvania State Trooper—and Kate, co-founders of Seminar Stack, an all-day jiu-jitsu and wellness event created to empower first responders.
In This Episode:
Eric shares the gripping story of his catastrophic on-duty crash and the long road of surgeries, traumatic brain injury, and daily challenges.
How jiu-jitsu became a path to healing, purpose, and community.
The vision behind...
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June 30, 2025 • 67 mins
In this powerful conversation, Anthony sits down with Ethan Buck—founder of Iron Will PT—to explore his wild journey from the underground punk rock scene to becoming a respected coach for men’s health and transformation. Ethan shares how he went from addiction, homelessness, and 320 pounds to rebuilding his life through discipline, Muay Thai, and a mission to help men reclaim their strength and purpose.
They discuss:
✅ Why so many...
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June 12, 2025 • 93 mins
In this powerful episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, host Anthony Shefferly sits down with Nick Tuttle—a husband, father of five, former SWAT operator, and the founder of The Mic Loop, a company built to help law enforcement officers stay safe and make it home.
🎧 Episode Highlights:
Nick’s transition from patrol sergeant and SWAT to entrepreneur
The origin story of The Mic Loop and how it grew from a simple tool into...
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June 1, 2025 • 7 mins
In this episode, we break down one of the most damaging lies high-performing men believe: that they have to figure everything out alone. Yes, there are things you must do on your own—nobody’s going to work out for you or make your meals—but that doesn’t mean you’re supposed to suffer in isolation.
We talk through:
The toxic myth of "lone wolf" self-improvement
How ego keeps you stuck and scared of feedback
Why whi...
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April 30, 2025 • 134 mins
In this powerful episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, host Anthony Shefferly sits down with Rob Wilson, performance breath coach and founder of Check Engine Light (@thecheckenginelight), to confront the hidden costs of service, stress, and survival mode.
They dive deep into the long-term effects of the COVID era on first responders, why so many tactical professionals are operating with redlining nervous systems, and how simple to...
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April 11, 2025 • 66 mins
In this episode, I sit down with fascia and mobility expert Jill Miller, founder of Tune Up Fitness and the creator of Yoga Tune Up®, The Roll Model®, and the Body by Breath method. Jill is a pioneer in the fitness and rehab world—blending yoga, breathwork, self-massage, and cutting-edge fascia research into tools you can use to move and feel better.
We dive deep into:
The power of fascia and how it influences pain, posture, and p...
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March 12, 2025 • 78 mins
In this episode, I sit down with Nate Lewis, CEO of The Innocent, and his team to expose the hard truth about child exploitation and how law enforcement is taking the fight to the front lines. Every second counts. 💔
🚨 The truth you NEED to know:
1 in 5 children are targeted online by predators.
360,000 children will suffer abuse in the U.S. this year.
The Innocent is training officers nationwide to hunt down predators...
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March 3, 2025 • 67 mins
Dive into a compelling conversation between two former officers in the latest episode of the Heroic Nation podcast, where we explore the profound impact of life in law enforcement and the transition to civilian life. Join me and my guest, Tony Smith, as he shares his personal journey of recovery and the challenges faced in law enforcement, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We discuss the often-overlooked mental health ch...
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January 9, 2025 • 73 mins
This episode explores the complex relationship between heroes and anti-heroes, particularly within the context of law enforcement. We delve into issues like PTSD, leadership challenges, and the importance of building supportive communities through podcasting.
• Discussing the mission and vision of Counterculture Inc.
• Exploring the origins of the Anti-Hero Podcast
• Understanding the importance of the anti-hero narrative
• Na...
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December 13, 2024 • 72 mins
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Unlock the secrets of athletic longevity with Josh Setledge, a powerhouse in strength and conditioning dedicated to grappling athletes. Josh's journey from childhood karate enthusiast to wrestling aficionado, sparked by a love for Bruce Lee, unfolds as a testament to the power of martial arts in shaping resilience and discipline. Through his work with influential figures like Mark Bell, Josh shares his mission to enh...
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November 10, 2024 • 101 mins
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World-renowned movement expert Rafe Kelly joins us to unpack the profound philosophy behind Evolve Move Play, a concept that seeks to rekindle our connection to the environment through parkour and holistic movement. Learn how Rafe's appearance on Jordan Peterson's podcast highlighted the transformative power of rough and tumble play for physical and mental development, from parenting to law enforcement training. With...
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October 10, 2024 • 120 mins
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Join the compelling political conversation with Martin Carbaugh, Indiana's 81st District State Representative, as he navigates the intricate corridors of education, health, and insurance policies. Get a glimpse into Indiana's constitutional carry legislation and Martin's balancing act between his political career and personal life as a family man and business owner. Learn about the evolving landscapes of major corpor...
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September 10, 2024 • 83 mins
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How can the blend of martial arts, breakdancing, and parkour revolutionize tactical shooting? Join us as we welcome Nolan Meeks, the talented video producer at Tacticon Armament, to explore this fascinating intersection. Nolan takes us behind the scenes of Tacticon, highlighting their mission to create top-notch, combat-ready tactical gear that caters to both men and women. He shares his personal journey in shooting ...
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Trauma, Fitness, and Resilience: Deanna Kahle on First Responder Mental Health and Physical Training
August 14, 2024 • 86 mins
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Ever wondered how first responders cope with the intense trauma they face daily? Trauma-focused licensed clinician Deanna returns to Heroic Nation to share her deep expertise and practical advice on handling critical incidents and officer-involved shootings. We also touch on her rich background in fitness and gym ownership, providing a well-rounded perspective on both mental and physical resilience. Plus, we venture ...
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July 26, 2024 • 36 mins
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What if changing your life was as simple as changing your environment? On this episode of the Rowing Industry Podcast, we promise to unlock the secrets of habit formation through psychological insights. We kick off with an enthusiastic discussion emphasizing the role of psychology in fitness and health. Drawing from James Clear's "Atomic Habits," we delve into the power of tiny, consistent changes. Discover how makin...
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July 11, 2024 • 91 mins
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Want to know the real challenges of transitioning out of a police career? Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation with Mike the Cop, a former police officer turned social media personality. We tackle the intricacies of moving from law enforcement to new professional horizons, exploring the financial adjustments and personal development that come with such a significant shift. Mike shares his insights on ...
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June 28, 2024 • 123 mins
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Could the mental strategies of a champion grappler and former serviceman transform your approach to life's toughest battles? Get ready for a power-packed episode featuring Anton Telementes, a college national wrestling champ and military veteran, who shares his journey from high school sports to the rigors of military training. This conversation isn't just about physical prowess; it's about the mental grit and resili...
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June 14, 2024 • 80 mins
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Ready to unlock the secrets of effective self-defense and martial arts? Aaron Giannetti, a renowned expert in knife defense, jiu-jitsu, and Olympic weightlifting, joins us to share his incredible journey and vast expertise. From the early days of our friendship in the CrossFit community to the impactful seminars he's conducted at my gym, we reminisce about our experiences and explore the complex nature of violence as...
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June 11, 2024 • 37 mins
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Ever wondered how a simple breathing technique can revolutionize your stress management? Tune into the Heroic Nation podcast as we unpack the transformative power of box breathing, also known as combat breathing. You'll learn how this powerful practice can effectively engage your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, allowing you to manage stress and enhance your performance, especially in high-stress prof...
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June 5, 2024 • 37 mins
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