This week I had the great pleasure of sitting down with retired LEO and Air Force Veteran, Doug White. Doug recently authored, "Hiding In Plain Sight- The Truth About Trauma, Service, and the Way Forward" . We discussed his career and life, the failures, and more importantly the lessons learned. Doug is paying it forward in a meaningful, impactful way. Sit back and give this episode a listen and come away a better version of you for doing so.

More About Doug:
My journey spans over 30 years of service as a veteran and law enforcement officer—a journey filled with both triumphs and profound challenges. Like so many in these fields, I encountered the heavy toll that trauma can exact on the mind, body, and spirit. My breaking point came one night, alone on a midnight shift, behind a school with my hand on my pistol, considering an irreversible option.

But I was saved by grace, by the unwavering love and strength of my wife, and by her faith in God. That moment didn’t just pull me back—it set me on a new path. A path not focused on trauma, but on growth, resilience, and transformation.

Today, I’m the founder of Tell This Story LLC, an organization dedicated to empowering veterans, first responders, and their families. My mission is to help others grow beyond the struggles we often face in silence. It's not about living in the shadow of our trauma or retelling the same story over and over—it’s about the hard work of becoming better, transitioning into a healthy and fulfilling life after service, and embracing the strength that comes from being honest and vulnerable.

I wrote 'Hiding in Plain Sight: The Truth About Trauma, Service, and the Way Forward' as a cautionary tale, sharing my personal and professional journey, but more importantly, as a message of hope. I believe in the power of owning our stories—not as victims, but as victors. Through authentic storytelling, I aim to offer a safe space for others to share their experiences, ask for help, and find healing and growth....


SHOW SPONSOR -ON TARGET CLAIMS
This episode is being brought to you by "On Target Claims" - From Setback to Settlement

On Target Claims is a team of certified and experienced Public Adjusters in Florida who have helped thousands of insured get the maximum amount for their residential, commercial, wind, water, fire, hurricane, mold, yacht and marine claims.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly investigate all potential damages including all of the hidden damages that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Since insurance companies are notorious for conducting haphazard damage investigations using preferred contractors to determine your loss our claims adjusters will create an accurate inventory of every item that was damaged so that we can prepare a detailed computer generated estimate to substantiate the true value of your loss and get you the settlement you deserve.

https://www.ontargetclaims.com
561-208-1775
954-329-0399

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

Every now and then, if you're blessed and fortunate enough you get to meet a man like Robert Darling. Retired Col USMC, flew cobra attack gunships in Desert Shield, Storm and Somalia, Marine Helicopter Squadron One ( HMX-1), Air Lift Operations Officer for the White House... Excellence in all that he does and a commitment to providing the skills necessary for us not only to survive but to thrive in time of crisis. Sit back and give this episode. listed as we discuss flying Cobras in the desert, to Somalia , to the White House and then the morning of 9-11 and the role he played during our nations worst terrorist attack. A true patriot who has taken all theses amazing life experiences and is now speaking and training corporate and organization leaders on crisis leadership, corporate readiness, and business continuity planning, training, and crisis communications. Thank You Bob for taking the time!!!!!

Experienced corporate executive with a demonstrated history of working with government and C-Suite executives on crisis leadership, corporate readiness, and business continuity planning, training, and crisis communications. Public speaker on the events of 9/11 from inside the White House bunker and seminar on "Leading in Times of Uncertainty." Author of 24 Hours Inside President's Bunker; 9/11/01: The White House. Developed Flash-AI to generate fast, compliant, relevant and actionable business continuity plans. Developed FLASH-RTC so workforces can communicate and collaborate on their continuity plans in a secure VOIP environment, outside the purview of cyber intrusions. This "out of band" communication and collaboration tool allows business leaders take the necessary steps to protect their people and successfully lead their organizations through the critical event.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-j-darling-26a6674/

https://www.amazon.com/24-Hours-Inside-Presidents-Bunker/dp/1450244238

SHOW SPONSOR -ON TARGET CLAIMS
This episode is being brought to you by "On Target Claims" - From Setback to Settlement

On Target Claims is a team of certified and experienced Public Adjusters in Florida who have helped thousands of insured get the maximum amount for their residential, commercial, wind, water, fire, hurricane, mold, yacht and marine claims.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly investigate all potential damages including all of the hidden damages that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Since insurance companies are notorious for conducting haphazard damage investigations using preferred contractors to determine your loss our claims adjusters will create an accurate inventory of every item that was damaged so that we can prepare a detailed computer generated estimate to substantiate the true value of your loss and get you the settlement you deserve.

https://www.ontargetclaims.com
561-208-1775
954-329-0399

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 had the honor and privilege of sitting down with Lt. Col Dave Grossman this week. Blessed to be able to have a conversation with a man who has made it his life mission to be there for our first responder community. John 15:13, " Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". The Lt. Col. said something that I will never forget. he said " The greatest act of love isn't to sacrifice your life for your friends, but to live a life of sacrifice " . Thank you to all my brothers and sister across this great land that are living a life of sacrifice.

LT. COL. DAVE GROSSMAN, U.S. Army (Ret.)

In their description of Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, Slate Magazine said, “Grossman cuts such a heroic, omnicompetent figure, he could have stepped out of a video game.” He has five patents to his name, has published four novels, two children’s’ books, and six non-fiction books to include his “perennial bestseller” On Killing (with over half a million copies sold), and a New York Times best-selling book co-authored with Glenn Beck.

He is a US Army Ranger, a paratrooper, and a former West Point Psychology Professor. He has a Black Belt in Hojutsu, the martial art of the firearm, and has been inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Col. Grossman’s research was cited by the President of the United States in a national address, and he has testified before the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Congress, and numerous state legislatures. He has served as an expert witness and consultant in state and Federal courts.

Today Col. Grossman is the director of Grossman On Truth, LLC (www.GrossmanOnTruth.com). In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he has written and spoken extensively on the terrorist threat, with articles published in the Harvard Journal of Law and Civil Policy and many leading law enforcement journals, and he has been inducted as a "Life Diplomate" by the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security, and a "Life Member" of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute.

SHOW SPONSOR -ON TARGET CLAIMS
This episode is being brought to you by "On Target Claims" - From Setback to Settlement

On Target Claims is a team of certified and experienced Public Adjusters in Florida who have helped thousands of insured get the maximum amount for their residential, commercial, wind, water, fire, hurricane, mold, yacht and marine claims.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly investigate all potential damages including all of the hidden damages that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Since insurance companies are notorious for conducting haphazard damage investigations using preferred contractors to determine your loss our claims adjusters will create an accurate inventory of every item that was damaged so that we can prepare a detailed computer generated estimate to substantiate the true value of your loss and get you the settlement you deserve.

https://www.ontargetclaims.com
561-208-1775
954-329-0399

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 privilege to sit down with Matt Thomas, undersheriff of Pinal Count in Arizona and author of Interceptors: The Untold Fight Against the Mexican Cartels. Matt and I discuss the impact the Cartels are having in this country, some initiatives our government could take but aren't to combat them and a host of other related issues concerning leadership and how we as a people become better. Sit back and give this episode a listen, Matt is someone really dialed into the issues at our border and has a wealth of knowledge on not only the problem, but more importantly , the solution.


A veteran Deputy Sheriff with over 30 years on the job, currently serving as the Chief Deputy, Executive Officer to the Sheriff. I have worked in the following assignments: Detention, Patrol, Traffic, Training, Academy, Narcotics, Anti-Smuggling, Motors and SWAT. As a Sergeant (2001 to 2010) I supervised in Patrol, Training, Academy, Narcotics, Motors and as a Team Leader on SWAT. As a Lieutenant (2010 to current) I was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Bureau through April 2014 and was in command of our regional SWAT team, Narcotics, Anti-Smuggling, Persons Crimes, and Property Crimes.

http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Sheriff/AboutPCSO/Pages/Chief.aspx

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewthomas500?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Br%2FrMCKDtRIOKEoMyrketNA%3D%3D

https://www.amazon.com/Interceptors-Untold-Against-Mexican-Cartels/dp/0578374269/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35MMOR1NIT57F&keywords=interceptors+the+untold+fight+against+the+mexican+cartels&qid=1689888358&sprefix=interceptors+the+unto%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1

SHOW SPONSOR -ON TARGET CLAIMS
This episode is being brought to you by "On Target Claims" - From Setback to Settlement

On Target Claims is a team of certified and experienced Public Adjusters in Florida who have helped thousands of insured get the maximum amount for their residential, commercial, wind, water, fire, hurricane, mold, yacht and marine claims.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly investigate all potential damages including all of the hidden damages that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Since insurance companies are notorious for conducting haphazard damage investigations using preferred contractors to determine your loss our claims adjusters will create an accurate inventory of every item that was damaged so that we can prepare a detailed computer generated estimate to substantiate the true value of your loss and get you the settlement you deserve.

https://www.ontargetclaims.com
561-208-1775
954-329-0399

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

A previously released episode where I had the great privilege of sitting down with Ciro Domingues, now Chief of Naples PD. Ciro is aThis week I had the honor and privilege of siting down with Ciro Dominguez, a 40 year veteran of this law enforcement profession who has had such a wide variety of assignments and leadership roles. We talked about his book, "The Peacemakers Guide to Law Enforcement Leadership" and the importance of leaders knowing and caring for their people. Ciro's book provides daily advice, tips, journaling and reflections for the first responder wanting to do something for themselves to make them better.

Dominguez started his Law Enforcement career in 1982 - retiring in May 2020; holds a Bachelor’s degree from Barry University, Masters of Science degree from Saint Leo University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Foundational Leadership Program and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy (218th Session).

Dominguez has held leadership positions in State, County as well as Municipal Law Enforcement Agencies.
All which included numerous assignments including Uniform Patrol, Patrol Administration, Street Crimes Enforcement, Professional Standards, Internal Affairs, Training, and SRT/SWAT. In regard to Criminal Investigations he has worked in the disciplines of Economic Crime, Narcotic Crime, Juvenile Crime, Organized Crime, Violent Crime, Multi-Jurisdictional Racketeering Crimes, Domestic Security, Intelligence, and Public Corruption.

https://www.amazon.com/Peacemakers-Guide-Law-Enforcement-Leadership/dp/1662840055


SHOW SPONSOR -ON TARGET CLAIMS
This episode is being brought to you by "On Target Claims" - From Setback to Settlement

On Target Claims is a team of certified and experienced Public Adjusters in Florida who have helped thousands of insured get the maximum amount for their residential, commercial, wind, water, fire, hurricane, mold, yacht and marine claims.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly investigate all potential damages including all of the hidden damages that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Since insurance companies are notorious for conducting haphazard damage investigations using preferred contractors to determine your loss our claims adjusters will create an accurate inventory of every item that was damaged so that we can prepare a detailed computer generated estimate to substantiate the true value of your loss and get you the settlement you deserve.

https://www.ontargetclaims.com
561-208-1775
954-329-0399

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 amazing guests on my podcast this past year and I'm blessed and thankful for each and every one of them. This week I was honored to sit down with Jason Schechterle, former police officer, husband, father, friend and a inspirational super hero for anyone wanting to know how you get up after being knocked down. I included our conversation from start to finish, so much insight and relatability. I know you will love this conversation as much as I did, sit back and give it a listen as I discuss life with Jason, Until next week, stay safe and healthy, John

More Information about Jason and what he's doing:

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." - Charles R. Swindoll

══ DETERMINATION ══
The full strength of the human spirit often lies in hiding until presented with something monumental. Life presented me with that something in March 2001, when a taxi going 115 miles per hour rear ended me, and my patrol car exploded, leaving me with burns on over 40% of my body. Some call me the unluckiest person alive, but I beg to differ. Sometimes the most beautiful, inspirational changes will disguise themselves as utter devastation.

My survival is a miracle. Thanks to the amazing response of the firefighters and those who rescued me within 90 seconds of the crash, and the doctors that helped me at the hospital, I survived. I became like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

My story was published in the book “Burning Shield: The Jason Schechterle Story” by Landon J. Napoleon. You can find it at https://burningshield.com/about/.

jason@burningshield.com

https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Shield-Jason-Schechterle-Story/dp/0988651947

http://burningshield.com

https://twitter.com/Schechterle_Jas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-schechterle?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B5Od5iWukTKCUszoPYlZqHQ%3D%3D

SHOW SPONSOR -ON TARGET CLAIMS
This episode is being brought to you by "On Target Claims" - From Setback to Settlement

On Target Claims is a team of certified and experienced Public Adjusters in Florida who have helped thousands of insured get the maximum amount for their residential, commercial, wind, water, fire, hurricane, mold, yacht and marine claims.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly investigate all potential damages including all of the hidden damages that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Since insurance companies are notorious for conducting haphazard damage investigations using preferred contractors to determine your loss our claims adjusters will create an accurate inventory of every item that was damaged so that we can prepare a detailed computer generated estimate to substantiate the true value of your loss and get you the settlement you deserve.

https://www.ontargetclaims.com
561-208-1775
954-329-0399

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

Two weeks ago Helene ravaged the west coast of Florida all the way up into North Carolina, and now Milton is set up to give us more of the same. We can't control what the storm does, all we can do is deal with its aftermath. If you've experienced damage to your property and aren't sure where to start, give my friends a call. They will help you take back control of a situation that has taken that from you!

A conversation that everyone needs to hear to better prepare themselves and their families and it's not what you'd think. This week I had the opportunity to sit down with two dear friends, retired LEO's, Eddie Grant & Josh Passman. The two of them with another fried Mike DiMaggio, started "On Target Claims" . A business focused on representing you the policy holder when you go up against an insurance company when filing a claim. We discussed how you prepare and ensure that you and your property are properly covered and in the event of a loss, you know how best to proceed.

We discussed the entire claims process as well as the things you need to be doing now to prepare. Take notes, or do what I did and just give them a call at 954-266-0541 for a free policy review and explanation of coverage. Oh a did I mention, the "On target Claims" is the official sponsor of this podcast. I love what they are doing, continuing to serve and take care of the community, more specifically the first responders who are out there taking care of everyone else! Until Next week, take care of yourselves and each other, God Bless, John


SHOW SPONSOR -ON TARGET CLAIMS
This episode is being brought to you by "On Target Claims" - From Setback to Settlement

On Target Claims is a team of certified and experienced Public Adjusters in Florida who have helped thousands of insured get the maximum amount for their residential, commercial, wind, water, fire, hurricane, mold, yacht and marine claims.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly investigate all potential damages including all of the hidden damages that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Since insurance companies are notorious for conducting haphazard damage investigations using preferred contractors to determine your loss our claims adjusters will create an accurate inventory of every item that was damaged so that we can prepare a detailed computer generated estimate to substantiate the true value of your loss and get you the settlement you deserve.

https://www.ontargetclaims.com
561-208-1775
954-329-0399

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 connected with Sean and Dan through LinkedIn and was immediately impressed with their background, mission, and commitment to this first responder community. Sean O'Keefe and Dan Barzykowski are the founders of HERO LINK. What is hero link? It's basically a high tech version of a "dog tag" that has all of your medical, emergency, and related information made available to emergency responders with just a tap from your device. The device comes in two forms, a wearable around your wrist or a card that can be placed anywhere on your person. When seconds count, what a way to give attending medical professionals and first responders all the information they need to treat you which directly increases the odds of you making it back home to your family. I absolutely love this concept and initiative. We discussed the early days, and how this device is saving lives. Ridiculously affordable, $20-25, one time fee for the actual device. Give the gift of a second chance. Agency leaders, shift supervisors, special unit leaders, this is a way you can show your people that you care about them. Instead of buying the squad or agency another knife or pen with a little light, buy them something that will actually be used to keep them alive. Go to www.herolink.com to find out more about this life saving initiative.

www.herolink.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-o-keefe-07a966a5/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-barzykowski-b33429218/

More about Hero Link:

We are law enforcement professional who co-founded Hero Link, a life-saving durable adjustable silicone wristband for law enforcement, corrections, dispatch, EMS, fire fighters, nurses and military personnel.

We understand the dangers, risks and challenges that may present themselves each and every day, on and off duty.

The more we thought about it and the more research we did, we quickly learned that there was nothing out there to help protect us and save our lives.

Hero Link was truly born out of necessity and is finally closing the gap of putting responders and others last. #HeroesFirst

https://www.herolink.com

SHOW SPONSOR - ON TARGET CLAIMS
This episode is being brought to you by "On Target Claims" - From Setback to Settlement

On Target Claims is a team of certified and experienced Public Adjusters in Florida who have helped thousands of insured get the maximum amount for their residential, commercial, wind, water, fire, hurricane, mold, yacht and marine claims.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly investigate all potential damages including all of the hidden damages that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Since insurance companies are notorious for conducting haphazard damage investigations using preferred contractors to determine your loss our claims adjusters will create an accurate inventory of every item that was damaged so that we can prepare a detailed computer generated estimate to substantiate the true value of your loss and get you the settlement you deserve.

https://www.ontargetclaims.com
561-208-1775
954-329-0399

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