No One Fights Alone

Jennafer Kemph joins us as a career law enforcement officer of a large metropolitan Texas agency sharing her challenges and struggles along with her fight to health. Our conversation with Jennafer is an endearing talk about how she fought back to health and wellness.

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast, Brad sits down with firefighter Johnny Lawton for an honest and laid-back conversation about recovery, resilience, and rebuilding a life after facing personal struggles.

Johnny brings a lifetime of service and experience to the discussion. He served for 20 years in the Washington National Guard and spent 11 years as a firefighter in a major city fire department, working as a Driver and Aerial Operator. Outside of his public safety career, Johnny has also worked as a civilian auto mechanic and residential electrician, while raising four children and...

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast, Brad sits down with Erin Nugent for a fascinating and heartfelt conversation about first responder wellness, mental health advocacy, and finding purpose after a career in public safety.

Originally from Australia, Erin began her career in law enforcement as an investigator before transitioning into a new chapter focused on supporting the mental health of first responders. Now living in the northeastern United States and married to a firefighter, Erin brings a unique perspective that spans multiple cultures within the first responder community — both professionally and personally.

In this milestone 150th episode of the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast, Austin, Kevin, and Brad come together for a reflective and honest conversation about the journey of building a platform dedicated to first responder and veteran mental health.

What started as a mission to normalize conversations around trauma, addiction recovery, resilience, and peer support has grown into a powerful community of listeners who understand the weight carried by those in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, military service, corrections, and other high-responsibility professions.

This episode is less interview and more real conversation — a chance fo...

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast, Brad sits down with Dr. Smith for a thoughtful and practical conversation about the psychological realities of working in public safety.

Dr. Smith specializes in police and public safety psychology and has worked extensively with patrol officers, detention and corrections professionals, dispatchers, EMS personnel, full-time and volunteer fire departments, wildland firefighters, and agencies at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Her experience spans the full spectrum of first responder culture, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the operational stress and cumulative trauma that shape these...

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast, Brad sits down with therapist and national presenter Cinnamon Reiheld for an in-depth conversation about trauma, childhood experiences, and the unique mental health challenges facing first responders.

Cinnamon brings extensive clinical experience working directly with law enforcement officers, firefighters, veterans, and other public safety professionals. Throughout the episode, she shares insight into how unresolved childhood trauma, attachment patterns, and early life experiences shape the way first responders show up on the job — and at home.

Brad guides a thoughtful discussion on how the coping st...

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast, Brad sits down with retired law enforcement officer Brannon Hicks for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about suicide prevention, peer support, and building community for first responders and veterans.

After a career in law enforcement, Brannon now serves with Here Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders, veterans, and individuals who may be contemplating suicide. His commitment to the mission is not theoretical — it is personal. Brannon shares how suicide has impacted his life directly and how that heartache became fuel for advocacy, aw...

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast, Brad and Maren take a deeper look at an often overlooked part of first responder and veteran life — the family at home.

While public safety professionals are trained to run toward danger and provide physical protection, the emotional impact of that responsibility doesn’t stay on shift. Brad and Maren explore how trauma exposure, hypervigilance, and operational stress influence relationships with spouses and children, often in ways families struggle to understand or talk about.

They discuss what it can feel like for children growing up i...

Brad welcomes Kevin Thacker to the NOFA Podcast microphone for his first full conversation as co-host. In this episode, Kevin shares the path that led him into the behavioral health and recovery field, the experiences that shaped his passion for helping others, and why he has chosen to dedicate his work to supporting individuals navigating trauma, mental health challenges, and addiction recovery.

The conversation explores Kevin’s background working alongside treatment programs and first responder communities, and how those experiences influence the perspective he brings to the show. Together, Brad and Kevin talk about the importance of co...

Austin and Brad officially welcome new co-host Kevin Thacker to the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast in this powerful season kickoff episode focused on first responder mental health, trauma recovery, and leadership resilience.

Kevin joins the show bringing years of experience in behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and working alongside law enforcement, firefighters, military members, and other high-stress professionals. In this episode, the team reflects on some of the most impactful moments from past conversations — stories of recovery, peer support, overcoming addiction, navigating PTSD, and rebuilding identity after trauma.

Together, Austin, Brad, and Kevin discuss th...

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone podcast, hosts Brad Shepherd and Max Morgan welcome Stacy Krantz and her son Zach Adolphi. They discuss Zach's journey into firefighting, inspired by a family legacy of service, and Stacy's passion for jewelry design, particularly in creating meaningful pieces for first responders. The conversation highlights the emotional connections behind jewelry, the significance of the Maltese cross, and the impact of their work on the community. They also touch on future aspirations to expand their mission to honor veterans and other first responders. In this conversation, Stacey Krantz and Zach Adolphi...

Summary

In this episode, Brad Shepherd interviews Chip, a retired SWAT commander, who shares his journey through law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of relationships, leadership, and personal growth. Chip discusses the challenges faced in transforming a troubled SWAT team, the impact of personal struggles on professional relationships, and the critical role of courage and care in effective leadership. He highlights the necessity of investing in people and fostering a culture of compassion within law enforcement to build trust and improve community relations. In this conversation, Chip shares his transformative journey through personal feedback, fatherhood, and the importance...

In this episode, James Montgomery shares his journey from a challenging childhood in an abusive home to a successful military career and his transition into mental health counseling. He discusses the importance of addressing mental health stigma, the holistic approach of his counseling service, and the lessons learned from leadership in the military. James opens up about personal struggles, including the impact of deployment and loss, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of human connection and resilience. He emphasizes the need for community support and healing within families, particularly for first responders and veterans. In this conversation, James...

In this episode, Brad Shepherd, Ben Pearson, and Austin discuss the growth and expansion of Chateau, a residential treatment facility for first responders. They delve into the logistics of the new facility, the importance of maintaining a supportive environment, and the critical role of quality staff in providing effective treatment. The conversation also highlights the significance of cultural competency in staff training and how the team plans to maintain the integrity of their program during this growth phase. Overall, the episode emphasizes the commitment to serving the community and the positive impact of the Chateau team on the lives...

Matt Garcia, a retired Connecticut State Police Lieutenant and now Deputy Director of Officer Safety and Wellness at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, joins Brad and Max for an unfiltered conversation about the real struggles behind the badge.

Matt opens up about the early traumas that shaped his career, how unchecked burnout nearly cost him everything, and why building strong peer support systems is no longer optional. From high-speed mistakes on midnight shifts to teaching the next generation of officers how to stay alive, Matt’s story is a reminder that resilience is not automatic; it...

In this deeply moving episode of the No One Fights Alone Podcast, Brad and Ben sit down with Jodie Baulkham, author of 'Choosing My Tomorrow: Surviving Murder, Navigating Mental Health, and Harnessing the Power of Choice', to explore her extraordinary story of loss, healing, and growth. Jodie opens up about the devastating loss of her husband, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer Chris, the profound journey through grief and trauma, and her powerful transformation into a life coach, speaker, and advocate for mental health and resilience.

Together, they cover:

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone Podcast, Brad and Max share powerful reflections as Police Week and Firefighter Memorial Week approach. They explore the deep meaning behind honoring fallen heroes, the importance of supporting those who are still serving, and how setting boundaries is a crucial part of maintaining mental health.

The conversation also touches on personal growth through intentional living, lessons from fasting for resilience, and updates on exciting developments at Chateau Health and Wellness. Through humor, humility, and real-world experience, Brad and Max remind us that healing and strength come from facing...

In this episode of No One Fights Alone, Ben and Brad dive into what it means to really show up for others and ourselves. Through stories of ride-alongs with law enforcement (not as a criminal, we promise!) and firefighters across the country, Ben, as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), reflects on what he’s learned sitting shotgun in squad cars.

From awkward intros and suspicion to unexpected connection and trust, this conversation reveals how shared space, when approached with curiosity, can spark understanding, empathy, and even healing. The guys explore why every civilian should experience a ri...

In this deeply resonant episode of the No One Fights Alone Podcast, Brad, Max, and Josh sit down with recently retired Fire Captain Josh Grandinetti—founder of Foundation Fortified—to explore how mindfulness can become a lifeline for first responders.

From the invisible toll of trauma and the “responder feedback loop,” to learning how to slow down false mental dispatches, Josh unpacks the science and soul behind building a mindfulness practice. He candidly shares his own journey from anxiety and emotional overload to compassion, clarity, and healing.

This conversation dismantles the stigma that mindfulness is “hippie stu...

In this powerful episode of No One Fights Alone, Co-Hosts Brad Shepherd & Max Morgan sit down with retired Detective Heidi Chance, who shares the raw, real, and often heartbreaking realities of human trafficking. With over two decades in law enforcement, Heidi opens up about working undercover, the evolution of vice investigations, and how law enforcement adapts to protect victims, especially children. She also shares the story behind her book Talk to Them, empowering parents to have critical conversations with their kids about online safety and trafficking. This is an episode you won't forget.

Hedia Chance

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In this heartfelt and deeply honest episode of No One Fights Alone, co-hosts Brad and Ben welcome back therapist, recreational specialist, and longtime friend of the Chateau community, Stacey Stocking.

With wisdom, warmth, and a touch of humor, Stacey shares how outdoor adventures, pickleball injuries, and personal transformation intersect in the journey of mental wellness.

This episode tackles perfectionism, the importance of self-awareness, radical honesty, and building meaningful relationships, as well as the emotional challenges first responders and beyond face.

It also explores what it takes to truly reconnect with yourself and others...

In this heartfelt and deeply human episode of No One Fights Alone, Ben and Brad reflect on recent experiences with aging parents, fatherhood, and what it means to have hard conversations before it’s too late.

Through personal stories, laughter, and raw honesty, they explore generational values, emotional expression, and how to break long-standing rules of silence.

Whether you're a parent, a child, or somewhere in between, this episode reminds us how powerful vulnerability can be.

On this episode of the No One Fights Alone podcast, Host Brad Shepherd and Co-Host Ben Pearson sit down with Victoria M. Newman, a best-selling author, law enforcement advocate, and Founder of How2LoveOurCops. With a deep passion for supporting law enforcement families, Victoria shares her powerful insights on resilience, relationships, and the unseen challenges faced by those who stand behind the badge. Don’t miss this impactful conversation!

Victoria M. Newman

Author | Law Enforcement Advocate | Founder of How2LoveOurCops

Victoria M. Newman (Vicki) is an accomplished author and th...

Host Brad Shepherd and Co-Host Max Morgan are joined by Vance Row on this No One Fights Alone podcast episode. Together, they dive into Vance’s journey from law enforcement to yoga instruction, exploring how his personal struggles with mental health, trauma, and recovery led him to a new mission: helping first responders find healing and resilience through yoga.

Vance Row

Former Police Officer | Yoga Instructor | First Responder Wellness Advocate

After spending more than 20 years in law enforcement with the Ocean City and Salisbury Police Departments in Maryland, Vance Row faced overwhelming mental he...

On this episode of the No One Fights Alone podcast, Host Brad Shepherd and Co-Host Max Morgan sit down with Adam Davis to discuss his powerful journey, the mental and spiritual resilience of first responders, and how his work is changing lives across the country.

Author | Speaker | First Responder Advocate

Adam Davis is a former law enforcement officer who understands firsthand the daily struggles faced by first responders. Since 2015, he has dedicated his life to empowering and encouraging first responders through his books, training programs, and motivational presentations that sharpen the mind and spirit.

Pat McMonigle spent 19 years in the FBI, serving as an analyst, Special Agent, and Field Supervisor. He investigated national security crimes, led hostage negotiations, and worked on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, earning 24 commendations, including the Combat Theater Award for his 2017 deployment to Afghanistan.

Despite his success, Pat witnessed the toll of the job, losing at least nine colleagues to suicide. In 2022, after a devastating case, he was diagnosed with PTSD.

Seeing the FBI’s failure to support struggling agents, he resigned in June 2024 to protect his own well-being.

Now, as a guest on...

With over three decades of dedicated service in law enforcement communications and military operations, Deborah Green has spent her life protecting and supporting those on the front lines.

Her career began in 1986 with the California Army National Guard, where she served as a Communications Specialist and Military Police Officer until 1992. Transitioning into emergency dispatching, she worked for the Sacramento Police Department (1992-1993) before joining the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department, where she spent 27 years (1994-2021) as a critical lifeline for officers in the field.

On October 23, 2019, tragedy struck when a deputy under her watch was...

We are joined by Sergeant Siobhan McTighe, an 18-year law enforcement veteran, serving the majority of her career as a Major Crimes Detective. She is currently employed as the first female Sergeant in the history of her police department, in Windsor, Colorado. Sergeant McTighe is the mother of 2 boys, and an active wellness advocate for the first responder community. She is a content provided for The Curve, national speaker, and resilience trainer. She is passionate about creating a new standard for policing and officer wellness in the law enforcement community.

Join us as we visit with Lilly Bodway, a retired Phoenix PD officer and US Air Force veteran. As Lilly says ... former cop, former airman, former punk, rocker and motorcycle rider… Gonna stray. Now entrepreneur, up-and-coming couture designer…still off her rocker.

Join us as we visit with Chad Ballestrazze. Chad is an Active-Duty Army Officer with 18 years of service in both Conventional and Special Operations Formations. Chad entered the U.S. Army in 2007 as a Cavalry Scout and served until his selection into the Special Operations Civil Affairs branch in 2013. In 2017 he was selected for the Army’s Green to Gold Program and commissioned in 2019

He is the founder and CEO of Beyond the Trek, an organization that focuses on creating better generational Americans with lessons learned from leadership in Combat and self-development in the United States Army.

Daniel Sundahl (DanSun) is an amazing, published artist and writer with four (4) art books produced of his works. Articles of his work are featured in several international publications, and his art is recognized and exhibited worldwide. Daniel is a registered counseling therapist with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association, an advanced care paramedic and a retired career firefighter. He is the president and founder of The Recovery and Resiliency Foundation, a charitable organization that helps support people living with symptoms of trauma. https://www.dansungallery.com/shop-art

Brad is joined by Dr. Peskin, the cofounder and medical director of Sanctuary Healthcare, a concierge private practice specializing in ketamine infusions for mental health and chronic pain. He has published and lectured regarding Ketamine and the growth of its recognition and utilization. He attributes his passion for medicine to his father, who taught him the golden rule of healthcare – treat every patient as though they were your family.

Season 5 opener with introducing new season co-hosts, Max Morgan and Ben Pearson. Looking forward to having a great season for the No One Fights Alone Podcast with two fantastic individuals who have a heart and passion to bring a good message of hope to you, our listeners.

Austin & Brad have a candid conversation about the No One Fights Alone podcast as he takes a step back from the co-host role. Austin discusses why but also what his vision for the podcast is and how it has become more than what that vision was. We hope to see Austin back as a stand in host. Join us to wish him the best in his next chapter of Chateau.

Ben joins Austin & Brad to closeout Season 4 and the 2024 year with a good talk on the hurdles and hardships of the holiday season. We also discuss the gratitude we have for all the loyal listeners that took time out of their day to listen to our podcast. Thank you so much to all of you!!! Have a blessed holiday season!

Danny O’Neel was born and raised in Northern California. Signing up for the Army on 9/11 as a Forward Observer at 19, the US Army sent Though the first tour was mostly uneventful, the second trip to Sadr City was a deadly year. Nine of Danny’s brothers lost their lives that year. Sadly, 15 members of his unit have taken their own lives in the aftermath, including his company commander.

Danny & his wife, Faun started Warfighter Overwatch to help those in crisis. Danny now works as a peer mentor, helping his fellow Veterans come home from the battlefield, and...

Austin celebrated another milestone in his recovery. Brad asks Austin wisdom of the challenges he has faced in his journey. Austin talks about one of his most powerful lessons in his recovery journey: honesty. Austin also opens up to a very dear family topic. Tune in to hear a great conversation!

Garrett and Summer Dutson join us to discuss the impact of a Line of Duty Loss of a partner on their marriage and family. Garrett and Summer go into detail on the grief of their loss and how deeply this impacted their marriage.

We visit with Law Enforcement and Marine Corps Veteran | National Presenter | Podcast Host | YouTube Creator to talk about his passion for helping his brothers and sisters stay healthy. Scott speaks openly about PTSD, Substance Use and other issues related to the challenge veterans and law enforcement have with their career.

Bonnie Eckman, with has over a decade of experience in mental health and addiction recovery, Bonnie specializes in developing trauma-informed, sensory-based programs for first responders. She identified sensory input as a basic survival tool underutilized for self-regulation, mindfulness, and stress relief—essential skills for first responders to maintain balance in their demanding careers.