Beyond The Barrel Podcast

Not every wound is visible.

This episode of Beyond the Barrel features retired police sergeant and former U.S. Air Force Captain Michael Sugrue, whose career placed him on the front lines of law enforcement, military service, narcotics investigations, and critical incidents. After years of cumulative trauma led to a medical retirement, Michael transformed his experience into a mission to help others survive what many suffer in silence.

We discuss the reality of post-traumatic stress injury, the stigma surrounding mental health, organizational trauma, suicide prevention, resilience, and what it truly means to heal after a career spent protecting others. Michael also shares lessons from his bestselling book Relentless Courage, his work with Save A Warrior and the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat, and why changing the culture around first responders and veterans is more important than ever.

No scripts. No agendas. Just an honest conversation about the weight of service, the road to recovery, and finding purpose beyond the uniform.

Timestamps: 

4:17 Mental Health Stigma 

9:14 Becoming a Cop 

12:35 Undercover Narcotics 

15:04 Task Force Scandal 

21:42 Fatal Shooting 

24:21 Life Unravels 

34:12 PTSD Aftermath 

41:10 Agency Betrayal 

48:01 Recovery & Healing

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What does it take to build one of the best K-9 teams in law enforcement?

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Steven Antommarchi—veteran police K-9 handler, instructor, and founder of Next Level K9—for an unforgettable conversation about the realities of working dogs in some of the most demanding situations imaginable.

Steven shares how witnessing search-and-rescue dogs at Ground Zero after 9/11 inspired his career, what it was like deploying a bomb detection dog during the Dallas ambush, and the lessons he learned responding to some of the most traumatic events a law enforcement officer can face. Along the way, we explore the mental health challenges that come with the profession, the science behind modern detection dogs, and why trust, communication, and preparation matter far more than simply running training drills.

From building a K-9 unit from the ground up to training handlers across the country and around the world, Steven offers an honest look at what separates average teams from exceptional ones. Whether you're in law enforcement, the military, a first responder, a working dog handler, or simply fascinated by elite performance under pressure, this conversation is packed with insight, experience, and lessons that extend far beyond the leash.

If you enjoy authentic conversations about leadership, resilience, and the people behind the badge, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode of Beyond the Barrel.

Timestamps: 

00:58 Meet Steve 

11:40 9/11 Purpose 

16:45 Dallas Ambush 

32:10 Mental Health 

41:00 Building K-9 

51:35 Hemp Research 

1:04:58 Future K-9 

1:16:43 Handler Match 

1:27:49 Training Legacy 

1:33:50 Defining Justice

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What happens when the toughest battle isn’t on the street but inside your own mind?

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with retired Sgt. John Kelly, national keynote speaker, law enforcement life coach, and author of Surviving Self-Inflicted Wounds. After surviving decades in law enforcement, John reveals how addiction, alcoholism, infidelity, post-traumatic stress injury, and suicidal thoughts nearly ended his life—long after the dangers of the job should have.

With remarkable honesty, John shares the lessons that transformed his life and the mission behind his “Sometimes Heroes Need Help” program. We dive into leadership, relationships, organizational culture, financial wellness, physical and mental health, and why true strength starts with personal accountability.

This isn’t a conversation about being a perfect cop or leader. It’s about becoming a better human being, asking for help when you need it, and giving others permission to do the same.

No scripts. No agendas. Just an honest conversation about failure, forgiveness, resilience, and the courage to keep getting up when life knocks you down.

Timestamps: 

01:31 About John Kelly

11:01 Work Ethic

14:56 Boston Roots

27:44 Career Beginnings

41:24 K-9 & SWAT

49:04 Warrior Mindset

55:20 Personal Failures

1:09:20 Self Leadership

1:33:43 Policing Today

1:45:35 Future Policing

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Some careers aren’t transformed by changing what you do they’re transformed by changing where you do it.

This episode follows a narcotics K-9 handler whose career began at just 21 years old, working from detention deputy to patrol and eventually into interdiction and drug enforcement. She shares what it’s like to dedicate your career to stopping narcotics trafficking, protecting communities, and working alongside a K-9 every day.

But this conversation goes beyond police work. We dive into what happens when you’re overlooked, held back, and made to feel like you don’t belong and how one decision to leave an agency changed everything. Today, he’s thriving under leadership that believes in investing in its people, proving that the right environment can unlock your full potential.

No scripts. No agendas. Just an honest conversation about resilience, leadership, purpose, and why sometimes the biggest career risk becomes the greatest blessing.

Timestamps: 

1:01 Early Life

5:26 Police Calling

8:14 TSA Years

10:31 K9 Journey

17:14 Department Politics

34:02 Internal Affairs

45:15 Fired & Betrayed

50:41 New Beginning

54:10 Legal Battle

1:00:18 Finding Justice

If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:

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Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the world—and it’s happening far closer to home than most people realize.

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Trent the man behind Anti-Predator Project, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works on the front lines of combating human trafficking, locating missing and abducted children, protecting victims and witnesses, and supporting criminal investigations targeting those who prey on the vulnerable.

We discuss the realities of trafficking in America, how predators operate, the investigative techniques used to identify and locate offenders, common misconceptions, and the emotional toll of pursuing justice in some of the darkest cases imaginable.

Whether you’re in law enforcement, a parent, or simply someone who wants to better understand this growing threat, this conversation offers an inside look at the people dedicated to protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

No scripts. No agendas. Just authentic conversations with those who’ve lived it.

Timestamps: 

01:12 – Anti-Predator Project

10:17 – Protecting Children

20:40 – Real Investigations

23:30 – World Cup Risks

31:59 – Labor Trafficking

38:53 – Victim Grooming

47:27 – Online Safety

58:16 – Social Media Risks

01:11:05 – Public Awareness

01:22:04 – Justice Defined

If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:

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Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the world—and it’s happening far closer to home than most people realize.

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Trent the man behind Anti-Predator Project, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works on the front lines of combating human trafficking, locating missing and abducted children, protecting victims and witnesses, and supporting criminal investigations targeting those who prey on the vulnerable.

We discuss the realities of trafficking in America, how predators operate, the investigative techniques used to identify and locate offenders, common misconceptions; and the emotional toll of pursuing justice in some of the darkest cases imaginable.

Whether you’re in law enforcement, a parent, or simply someone who wants to better understand this growing threat, this conversation offers an inside look at the people dedicated to protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

No scripts. No agendas. Just authentic conversations with those who’ve lived it.

Timestamps: 

01:12 – Anti-Predator Project

10:17 – Protecting Children

20:40 – Real Investigations

23:30 – World Cup Risks

31:59 – Labor Trafficking

38:53 – Victim Grooming

47:27 – Online Safety

58:16 – Social Media Risks

01:11:05 – Public Awareness

01:22:04 – Justice Defined

If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:

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On this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Mike Sandilla—Nashville-based alternative rock artist and U.S. Army Green Beret veteran whose music is rooted in truth, resilience, and the experiences that never fully leave you.

Influenced by the raw emotion of ‘90s grunge and alternative rock, Mike writes songs for people who’ve lived through life’s hardest moments. His music explores identity, loss, purpose, and the invisible battles many continue to fight long after the mission ends.

We talk about his journey from the Special Forces community to the stage, how military service shaped his songwriting, the healing power of music, and why authenticity resonates more than perfection.

This isn’t just a conversation about music—it’s about life after service, finding purpose, and giving a voice to the experiences that so many carry but few know how to express.

No scripts. No agendas. Just authentic conversations with people who’ve lived it.

Timestamps: 

04:30 Troubled Youth

10:07 Military Loss

13:01 Combat Reality

17:24 Healing Journey

21:18 Green Beret

32:09 Career Sacrifice

35:56 Music Therapy

45:23 Music Industry

54:25 Life After Service

If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:

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After more than 22 years with the Las Cruces Police Department, Adrian De La Garza has built a career defined by resilience, leadership, and service. Beginning his law enforcement journey in 2004, he currently serves as a Traffic Investigator, a role he has held since 2009, specializing in serious and fatal crash investigations.

Beyond the badge, Adrian is an instructor in multiple disciplines, including motorcycle operations, driving, and physical training—helping shape and mentor the next generation of officers.

But behind the titles and years of service is a moment that changed everything.

On February 4, 2021, Adrian was shot in the line of duty—an experience that not only tested his training and survival, but reshaped his purpose beyond policing.

In the aftermath, he founded the Southern New Mexico First Responders Assistance Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting first responders and their families during times of crisis, injury, and loss. What started from personal adversity has grown into a mission to give back to those who serve.

This conversation goes beyond law enforcement tactics and career milestones. Adrian opens up about the realities of the job, the weight first responders carry, and how life-changing moments can redefine purpose.

Timestamps: 

04:03  Nonprofit Mission

13:52  Fatal Pursuit

18:22  Shot & Fighting

23:16  Facing Fear

34:29  Growing Up

36:06  Father's Sacrifice

47:36  Becoming Motors

52:05  Stem Cell Recovery

59:18  Family Impact

1:08:10  PTSD & Healing

1:20:45  Advice for Officers

If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:

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Fan-favorite guest Anthony Shefferly is back on Beyond the Barrel for a conversation that every current and aspiring law enforcement officer needs to hear.

In this episode, we dive into the disconnect between the recruiting videos many agencies produce and the realities of the profession. We discuss how unrealistic expectations can leave new officers mentally unprepared for the trauma, stress, and sacrifices that often accompany the badge—and how that gap can contribute to long-term mental health struggles, including PTSD.

Anthony also shares his personal journey through law enforcement, SWAT, entrepreneurship, and significant health challenges that ultimately led him to create Heroic Industries, a platform dedicated to improving the health, performance, and longevity of first responders, military personnel, and tactical professionals.

From the truth behind modern police recruiting to the importance of mental resilience, physical health, and developing sustainable habits for a long career, this conversation tackles some of the most important topics facing first responders today. We also discuss natural approaches to wellness, overcoming adversity, and why preparing officers for the realities of the profession is just as important as preparing them tactically.

From small-college football to SWAT operations, business ownership, and personal transformation, Anthony’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t built during easy times—it’s forged through adversity.

Whether you’re a police officer, first responder, military member, or someone striving to become healthier and more resilient, this episode delivers practical insights and an honest conversation about what it takes to thrive in demanding professions.

Pour yourself a glass and join us as we go Beyond the Barrel with Anthony Shefferly

Timestamps: 

01:18 Recruiting Cops

07:39 Patrol Reality

11:49 Finding Purpose

17:14 Leadership Culture

20:16 Peptide Boom

28:23 Creatine Myths

31:36 Vaping Risks

38:03 Officer Survival

46:01 Trauma Reality

54:09 Boundaries & Control

01:08:05 Conference Announcement

If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:

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Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with men connected by service, sacrifice, and a mission bigger than themselves.

Justin Jones, Founder and President of American Hero Hunt, accompanied by Travis Linder share how a simple idea in 2016—to give back to a few deserving veterans through hunting trips—grew into a nationwide nonprofit that has now served more than 110 veterans and first responders through hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences. What started as DIY public land hunts in Ohio quickly became something much deeper than harvesting game. It became about healing, camaraderie, purpose, and giving heroes a chance to breathe again.

Joining them is Tommy Morrow, a Philadelphia Police K-9 Officer who knows firsthand the hidden weight carried by first responders. After surviving multiple critical incidents, including being shot in the line of duty, Tommy faced a difficult battle with PTSD and the emotional scars that often go unseen in law enforcement. At one of the darkest moments of his life, he found healing and brotherhood through American Hero Hunt—and now serves as President of the Pennsylvania chapter, helping other veterans and first responders rediscover hope through the outdoors.

This episode goes beyond hunting and fishing. It’s about trauma, resilience, faith, purpose, and the power of brotherhood when life gets heavy. It’s about creating spaces where heroes can drop the armor, swap stories around a fire, and realize they are not alone.

Raw. Honest. Real.

This is a conversation about healing beyond the badge, beyond the uniform… and beyond the barrel.

Timestamps: 

02:00 American Hero Hunt

10:35 Hero Selection

15:15 PTSD Battle

19:30 Ohio Journey

25:08 Ambushed

32:25 K9 Chaos

37:30 System Failure

47:15 Mental Health

57:20 PTSD Victory

1:28:45 Knowledge Is Power

If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:

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