In this episode of Beyond the Trek, host dives deep into the journey of Michael Sugrue, a retired police sergeant and mental health advocate. Michael shares his experiences in law enforcement, the impact of trauma on first responders, and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues. He discusses a critical incident that changed his life, the need for open conversations about mental health, and the role of leadership in fostering a supportive environment. Michael emphasizes the importance of community and available resources for those struggling with mental health challenges, encouraging listeners to reach out and seek help. Takeaways Michael Sugrue emphasizes the importance of open conversations about mental health. First responders often face numerous traumatic incidents throughout their careers. The stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement needs to be addressed. Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a supportive environment for mental health. Institutional betrayal can significantly impact the mental health of first responders. There are many resources available for those struggling with mental health issues. Michael's critical incident led to a turning point in his life and career. Recovery is possible, and sharing experiences can help others. The importance of planting seeds of mental health awareness in training programs. Community support is vital for first responders dealing with trauma.

In this episode of the Beyond the Trek Fireside Chat, we sit down with the voice behind Lesser Known Operators to talk about life as a Green Beret, the stories that rarely make headlines, and what it means to carry service forward beyond the uniform.

This conversation goes beyond tactics and titles. We discuss identity, leadership, discipline, and the quiet weight many Special Operations veterans carry long after the mission ends. From lessons learned in service to the responsibility of telling authentic stories, this episode shines a light on the professionals who operate without recognition—and why their experiences matter.

We also explore why Lesser Known Operators exists, the importance of preserving untold stories, and how sharing real experiences can help others navigating life after service, leadership roles, or personal adversity.

This is a raw, honest discussion about purpose, humility, and life beyond the shadows.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• What it really means to be a Green Beret
• The mission behind Lesser Known Operators
• Leadership lessons learned in Special Operations
• Identity and transition after military service
• Why telling authentic stories matters
• Life beyond the team room and the uniform
• Service, discipline, and purpose after the mission

Why This Episode Matters

Most people only see the highlight reel. This conversation focuses on the reality—the responsibility, the sacrifice, and the lifelong lessons carried by those who served quietly. Whether you’re a veteran, leader, first responder, or someone searching for purpose, this episode offers perspective that goes deeper than the surface.

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In Episode 21, we sit down with Andrew Kerr — former Marine, gym owner, and current GM of D1 Smoky Mountains — to break down what real coaching looks like. This conversation goes far beyond lifting weights. Andrew dives into leadership, accountability, mindset, and how great coaches shape people, not just athletes.

From the lessons he learned in the Marine Corps to building a culture of discipline and care inside D1 Training, Andrew shares how responsibility, humility, and purpose drive everything he does. If you’re a leader, coach, parent, or anyone who works with people, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you influence others and how you show up every day.

Topics Include:

• Coaching as leadership and service
• Why caring about your people is the foundation of high performance
• Culture building inside D1 Smoky Mountains
• Personal responsibility and the “silent sacrifices” leaders make
• Mindset, resilience, and developing disciplined teams
• The journey from Marine to gym owner to D1 GM

This episode is packed with lessons on leadership, coaching philosophy, human performance, and becoming someone others can trust and follow.

Episode 20 features Retired Captain Brad Shepherd — Director of Public Safety for Chateau Health & Wellness and host of the “No One Fights Alone” podcast. With 25 years of service in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Brad served across Tactical Teams, Bomb Squad, Special Operations, and Oklahoma Homeland Security, eventually becoming the Commander of the Agency Peer Support Unit. He has founded and led two nonprofit organizations supporting the first responder wellness community and is a national instructor in ICISF Critical Incident Stress Management.

In this episode, Brad breaks down:

• Trauma recovery and post-incident processing
• First responder mental health & wellness frameworks
• CISM, peer support, and leadership under pressure
• Why “No One Fights Alone” matters now more than ever
• PTSD, suicide prevention, and supporting those who serve
• Lessons from decades in law enforcement and public safety

This is a powerful conversation for police, fire, EMS, dispatchers, military, veterans, mental health professionals, and anyone navigating trauma, adversity, or leadership in high-stress environments.

Some stories don’t just inspire they recalibrate your mindset.

We Sat down with Roger and Dan, retired veterans and hosts of the Tracer Burnout podcast a platform built to serve those who served, and to help veterans find strength, purpose, and community beyond the uniform.

We talked sacrifice, identity, leadership, and the journey to rediscovering who you are when the mission changes…but the warrior spirit remains.

Grateful for these men, their service, and the conversations that remind us:

The mission never ends — it evolves.

In this episode of Beyond The Trek Fireside Chat, we sit down with Nick Lavery — Green Beret, author, speaker, and warrior. Nick’s story is one of resilience, grit, and purpose. After surviving catastrophic injuries in combat, he made the unprecedented decision to return to active duty, continuing to serve at the highest levels of Special Operations.

We discuss his journey from setback to strength, the mindset required to overcome adversity, and his mission to lead, mentor, and inspire others. Nick shares powerful insights on discipline, service, fatherhood, and living with intention.

Whether you’re a leader, athlete, or anyone striving to push past limitations, Nick’s perspective will challenge you to rethink what’s possible.

The Hobby Daddy: A Story of War, Fatherhood, and Finding Purpose

In this powerful episode, The Hobby Daddy opens up about his life before, during, and after the war. From the joys and struggles of fatherhood to his military service, he shares the raw and emotional story of being on the ground during the chaotic withdrawal from HKIA in Afghanistan — a moment that forever changed him.

JC Glick is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who spent over 20 years serving at the highest levels of Special Operations, with multiple combat deployments around the globe. His experience leading elite teams in some of the most challenging environments has shaped his groundbreaking approach to leadership, resilience, and performance.

After retiring from the military, JC transitioned to the private sector where he has continued to lead and inspire. He’s the author of 'A Light in the Darkness: Leadership Development for the Unknown,' and has worked with NFL teams, Fortune 500 companies, and educational institutions to help them unlock the full potential of their people.

Today, JC serves as the CEO of The COMMIT Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and their families navigate career transitions with purpose and success. His work continues to bridge the gap between high-performance leadership in the military and thriving in the civilian world.

JC brings a rare blend of battlefield-tested wisdom, deep emotional intelligence, and forward-thinking leadership principles — and today, he’s here to share some of that insight with us.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with 18 Good Guy — a U.S. Army Green Beret, social media influencer, and unapologetically authentic voice in the veteran space. He opens up about the responsibility of representing the Special Forces community online, building a platform rooted in honesty, and using humor and vulnerability to break down barriers.

This is more than just a conversation — it’s a glimpse into the life of a modern warrior forging connection and impact far beyond the uniform.

Follow 18 Good Guy on social media: 📱 Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @18goodguy

#BeyondTheTrek #FiresideChat #18GoodGuy #GreenBeret #VeteranVoices #ConversationsThatInspire

Tabitha Farmer is a Gold Star Spouse, mother, and resilient voice of remembrance and strength. Her husband, CW2 Jonathan Farmer, a beloved Green Beret, was killed in action in Syria in 2019. Since his passing, Tabitha has shared her journey through grief, healing, and honoring Jon’s legacy—offering a powerful perspective on love, loss, and what it means to carry forward after unimaginable sacrifice. In this episode, she opens up about the day she received the news, the moments that changed her life, and the enduring strength it takes to live with purpose beyond the pain.