Cultural Development Podcast

In this episode of the Cultural Development Podcast, Jerome Scurry Jr. aka Rome the Rula sits down with former Navy rescue swimmer, undercover narcotics officer, author, and speaker Matthew Griffin for a raw conversation about trauma, masculinity, mental health, and life after the badge.

Matthew opens up about the realities of law enforcement, the pressure men face to suffer in silence, his personal battles with trauma, and his journey toward healing and purpose. From undercover work and PTSD to leadership, identity, and growth, this episode dives into conversations many men avoid but desperately need.

This is more than a police conversation — it’s about culture, survival, healing, and becoming the man you were meant to be.

🎙️ Cultural Development Podcast Hosted by Jerome Scurry Jr. aka Rome the Rula

Follow LTI: 📲 IG: @leadteachinspirenetwork

Follow Rome the Rula: 📲 IG: @rometherula

Guest: Matthew Griffin 📘 Author of The Journey to Midnight 🌐 Matthew Griffin Official Website

🎙️ A Retired Black Navy Diver’s Journey

In this episode, we sit down with a retired Black Navy diver to break down his path into the United States Navy and what it really took to earn that title. From the beginning stages of his journey, he shares the challenges he faced—including the stigma surrounding Black men and swimming—and how he pushed through to succeed in one of the most demanding fields in the military.

We also dive into his transition out of the Navy and into civilian life, where he took on new roles and responsibilities, including becoming a police officer. In a full-circle moment, he reflects on his time in the academy—where Rome the Rula served as his instructor—and how those experiences continued to shape his mindset, discipline, and leadership.

This episode is about resilience, breaking barriers, and evolving through every stage of life while wearing many hats and staying grounded in purpose.