Trauma is not weakness—it’s part of the human experience. In this episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, Anthony sits down with licensed mental health counselor Ryan Soave—whose work on trauma, addiction, and nervous system regulation has impacted thousands through his appearances on the Huberman Lab podcast and beyond.

Together, they explore the hidden weight of micro-traumas in law enforcement and military life, why unresolved stress keeps our nervous system pegged, and how practices like breathwork, boundaries, and co-regulation can change the way we perform on the job and show up at home.

Ryan’s own story—from addiction to recovery, to working with Andrew Huberman’s lab and training others in trauma-informed care—offers hope and perspective for first responders, tactical professionals, and anyone seeking to build a stronger, more resilient life.

In this episode, Anthony and Ryan dive into:

Ryan’s journey from addiction and recovery to becoming a licensed mental health counselor.

His collaboration with Andrew Huberman, Brian Mackenzie, and others studying fear, stress, and trauma.

Why trauma isn’t just “big incidents” but the accumulation of micro-stressors and near misses over a career.

The difference between sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/restore) states—and why most first responders never fully come down.

Co-regulation: how your nervous system affects others on the scene, and why it matters for de-escalation.

The role of boundaries in work, family, and leadership.

Addiction, coping, and why accountability + compassion must go hand in hand.

Practical strategies to normalize trauma, regulate the nervous system, and build resilience both on and off duty.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, military, and anyone committed to leading themselves and others through stress with strength and clarity.

🔗 Connect with Ryan Soave

🔥 Follow Heroic Nation Podcast for more conversations on strength, resilience, and leadership:

Join Heroic Industries Skool Community FREE: CLICK HERE

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Boynton Beach Police Officer Eric Reynolds—known online as Keto 5-0—shares his remarkable story of survival, recovery, and reinvention. After a harrowing high-speed chase and shootout in 2012 left him wounded and facing the mental toll of trauma, Eric found himself on a downward spiral. Through the ketogenic diet, he regained control of his physical health, rebuilt his mental resilience, and ultimately retired to a life of travel, family, and purpose.

We cover:

The 2012 shootout that changed everything

Navigating PTSD, hypervigilance, and the return to duty

Why nutrition became the foundation for mental health recovery

Founding Keto 5-0 and helping other officers reclaim their health

Building Cops and Campers and the freedom of full-time RV life

Whether you’re law enforcement, military, or just someone looking to take control of your life after hardship, Eric’s journey is an inspiring blueprint for turning pain into purpose.

📝 Show Notes

[00:00] Intro and catching up on podcast schedule

[00:01] Guest introduction – Eric Reynolds aka Keto 5-0

[00:02] Eric’s background: Boynton Beach PD career, family legacy in law enforcement

[00:11] Pre-LEO life: Florida State, security work, breaking into policing

[00:21] 2012 bank robbery chase and shootout – step-by-step breakdown

[00:33] Wounded in the line of duty: foot injury, adrenaline, and immediate aftermath

[00:38] Returning to work: heightened awareness and close calls

[00:42] Impact of hypervigilance and cumulative trauma

[00:46] Seeking help: EAP, workers comp battles, and finding a good therapist

[00:49] Shifting to the ketogenic diet: losing 50+ lbs, regaining control

[00:51] Birth of Keto 5-0 and helping other officers

[00:53] Retirement decision and transition into RV life

[00:55] The Cops and Campers initiative

[00:57] Reflections on health, mental resilience, and living life on your terms

Links & Resources:

Follow Eric Reynolds (Keto 5-0) on Instagram: @ketofiveo

Visit: www.ketofiveo.com

Follow Cops and Campers on Instagram: @copsandcampers

Connect with Anthony Shefferly & Heroic Industries: Heroic Industries

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of Heroic Nation, we sit down with retired Officer T.J. Webb, a true embodiment of courage, grit, and resilience. T.J. spent nearly 19 years with the Milford Police Department in Delaware, serving on SWAT, K‑9, Narcotics, and the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force.

On December 10, 2020, during a high-risk operation, T.J. was shot six times while attempting to apprehend a violent fugitive. With life-threatening injuries and a long road to recovery ahead, most people would have given up. But T.J. refused to be defined by tragedy. Less than a year later, he was running half marathons, competing in a half-Ironman, and inspiring other first responders through his Fit 4 Duty Foundation and his book Just One More.

This episode dives deep into his story — from the moments of the shooting and the mental toll it took, to the mindset shifts, faith, and family support that allowed him to overcome the odds.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The events leading up to and during the December 2020 gunfight that changed T.J.’s life.

How survivor’s guilt and mental battles shaped his recovery journey.

The critical role of micro-goals, mindset, and physical fitness in overcoming trauma.

Why T.J. founded the Fit 4 Duty Foundation to support the mental and physical health of first responders.

Insights on mental health stigma in law enforcement and how to create real support systems.

T.J.’s message for officers, first responders, and anyone facing seemingly impossible challenges.

Contact TJ Webb:

IG @TheTjWebb

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, host Anthony Shefferly sits down with Kevin Donaldson, retired New Jersey police officer, mental health advocate, and host of The Suffering Podcast.

Kevin opens up about his early life in Atlantic City, a chaotic upbringing, and a law enforcement career that took a devastating turn during a domestic violence call that led to a near-death shooting and a battle with severe PTSD. What followed was years of alcoholism, isolation, suicidal ideation, and an eventual breakthrough into recovery and advocacy.

Now more than a decade sober, Kevin shares his story with brutal honesty—highlighting the darkness he endured and the strength he built from it. We dive into:

🚨 The shooting that ended Kevin’s police career

🍷 His battle with alcohol and surviving multiple suicide attempts

🧠 Why group therapy and community saved his life

🥋 The role of Jiu-Jitsu and fitness in mental health recovery

🔥 Why he believes every cop should “run into the fire” and face pain head-on

🎙️ How The Suffering Podcast was born during COVID and now helps thousands

🇺🇸 His upcoming appearance at Seminar Stack in Hershey, PA (Aug 2)

If you’re a cop, veteran, or anyone who’s wrestled with darkness—you need to hear this conversation.

👤 Guest:

IG @realkevindonaldson

🎤 Host:

Join our FREE Skool group

🗓️ Upcoming Event:
Seminar Stack – August 2, 2025 | Hershey, PA

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, we’re joined by Jeremy Frisch—founder of Achieve Performance Training and one of the nation’s most respected authorities on youth athletic development. Jeremy shares powerful insights on building strong, confident, and resilient athletes through play-based movement, real-world strength training, and long-term development.

We dive into:

Jeremy’s upbringing as the youngest of five boys and how that shaped his approach to movement and sport

Why traditional strength methods like those from Bill Starr and Westside Barbell still matter—and how to adapt them for youth

The dangers of early specialization, overuse injuries, and burnout in today’s youth sports culture

How to teach crawling, climbing, jumping, and other foundational skills at any age

When to introduce barbells, Olympic lifts, and more structured performance training

Why adult coaches, athletes, and parents need play and movement variety too

Whether you're a coach, parent, or performance-minded leader, this episode is packed with wisdom on building better humans through movement.

🔥 Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jeremy_frisch17

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I’m joined by Eric—a Pennsylvania State Trooper—and Kate, co-founders of Seminar Stack, an all-day jiu-jitsu and wellness event created to empower first responders.

In This Episode:

Eric shares the gripping story of his catastrophic on-duty crash and the long road of surgeries, traumatic brain injury, and daily challenges.

How jiu-jitsu became a path to healing, purpose, and community.

The vision behind Seminar Stack and how they built it from the ground up to support first responders with training, wellness, and connection.

🎯 Seminar Stack Event Details:

Jason Resch (Invictus LEO)

Will Laing

Dylan Royce

Chris Delaney

Kevin Donaldson

Bradley Barnes

And many more

Why It Matters:

🔗 Links & Resources:

⭐️ Connect With Us:

#HeroicNationPodcast #SeminarStack #FirstResponder #JiuJitsu #Resilience

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful conversation, Anthony sits down with Ethan Buck—founder of Iron Will PT—to explore his wild journey from the underground punk rock scene to becoming a respected coach for men’s health and transformation. Ethan shares how he went from addiction, homelessness, and 320 pounds to rebuilding his life through discipline, Muay Thai, and a mission to help men reclaim their strength and purpose.

They discuss:

This episode is equal parts raw, inspiring, and practical—especially for men who know they’re stuck in patterns that no longer serve them.

Guest: Ethan Buck, Founder of Iron Will PT

Topics Covered:

Ethan’s early years in the punk and metal scene across Europe

The turning point that forced him to confront addiction and health

Losing over 100 lbs—and why it didn’t immediately fix his problems

The loneliness of entrepreneurship and the discipline it demands

Training philosophies for men over 40 (and why less can be more)

How chronic stress and poor recovery sabotage progress

Masculinity, purpose, and why men struggle to ask for help

Building a coaching business with authentic connection at its core

Advice for men who feel stuck, burnt out, or disconnected from their mission

Takeaway Quote:

Listen now to learn how Ethan transformed his chaos into clarity—and how you can too.

📝 Show Notes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, host Anthony Shefferly sits down with Nick Tuttle—a husband, father of five, former SWAT operator, and the founder of The Mic Loop, a company built to help law enforcement officers stay safe and make it home.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

Nick’s transition from patrol sergeant and SWAT to entrepreneur

The origin story of The Mic Loop and how it grew from a simple tool into a brand known nationwide

Leadership lessons from 14 years in law enforcement

Balancing duty, family, and faith

The life-altering car accident involving Nick’s son, a Navy sailor, and his journey recovering from a severe TBI

Real talk about grief, stress, brain injury rehab, and what it means to show up as a father and protector—even when you’re breaking inside

How Nick manages his own mental and physical health under extreme pressure

🔥 This episode is about more than gear. It’s about purpose, resilience, and rising to meet life’s hardest missions.

🛡️ If you’re a cop, veteran, first responder, or someone striving to protect and lead your family through adversity—this episode is for you.

—

🧠 Learn more about Nick and The Mic Loop:
https://themicloop.com

💪 Join the Tactical Edge 90 Program:

🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes of Heroic Nation featuring tactical leaders, first responders, and men committed to growth, service, and strength.

#MicLoop #TacticalLeadership #HeroicNationPodcast #LawEnforcement #SWAT #FirstResponder #Fatherhood #TBIRecovery #MentalResilience #NickTuttle

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we break down one of the most damaging lies high-performing men believe: that they have to figure everything out alone. Yes, there are things you must do on your own—nobody’s going to work out for you or make your meals—but that doesn’t mean you’re supposed to suffer in isolation.

We talk through:

The toxic myth of "lone wolf" self-improvement

How ego keeps you stuck and scared of feedback

Why white-knuckling your way through challenges always backfires

What real support and accountability look like

How to build your "team" like a head coach builds a winning staff

And why every hero—from Rocky to The Punisher—still had a circle

If your weeks feel like they’re on repeat, if you keep starting strong and falling off by Thursday, and if you know you’re capable of more but can’t seem to break through—this is the episode for you.

⚔️ It’s time to stop struggling in silence.

Follow, rate, and share with someone who needs to hear this.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, host Anthony Shefferly sits down with Rob Wilson, performance breath coach and founder of Check Engine Light (@thecheckenginelight), to confront the hidden costs of service, stress, and survival mode.

They dive deep into the long-term effects of the COVID era on first responders, why so many tactical professionals are operating with redlining nervous systems, and how simple tools — like breathwork, light control, and honest self-awareness — can pull you back from the edge.

If you’ve been telling yourself “I’m fine” while your body and mind beg for recovery, this episode is for you.

Unprocessed trauma from 2020 and its ongoing impact on cops, medics, and men

Why sleep isn't a luxury — it's a tactical performance lever

“Health as a GPA” — a smarter way to measure and manage your wellbeing

The slow toll of chronic stress and how to reclaim energy, clarity, and focus

What it really means to “check your engine light” as a man under pressure

Instagram: @thecheckenginelight

Heroic 14 FREE Men’s Training Group: https://t.me/heroicmensclub

Heroic 14 Standalone Challenge Access: https://app.typeset.com/play/7EJXX1

🔧 Topics Covered:🧠 Guest: Rob Wilson🔗 Join the Heroic Brotherhood:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices