No One Fights Alone

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 is earned.

The discussion also pulls back the curtain on the mission of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the reality behind preventable line-of-duty deaths, and why honoring fallen officers means changing how we care for the living.

If you are in law enforcement, married to someone who is, or want to understand the human cost of the job, this conversation is a must-listen.

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:

• Surviving unimaginable loss and navigating life as a young widow and new mother
• Core chapters from Choosing My Tomorrow
• The complexity of grief and the myths surrounding how we "should" heal
• The importance of journaling, emotional vocabulary, and self-reflection
• How vulnerability, courage, and community can change lives
• Lessons in resilience, leadership, and mental wellness from Jodie’s incredible story

This is an episode about hope, how we find it, how we hold onto it, and how sharing our stories can offer a lifeline to others walking through darkness.

Learn more about Jodie’s work and book: Choosing My Tomorrow

Connect with us at: chateaurecovery.com

About Jodie Baulkham | Author | Mental Health Advocate

Jodie Baulkham is a compassionate and open-minded life enthusiast who happens to also be a licensed teacher, professional life coach, certified grief coach, certified Leader Character practitioner, best-selling author, keynote speaker and cancer survivor. Jodie helps people navigate grief to identify and articulate their needs, redefine their sense of self, and rebuild confidence to find meaning in their new reality of living after the death of a loved one.

Jodie’s world was shattered in 2007 at the age of 29 when her husband was killed in the line of duty. Jodie was left alone to raise their 8-month old daughter while navigating traumatic grief and the Canadian justice system. Left to pick up the pieces of her broken life and find a sense of self again.

Fast forward a few years, Jodie married another police officer who lives with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder as a result of his duties. That little baby has grown into a beautiful young woman and fiercely battles obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Living with and supporting people with mental health challenges is my everyday. Over the years, Jodie has learned that navigating adversity isn’t about dismissing pain or difficulty. It’s about harnessing the power of choice to recreate yourself, living authentically, and finding joy in unexpected places. Simultaneously, I took time to reflect on my experiences surviving murder, navigating mental health and harnessing the power of choice to progress from anguish to coping, to managing, and to ultimately thriving in my life. This awareness and recognition caused a shift in my life’s path with an intense desire to support others as they work to close the gap from where they are today to where they desire to be.

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 hard things with purpose.

Topics Covered:

• The significance of Police Week and Firefighter Memorial Week
• Reflections on visiting memorials and honoring fallen first responders
• Personal experiences with fasting, discipline, and mental clarity
• Setting intentional boundaries for better self-care
• Updates on new programs at Chateau Health and Wellness

Learn more at: https://www.chateaurecovery.com

Connect with us on Instagram: @noonefightsalonepodcast

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 ride-along or a 12-step meeting, and how getting outside your own bubble shifts perspective in powerful ways.

You’ll also hear:

• The emotional weight of the job that most never see
• The “human behind the badge” that media often misses
• Why slowing down to observe is essential for cultural competency
• What happens when a clinical director rides along—and what officers think he's really there for

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 stuff” and reframes it as a skill—one that sharpens attention, softens reactivity, and strengthens relationships both on and off duty.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers practical insight, humor, and encouragement for anyone navigating the demands of a high-stress profession.

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

Detective | Author | Instructor

Heidi Chance is a retired detective with over 27 years of law enforcement experience, including 14 years in the Phoenix PD’s Human Trafficking Unit. She’s the founder of A Chance for Awareness, a motivational speaker, undercover instructor, and author of Talk to Them, a guide for parents to protect kids from online exploitation and trafficking.

• Find her on LinkedIn
• A Chance for Awareness
• Buy her book, Talk to Them, on Amazon

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. The trio also explains that slowing down isn’t a luxury but is essential to staying grounded in a chaotic world.

This episode offers insight, laughter, and the reminder that healing begins when we are willing to remove the armor.

About Stacey Stocking

CMHC | Recreational Therapist | Pickel Ball Athlete

Stacey Stocking is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over three decades of experience, known affectionately as “The Wizard” by clients at Chateau, where he’s been a primary therapist since 2017.

With credentials in substance use counseling and therapeutic recreation, Stacey brings a unique blend of skills to his workshops, process groups, and outdoor intensives.

A passionate guide in mental health and recovery, Stacey’s warmth, wisdom, and hands-on approach make him a standout in the field. When he's not helping others heal, you’ll find him hiking, biking, or playing pickleball in the Utah mountains.

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 the wife of Chief Brent Newman of the California Highway Patrol. She has written multiple books focused on supporting law enforcement families, drawing from her own experiences and the challenges faced by officers and their loved ones.

In response to the rising number of LODDs and suicides within the department, Victoria researched and wrote A CHiP on My Shoulder—How to Love Your Cop with Attitude in 2011, offering insight and encouragement for law enforcement spouses.

She later co-wrote Selfish Prayer with SSG Emmett Spraktes, a military book that gave her a deeper understanding of the emotional toll of war. In 2015, she published A Marriage in Progress—Tactical Support for Law Enforcement Relationships, providing practical guidance for couples navigating the demands of a law enforcement career.

For ten years, Victoria homeschooled her children, a time she considers precious. Now, with her children grown and building their own paths, she enjoys watching them contribute positively to the world. She also treasures her grandson with golden curls, who brings joy and laughter to her life.

Victoria is the Founder and President of How2LoveOurCops, where she uses her skills in writing, speaking, networking, and mentoring to support law enforcement families. She is passionate about helping others through connection and advocacy.

Outside of her work, Victoria enjoys telling her famous “Chubby” story, cooking, and is a forensic crime show enthusiast.

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 health challenges, a toxic work environment, and a career-ending injury. Like many first responders, he turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including alcohol abuse. But in November 2019, he discovered yoga. A practice that not only transformed his body and mind but also provided a lifeline of connection, resilience, and healing.

Recognizing the profound physical and mental benefits yoga had on his life, Vance made it his mission to bring these tools to first responders and public safety professionals. In March 2021, he completed his 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) through Yoga-Vibez in Ocean City, MD, under the mentorship of Tana Martin (RYT-500). Since then, he has expanded his expertise with Warriors at Ease Training, Aerial Yoga Teacher Training, and Veterans Yoga Project Mindful Resilience. He began his 300-hour YTT at Guiding Wellness Institute in 2024 and recently completed iRest Level One Training through the iRest Institute.

Vance regularly shares his story through presentations and workshops, raising awareness on suicide prevention, alcohol abuse, and mental wellness for first responders. In his talk, "Calming Stormy Seas: How Yoga Calmed My Storm Within," he explores the detrimental impact of police culture and stress—and how yoga helped him find peace.

Through Yoga Rescue, a nonprofit he founded in November 2021, Vance blends breath, movement, and mindfulness to support first responders and military personnel overcome trauma. His engaging, accessible classes focus on alignment, strength, and flexibility, making yoga a powerful tool for resilience and suicide prevention in the first responder and military communities.

Vance’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of yoga, and he remains committed to helping others find healing, balance, and renewed purpose—one breath at a time.