Shielded Voices

In this midweek update, Mitch and Brian reconnect to reflect on the emotional impact of Part 3 of Leanne’s story — an episode that’s already resonating deeply with listeners across the country. From gut-punch feedback to moments that brought them to tears, they open up about what it’s like to relive these conversations as both hosts and fellow first responders.

They also pull back the curtain on the editing process, the challenges of balancing shift work and podcast production, and why it’s sometimes okay to hit pause for your own well-being. The update includes behind-the-scenes talk about upcoming episodes — including a two-part feature with veteran corrections officer Jim, who shares experiences working around the Happy Face Killer, and a future guest who serves as both a fire lieutenant and SWAT medic.

Whether you’re here for the raw truth, the camaraderie, or the healing that comes with hearing others speak their truth, this episode reminds you: you’re not alone — and we’re just getting started.

In the final part of this powerful three-part series, Leanne shares the raw and emotional breaking point that forced everything into the light. What began as a slow unraveling reaches its peak as she confronts the internal betrayal, the silence from leadership, and the lasting impact it had on her family.

This episode dives deep into the emotional toll of toxic leadership and the culture of fear that isolates both officers and their spouses. Leanne speaks honestly about what it means to protect your family when the system meant to protect you turns its back. From faith to farm life, she opens up about how their family began healing, how they found strength in ritual, and why open communication and integrity remain non-negotiable.

This is more than a story about what went wrong — it’s about what it took to survive, to rebuild, and to come out stronger on the other side. If you’ve ever felt alone in the fight, this one is for you.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Leanne opens up about the realities she faced throughout her law enforcement career — from the lasting weight of traumatic calls to the invisible battles within her own department. She discusses the systemic challenges female officers often confront, the emotional toll of internal affairs investigations, and how workplace culture can undermine even the most well-intentioned efforts toward progress.

Leanne’s story is one of resilience, growth, and ultimately, freedom. She walks us through the difficult decision to leave a toxic environment, the unexpected joy she discovered on the other side, and how her family’s support became her anchor in the storm.

This episode is a reminder that healing is possible — and that peace can be found, even after walking away from a career that once defined you.

In this midweek update, Mitch and Brian unpack the highs, lows, and heatwaves of the week—literally and figuratively. Brian shares about the chaos of working HVAC in 90+ degree weather, while Mitch talks about the emotional weight of a recent fatal motorcycle crash and how it’s reignited his interest in crash reconstruction. The two reflect on how their perspectives have shifted—especially when it comes to mental health, recovery, and self-promotion.

They also spotlight Ambushed by retired Sergeant Jeremy Braun, a powerful true story of survival, faith, and trauma recovery that hits close to home. Mitch opens up about the challenges of launching Relapse Ready and what it means to build something from the ground up.

There’s laughter, brutal honesty, background kid noise, and a lot of heart in this one—because life doesn’t pause for podcasting, and that’s exactly the point.

In the first installment of this three-part series, Leanne shares her powerful journey through law enforcement — beginning with her roots in a law enforcement family and continuing through her own path from personal trainer to officer. She opens up about the challenges of early training, the pressure of tough coaching, and the internal battles around identity and resilience.

This episode also explores the emotional weight carried by families in the profession — including the complexities of parenting, the cost of unprocessed trauma, and the need for honest, compassionate support systems both at home and in the field. Leanne speaks with vulnerability about the importance of integrity in relationships and the healing power of community.

Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared in this episode are Leanne’s personal perspective. This interview does not represent or reflect the views, statements, or experiences of her husband, his employer, or any affiliated agency. He did not participate in this interview and is not responsible for the content discussed.

It’s been months since our last check-in, but a lot has changed. Mitch is back on the road with a renewed mindset and five months of sobriety under his belt. Brian’s thriving in a new career outside the badge—bringing leadership lessons from the field into the world of HVAC. This update is all about growth, healing, and the quiet power of choosing to keep going.

We also give you a glimpse into what’s coming this Sunday: the start of a powerful three-part series featuring someone whose story will hit close to home for many—especially those connected to our former and current agency. Her truth is raw, emotional, and at times uncomfortable. But it deserves to be heard.

This episode is more than just a catch-up—it’s a reminder that no matter where you are in your journey, you’re not alone.

Shielded Voices merch and Mitch’s new project, relapse-ready.com, are both live now. From recovery mapping to peer-led resources, it’s about reclaiming your journey—one choice at a time.

Heard something that resonated? Shoot us a message or email. Your stories keep this going.

Also, check out our friends at Second Briefing Podcast—a hilarious, insightful take on life after the job. Sponsored by Tall Fir Coffee.

New episode drops Sunday.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Angela Graham, we pick up where we left off—crossing the border into Mexico for a psychedelic journey that would change everything.

Angela shares what happened after she took that leap into the unknown: the inner battles, the healing breakthroughs, and the raw reckoning with pain she had spent years suppressing. This episode dives deep into her experience with alternative therapies, the emotional unraveling that led to clarity, and how it ignited the vision for The SIREN Project.

It’s a powerful reminder that healing often looks nothing like we expect—and that sometimes, the most courageous thing we can do is let go.

If you’ve ever felt broken, stuck, or like the old way just isn’t working anymore, this one’s for you.

Before she co-founded The SIREN Project, Angela Graham was a firefighter, a medic, a mother—and completely falling apart. In Part One of this raw and honest two-part series, Angela opens up about the years of trauma, burnout, and breakdowns that nearly ended everything. From holding it together on the outside to crumbling behind closed doors, she shares what it looked like to lose herself in the job, in the pain, and in silence.

This episode is a gut check for anyone who's ever wondered, "What happens when I can't keep doing this anymore?"

Angela’s story is not just about pain—it’s about the moment she said “enough,” booked a one-way ticket to San Diego, and got in a van with strangers to cross the border into something completely unexpected: healing.

SIREN PROJECT

In this powerful follow-up, Jimmy Ward returns to Shielded Voices for a deep dive into the personal transformation that followed his career in law enforcement. Through open discussion with Brian and Mitch, Jimmy shares how hitting emotional walls led him toward coaching, leadership development, and a shift in perspective that changed his life.

This conversation is about more than rank or recognition—it's about rediscovering who you are beyond the badge. From embracing vulnerability and empathy in leadership, to recognizing the silent toll of stress and trauma, Jimmy walks us through what it means to rebuild, reflect, and rise. We explore the role of mental health, the importance of support systems, and how growth is a journey without a finish line.

Whether you’re a leader, a peer, or someone just trying to keep your head above water, this episode reminds us: resilience isn't about being bulletproof—it's about being willing to heal.

In this solo episode, Mitch opens up about the personal side of wearing the badge—what the job takes from you, how the warning signs show up, and what it really means to hit a breaking point.

This isn’t a story about heroism. It’s about honesty. About struggling silently with PTSD, depression, and alcoholism while still showing up to work. It’s about how the job changes you—and what recovery can look like when you finally stop pretending everything is fine.

Mitch shares what helped him pull through, how he’s doing today, and why we need to redefine what resilience actually means in law enforcement.

To request the “Enduring the Badge” PowerPoint presentation for training or peer support, email [email protected].