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What happens when a first responder doesn’t just hit rock bottom—but takes responsibility for the impact of the fall?

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Cinnamon sits down with John Kelly, a retired deputy, author, and coach who has turned his personal reckoning into a mission to help others avoid the same crash. Together, they explore what accountability really looks like after the damage is done—and what it means to choose healing before you burn everything down.

John shares the moment a friend’s tough-love confrontation changed his life, the complicated reality of repairing relationships even while doing better, and the difference between compartmentalizing and suppressing the truth. They also talk about the emotional labor of leadership, the silent resentment of people-pleasing, and the trap of staying silent because "you’re supposed to be the strong one."

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll deal with it later”—this is your reminder that later has a cost. And you’re the one who pays it.

🎧 Listen now to hear a story of grit, grace, and what it really takes to live for your family—not just be willing to die for them.

John Kelly

Email: [email protected] 

Website / Coaching Programs: Law Enforcement Life Coach – Sometimes Heroes Need Help https://www.lawenforcementlifecoach.com

Book by John Kelly:
Surviving Self‑Inflicted Wounds: A Deputy’s Life of Redemption

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE