This is one of the most powerful and important conversations we’ve ever brought to the show. In this episode, we close out our month on Holiday Stressors by diving head-on into a topic that demands truth, compassion, and real talk: suicide in the first responder world.
Joined by an extraordinary panel, Dee Williams as well as — Mike Badgley, Matt Griffin — each of whom has been “to the edge and back,” we explore the emotional, physiological, spiritual, and cultural realities that drive so many first responders, veterans, and even their children into crisis.
This episode is raw. It’s honest. It’s needed.
And yes — it’s absolutely soap-box worthy.
💡 What You’ll Learn
-Why suicide in first responders is not about weakness — but overwhelming emotional overload, moral injury, and a “warrior sacrifice” mindset.
-How trauma compounds over years, even from “routine calls,” and why lack of emotional processing is a critical risk factor.
-The truth about compartmentalization: great for the job, dangerous at home.
-Physiology matters: cortisol, hormones, adrenal fatigue, testosterone imbalance, sleep deprivation, thyroid dysfunction — and how they all fuel mental health decline.
-How peer support, human connection, vulnerability, and everyday check-ins save lives.
-The role of spirituality, energy work, subconscious memory, somatic release, and metaphysical perspectives in the healing journey.
-How cultural stigmas around crying, emotions, asking for help, and showing vulnerability keep first responders sick.
-A powerful discussion on teens, social media, cutting, suicidal ideation, neurodivergence, and the lack of real resources for families.
👥 Panel Guests
Host: Tami Sharp — Law Enforcement Coaching
Mike Badgley — U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, law enforcement veteran, suicide prevention specialist
Matt Griffin — Navy veteran, former law enforcement officer, author of The Journey to Midnight
Dee Williams — 20-year Air Force veteran, Presidential Protective Services, resiliency specialist, PhD researcher
📚 Mentioned Resources & Links
Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988
Training & Frameworks
ICISF (Critical Incident Stress Management)
https://icisf.org
Peer Support & Wellness Training — Law Enforcement Coaching
https://lawenforcementcoaching.com
Books & Research Referenced
- The Journey to Midnight — by Matt Griffin
- The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk
- Stoic Philosophy Resources & Concepts
Memento Mori - Amor Fati
Scientific & Wellness Modalities Discussed
Hormone & Biomarker Panels (cortisol, testosterone, thyroid, HRV)
EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing
Reiki & Energy Work
Hypnotherapy
Psychedelic-assisted treatment (Ibogaine, Psilocybin, Ketamine — with clinical, culturally competent providers only)
Neurofeedback & Vitanya Brain Performance (Heal the Hero)
Wilderness therapy & somatic release practices
Saltwater cleansing, spiritual/energetic hygiene practices
Dee Williams’ Nonprofit
Beautiful Wounds Inc.
https://beautifulwoundsinc.com
Free access to peer-reviewed research, academic articles, and modality breakdowns.
Autism & Neurodivergence Support Mentioned
Preston’s Pursuit for Acceptance
https://www.prestonspursuit.org
🎧 Why This Episode Matters
Because the numbers haven’t changed.
Because the conversations still aren’t happening.
Because too many officers, veterans, dispatchers, firefighters, medics — and their kids — are suffering in silence.
📺 Watch / Listen
YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts
