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, 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 discuss:

Surviving unimaginable loss and navigating life as a young widow and new mother

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

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