Beyond The Barrel Podcast

Ep 66: The Music That Follows the War Home with Mike Sandilla

On this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Mike Sandilla—Nashville-based alternative rock artist and U.S. Army Green Beret veteran whose music is rooted in truth, resilience, and the experiences that never fully leave you. Influenced by the raw emotion of ‘90s grunge and alternative rock, Mike writes songs for people who’ve lived through life’s hardest moments. His music explores identity, loss, purpose, and the invisible battles many continue to fight long after the mission ends. We talk about his journey from the Special Forces community to the stage, how military service shaped his songwriting, the healing power of music, and why authenticity resonates more than perfection. This isn’t just a conversation about music—it’s about life after service, finding purpose, and giving a voice to the experiences that so many carry but few know how to express. No scripts. No agendas. Just authentic conversations with people who’ve lived it. Timestamps:  04:30 Troubled Youth 10:07 Military Loss 13:01 Combat Reality 17:24 Healing Journey 21:18 Green Beret 32:09 Career Sacrifice 35:56 Music Therapy 45:23 Music Industry 54:25 Life After Service If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep 65: Officer Down - The Gunfight That Changed Everything

After more than 22 years with the Las Cruces Police Department, Adrian De La Garza has built a career defined by resilience, leadership, and service. Beginning his law enforcement journey in 2004, he currently serves as a Traffic Investigator, a role he has held since 2009, specializing in serious and fatal crash investigations. Beyond the badge, Adrian is an instructor in multiple disciplines, including motorcycle operations, driving, and physical training—helping shape and mentor the next generation of officers. But behind the titles and years of service is a moment that changed everything. On February 4, 2021, Adrian was shot in the line of duty—an experience that not only tested his training and survival, but reshaped his purpose beyond policing. In the aftermath, he founded the Southern New Mexico First Responders Assistance Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting first responders and their families during times of crisis, injury, and loss. What started from personal adversity has grown into a mission to give back to those who serve. This conversation goes beyond law enforcement tactics and career milestones. Adrian opens up about the realities of the job, the weight first responders carry, and how life-changing moments can redefine purpose. Timestamps:  04:03  Nonprofit Mission 13:52  Fatal Pursuit 18:22  Shot & Fighting 23:16  Facing Fear 34:29  Growing Up 36:06  Father's Sacrifice 47:36  Becoming Motors 52:05  Stem Cell Recovery 59:18  Family Impact 1:08:10  PTSD & Healing 1:20:45  Advice for Officers If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep 64: The Truth About Police Recruiting & Officer Resilience | Anthony Shefferly Returns

Fan-favorite guest Anthony Shefferly is back on Beyond the Barrel for a conversation that every current and aspiring law enforcement officer needs to hear. In this episode, we dive into the disconnect between the recruiting videos many agencies produce and the realities of the profession. We discuss how unrealistic expectations can leave new officers mentally unprepared for the trauma, stress, and sacrifices that often accompany the badge—and how that gap can contribute to long-term mental health struggles, including PTSD. Anthony also shares his personal journey through law enforcement, SWAT, entrepreneurship, and significant health challenges that ultimately led him to create Heroic Industries, a platform dedicated to improving the health, performance, and longevity of first responders, military personnel, and tactical professionals. From the truth behind modern police recruiting to the importance of mental resilience, physical health, and developing sustainable habits for a long career, this conversation tackles some of the most important topics facing first responders today. We also discuss natural approaches to wellness, overcoming adversity, and why preparing officers for the realities of the profession is just as important as preparing them tactically. From small-college football to SWAT operations, business ownership, and personal transformation, Anthony’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t built during easy times—it’s forged through adversity. Whether you’re a police officer, first responder, military member, or someone striving to become healthier and more resilient, this episode delivers practical insights and an honest conversation about what it takes to thrive in demanding professions. Pour yourself a glass and join us as we go Beyond the Barrel with Anthony Shefferly Timestamps:  01:18 Recruiting Cops 07:39 Patrol Reality 11:49 Finding Purpose 17:14 Leadership Culture 20:16 Peptide Boom 28:23 Creatine Myths 31:36 Vaping Risks 38:03 Officer Survival 46:01 Trauma Reality 54:09 Boundaries & Control 01:08:05 Conference Announcement If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep 63: From Trauma to Purpose: The American Hero Hunt Story

Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser. In this powerful episode, we sit down with men connected by service, sacrifice, and a mission bigger than themselves. Justin Jones, Founder and President of American Hero Hunt, accompanied by Travis Linder share how a simple idea in 2016—to give back to a few deserving veterans through hunting trips—grew into a nationwide nonprofit that has now served more than 110 veterans and first responders through hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences. What started as DIY public land hunts in Ohio quickly became something much deeper than harvesting game. It became about healing, camaraderie, purpose, and giving heroes a chance to breathe again. Joining them is Tommy Morrow, a Philadelphia Police K-9 Officer who knows firsthand the hidden weight carried by first responders. After surviving multiple critical incidents, including being shot in the line of duty, Tommy faced a difficult battle with PTSD and the emotional scars that often go unseen in law enforcement. At one of the darkest moments of his life, he found healing and brotherhood through American Hero Hunt—and now serves as President of the Pennsylvania chapter, helping other veterans and first responders rediscover hope through the outdoors. This episode goes beyond hunting and fishing. It’s about trauma, resilience, faith, purpose, and the power of brotherhood when life gets heavy. It’s about creating spaces where heroes can drop the armor, swap stories around a fire, and realize they are not alone. Raw. Honest. Real. This is a conversation about healing beyond the badge, beyond the uniform… and beyond the barrel. Timestamps:  02:00 American Hero Hunt 10:35 Hero Selection 15:15 PTSD Battle 19:30 Ohio Journey 25:08 Ambushed 32:25 K9 Chaos 37:30 System Failure 47:15 Mental Health 57:20 PTSD Victory 1:28:45 Knowledge Is Power If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep 62: Police Defensive Tactics with a Pro Fighter Turned Cop: Direct Action Training

Most Cops Aren’t Ready to Go Hands-On — Steven Chin Explains Why Steven Chin has spent nearly three decades immersed in the world of combat, defensive tactics, firearms, and survival training—where failure can cost lives and preparation is everything. As the owner of Direct Action Training Inc., Steven provides specialized instruction in hand-to-hand combat, edged weapons, improvised tools, CQB firearm tactics, and defensive strategies to military personnel, law enforcement, private military contractors, and security professionals operating in high-risk environments. But this conversation goes far beyond training. Steven opens up about the mindset required to survive violence, the realities of operating on an elite SWAT and sniper team, and what separates performance on the range from performance under pressure. From competing in striking and grappling arts in both the U.S. and U.K. to training under world champions and legendary weapons instructors, Steven has built a career around mastering chaos. Currently serving with the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Training Unit, SWAT Team, and Sniper Team, Steven is responsible for developing and instructing training for officers who may face life-or-death encounters at any moment. His background includes extensive certifications through FLETC and active shooter response programs, while his instruction continues to shape law enforcement defensive tactics and special response teams across multiple agencies. This episode dives into violence, preparedness, leadership, combat psychology, and the truth about what it really takes to operate in dangerous environments when everything is on the line. Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser. Timestamps:  08:46 – Military Contracting 14:01 – Fighting Discipline 21:31 – MMA Evolution 26:53 – Brutal UK Sparring 34:24 – Living The Fight Life 42:40 – Future Of Fighting 45:30 – Kimbo Slice Era 52:17 – Jake Paul Debate 58:40 – Defensive Tactics Training 1:26:07 – Real World Encounters If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]