Heroic Nation Podcast

Best Pants in the Industry: The Story of LA Police Gear w/ Mark Hedman

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Hedman, CEO of LA Police Gear, to break down how one of the original online tactical gear companies was built—from the ground up. We talk about how the company started out of frustration with poor service in the industry, how it scaled from 10 orders a day to hundreds, and what it actually takes to build products that serve real operators—not just mark them up. We also get into gear, training, pricing in the industry, and why most people are overpaying for things that don’t perform any better. If you’re a cop, first responder, or someone who trains and operates in the real world—this episode will hit. 👉 And yeah… I’ll tell you exactly why most people saying “I don’t have time or money” are lying—and how to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Justin Yarborough: 20 Years of Policing, Leadership & Staying Grounded Under Pressure

Anthony sits down with Justin Yarborough, a 20-year law enforcement officer from South Florida and host of The Donut Shop Podcast. Justin shares hard-earned lessons from a career that’s spanned patrol, SRO work, crisis negotiation, and public information roles. Together they discuss: * How to stay calm and communicate during high-stress or mental-health calls * The impact of body cameras, AI review, and constant public scrutiny * Why tactical empathy and reflective listening matter more than ever * Navigating promotion, leadership culture, and career decisions * Building a healthy life and identity beyond the badge This episode is packed with practical insight for officers at every stage — from rookies figuring it out to veterans thinking about their next chapter. Join the HEROIC 28 HERE: [https://my.playbookapp.io/heroicindustries/programs/heroic-28-tactical-transformation-program/33803] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Jessica Raymond: Get Hard, Stay Hard, Do Hard Things - Hormones, Purpose, Masculine Energy

In this episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, Anthony sits down with Jessica Raymond NP, CEO and co-founder of Live One Health. Jessica’s journey from small-town nursing aide to trauma-center ER nurse, and ultimately to leading a men’s health clinic, is a powerful story of grit, growth, and purpose. We dive deep into: * Testosterone therapy, peptides, and the right order of operations * The truth about cortisol, stress, and shift work for first responders * How masculine energy transforms relationships and family dynamics * Why lifestyle, mindset, and purpose are non-negotiable for men who want to thrive Jessica’s mission is clear: help men get hard, stay hard, and do hard things. 👉 If you’re a cop, firefighter, soldier, or man of action who wants to live with strength, resilience, and purpose, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Jessica’s background & ER experiences 10:00 – From sick care to men’s health 20:00 – Testosterone, hormones, and lifestyle 40:00 – Cortisol, shift work & resilience 55:00 – Masculine energy & purpose Find more from Jessica on her IG HERE [https://www.instagram.com/jessraymond.np/] Contact Liv1 Health HERE [https://liv1health.com/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ryan Soave: Normalizing Trauma, Building Resilience, and Redefining Strength for First Responders

Trauma is not weakness—it’s part of the human experience. In this episode of the Heroic Nation Podcast, Anthony sits down with licensed mental health counselor Ryan Soave—whose work on trauma, addiction, and nervous system regulation has impacted thousands through his appearances on the Huberman Lab podcast and beyond. Together, they explore the hidden weight of micro-traumas in law enforcement and military life, why unresolved stress keeps our nervous system pegged, and how practices like breathwork, boundaries, and co-regulation can change the way we perform on the job and show up at home. Ryan’s own story—from addiction to recovery, to working with Andrew Huberman’s lab and training others in trauma-informed care—offers hope and perspective for first responders, tactical professionals, and anyone seeking to build a stronger, more resilient life. In this episode, Anthony and Ryan dive into: * Ryan’s journey from addiction and recovery to becoming a licensed mental health counselor. * His collaboration with Andrew Huberman, Brian Mackenzie, and others studying fear, stress, and trauma. * Why trauma isn’t just “big incidents” but the accumulation of micro-stressors and near misses over a career. * The difference between sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/restore) states—and why most first responders never fully come down. * Co-regulation: how your nervous system affects others on the scene, and why it matters for de-escalation. * The role of boundaries in work, family, and leadership. * Addiction, coping, and why accountability + compassion must go hand in hand. * Practical strategies to normalize trauma, regulate the nervous system, and build resilience both on and off duty. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, military, and anyone committed to leading themselves and others through stress with strength and clarity. 🔗 Connect with Ryan Soave [Insert Ryan’s website or socials here] 🔥 Follow Heroic Nation Podcast for more conversations on strength, resilience, and leadership: * Join Heroic Industries Skool Community FREE: CLICK HERE [https://www.skool.com/heroic-industries-5732/about?ref=368f5a3698574653914d51482c1665ff] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

From Shootout to Ketogenic Comeback: Eric Reynolds’ Journey from Trauma to Transformation

Former Boynton Beach Police Officer Eric Reynolds—known online as Keto 5-0—shares his remarkable story of survival, recovery, and reinvention. After a harrowing high-speed chase and shootout in 2012 left him wounded and facing the mental toll of trauma, Eric found himself on a downward spiral. Through the ketogenic diet, he regained control of his physical health, rebuilt his mental resilience, and ultimately retired to a life of travel, family, and purpose. We cover: * The 2012 shootout that changed everything * Navigating PTSD, hypervigilance, and the return to duty * Why nutrition became the foundation for mental health recovery * Founding Keto 5-0 and helping other officers reclaim their health * Building Cops and Campers and the freedom of full-time RV life Whether you’re law enforcement, military, or just someone looking to take control of your life after hardship, Eric’s journey is an inspiring blueprint for turning pain into purpose. 📝 Show Notes * [00:00] Intro and catching up on podcast schedule * [00:01] Guest introduction – Eric Reynolds aka Keto 5-0 * [00:02] Eric’s background: Boynton Beach PD career, family legacy in law enforcement * [00:11] Pre-LEO life: Florida State, security work, breaking into policing * [00:21] 2012 bank robbery chase and shootout – step-by-step breakdown * [00:33] Wounded in the line of duty: foot injury, adrenaline, and immediate aftermath * [00:38] Returning to work: heightened awareness and close calls * [00:42] Impact of hypervigilance and cumulative trauma * [00:46] Seeking help: EAP, workers comp battles, and finding a good therapist * [00:49] Shifting to the ketogenic diet: losing 50+ lbs, regaining control * [00:51] Birth of Keto 5-0 and helping other officers * [00:53] Retirement decision and transition into RV life * [00:55] The Cops and Campers initiative * [00:57] Reflections on health, mental resilience, and living life on your terms Links & Resources: * Follow Eric Reynolds (Keto 5-0) on Instagram: @ketofiveo [https://instagram.com/ketofiveo] * Visit: www.ketofiveo.com [http://www.ketofiveo.com] * Follow Cops and Campers on Instagram: @copsandcampers [https://instagram.com/copsandcampers] * Connect with Anthony Shefferly & Heroic Industries: Heroic Industries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]