Shielded Voices

Midweek Update: Truth, Tears, and Transparency

In this midweek update, Mitch and Brian reconnect to reflect on the emotional impact of Part 3 of Leanne’s story — an episode that’s already resonating deeply with listeners across the country. From gut-punch feedback to moments that brought them to tears, they open up about what it’s like to relive these conversations as both hosts and fellow first responders. They also pull back the curtain on the editing process, the challenges of balancing shift work and podcast production, and why it’s sometimes okay to hit pause for your own well-being. The update includes behind-the-scenes talk about upcoming episodes — including a two-part feature with veteran corrections officer Jim, who shares experiences working around the Happy Face Killer, and a future guest who serves as both a fire lieutenant and SWAT medic. Whether you’re here for the raw truth, the camaraderie, or the healing that comes with hearing others speak their truth, this episode reminds you: you’re not alone — and we’re just getting started.

Shielded Voices: Part 3: Leanne, The Weight Behind the Badge #030

In the final part of this powerful three-part series, Leanne shares the raw and emotional breaking point that forced everything into the light. What began as a slow unraveling reaches its peak as she confronts the internal betrayal, the silence from leadership, and the lasting impact it had on her family. This episode dives deep into the emotional toll of toxic leadership and the culture of fear that isolates both officers and their spouses. Leanne speaks honestly about what it means to protect your family when the system meant to protect you turns its back. From faith to farm life, she opens up about how their family began healing, how they found strength in ritual, and why open communication and integrity remain non-negotiable. This is more than a story about what went wrong — it’s about what it took to survive, to rebuild, and to come out stronger on the other side. If you’ve ever felt alone in the fight, this one is for you.

Shielded Voices: Part 2: Leanne, The Weight Behind the Badge #029

In this raw and powerful conversation, Leanne opens up about the realities she faced throughout her law enforcement career — from the lasting weight of traumatic calls to the invisible battles within her own department. She discusses the systemic challenges female officers often confront, the emotional toll of internal affairs investigations, and how workplace culture can undermine even the most well-intentioned efforts toward progress. Leanne’s story is one of resilience, growth, and ultimately, freedom. She walks us through the difficult decision to leave a toxic environment, the unexpected joy she discovered on the other side, and how her family’s support became her anchor in the storm. This episode is a reminder that healing is possible — and that peace can be found, even after walking away from a career that once defined you.

Midweek update: Where Trauma Meets Purpose

In this midweek update, Mitch and Brian unpack the highs, lows, and heatwaves of the week—literally and figuratively. Brian shares about the chaos of working HVAC in 90+ degree weather, while Mitch talks about the emotional weight of a recent fatal motorcycle crash and how it’s reignited his interest in crash reconstruction. The two reflect on how their perspectives have shifted—especially when it comes to mental health, recovery, and self-promotion. They also spotlight Ambushed [https://a.co/d/1jScavq]by retired Sergeant Jeremy Braun, a powerful true story of survival, faith, and trauma recovery that hits close to home. Mitch opens up about the challenges of launching Relapse Ready [https://relapse-ready.com] and what it means to build something from the ground up. There’s laughter, brutal honesty, background kid noise, and a lot of heart in this one—because life doesn’t pause for podcasting, and that’s exactly the point.

Shielded Voices: Part 1: Leanne, The Weight Behind the Badge #028

In the first installment of this three-part series, Leanne shares her powerful journey through law enforcement — beginning with her roots in a law enforcement family and continuing through her own path from personal trainer to officer. She opens up about the challenges of early training, the pressure of tough coaching, and the internal battles around identity and resilience. This episode also explores the emotional weight carried by families in the profession — including the complexities of parenting, the cost of unprocessed trauma, and the need for honest, compassionate support systems both at home and in the field. Leanne speaks with vulnerability about the importance of integrity in relationships and the healing power of community. Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared in this episode are Leanne’s personal perspective. This interview does not represent or reflect the views, statements, or experiences of her husband, his employer, or any affiliated agency. He did not participate in this interview and is not responsible for the content discussed.