Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian

From Martial Law to Hypervigilance: The Unseen Cost of Service

In Part 2 of our conversation with Joseph “Joey” Pena, the discussion moves from early trauma to operational reality. Joey shares what it was like being among the first boots on the ground in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, operating under martial law, and navigating a city where law enforcement had been compromised and order had collapsed. He recounts: • Taking back the French Quarter • Rules of engagement during “blue on blue” encounters • The presence of private security contractors • The breakdown of trust in uniform • Stop-loss extensions during the Iraq War • Leadership manipulating deployment orders • Combat deployments in Samarra and Sadr City • Living with hypervigilance after returning home • Setting boundaries in relationships while managing PTSD This episode is not about glorifying combat. It is about what happens when systems fail, and what that does to the people inside them. For leaders, it is also a reminder: When structure collapses, human behavior changes fast.

From Abuse to Airborne: Joey Pena’s Journey Through War, Trauma & Breaking the Cycle

In this episode of Down & Dirty with Michael Julian, we sit down with Joseph “Joey” Pena for one of the most raw and unfiltered conversations we’ve had. Joey opens up about surviving severe childhood abuse, growing up as a preacher’s kid, and how early trauma shaped his identity long before he ever joined the military. From the 82nd Airborne to deployments in Iraq and responding to Hurricane Katrina, Joey shares what combat really looks like — and what happens after the uniform comes off. We discuss: • Childhood trauma and long-term psychological impact • Becoming a protector after being bullied • Katrina and witnessing societal breakdown • Combat deployments in Samarra and Sadr City • Stop-loss and military extension • PTSD, hypervigilance, and setting boundaries • Turning a .50 cal round into a wedding ring • Breaking generational cycles of violence This episode isn’t about war stories. It’s about accountability. Healing. And choosing not to pass pain forward. If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, identity, or rebuilding your life after chaos - this conversation is for you.

Policing, Trauma, and Purpose: Rebecca LaFosse’s Journey from Narcotics to Corporate Security

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca LaFosse, a former law enforcement officer who transitioned to a successful career in corporate security. Rebecca shares her journey from a sheltered upbringing to becoming a narcotics detective, including harrowing experiences on the job and challenges she faced as a female officer. She opens up about the trauma and toxicity she encountered in policing, and how she ultimately found fulfillment in a new role with RaySECURE, a company developing innovative mail screening technology. Rebecca discusses overcoming adversity, finding balance between work and family, and her continued passion for protecting others in her current position. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and finding purpose through helping others stay safe.

From Biotech to Survivor: Liz Florek's Incredible Journey of Resilience

Welcome to another compelling episode of "Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian," where we delve into inspiring stories of resilience and triumph over adversity. In this episode, we sit down with Liz Florek, a remarkable guest whose life was profoundly impacted by the tragic events at the Route 91 music festival in Las Vegas. Liz shares her harrowing experience of surviving the horrific mass shooting and credits her survival to the principles taught in Michael’s "A.L.I.V.E." program. As Liz recounts the chaos of that fateful night, she reveals how her instincts, molded by prior training, took over, allowing her to stay calm and act decisively. Beyond her survival story, Liz opens up about personal challenges, including dealing with a difficult past relationship and raising her children amidst ongoing family tensions. Despite these challenges, Liz maintains a positive outlook, cherishing her love for outdoor adventures and quality time with family and friends. Join us as Liz provides insightful lessons on facing fear head-on, the importance of situational awareness, and how she's managed to find peace and happiness in her journey. This episode is a testament to human resilience and the power of preparedness, offering valuable takeaways for everyone. Follow Liz Florek on Instagram: @liz_mae_ [https://www.instagram.com/liz_mae_/] 📺https://youtu.be/kuOrJ4e7IO8 [https://youtu.be/kuOrJ4e7IO8] Special thanks to this episodes sponsor, A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival! Be sure to head on over and check out the website to know more about how to better protect yourself! ↙️ 👉🏻 https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/active-shooter-training/ [https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/active-shooter-training/] #Downndirtywithmichaeljulian #downndirty #podcast #route91 SUBSCRIBE to our channel for all our latest content [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRB8N6o2sw5yJdLObUDrqtw] Follow Michael Julian on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEActiveShooter/] Follow Michael Julian on Twitter/X [https://x.com/aliveshooter] Follow Michael Julian on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/michaeldjulian/] Follow Michael Julian on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldjulian/] Follow Michael Julian on Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldjulian] Follow Michael Julian on Threads [https://www.threads.net/@michaeldjulian] Shop our A.L.I.V.E. products [https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/products/] About Michael Julian & Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian: Michael Julian is a distinguished security and investigations professional with a career spanning over 30 years. Michael's extensive security training encompasses various critical areas, including behavioral threat assessment, active shooter survival, executive and asset protection, self-defense, defensive and evasive driving, close protection, aviation security, interview and interrogation techniques, protective and counter-surveillance, and covert protection. He imparts his knowledge by teaching Executive and Asset Protection courses across the United States. He serves as a trusted security consultant for organizations, specializing in personal and asset security solutions, workplace violence identification and reaction, and active shooter survival. Michael is a renowned speaker and Best-Selling author, having penned "10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E.". His innovative Active Shooter Survival philosophy, A.L.I.V.E. (Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose), has been widely embraced since its inception in 2014. The online e-learning version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program, launched in 2019, is now an integral component of corporate security training programs worldwide. With guests from entertainment, business, sports, and beyond, Down 'n Dirty creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and honest conversation. Julian's insightful interviews reveal how our most challenging life experiences can ultimately forge our biggest strengths and successes. SUBSCRIBE today to our channel for access to all our latest content.

Dance, Healing, and Survival: D'Leene's Life Lessons on Down 'n Dirty

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian." In today's episode, we sit down with the remarkable D'Leene DeBoer, an accomplished writer, registered nurse, and professional dancer. D'Leene takes us on an emotional yet empowering journey through her life, starting with a tumultuous childhood marked by her parents' abuse and an arduous path through personal trauma and survival. We uncover her extraordinary resilience as she describes overcoming childhood abuse, fighting through infertility, and surviving a life-threatening car accident while nine months pregnant. D'Leene also shares the healing power of dance, the pursuit of personal passions, and her journey towards becoming an advocate for others who have faced similar adversities. Throughout this deep and honest conversation, D'Leene demonstrates the power of turning pain into purpose and teaching others how to rise above life's toughest challenges. Join us for an inspiring discussion that promises to leave you with valuable life lessons and renewed hope for brighter days ahead. Get ready to get Down and Dirty with D'Leene DeBoer Follow D'Leene DeBoer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dleenedeboer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dleenedeboer/] Special thanks to this episodes sponsor, A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival! Be sure to head on over and check out the website to know more about how to better protect yourself! ↙️ 👉🏻 https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/active-shooter-training/ [https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/active-shooter-training/] #Downndirtywithmichaeljulian #downndirty #podcast #author #dancerlife #professionaldancer #nursing #registerednurse #personaldevelopmentjourney SUBSCRIBE to our channel for all our latest content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRB8N6o2sw5yJdLObUDrqtw 📺.be/XLiZyDK [https://youtu.be/XLiZyDKPK04] https://youtuPK04 [https://youtu.be/XLiZyDKPK04] Follow Michael Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEActiveShooter/ [https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEActiveShooter/] Follow Michael Julian on Twitter/X: https://x.com/aliveshooter [https://x.com/aliveshooter] Follow Michael Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldjulian/ [https://www.instagram.com/michaeldjulian/] Follow Michael Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldjulian/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldjulian/] Follow Michael Julian on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldjulian [https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldjulian] Follow Michael Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@michaeldjulian [https://www.threads.net/@michaeldjulian] Shop our A.L.I.V.E. products here: https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/products/ [https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/products/] About Michael Julian & Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian: Michael Julian is a distinguished security and investigations professional with a career spanning over 30 years. Michael's extensive security training encompasses various critical areas, including behavioral threat assessment, active shooter survival, executive and asset protection, self-defense, defensive and evasive driving, close protection, aviation security, interview and interrogation techniques, protective and counter-surveillance, and covert protection. He imparts his knowledge by teaching Executive and Asset Protection courses across the United States. He serves as a trusted security consultant for organizations, specializing in personal and asset security solutions, workplace violence identification and reaction, and active shooter survival. Michael is a renowned speaker and Best-Selling author, having penned "10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E.". His innovative Active Shooter Survival philosophy, A.L.I.V.E. (Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose), has been widely embraced since its inception in 2014. The online e-learning version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program, launched in 2019, is now an integral component of corporate security training programs worldwide. With guests from entertainment, business, sports, and beyond, Down 'n Dirty creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and honest conversation. Julian's insightful interviews reveal how our most challenging life experiences can ultimately forge our biggest strengths and successes. SUBSCRIBE today to our channel for access to all our latest content.