Today's guest is David Atkins—retired New York State Police Captain, motivational speaker, and creator of The One Decision Away Philosophy.

David brings decades of experience, not only as a leader in law enforcement, but also as someone who has built a life filled with purpose, service, and impact beyond the badge. He spent 22 years with the New York State Police, overseeing operations in Westchester County with more than 400,000 911 calls a year. He was named NY State Trooper of the Year in 2003 and Investigator of the Year in 2007, and he was among the first responders at Ground Zero on 9/11.

Now retired, David leads a thriving team of 1,400 in his Beachbody business, speaks to thousands across the country, and hosts The Personal Perseverance Project Podcast. He’s the author of The Leveled Up Life, and his next book—The One Decision Away Philosophy—releases in Summer 2025.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• His journey through law enforcement and the realities of leadership during the 2020 riots
• How he prioritized family in one of the most demanding jobs out there
• The mindset shifts that led him to personal and professional growth after retirement
• The moment I unknowingly saw him speak at a conference years ago—and why it stuck with me
• What The One Decision Away Philosophy really means and how we can apply it in our own lives

This one is packed with wisdom, heart, and a powerful reminder: you're always one decision away from a completely different life.

About David:

David Atkins is a retired NY State Police Captain, keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and entrepreneur. He is the creator of The One Decision Away Philosophy and the author of The Leveled Up Life. David is also a first responder from 9/11 and now dedicates his time to helping others level up through mindset, health, and service.

Connect with David Atkins:

🌐 Website & Book: www.davidatkinsspeaks.com
📸 Instagram: @david_w_atkins
📘 Facebook: Coach David Atkins
💼 LinkedIn: David W. Atkins

Connect with me:

🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

In this episode of Beyond the Uniform, I sit down with Vin Scotto, a former NYPD supervisor and now a powerful voice in the law enforcement wellness space.

Vin spent 20 years on the job, and he’s now using storytelling to break down barriers, open conversations, and guide officers through the often-unspoken challenges that come with life after law enforcement. He shares his own story with honesty and vulnerability and helps others create personalized wellness plans that address real-world struggles like retirement transition, family dynamics, mental health, and identity loss after leaving the job.

Vin is on a mission to be the guide he wishes he had. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about what comes next after a career in law enforcement.

Connect with Vin Scotto:

💼 LinkedIn: Vincent Scotto
📧 Email: Vince.Scotto@lawenforcementcoaching.com

Connect with me:

🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

Today, I sit down with Mirian “Bev” Perez—a former police officer turned national speaker, peer support leader, and trauma, grief, and love expert.

Bev spent 10 years serving with the Prince George’s County Police Department, including time in patrol and as a detective. After leaving the job, she began a new chapter—one rooted in healing, personal growth, and guiding others through their own pain.

Together, we talk about:

• The devastating loss of the love of her life and how Bev navigated the aftermath
• What it means to lose—and rediscover—yourself in the process of grief
• Her work facilitating wellness groups and peer support in police agencies across the country
• Why she believes your worst day does not have to dictate your everyday

This is a raw and honest conversation about love, loss, and how the most painful moments of our lives can lead us to the work we’re meant to do.

About Bev:

Mirian “Bev” Perez is a former law enforcement officer and now a nationally recognized speaker, trauma and grief expert, and peer support consultant for police departments across the U.S. She holds a master’s in social work and certifications in peer support, suicide intervention, and mind-body medicine. Bev is the founder of her self-titled coaching business and is currently writing her first book, set to release later this year.

Connect with Bev:

🌐 Website: www.bevperez.com
📸 Instagram: @bevperezllc | @_bevybev
📘 Facebook: Mirian “Bev” Perez
💼 LinkedIn: Mirian Perez, MSW
📧 Email: info@bevperez.com
📞 Phone: (240) 838-9620

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Connect with me:

🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE