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.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Angela Graham, we pick up where we left off—crossing the border into Mexico for a psychedelic journey that would change everything.

Angela shares what happened after she took that leap into the unknown: the inner battles, the healing breakthroughs, and the raw reckoning with pain she had spent years suppressing. This episode dives deep into her experience with alternative therapies, the emotional unraveling that led to clarity, and how it ignited the vision for The SIREN Project.

It’s a powerful reminder that healing often looks nothing like we expect—and that sometimes, the most courageous thing we can do is let go.

If you’ve ever felt broken, stuck, or like the old way just isn’t working anymore, this one’s for you.

Before she co-founded The SIREN Project, Angela Graham was a firefighter, a medic, a mother—and completely falling apart. In Part One of this raw and honest two-part series, Angela opens up about the years of trauma, burnout, and breakdowns that nearly ended everything. From holding it together on the outside to crumbling behind closed doors, she shares what it looked like to lose herself in the job, in the pain, and in silence.

This episode is a gut check for anyone who's ever wondered, "What happens when I can't keep doing this anymore?"

Angela’s story is not just about pain—it’s about the moment she said “enough,” booked a one-way ticket to San Diego, and got in a van with strangers to cross the border into something completely unexpected: healing.

SIREN PROJECT

In this powerful follow-up, Jimmy Ward returns to Shielded Voices for a deep dive into the personal transformation that followed his career in law enforcement. Through open discussion with Brian and Mitch, Jimmy shares how hitting emotional walls led him toward coaching, leadership development, and a shift in perspective that changed his life.

This conversation is about more than rank or recognition—it's about rediscovering who you are beyond the badge. From embracing vulnerability and empathy in leadership, to recognizing the silent toll of stress and trauma, Jimmy walks us through what it means to rebuild, reflect, and rise. We explore the role of mental health, the importance of support systems, and how growth is a journey without a finish line.

Whether you’re a leader, a peer, or someone just trying to keep your head above water, this episode reminds us: resilience isn't about being bulletproof—it's about being willing to heal.

In this solo episode, Mitch opens up about the personal side of wearing the badge—what the job takes from you, how the warning signs show up, and what it really means to hit a breaking point.

This isn’t a story about heroism. It’s about honesty. About struggling silently with PTSD, depression, and alcoholism while still showing up to work. It’s about how the job changes you—and what recovery can look like when you finally stop pretending everything is fine.

Mitch shares what helped him pull through, how he’s doing today, and why we need to redefine what resilience actually means in law enforcement.

To request the “Enduring the Badge” PowerPoint presentation for training or peer support, email shieldedvoices@outlook.com.

In Part Two of their conversation, Brian and Mitch move beyond the light-hearted banter and step into a raw, vulnerable space—one that explores trauma, addiction, recovery, and the mental health battles often faced in silence, especially within the first responder community.

Mitch opens up about childhood trauma, the weight of vicarious pain passed down through family, and the internal battles he faced behind closed doors. Together, they talk candidly about the hidden toll of high-stress professions, the struggle to stay afloat, and the slow, often painful road toward healing.

They also reflect on the importance of faith, family, and the quiet strength that comes from finally choosing honesty over silence. From caffeine-fueled late nights to heavy discussions on suicidal thoughts, this episode is both deeply personal and powerfully relatable.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a reminder that you're not alone, and that sharing your truth can be the first step toward healing.

In this first part of a deeply personal two-part conversation, Mitch sits down with co-host Brian to begin opening up about his journey—both in life and in law enforcement. From childhood struggles to the early signs of emotional weight building behind the badge, Mitch starts to unpack the foundation of a story he’s kept private for far too long.

This episode isn’t about rock bottom—it’s about what comes before. The quiet pressure. The pain behind the smile. The moments when life feels heavy, but you don’t know how to ask for help yet.

For the first time, Mitch shares the early chapters of the story that would eventually lead to Shielded Voices. Part Two dives even deeper—but this is where it begins.

In this episode of Shielded Voices, former Senior Trooper Jimmy Ward shares his journey through law enforcement—from rookie moments and narcotics work to the realities of addiction, drug enforcement, and personal growth. Jimmy and the hosts dive into the mental toll of the job, the importance of vulnerability, and the power of leadership through compassion. This conversation is raw, real, and full of insight for anyone navigating the world of first responders.