183. Behind the Badge: Captain Adam Meyers on Trauma, Recovery, and Speaking Out
Release Date: 04/01/2025
186. How Somatic Stillness Can Heal the Mind with Will Johnson
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185. Adrenaline Dominance: The Root Cause of So Many Health Issues with Dr. Michael Platt
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184. Societal Dropout & the Power of Stillness: A Conversation with D.C. Copeland
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183. Behind the Badge: Captain Adam Meyers on Trauma, Recovery, and Speaking Out
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In this deeply personal and courageous episode, Chuck welcomes Captain Adam Meyers, a law enforcement veteran with over two decades of service. Adam shares his powerful story — from dreaming of becoming a police officer as a young boy to the critical incident in 2016 that changed everything. After using deadly force in a life-threatening situation, Adam faced years of mental health struggles, addiction, and eventually, an identity crisis that nearly cost him everything. What makes Adam’s story so compelling is not just the tragedy he endured, but the triumph that followed. Through raw...
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182. Overcoming Loneliness and Creating Deep Connections with Justin Jones-Fosu
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181. Break Free: A Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery with Andy Smith
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180. Breaking the Silence: Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri on Healing Trauma and Finding Strength
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179. Perseverance in the Wilderness: Stephan Kesting’s Journey of Survival and Healing
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178. Breaking Free and Finding Peace: Jennifer Kenny Smith’s Journey to Healing and Surrender
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177. Parenting Through Pediatric Cancer: Laura Lang-Ree’s Story of Strength and Hope
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In this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree, a mother, author, and fierce advocate for families navigating pediatric cancer. Laura shares her heart-wrenching yet empowering journey through her daughter Cecilia's leukemia diagnosis—a journey that sparked her mission to create resources and support for parents facing the unimaginable. Laura opens up about the shock and fear that consumed her when her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. She recalls the early days of scouring the internet for guidance, only to find a lack of...
info_outlineIn this deeply personal and courageous episode, Chuck welcomes Captain Adam Meyers, a law enforcement veteran with over two decades of service. Adam shares his powerful story — from dreaming of becoming a police officer as a young boy to the critical incident in 2016 that changed everything. After using deadly force in a life-threatening situation, Adam faced years of mental health struggles, addiction, and eventually, an identity crisis that nearly cost him everything.
What makes Adam’s story so compelling is not just the tragedy he endured, but the triumph that followed. Through raw honesty and vulnerability, he opens up about how PTSD, anxiety, and depression crept into his life after the incident, and how support from his family, faith, therapy, and the decision to speak openly about mental health led him to a new mission: helping others heal.
Adam is the founder of Stop the Threat – Stop the Stigma, a platform dedicated to law enforcement wellness and reducing the stigma around mental health in high-stress professions. His story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible — and that no one is ever alone in their struggle.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in law enforcement, first responders, or anyone carrying the weight of past trauma and looking for a path forward. Adam’s transparency is refreshing, his message is filled with hope, and his comeback is nothing short of inspiring.
LINKS:
- www.thecompassionateconnection.com
- www.warriorsunmasked.com
- Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:00 – Introduction + Chuck sets the stage
- 02:26 – Welcome to Captain Adam Meyers
- 03:43 – Adam’s childhood dream to become a police officer
- 06:09 – The critical incident in April 2016
- 10:00 – Processing the trauma and the immediate aftermath
- 17:00 – Returning home and the emotional impact
- 23:00 – Coping mechanisms and how they led to destructive habits
- 30:00 – The stigma around asking for help in law enforcement
- 34:38 – Adam’s breaking point and beginning the journey to healing
- 38:00 – Therapy, diagnosis, and termination from his department
- 42:00 – Being silenced and facing rejection from leadership
- 44:38 – Launching Stop the Threat – Stop the Stigma
- 47:45 – Messages of hope and support from those he’s helped
- 50:00 – Rebuilding his life and career, finding purpose again
- 53:00 – Final thoughts: You are not alone, it’s okay to ask for help
- 56:00 – Chuck’s reflections and call to action for listeners