Beyond the Badge isn’t just a podcast—it’s a lifeline. A raw, unfiltered space for first responders to talk about the stuff nobody wants to say out loud: trauma, burnout, depression, addiction, and the battle to keep going.
Every week, we bring you real stories from the people who wear the uniform—cops, firefighters, EMS, nurses, and military—who’ve been through hell and are still here to talk about it.
We’re three first responders who met in treatment—three people who nearly broke under the weight, but chose to fight our way back. This show is for the ones suffering in silence, the ones holding it together on the outside while falling apart inside. We’ve been there. And now we’re here, using our voices so you don’t have to suffer alone.
This isn’t therapy. It’s real talk. Real pain. Real hope. Because healing doesn’t happen in silence—it starts with one brutally honest conversation at a time.
Nate is a police sergeant in Minnesota with over 14 years of service, a proud husband, and a dedicated father of three. He’s also a Minnesota realtor who helps fellow first responders—officers, firefighters, medics, nurses, and veterans—buy and sell homes with someone they know, like, and trust. Because he’s one of them.
But Nate’s story runs deeper than badges and closings. He lives with complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorder—mental health battles that don’t show up on X-rays or reports. He’s stared down suicidal ideation, wrestled with shame, and knows what it’s like to feel completely alone while surrounded by people. He’s worn the mask, smiled through the pain, and gone to war within himself.
Now, he's walking a different path—one rooted in honesty, healing, and purpose. Through therapy, community, and relentless self-work, Nate is learning to live, not just survive. And he’s speaking out to show others that being strong doesn’t mean being silent. His mission is to break the stigma, to prove that vulnerability is courage, and to remind others—especially those in uniform—that they’re never alone in the fight.
NICU nurse, mental health advocate, and survivor. Colleen brings compassion, honesty, and powerful vulnerability to the conversation. She’s proof that even in the darkest moments, healing is possible.
Steve was born and raised in Virginia, just miles from our Nation’s Capital. He began his 25 year career in local law enforcement with Fairfax County, VA Police Department, in the same locale he called home. Years later, he seized an opportunity to begin a federal career in the National Security space. During his nearly two decades of federal service, Steve served multiple tours in the Middle East and Africa, all together over four years collectively. Steve’s expertise was as a leader and specialist in support and security management.
During his two-decade federal career, Steve provided strategic guidance and leadership in countless events around the world, events that would shape and influence United States national security around the globe. Along with spending several years in the Middle East and facing challenging safety and life-impacting events impacting his and colleagues safety, he recently retired from federal service. Steve made the concerted and mindful decision to shift his focus onto his own health and recovery. He’s begun to discover that in this second act of life, he can serve as a voice in bringing light to the dark side of how we treat and care for our heroes serving abroad. This voice is practiced both through advocacy in accountability, legislative and educational efforts.
Steve’s own health challenges don't define him or his past, but serve as a rallying cry to heal from and attain recovery from his mental health wounds, while serving as a light and voice for others still serving our great Nation. He is excited to join this podcast, sharing raw, intimate and impactful stories from his two decades of service abroad in support of our great country. There is hope on the other side of darkness, it is light - join us as we work together to help ourselves and others facing mental health challenges in the public service space.
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Email