No One Fights Alone

Brad Shepherd & Kevin Thacker

The No One Fights Alone Podcast is a first responder mental health and culture podcast created to have the conversations that too often go unspoken in the world of service. Built for law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, military veterans, and other public safety professionals, the show explores the real psychological, emotional, and cultural challenges that come with protecting others—often at the cost of your own well-being. Hosted by Brad Shepherd and Kevin Thacker, the podcast is rooted in lived experience, professional insight, and deep respect for first responder culture. Each episode goes beyond surface-level discussions of stress and burnout to address the realities of trauma exposure, cumulative stress, moral injury, identity loss, leadership pressure, family strain, and the long-term impact of high-stakes careers. These are not abstract conversations—they are grounded in real stories from the job, from recovery, and from the road back to stability and purpose. First responder mental health is complex. The demands of the job, combined with stigma, confidentiality concerns, departmental culture, and fear of professional consequences, often keep people silent. The No One Fights Alone Podcast exists to challenge those barriers by normalizing honest dialogue around trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use, burnout, and the unseen weight carried by those who serve. The goal is not to sensationalize the work, but to humanize the people behind it. Episodes feature candid conversations with first responders, clinicians, peer support leaders, and professionals working at the intersection of mental health, trauma, leadership, and public safety. The podcast also explores proactive strategies for resilience, peer support, leadership responsibility, and treatment pathways that respect the unique needs of first responders and professionals in high-stress roles. Rather than offering quick fixes or generic advice, the show focuses on education, connection, and practical insight that listeners can apply in real life. At its core, The No One Fights Alone Podcast is about connection. It’s about reminding listeners that feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or changed by the job does not mean you are weak—it means you are human. The podcast creates a space where difficult experiences can be acknowledged without judgment and where seeking support is framed as strength, not failure. The show is proudly sponsored by Chateau Health & Wellness and First Responder Trauma Counselors, organizations aligned in the mission to improve access to trauma-informed, culturally competent care for first responders and professionals. Sponsorship is not about promotion—it’s about advocacy, education, and contributing to a larger shift in how mental health is understood and addressed within first responder communities. Whether you are actively serving, retired, supporting a loved one in the field, or working alongside first responders in a clinical or leadership role, The No One Fights Alone Podcast offers a place to listen, reflect, and feel understood. Because no one should have to carry the weight of this work alone.

  1. 3D AGO

    Season 6 Opener

    Austin and Brad officially welcome new co-host Kevin Thacker to the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast in this powerful season kickoff episode focused on first responder mental health, trauma recovery, and leadership resilience. Kevin joins the show bringing years of experience in behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and working alongside law enforcement, firefighters, military members, and other high-stress professionals. In this episode, the team reflects on some of the most impactful moments from past conversations — stories of recovery, peer support, overcoming addiction, navigating PTSD, and rebuilding identity after trauma. Together, Austin, Brad, and Kevin discuss the evolution of the podcast and their shared vision moving forward. They talk about expanding conversations around first responder wellness, mental health stigma in law enforcement culture, addiction in high-performance careers, and what true brotherhood and support look like when life gets heavy. Brad shares perspective from his 25-year law enforcement career and national wellness training work. Austin brings insight into recovery, accountability, and leadership. Kevin adds a strategic and clinical lens from his background in behavioral health and trauma treatment advocacy. The result is a dynamic conversation about where the show has been — and where it’s headed next. This episode sets the tone for the upcoming season — more honest conversations, more practical insight, and more real stories from those who have walked through trauma and found strength on the other side. If you are a police officer, firefighter, EMT, corrections officer, military member, healthcare professional, or family member of someone serving in a high-stress career, this podcast is for you. No One Fights Alone exists to remind you that connection, recovery, and growth are possible — and that you do not have to navigate trauma, mental health struggles, or addiction in isolation. Thank you for being part of the NOFA community. We are honored to continue this journey with you. Thank You to Our Sponsor This episode of the No One Fights Alone Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chateau Health & Wellness. Chateau Health & Wellness provides trauma-focused residential treatment for first responders, law enforcement professionals, and other high-performing individuals navigating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use challenges. Their clinically sophisticated, relationship-driven approach is designed specifically for professionals who carry significant responsibility and pressure. To learn more about trauma-informed residential treatment or to connect with their team, visit: www.chateaurecovery.com

    37 min
  2. Five Alarm Charm with Zach Adolphi & Stacey Krantz

    06/06/2025

    Five Alarm Charm with Zach Adolphi & Stacey Krantz

    In this episode of the No One Fights Alone podcast, hosts Brad Shepherd and Max Morgan welcome Stacy Krantz and her son Zach Adolphi. They discuss Zach's journey into firefighting, inspired by a family legacy of service, and Stacy's passion for jewelry design, particularly in creating meaningful pieces for first responders. The conversation highlights the emotional connections behind jewelry, the significance of the Maltese cross, and the impact of their work on the community. They also touch on future aspirations to expand their mission to honor veterans and other first responders. In this conversation, Stacey Krantz and Zach Adolphi share their experiences and insights into the firefighter community, the transformative journey of training, and the emotional impact of their work. They discuss the importance of custom jewelry design as a means of honoring first responders and their families, emphasizing the personal stories behind each piece. The conversation highlights the deep connections formed within the community and the joy of serving those who serve others. Whether you’re a first responder, a family member, or someone who values service and storytelling, this episode speaks to the heart of resilience and connection. 🔗 Guest Website: https://www.fivealarmcharm.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/five_alarm_charm/ No One Fights Alone is brought to you by Chateau Health & Wellness, a 16-bed residential treatment center in Midway, Utah, specializing in trauma-informed care for first responders, veterans, and military personnel. If you or someone you care about is seeking support for mental health or substance use, visit https://www.chateaurecovery.com/ to learn mor

    41 min
  3. Charles "Chip" Huth on Transforming Leadership in Law Enforcement

    05/30/2025

    Charles "Chip" Huth on Transforming Leadership in Law Enforcement

    Summary In this episode, Brad Shepherd interviews Chip, a retired SWAT commander, who shares his journey through law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of relationships, leadership, and personal growth. Chip discusses the challenges faced in transforming a troubled SWAT team, the impact of personal struggles on professional relationships, and the critical role of courage and care in effective leadership. He highlights the necessity of investing in people and fostering a culture of compassion within law enforcement to build trust and improve community relations. In this conversation, Chip shares his transformative journey through personal feedback, fatherhood, and the importance of responsibility. He discusses the impact of relationships on mental health, particularly in the context of male depression, and emphasizes the significance of human connection in leadership. The dialogue explores practical steps for personal growth, the philosophy of Arbinger, and the necessity of self-care through reading and reflection. Ultimately, the conversation highlights that every interaction matters and that we are all interconnected in our experiences. Check out The Arbinger Institute Find Chip on LinkedIn Chip Huth Bio Major Charles “Chip” Huth has 30-years of law enforcement experience and currently serves as a Commander with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Chip formerly led the Street Crimes Unit Tactical Enforcement Team and has planned, coordinated and executed over 2500 high-risk tactical operations. Chip is a senior consultant for The Arbinger Institute. With offices in 23 countries, Arbinger is a recognized world-leader in improving organizational culture, conflict transformation, and changing mindset. He serves as a consultant for the KCPD’s Office of General Counsel, the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Chip is the President and CEO of CDH Consulting L.L.C., serving international law enforcement, military and corporate clients. Chip has 35-years of experience in the martial arts, with a background in competitive judo and kickboxing. He is an accomplished author and co-wrote “Unleashing the Power of Unconditional Respect-Transforming Law Enforcement and Police Training,” a text book used in promotional processes and graduate programs. Chip is a veteran of the United States Army. He resides in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife, Shelly. No One Fights Alone would not be possible without Chateau Health & Wellness. If you or your loved one is seeking help for mental health, substance abuse, or both, reach out to Chateau today. Chateau primarily serves the first responder, military, and veteran communities with trauma-informed modalities and culturally competent staff. Visit the Chateau at https://www.chateaurecovery.com/ to learn more about them. Keywords law enforcement, leadership, SWAT, relationships, community, personal growth, courage, family dynamics, transformation, mentorship, personal growth, feedback, fatherhood, responsibility, mental health, male depression, leadership, human connection, self-care, transformation

    1h 47m
  4. From Soldier to Counselor: James Montgomery's Journey

    05/20/2025

    From Soldier to Counselor: James Montgomery's Journey

    In this episode, James Montgomery shares his journey from a challenging childhood in an abusive home to a successful military career and his transition into mental health counseling. He discusses the importance of addressing mental health stigma, the holistic approach of his counseling service, and the lessons learned from leadership in the military. James opens up about personal struggles, including the impact of deployment and loss, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of human connection and resilience. He emphasizes the need for community support and healing within families, particularly for first responders and veterans. In this conversation, James Montgomery shares his journey from military service to becoming a counselor focused on mental health and suicide prevention. He discusses the alarming rates of suicide among soldiers and the factors contributing to these tragedies, including finances, relationships, and substance abuse. James emphasizes the importance of communication, especially with children, and offers practical advice for parents on how to connect with their kids. He highlights the significance of emotional support and understanding the needs behind behaviors, advocating for intentional time spent with loved ones to foster healthy relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to James Montgomery 03:24 Lotus Counseling Services: A Holistic Approach 05:02 James's Early Life and Military Journey 07:40 Leadership Lessons from the Military 12:01 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Leadership 20:12 Deployment Experiences and Personal Loss 24:33 Turning Point: A Moment of Connection 31:35 Navigating Relationships and Self-Destruction 38:12 Transitioning to Civilian Life and New Challenges 38:41 From Artillery to Leadership: A Journey Begins 41:05 Understanding the Roots of Soldier Suicide 45:42 Navigating Loss: The Role of Counseling 48:38 The Impact of Trauma on First Responders 51:36 Communicating with Kids: Bridging the Gap 53:10 Messages Kids Wish They Could Share 58:50 Investing in Relationships: The 20-Minute Rule 01:03:58 Recognizing Red Flags in Children 01:12:54 Final Thoughts: Understanding Needs Behind Behaviors

    1h 5m
  5. Building It Right, Not Fast: Chateau’s Next Chapter With Austin Pederson

    05/16/2025

    Building It Right, Not Fast: Chateau’s Next Chapter With Austin Pederson

    In this episode, Brad Shepherd, Ben Pearson, and Austin discuss the growth and expansion of Chateau, a residential treatment facility for first responders. They delve into the logistics of the new facility, the importance of maintaining a supportive environment, and the critical role of quality staff in providing effective treatment. The conversation also highlights the significance of cultural competency in staff training and how the team plans to maintain the integrity of their program during this growth phase. Overall, the episode emphasizes the commitment to serving the community and the positive impact of the Chateau team on the lives of those they help. Episode Takeaways Chateau is expanding from 16 to 56 beds to meet demand.The new facility aims to maintain a comforting and welcoming environment.Quality staff are essential for effective treatment and support.Cultural competency training is crucial for staff working with first responders.The growth is driven by the need for more resources and space.Maintaining a supportive environment is key to helping clients heal.The team is committed to providing personalized care despite increased capacity.Staff training focuses on trauma-informed care and understanding first responder culture.The growth is seen as an opportunity to enhance the quality of services offered.The Chateau team values the importance of connection and belief in clients' potential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 05:08 Logistics of the New Facility 10:40 Creating a Safe and Calming Environment 19:29 The Importance of Growth in Treatment 27:16 The Role of Staff in Treatment Success 32:16 The Balancing Act of Support and Accountability 39:05 Cultural Competency in Mental Health 46:40 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 52:10 Growth and Maintaining Quality in Care

    1h 8m
  6. Choosing My Tomorrow: Jodie Baulkham’s Journey Through Grief, Resilience, and Hope

    05/02/2025

    Choosing My Tomorrow: Jodie Baulkham’s Journey Through Grief, Resilience, and Hope

    In this deeply moving episode of the No One Fights Alone Podcast, Brad and Ben sit down with Jodie Baulkham, author of 'Choosing My Tomorrow: Surviving Murder, Navigating Mental Health, and Harnessing the Power of Choice', to explore her extraordinary story of loss, healing, and growth. Jodie opens up about the devastating loss of her husband, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer Chris, the profound journey through grief and trauma, and her powerful transformation into a life coach, speaker, and advocate for mental health and resilience. Together, they cover: Surviving unimaginable loss and navigating life as a young widow and new motherCore chapters from Choosing My TomorrowThe complexity of grief and the myths surrounding how we "should" healThe importance of journaling, emotional vocabulary, and self-reflectionHow vulnerability, courage, and community can change livesLessons in resilience, leadership, and mental wellness from Jodie’s incredible storyThis is an episode about hope, how we find it, how we hold onto it, and how sharing our stories can offer a lifeline to others walking through darkness. Learn more about Jodie’s work and book: Choosing My Tomorrow Connect with us at: chateaurecovery.com About Jodie Baulkham | Author | Mental Health Advocate Jodie Baulkham is a compassionate and open-minded life enthusiast who happens to also be a licensed teacher, professional life coach, certified grief coach, certified Leader Character practitioner, best-selling author, keynote speaker and cancer survivor. Jodie helps people navigate grief to identify and articulate their needs, redefine their sense of self, and rebuild confidence to find meaning in their new reality of living after the death of a loved one. Jodie’s world was shattered in 2007 at the age of 29 when her husband was killed in the line of duty. Jodie was left alone to raise their 8-month old daughter while navigating traumatic grief and the Canadian justice system. Left to pick up the pieces of her broken life and find a sense of self again. Fast forward a few years, Jodie married another police officer who lives with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder as a result of his duties. That little baby has grown into a beautiful young woman and fiercely battles obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Living with and supporting people with mental health challenges is my everyday. Over the years, Jodie has learned that navigating adversity isn’t about dismissing pain or difficulty. It’s about harnessing the power of choice to recreate yourself, living authentically, and finding joy in unexpected places. Simultaneously, I took time to reflect on my experiences surviving murder, navigating mental health and harnessing the power of choice to progress from anguish to coping, to managing, and to ultimately thriving in my life. This awareness and recognition caused a shift in my life’s path with an intense desire to support others as they work to close the gap from where they are today to where they desire to be.

    1h 29m
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The No One Fights Alone Podcast is a first responder mental health and culture podcast created to have the conversations that too often go unspoken in the world of service. Built for law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, military veterans, and other public safety professionals, the show explores the real psychological, emotional, and cultural challenges that come with protecting others—often at the cost of your own well-being. Hosted by Brad Shepherd and Kevin Thacker, the podcast is rooted in lived experience, professional insight, and deep respect for first responder culture. Each episode goes beyond surface-level discussions of stress and burnout to address the realities of trauma exposure, cumulative stress, moral injury, identity loss, leadership pressure, family strain, and the long-term impact of high-stakes careers. These are not abstract conversations—they are grounded in real stories from the job, from recovery, and from the road back to stability and purpose. First responder mental health is complex. The demands of the job, combined with stigma, confidentiality concerns, departmental culture, and fear of professional consequences, often keep people silent. The No One Fights Alone Podcast exists to challenge those barriers by normalizing honest dialogue around trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use, burnout, and the unseen weight carried by those who serve. The goal is not to sensationalize the work, but to humanize the people behind it. Episodes feature candid conversations with first responders, clinicians, peer support leaders, and professionals working at the intersection of mental health, trauma, leadership, and public safety. The podcast also explores proactive strategies for resilience, peer support, leadership responsibility, and treatment pathways that respect the unique needs of first responders and professionals in high-stress roles. Rather than offering quick fixes or generic advice, the show focuses on education, connection, and practical insight that listeners can apply in real life. At its core, The No One Fights Alone Podcast is about connection. It’s about reminding listeners that feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or changed by the job does not mean you are weak—it means you are human. The podcast creates a space where difficult experiences can be acknowledged without judgment and where seeking support is framed as strength, not failure. The show is proudly sponsored by Chateau Health & Wellness and First Responder Trauma Counselors, organizations aligned in the mission to improve access to trauma-informed, culturally competent care for first responders and professionals. Sponsorship is not about promotion—it’s about advocacy, education, and contributing to a larger shift in how mental health is understood and addressed within first responder communities. Whether you are actively serving, retired, supporting a loved one in the field, or working alongside first responders in a clinical or leadership role, The No One Fights Alone Podcast offers a place to listen, reflect, and feel understood. Because no one should have to carry the weight of this work alone.