The Centurion's Path

John McDonald & AJ DeAndrea
  • 3.5 (15)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Centurion’s Path, a Podcast about life and the trials and tribulations of those who serve. This podcast is about the heroes who protect our communities. To truly understand the path of the protector, tune in with AJ DeAndrea and John McDonald, two nationally known leaders who live The Centurian’s Path every day.

Episodes

  1. Episode 22 - Finding Light In The Darkness

    09/10/2025

    Episode 22 - Finding Light In The Darkness

    On this episode of The Centurion's Path, hosts John, AJ, and new co-host Mike Touchton welcome a special guest, business leader and philanthropist Tony Sansone. Tony, a veteran of the real estate development world, shares his decades of experience, the lessons learned from his father, and the life-changing event that inspired ValorNet. ValorNet is a revolutionary health and wellness app designed to provide comprehensive support for first responders, military personnel, and students.

    56 min
  2. Episode 21 - Canadian Combo

    06/12/2025

    Episode 21 - Canadian Combo

    John and AJ are back in Canada for the OTAB conference. In this powerful episode of the podcast, listeners are taken behind the scenes of crucial topics affecting law enforcement professionals today. The conversation starts by diving deeply into the importance of mental wellness and proactive strategies to address stress, trauma, and suicide prevention among officers. The episode also explores innovative technology advancements designed to enhance officer safety and operational effectiveness. Finally, the podcast wraps up with an insightful tactical debrief of a real-life armed barricade situation, highlighting important lessons in containment, communication, and rapid decision-making under pressure. This episode emphasizes the critical need for ongoing training, technological advancements, and strong peer support networks to safeguard and improve the lives of those serving in law enforcement.

    1h 2m
  3. Episode 20 - You Can't Out-Detective The Shrink

    05/14/2025

    Episode 20 - You Can't Out-Detective The Shrink

    In this powerful and deeply honest episode, John and AJ welcome Dr. Cherylynn Lee, a nationally respected police psychologist and operational manager for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Dr. Lee brings a rare combination of threat assessment expertise, crisis negotiation experience, and first responder wellness leadership—all built on years of boots-on-the-ground work and an unshakable commitment to saving lives. From creating and leading one of the country’s most advanced community-based threat assessment teams to counseling officers through trauma and critical incidents, Dr. Lee shares stories that are raw, insightful, and packed with hard-earned wisdom. She breaks down the difference between pain and suffering, how trauma rewires the brain, why wellness can't be one-size-fits-all, and what real support looks like for those who protect others.

    54 min
  4. Episode 19.1 - Fighting Bulldozers

    04/16/2025

    Episode 19.1 - Fighting Bulldozers

    In this powerful and unfiltered episode, hosts AJ DeAndrea and John McDonald return to the mic with a no-holds-barred conversation on one of the most pressing topics in public safety—rescue task force training. Broadcasting from the Ozarks, they’re joined by tactical experts Mike Touchton and Dave Kruse for a deep dive into the evolution of active shooter response and the critical collaboration between law enforcement, fire, and EMS. From philosophical insights to real-world field stories—including a jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes look at the infamous “Killdozer” incident—this episode explores how building trust, sharing training, and breaking old silos can mean the difference between life and death in crisis situations. Whether you're a first responder, school leader, or just someone who cares about community safety, this episode is a must-listen. It’s raw, it’s real, and it might just change the way you think about what it means to protect and serve.

    57 min
  • 4 Episodes

3.5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Centurion’s Path, a Podcast about life and the trials and tribulations of those who serve. This podcast is about the heroes who protect our communities. To truly understand the path of the protector, tune in with AJ DeAndrea and John McDonald, two nationally known leaders who live The Centurian’s Path every day.

Information

  • Creator
    John McDonald & AJ DeAndrea
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit