Today's guest is David Atkins—retired New York State Police Captain, motivational speaker, and creator of The One Decision Away Philosophy.

David brings decades of experience, not only as a leader in law enforcement, but also as someone who has built a life filled with purpose, service, and impact beyond the badge. He spent 22 years with the New York State Police, overseeing operations in Westchester County with more than 400,000 911 calls a year. He was named NY State Trooper of the Year in 2003 and Investigator of the Year in 2007, and he was among the first responders at Ground Zero on 9/11.

Now retired, David leads a thriving team of 1,400 in his Beachbody business, speaks to thousands across the country, and hosts The Personal Perseverance Project Podcast. He’s the author of The Leveled Up Life, and his next book—The One Decision Away Philosophy—releases in Summer 2025.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• His journey through law enforcement and the realities of leadership during the 2020 riots
• How he prioritized family in one of the most demanding jobs out there
• The mindset shifts that led him to personal and professional growth after retirement
• The moment I unknowingly saw him speak at a conference years ago—and why it stuck with me
• What The One Decision Away Philosophy really means and how we can apply it in our own lives

This one is packed with wisdom, heart, and a powerful reminder: you're always one decision away from a completely different life.

About David:

David Atkins is a retired NY State Police Captain, keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and entrepreneur. He is the creator of The One Decision Away Philosophy and the author of The Leveled Up Life. David is also a first responder from 9/11 and now dedicates his time to helping others level up through mindset, health, and service.

Connect with David Atkins:

🌐 Website & Book: www.davidatkinsspeaks.com
📸 Instagram: @david_w_atkins
📘 Facebook: Coach David Atkins
💼 LinkedIn: David W. Atkins

Connect with me:

🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

In this episode of Beyond the Uniform, I sit down with Vin Scotto, a former NYPD supervisor and now a powerful voice in the law enforcement wellness space.

Vin spent 20 years on the job, and he’s now using storytelling to break down barriers, open conversations, and guide officers through the often-unspoken challenges that come with life after law enforcement. He shares his own story with honesty and vulnerability and helps others create personalized wellness plans that address real-world struggles like retirement transition, family dynamics, mental health, and identity loss after leaving the job.

Vin is on a mission to be the guide he wishes he had. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about what comes next after a career in law enforcement.

Connect with Vin Scotto:

💼 LinkedIn: Vincent Scotto
📧 Email: Vince.Scotto@lawenforcementcoaching.com

Connect with me:

🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

Today, I sit down with Mirian “Bev” Perez—a former police officer turned national speaker, peer support leader, and trauma, grief, and love expert.

Bev spent 10 years serving with the Prince George’s County Police Department, including time in patrol and as a detective. After leaving the job, she began a new chapter—one rooted in healing, personal growth, and guiding others through their own pain.

Together, we talk about:

• The devastating loss of the love of her life and how Bev navigated the aftermath
• What it means to lose—and rediscover—yourself in the process of grief
• Her work facilitating wellness groups and peer support in police agencies across the country
• Why she believes your worst day does not have to dictate your everyday

This is a raw and honest conversation about love, loss, and how the most painful moments of our lives can lead us to the work we’re meant to do.

About Bev:

Mirian “Bev” Perez is a former law enforcement officer and now a nationally recognized speaker, trauma and grief expert, and peer support consultant for police departments across the U.S. She holds a master’s in social work and certifications in peer support, suicide intervention, and mind-body medicine. Bev is the founder of her self-titled coaching business and is currently writing her first book, set to release later this year.

Connect with Bev:

🌐 Website: www.bevperez.com
📸 Instagram: @bevperezllc | @_bevybev
📘 Facebook: Mirian “Bev” Perez
💼 LinkedIn: Mirian Perez, MSW
📧 Email: info@bevperez.com
📞 Phone: (240) 838-9620

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Connect with me:

🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

On this episode, I’m joined by a very special guest, Steve Biello; someone who worked alongside my dad and has served the Philadelphia Police Department for 35 years. Currently assigned to the Special Victims Unit, Child Abuse Unit (yes, he took over my dad's position), Steve shares what it’s like doing this emotionally intense work and how he’s stayed grounded throughout decades of service.

We talk about:

• His long-standing career in law enforcement and how the job has evolved
• The toll SVU work can take and what’s helped him stay mentally strong
• His passion for sporting clays, hunting, and teaching—his personal outlet
• Balancing family life, including raising two incredible kids
• What it feels like to face the reality of retirement, and how he’s preparing for life after law enforcement

This is a conversation about identity, purpose, and making space for joy in the midst of hard work.

With 35 years of service in the Philadelphia Police Department, Steve is currently assigned to the Special Victims Unit, Child Abuse Unit. Outside of his law enforcement work, he’s a certified Level 2 National Sporting Clays Association Instructor and the founder of Clays n' Wings, where he teaches shotgun sports and shares his passion for hunting and outdoor connection.

Connect with Steve and his company, Clays n' Wings:

🌐 Website: www.claysnwings.com
📸 Instagram: @claysnwings | @claysnwings1
▶️ YouTube: @claysnwingsshotgunning

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Connect with me:

🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
Email me: theltsdaughter@gmail.com

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

Lieutenant Randy Sutton (Ret.) brings over 34 years of experience in law enforcement to this powerful episode. He’s the founder of The Wounded Blue, an organization that provides critical support for officers injured in the line of duty. A prolific author and speaker, Randy has also appeared in film and television, earning a national reputation as a leading voice for law enforcement.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Randy’s personal stories from decades on the job
• The mission and growth of The Wounded Blue - and why he started it
• His latest book, Rescuing 911, and why he’s passionate about its message

This episode offers a deep look into the realities of police work through the lens of one of the most respected figures in the field.

Check out Rescuing 911 and Randy’s other books HERE
Sign up or learn more about the Wounded Blue Summit HERE

Follow Randy HERE

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Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

In this episode, I chat with Dina—NYPD officer, peer support instructor, and devoted wife and mom—about what it’s really like to build a life and career in law enforcement with your high school sweetheart by your side. Dina shares openly about her own mental health journey, what it took to reach out for help, and how she and her husband have learned to balance their demanding careers with raising faith-filled, grounded kids.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom, honesty, and reminders that seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness.

We Talk About:

• The importance of friendships and support outside of work
• How peer support can be a lifeline in law enforcement
• The balancing act of marriage, parenting, and police work
• Why Dina is passionate about breaking mental health stigma in the job

Connect with Dina:
Instagram: @flawed_yet_faithful

Linkedin: Dina Campbell

Connect with Katherine:

Instagram: @theltsdaughter

Beyond the Uniform: Community for Law Enforcement Officers, Spouses & Kids

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

After 21 years in law enforcement, Jerrod Hardy and his wife Andrea made a bold decision: to leave it all behind and embrace full-time travel. Now, they live out of their Airstream, exploring the country (and Mexico) with their golden doodle, Mr. Otis - which they document on IG @alternateroads.

In this episode, Jerrod shares:
✔️ How he realized he wasn’t being the person and dad he wanted to be
✔️ The intentional choice he and his wife made to spend 20 years in law enforcement
✔️ The importance of prioritizing family and being present
✔️ His thoughts on recruiting, training, and what needs to change in law enforcement
✔️ Life on the road—how they made it work and what they’ve learned along the way

IG: theonpurposepodcast and JerrodH
LinkedIn: The On Purpose Podcast and Jerrod Hardy
YouTube: The On Purpose Podcast

Listen to Jerrod's podcast wherever you listen to podcasts: The On Purpose Podcast

Connect with Katherine:

IG: @theltsdaughter

Beyond the Uniform: Community for Law Enforcement Officers, Spouses & Kids

Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook - ON SALE NOW

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

Get early access to the workbook HERE now through 4/20.

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In this episode, I sit down with Destiny Morris, a licensed therapist from California who specializes in working with first responders and their families. As the daughter of a law enforcement officer, Destiny brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional knowledge to the conversation.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Challenges faced by teenagers in law enforcement families​
• Destiny's personal experience of her father becoming a police officer during her middle school years and the changes that ensued​
• The observational learning of children and how they internalize their parents' experiences​
• Tips for first responders on finding culturally competent therapists and identifying potential red flags in therapy​
• Addressing intimacy issues within relationships involving first responders​

Connect with Destiny:

• Destiny Morris' Website: destinymorristherapy.com​
• IG: @on_being_resilient

Connect with me:

• IG: @theltsdaughter
• Beyond the Uniform: Community for Law Enforcement Officers, Spouses & Kids
• Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook

Disclaimer:
The content of this episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.​

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE