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

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

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

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

Matt Garcia, a retired Connecticut State Police Lieutenant and now Deputy Director of Officer Safety and Wellness at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, joins Brad and Max for an unfiltered conversation about the real struggles behind the badge.

Matt opens up about the early traumas that shaped his career, how unchecked burnout nearly cost him everything, and why building strong peer support systems is no longer optional. From high-speed mistakes on midnight shifts to teaching the next generation of officers how to stay alive, Matt’s story is a reminder that resilience is not automatic; it is earned.

The discussion also pulls back the curtain on the mission of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the reality behind preventable line-of-duty deaths, and why honoring fallen officers means changing how we care for the living.

If you are in law enforcement, married to someone who is, or want to understand the human cost of the job, this conversation is a must-listen.

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 mother
• Core chapters from Choosing My Tomorrow
• The complexity of grief and the myths surrounding how we "should" heal
• The importance of journaling, emotional vocabulary, and self-reflection
• How vulnerability, courage, and community can change lives
• Lessons in resilience, leadership, and mental wellness from Jodie’s incredible story

This 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.

In this episode of the No One Fights Alone Podcast, Brad and Max share powerful reflections as Police Week and Firefighter Memorial Week approach. They explore the deep meaning behind honoring fallen heroes, the importance of supporting those who are still serving, and how setting boundaries is a crucial part of maintaining mental health.

The conversation also touches on personal growth through intentional living, lessons from fasting for resilience, and updates on exciting developments at Chateau Health and Wellness. Through humor, humility, and real-world experience, Brad and Max remind us that healing and strength come from facing hard things with purpose.

Topics Covered:

• The significance of Police Week and Firefighter Memorial Week
• Reflections on visiting memorials and honoring fallen first responders
• Personal experiences with fasting, discipline, and mental clarity
• Setting intentional boundaries for better self-care
• Updates on new programs at Chateau Health and Wellness

Learn more at: https://www.chateaurecovery.com

Connect with us on Instagram: @noonefightsalonepodcast

In this episode of No One Fights Alone, Ben and Brad dive into what it means to really show up for others and ourselves. Through stories of ride-alongs with law enforcement (not as a criminal, we promise!) and firefighters across the country, Ben, as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), reflects on what he’s learned sitting shotgun in squad cars.

From awkward intros and suspicion to unexpected connection and trust, this conversation reveals how shared space, when approached with curiosity, can spark understanding, empathy, and even healing. The guys explore why every civilian should experience a ride-along or a 12-step meeting, and how getting outside your own bubble shifts perspective in powerful ways.

You’ll also hear:

• The emotional weight of the job that most never see
• The “human behind the badge” that media often misses
• Why slowing down to observe is essential for cultural competency
• What happens when a clinical director rides along—and what officers think he's really there for