In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Samuels M.A., M.S.W., L.C.S.W., founder of Copline, a 24/7 confidential peer support hotline for law enforcement officers and their families. Stephanie is a licensed psychotherapist who has worked exclusively with officers for decades and is a national voice in first responder wellness.

We dive into the creation of Copline, why peer support matters so deeply in this profession, and the realities officers face when it comes to stress, trauma, and asking for help. Stephanie shares about her current work around Head Impact & Trauma (HIT) and Blast Overpressure (BOP), including a new self-assessment tool designed to help first responders better understand potential neurological impacts from the job.

We cover:

• Why Stephanie founded Copline and the gap it fills in law enforcement wellness
• How Copline’s peer-to-peer model builds trust and saves lives
• The long-term effects of cumulative trauma in first responders
• What HIT & BOP are and why they matter
• How the self-assessment tool can support early awareness and care

Connect with Stephanie & Copline or take the Assessment below:

🌐 Website: www.copline.org
🧠 HIT & BOP Self-Assessment

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, I talk with Breanna Morgan who grew up the daughter of a law enforcement officer, and is now married to one. She is also a mother of four kids under six, full-time stay-at-home mom, small business owner as a CPR instructor, and founder of The Blue Crew. We dive into what it’s like growing up in a LEO family, how that shaped her view of the job and family, and how she balances motherhood, business, and leading a nonprofit.

We cover:

• Her childhood as a LEO kid and how that early experience influences her now.
• Transitioning into the role of law enforcement spouse
• We share stories from growing up
• The Blue Crew: why she started it, what it does, what to expect, and what drives her mission
• The importance of mental and physical health, community support, and the lessons she wants to pass on to her children

Connect with Breanna & The Blue Crew

• Personal Instagram: @little.blue.crew
• Little Blue Crew (nonprofit) Instagram: @thebluecrew.official
• Website: thebluecrew.org
• Facebook: Blue Crew FB page
• Venmo: BackTheBlueCrew
• Email: breanna.littlebluecrew@gmail.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

In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Fendley, a former police officer in Gibraltar who spent over 16 years in specialist roles including covert policing, child safeguarding, drug enforcement, and high-risk investigations. This episode really reflects that law enforcement everywhere are having similar struggles and experiences and his story is one that resonates with law enforcement families everywhere.

Connect with Daniel Fendley:
📖 Four Letter Word on Amazon: Order Here

📱 Instagram: @the_wounded_series
💼 LinkedIn: Daniel Fendley

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, I sit down with Toni Lynn, a law enforcement spouse of over 10 years, Certified First Responder Supporter, and author of Silent Warriors: The Guardians Behind the Badge. Through her work with Revital Colorado and her officer’s department, Toni offers peer support to spouses and raises awareness of the critical role families play in the first responder community.

Together, we talk about:

• The emotional and mental toll of being a law enforcement spouse
• Why vicarious trauma is real and often overlooked
• The importance of peer support and resources for families
• Toni’s journey to writing Silent Warriors and what she hopes it offers others

This is a candid conversation about the unseen side of public service, and the resilience of the families behind the badge.

Connect with Toni Lynn:
🌐 Website: www.toni-lynn.com
📸 Instagram: @tonilynnofficial
📖 Silent Warriors on Amazon: Read Here

Connect with Me:
🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com
📘 Workbook: The Lt’s Daughter Legacy Project

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

WELCOME BACK, Y'ALL!

This week, I’m joined by Sean Wilkes, a police officer, husband, father, and the founder of the Go Further Initiative - a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the physical and mental health of first responders and military.

Sean has been in law enforcement for nearly a decade and currently serves as his department’s community outreach officer, in addition to serving on the wellness team and Tactical Support Unit. Outside the uniform, Sean is a husband of seven years to his wife Caitlin and a proud dad to two daughters, ages 8 and 2.

In our conversation, Sean shares his story of growing into the roles of officer, spouse, and father, and how those experiences shaped his passion for fitness, wellness, and community support. We dive into:

• The importance of family and work/life balance in a law enforcement career.
• Navigating the challenges of raising kids in a first responder household.
• Why fitness and mental health must be prioritized, and how Sean has made it part of his life and mission.
• The story behind the Go Further Initiative and how it’s providing support to officers, military members, and their families.
• How community connection and proactive wellness can change the culture of first responder life.

If you’re part of a law enforcement or military family, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of service, resilience, and impact, this episode will resonate deeply.

Connect with Sean & Go Further Initiative

🌐 Website: www.gofurtherinitiative.com
📸 Nonprofit Instagram: @gofurtherinitiative_
📸 Personal Instagram: @sawilkes_

Connect with Me

🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com
📘 Workbook: The Lt’s Daughter Legacy Project

Support the show

Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE

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