183. Behind the Badge: Captain Adam Meyers on Trauma, Recovery, and Speaking Out

Warriors Unmasked

In this deeply personal and courageous episode, Chuck welcomes Captain Adam Meyers, a law enforcement veteran with over two decades of service. Adam shares his powerful story — from dreaming of becoming a police officer as a young boy to the critical incident in 2016 that changed everything. After using deadly force in a life-threatening situation, Adam faced years of mental health struggles, addiction, and eventually, an identity crisis that nearly cost him everything.

What makes Adam’s story so compelling is not just the tragedy he endured, but the triumph that followed. Through raw honesty and vulnerability, he opens up about how PTSD, anxiety, and depression crept into his life after the incident, and how support from his family, faith, therapy, and the decision to speak openly about mental health led him to a new mission: helping others heal.

Adam is the founder of Stop the Threat – Stop the Stigma, a platform dedicated to law enforcement wellness and reducing the stigma around mental health in high-stress professions. His story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible — and that no one is ever alone in their struggle.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in law enforcement, first responders, or anyone carrying the weight of past trauma and looking for a path forward. Adam’s transparency is refreshing, his message is filled with hope, and his comeback is nothing short of inspiring.

LINKS:

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction + Chuck sets the stage
• 02:26 – Welcome to Captain Adam Meyers
• 03:43 – Adam’s childhood dream to become a police officer
• 06:09 – The critical incident in April 2016
• 10:00 – Processing the trauma and the immediate aftermath
• 17:00 – Returning home and the emotional impact
• 23:00 – Coping mechanisms and how they led to destructive habits
• 30:00 – The stigma around asking for help in law enforcement
• 34:38 – Adam’s breaking point and beginning the journey to healing
• 38:00 – Therapy, diagnosis, and termination from his department
• 42:00 – Being silenced and facing rejection from leadership
• 44:38 – Launching Stop the Threat – Stop the Stigma
• 47:45 – Messages of hope and support from those he’s helped
• 50:00 – Rebuilding his life and career, finding purpose again
• 53:00 – Final thoughts: You are not alone, it’s okay to ask for help
• 56:00 – Chuck’s reflections and call to action for listeners