A Badge of Honor Podcast

About A Badge of Honor Podcast

Former Secret Service LEO Samantha Horwitz and former NYPD Detective John Salerno host A Badge of Honor Podcast to highlight Post Traumatic Stress Injury recovery, wellness, and resiliency possible through training and support. Their organization by the same name works with police department mental health liaisons and critical incidence management teams to provide workshops that are pivotal to successful lives and families in our communities. Call 469-232-7894 or go to ABadgeOfHonor.org to start a workshop or sponsor an officer in your hometown!

Publisher

Spreely Media

Category

education · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Sept 2022

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

164 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Smashing Cancer with Hearts and Helmets

   In this episode of A Badge of Honor TV, Sam Horwitz and David Solerno sit down with Nick Juarez and Natalie Juarez of the Hearts and Helmets program. The conversation opens with a moving story of a service dog calming an officer in ICU, illustrating how deeply the bond between veterans and their canine partners can affect recovery. From there, the Juarez duo explains how Hearts and Helmets was born out of personal experience—Nick’s own family faced a cancer diagnosis, and the lack of coordinated support sparked a mission to build a nationwide safety net for veteran families. Listeners hear the step‑by‑step process a family goes through when they call Hearts and Helmets: a compassionate intake questionnaire, free counseling for parents and children, on‑call psychiatrists, and practical assistance with daily tasks that often fall through the cracks during treatment. The program’s partnership with the American Warrior Association’s R3 initiative expands resources to first‑responders dealing with moral injury, while collaborations with the Fort Worth Stockyards Foundation, local sports teams, and the Dallas Fire Department bring unique experiences—flight‑sim tours, PBR events, and meet‑and‑greets with athletes—to children coping with a parent’s illness. Sam and David highlight the importance of community‑driven fundraising, from the "Bras for a Cause" breast‑cancer calendar to upcoming outdoor events at the Stockyards. The hosts also discuss how the program leverages social media, Instagram, Facebook, and a simple donation tab on heartsandhelmets.org to keep support flowing. Throughout, the Juarez’s emphasize that every family’s needs are different, and the program’s flexibility—local and nationwide outreach, adaptable counseling, and even future pickleball initiatives—ensures no veteran feels alone in the fight against cancer. The episode closes with a call to action: visit heartsandhelmets.org, follow the organization online, and consider donating to keep these life‑changing services alive for the brave men and women who have served our country.

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   When That Day Comes with Ret. LEO Chris Hoyer

   Guest Chris Hoyer delves deep into the intricate emotional landscape of law enforcement, illuminating the often-hidden effects of trauma and critical incidents. Drawing on personal experiences, Hoyer reflects on the loss of his partner, Dave Glasser, a moment that marked a turning point in his life and career. From that pivotal day in May 2016, he shares how he gradually became emotionally disconnected, only realizing the depth of his struggle upon retirement. With raw honesty, he recounts the challenges he faced, the complexities of survivor's guilt, and the urgency of addressing mental health in police departments. The discussion emphasizes the importance of peer support among officers, underlining how crucial it is for law enforcement professionals to feel safe in sharing their burdens. Hoyer candidly addresses obstacles in mental health programs within police departments, revealing that many still stagnate without real progress. He believes storytelling is not just cathartic but vital for healing, and he encourages fellow officers to take a moment to reach out to their peers. With compelling anecdotes, the episode highlights the dark intersections of duty, trauma, and resilience. Hoyer’s narrative is not just a personal testimony; it serves as a call to action for law enforcement agencies to prioritize mental health resources and the well-being of their officers. In sharing his own journey of recovery and shedding light on the importance of community, he inspires others to confront their own challenges, advocating for a shift towards openness and understanding in a profession where vulnerability is often masked. Join us as Hoyer’s story unfolds, highlighting how each officer’s journey matters and the critical need for supportive networks in overcoming personal battles.

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   It s All About Your Sleep with Ret. Navy Seal Rob Sweetman

   Sleep is often underestimated, but for veterans and first responders, it's a matter of life and death. Retired Navy SEAL Rob Sweetman shares his personal journey, exposing the chilling link between sleep deprivation and mental health crises within these communities. He opens up about losing his friend Ryan Larkin to suicide and how it spurred him to explore the science of sleep. Listeners are provided with actionable tips to enhance sleep quality, including the pivotal role of consistency and creating a sleep-conducive environment. Sweetman dives into alternatives to harmful sleep medications and stresses the necessity of addressing the unique sleep challenges faced by first responders. He discusses strategies like polyphasic sleeping and the importance of establishing a wind-down routine that transitions the mind and body into relaxation. With informative insights, Rob encourages listeners to confront their excuses and prioritize their well-being through better sleep habits. This episode is crucial for anyone looking to improve their mental health and recognize the undeniable connection between sleep and overall quality of life.