Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian takes you behind the scenes with fascinating people from all walks of life. Your host, Michael Julian, digs deep with his guests, learning about the experiences and challenges that have shaped them into the remarkable individuals they are today.
Whether it's overcoming childhood traumas, mental health struggles or other life challenges, this podcast shines a light on the grit and resilience of the human spirit. Guests openly share their powerful stories of perseverance and growth, providing an inspiring roadmap for listeners facing their own obstacles.
With guests from entertainment, business, sports and beyond, Down 'n Dirty creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and honest conversation. Julian's insightful interviews reveal how our most difficult life experiences can ultimately forge our biggest strengths and successes.
Tune in for a candid, moving and motivational listen that will leave you feeling uplifted and empowered to conquer any challenge that may come your way. Life gets Down 'n Dirty, but this podcast proves you can emerge stronger and wiser because of it.
From Abuse to Airborne: Joey Pena’s Journey Through War, Trauma & Breaking the Cycle
In this episode of Down & Dirty with Michael Julian, we sit down with Joseph “Joey” Pena for one of the most raw and unfiltered conversations we’ve had.
Joey opens up about surviving severe childhood abuse, growing up as a preacher’s kid, and how early trauma shaped his identity long before he ever joined the military.
From the 82nd Airborne to deployments in Iraq and responding to Hurricane Katrina, Joey shares what combat really looks like — and what happens after the uniform comes off.
We discuss:
• Childhood trauma and long-term psychological impact
• Becoming a protector after being bullied
• Katrina and witnessing societal breakdown
• Combat deployments in Samarra and Sadr City
• Stop-loss and military extension
• PTSD, hypervigilance, and setting boundaries
• Turning a .50 cal round into a wedding ring
• Breaking generational cycles of violence
This episode isn’t about war stories.
It’s about accountability. Healing. And choosing not to pass pain forward.
If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, identity, or rebuilding your life after chaos - this conversation is for you.
18 Feb 2026
From Martial Law to Hypervigilance: The Unseen Cost of Service
In Part 2 of our conversation with Joseph “Joey” Pena, the discussion moves from early trauma to operational reality.
Joey shares what it was like being among the first boots on the ground in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, operating under martial law, and navigating a city where law enforcement had been compromised and order had collapsed.
He recounts:
• Taking back the French Quarter
• Rules of engagement during “blue on blue” encounters
• The presence of private security contractors
• The breakdown of trust in uniform
• Stop-loss extensions during the Iraq War
• Leadership manipulating deployment orders
• Combat deployments in Samarra and Sadr City
• Living with hypervigilance after returning home
• Setting boundaries in relationships while managing PTSD
This episode is not about glorifying combat. It is about what happens when systems fail, and what that does to the people inside them.
For leaders, it is also a reminder:
When structure collapses, human behavior changes fast.
14 May 2025
Policing, Trauma, and Purpose: Rebecca LaFosse’s Journey from Narcotics to Corporate Security
In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca LaFosse, a former law enforcement officer who transitioned to a successful career in corporate security. Rebecca shares her journey from a sheltered upbringing to becoming a narcotics detective, including harrowing experiences on the job and challenges she faced as a female officer. She opens up about the trauma and toxicity she encountered in policing, and how she ultimately found fulfillment in a new role with RaySECURE, a company developing innovative mail screening technology.
Rebecca discusses overcoming adversity, finding balance between work and family, and her continued passion for protecting others in her current position. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and finding purpose through helping others stay safe.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
113,836
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
25 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
32 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
35
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
51
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