Shared Voice by 10-42 Project, A First Responder Podcast

What happens when the weight of the badge becomes too much to bear? Jake Belay's story captures the harrowing journey from decorated officer to PTSD survivor, revealing the often-hidden psychological toll of law enforcement service. Jake never imagined himself becoming a police officer. Growing up in Decorah, Iowa, his path to law enforcement was unexpected – from studying psychology to worki...

Dan and Neil discuss how small, consistent decisions propel dreams forward and reveal strategies for first responders to discover purpose beyond their service careers. • Finding new purpose after law enforcement involves utilizing skills built during your first responder career • God's calling often feels impossibly big because it's meant to be something you can't accomplish without...

When first responders hang up their badges, many face a devastating identity crisis that can lead to depression, addiction, and even suicidal thoughts. But what if the uniform was never your true identity in the first place? In this powerful conversation, former NYPD officer and FDNY firefighter Neil shares his personal journey through the wilderness of post-service life and the breakthrough reali...

The path to healing often begins when we realize we're not alone in our struggles. In this powerful conversation with Mike and Pam, we explore the life-changing impact of trauma retreats specifically designed for first responders at the Haymarket Center in Chicago.  What makes these retreats transformative isn't just the professional support—it's the moment when a room full of hurti...

What happens when the people we count on to save us are themselves drowning in trauma? Mike and Pam Morrison offer a lifeline through their powerful story of survival, healing, and redemption. After 28 years in law enforcement, Mike Morrison knows the weight of trauma first-hand. From his early days as a dispatcher and jail officer to his later roles as detective, sergeant, and lieutenant, each tr...

What happens when those who protect our communities struggle to safeguard their own marriages? Aaron Groves, retired Jasper County deputy and director of Impact Iowa's Heroes, returns to the Shared Voices podcast to tackle the unique challenges facing first responder marriages and offer practical paths to restoration. "Most people go into a first responder marriage assuming it's goi...

Kicking off season 3! In this episode Daniel and Christina recap who 10-42 Project is and the heart of the mission for any new listeners. They share a few updates, ways to connect for upcoming events, and discuss the connection with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Thank you for joining us! If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and...

Hear our organization's heart and mission as we start our fourth year walking alongside our first responders and their families making sure nobody walks alone. If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.  To contact us directly send an email to  Dan@10-42project.org  or call 515-350-6274 Visit our website! 10-42pr...

Join Us in Supporting Our Local Heroes! Dear Friends, We are excited to share some important updates about the 10-42 Project and discuss how you can make a meaningful impact in our community. In our latest episode, Daniel and Christina explore the future of our organization and highlight the critical needs of our local first responders. Our Mission : To serve as a confidential ally to every curren...

Shared Voices Podcast Season 2 Episode 12 Iron Sharpens Iron so a friend sharpens a friend. Daniel, Christina, and Sam discuss the power of healing with others and the need for community. 10-42 Project has a foundation of growing together to help others grow and heal in an environment without shame, guilt, or judgment. Come as you are!  To contact us directly send an email to Dan@10-42project.org...

The weight of the badge is heavy, not just for the first responder carrying it, but for the families who stand beside them. This podcast travels into the unique challenges faced by first responders, their partners, and their loved ones.   We'll explore the complexities of: Communicating Trauma: Navigating difficult experiences first responders face on the job.   Chronic Pain and Caregiving: U...

Building Resilience: Vulnerability, Teamwork, Practice & CoTherapy for First Responders Are you a first responder seeking to strengthen your mental and relational well-being and build a more supportive environment all around? Do you distrust everyone around you? This podcast dives into the power of vulnerability, teamwork, practice, and CoTherapy with Daniel Defenbaugh the founder of 10-42 Pro...

Co-Therapy Couples Counseling With Rick and Monique Elgersma Part 1. Daniel sits down with Rick and Monique, the owners of Real Connections Counseling in Urbandale, Iowa. They specialize in co-therapy couples counseling, one of the most successful methods being used today. Rick and Monique have a heart and a history of working with the military and first responders and have joined the front lines...

We dive in on trauma in the heartland and how it can be overlooked. We also touched on talking with your spouse or loved ones. How much do we tell? If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.  To contact us directly send an email to  Dan@10-42project.org  or call 515-350-6274 Visit our website! 10-42project.org Check u...

Cory, Sam, and Daniel dive into Sam’s journey as an Iowa firefighter/paramedic and his road to finding healing and love for himself. You are not alone! Come join our mission at the 10-42 Project.  WWW.10-42Project.org Daniel cell 515-350-6274 HOPE LIVES HERE! If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline. To contact us di...

You won't want to miss this power conversion with Iowa firefighter Cory Deaton.  Join Cory, Sam Hofer, and Daniel as they bring hope to the suffering. You are not alone! Come join our mission at the 10-42 Project.  WWW.10-42Project.org Daniel cell 515-350-6274 HOPE LIVES HERE! If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lif...

 Join Daniel and Christina as they share some updates from a recent school shooting incident, discuss the value of community, and taking the step to go from your internal monologue to external dialogue with another trusted person. We want first responders to know that there is life after after trauma and there is no shame or guilt here. Thank you for joining us!   If you or someone you know is in...

Join this powerful conversation with Doug Hanes as we talk about how everyone's journey to healing can look different and that is okay. Part 2 If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of self-harm, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.  To contact us directly send an email to  Dan@10-42project.org  or call 515-350-6274 Visit our website! 10-42project.org Check u...

Daniel sits down with Doug Hanes, the director of the new film, Residual. Doug talks about his 2-year journey of recording over 80 interviews around the country to bring this powerful documentary to life.  Thank you for joining us! Film Website: https://residualfilm.com/ Film on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdFstQSR_A4&t=795s If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of s...

In this episode, Daniel and Christina talk about the newly released documentary, RESIDUAL, and what it offers to the first responder community and the rest of the public. Afterward, they discuss the 10-42 Project, the heart-felt mission, and the best way to reach out! We want first responders to know that there is life after hopelessness and there is no shame or guilt here. Thank you for joining u...

In this episode, Daniel and Christina discuss the weight of struggle and how it can make us feel shameful and set back. However, the truth is our struggles don't rob us of the growth we've already achieved and you don't have to navigate things alone. We want first responders and their families to know there is life after hopelessness and there is no shame or guilt here. Thank you fo...

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Rob McIntire, a former sheriff's deputy and now CEO & Founder of Freedom To Live Counseling. Rob shares his story of being abducted and sexually abused as a child and how the trauma has affected his life. Daniel and Rob talk about how some first responders use sex as a coping mechanism and how this leads to a life of destruction. Learn how to get fre...

In this episode Daniel and Christina continue the conversation with Chris Hoyer, author of  When That Day Comes: Training for the Fight, and retired Phoenix, AZ police officer. Chris walks us through the details of his fourth shooting event and the impact it had on him. We want first responders to know that there is life after hopelessness and there is no shame or guilt here. Thank you for joining...

In this episode Daniel and Christina continue the conversation with Chris Hoyer, author of  When That Day Comes: Training for the Fight, and retired Phoenix, AZ police officer. Chris walks us through the details of his third shooting event, the processes that follow events like that, and how he felt about it. We want first responders to know that there is life after hopelessness and there is no sh...

 In this episode Daniel and Christina speak with Chris Hoyer, author of  When That Day Comes: Training for the Fight, and retired Phoenix, AZ police officer. Chris shares the story of his childhood, how he came to be a police officer, and some of the shooting events that occurred fairly early in his career. We want first responders to know that there is life after hopelessness and there is no sham...