"My Badge Was a Mask": The Breaking Point That Ended a 19-Year Police Career

"My Badge Was a Mask": The Breaking Point That Ended a 19-Year Police Career

In this powerful episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B sits down with Jared Wasmek, a retired police officer with a remarkable story of healing and transformation. Jared is a gentle soul—an artist, a helper, a peacemaker. So how did he end up spending 19 years in law enforcement? To fill a void, he put on the badge like a mask, hoping the uniform would make him feel noble and special.

For nearly two decades, Jared absorbed the trauma of the streets. As a natural empath, the constant negativity manifested in over 30 debilitating physical and mental symptoms. He was the department's peer support expert, yet he was the last person to see how broken he had become.

This is the story of his shattering. Jared shares the vulnerable moment he finally asked for help, walking away from his career and feeling completely fractured. But in that brokenness, he discovered a profound truth: it was his persona, not his spirit, that had been destroyed. His healing journey began with an unusual retirement gift from his fellow officers: not a gun, but a yoga study.

Today, Jared has turned his pain into purpose. He is the founder of Second Response, a peer support organization dedicated to helping first responders find connection, heal from trauma, and learn that they are not alone.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

(02:45) Jared's identity as a peacemaker and why he became a police officer to "fill a void."

(09:30) Nicknamed "Father Was" because of his unique ability to get confessions.

(12:15) As an empath, how he took on the negative energy of the job, leading to 30+ physical symptoms.

(24:00) "I was invincible until I wasn't": The slow breakdown and burnout from years on patrol.

(29:00) Being the department's peer support expert while completely ignoring his own trauma.

(33:43) The moment he realized, "I can't do this alone anymore."

(39:00) Leaving his career and feeling completely broken, fractured, and in despair.

(44:00) The unusual retirement gift he received from his fellow officers that started his healing journey.

(49:15) His new mission founding Second Response to bring peer support to first responders.

(55:00) The embarrassing, vulnerable story he kept secret for years and the healing power of sharing it with peers.

About the Guest:

Jared Wasmek is a retired 19-year veteran of law enforcement and the founder of Second Response, an organization providing peer support and resources for first responders. After a medical retirement due to cumulative PTSD, Jared dedicated himself to a journey of healing, embracing modalities like yoga and peer connection. He now uses his experience to help other first responders navigate the unique traumas of their profession.

Website: https://www.secondresponse.net/

Connect with Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-wasmek-3b4a53230/

About the Host:

The host of the podcast is B HaLevi, a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."

Learn More About Men's Peer Groups: https://www.menspeergroups.com/

B's Website: bhalevi.com

#FirstResponders #MentalHealth #Police #PTSD #TraumaRecovery #PeerSupport #LawEnforcement #HealingJourney

Avsnitt(24)

From Boys' Home to Zadie: A Story of Adoption, Fatherhood, and Generational Healing with Brian Rosen

From Boys' Home to Zadie: A Story of Adoption, Fatherhood, and Generational Healing with Brian Rosen

How do the defining moments of our youth, the ones shaped by absence and adversity, forge the men we become?&nbspOn this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B sits down with his "brother outlaw," Brian Rosen, for a profoundly honest conversation about a life journey few could imagine. Brian shares his experience of being sent to a boys' home at age 11, the "father hunger" that shaped his path, and a life-altering choice he made as a high school senior that remained a private part of his story for years.&nbspThis is a raw and vulnerable exploration of generational healing, the power of adoption, and what it means to take responsibility for your past in order to build a better future. It’s a story about how a man can transform his own wounds into a source of strength for his children—and his children's children—by showing up in a way he never experienced himself.&nbspThis episode is a testament to the fact that our past does not have to define our future, and that the hardest choices can lead to the most beautiful outcomes.&nbspKey topics explored in this discussion include:-Life in a Boys' Home: The jarring reality of being parent-placed in an institution at a young age.-Healing "Father Hunger": Navigating a distant relationship with his biological father and finding other male role models.-A Teenager's Choice: The incredible story of choosing adoption for his birth daughter and the astonishing, "small world" connection to his past.-From Relinquishment to Reunion: The emotional journey of handing his daughter over and reconnecting with her 13 years later.-Becoming a "Zadie": How a teenage decision led to him becoming a young grandfather and embracing a new family role.-Generational Healing in Action: Consciously parenting his two sons in the way he wished he had been.-The Power of a Peer Group: Why having a safe, intimate space with other men is an essential tool for modern masculinity.&nbspOur guest, Brian Rosen, shares his personal story of resilience, fatherhood, and the beautiful, unexpected turns on the path to finding his why.&nbsp🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on InstagramJoin our Facebook community &nbsp#AdoptionStory #GenerationalHealing #Fatherhood #MensWork #Resilience #MentalHealth #PeerSupport #FindYourWhy #PersonalStory #Masculinity

28 Aug 52min

Shining the Light: From a Warrior's Anger to a Life of Sacred Purpose with Phil Owens

Shining the Light: From a Warrior's Anger to a Life of Sacred Purpose with Phil Owens

What lies beneath a man's anger? And what happens when he finally finds a safe space to let it go—not just for a moment, but for good?&nbspIn this powerful episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast) with B, we’re joined by men’s coach and guide Phil Owens. Phil shares his incredible journey from a childhood in a religious cult and tumultuous military service—experiences that taught him to suppress his emotions—to a life dedicated to helping other men find their sacred purpose.&nbspThis conversation dives deep into the complex relationship men have with anger, the transformative potential of intentional plant medicine ceremonies, and the irreplaceable role of community in healing ancestral trauma. Phil explains how a painful childhood memory of "holding the light" for his father became the central metaphor for his life's work, guiding others through their darkest moments.&nbspThis episode is for any man who feels stuck carrying the weight of the past, and for anyone curious about the powerful synergy between men's peer groups and altered states of consciousness for profound personal growth.&nbspKey topics explored in this discussion include:-The Warrior & The Lover: Finding the balance between the masculine and feminine energies within.-Reframing Trauma: How to change your relationship with past pain rather than trying to eliminate it.-A New Use for Anger: Moving beyond anger as a default reaction to using it as a deliberate tool when necessary.-From Competition to Connection: The unique healing power of men’s peer groups.-Intentional Plant Medicine: The role of MDMA, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT in a ceremonial group setting.-The Power of ""Letting Go"": How being supported by a community allows for deeper release and healing.-Finding Your ""Why"": Discovering the inner light that provides the strength to endure any challenge.&nbspConnect with our guest, Phil Owens, a guide who facilitates men's work, individual coaching, and altered states retreats.&nbspFollow Phil on Facebook🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on InstagramJoin our Facebook community&nbsp#MensWork #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #AngerManagement #PlantMedicine #Psychedelics #PeerSupport #FindYourWhy #Veterans #SpiritualGrowth

21 Aug 46min

The Spouse's Perspective: Rebecca Rosen on Vulnerability, Boundaries, and the Evolution of Men

The Spouse's Perspective: Rebecca Rosen on Vulnerability, Boundaries, and the Evolution of Men

What happens when a man commits to the deep, vulnerable work of personal growth? And what does that look like from the other side of the relationship?In this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast) with B and Dave, we’re joined by spiritual medium Rebecca Rosen, who offers a rare and insightful perspective as the wife of a Man Uprising participant.Rebecca Rosen, who will share the profound transformation she has witnessed in her husband, moving beyond the societal expectation for men to be stoic and self-reliant. This conversation explores why it's not only healthy but essential for men to have a sacred, confidential space to connect with other men—and how that commitment can be one of the greatest gifts to their marriage. It’s an honest look at the shift from ""head to heart,"" the power of being truly seen, and how one person's growth can elevate an entire relationship.This episode is for any partner who is curious about the inner world of the men in their lives and for any man considering a path of deeper self-awareness and connection.Key topics explored in this discussion include:-Why men need men: The unique and irreplaceable value of same-sex peer groups.-The energetic gift of boundaries: How a man processing challenges in a peer group first can relieve the burden on his partner.-From knowing to feeling: The crucial difference between intellectually understanding concepts and embodying them from the heart.-Breaking the shame cycle: How non-judgmental spaces allow men to articulate feelings they would otherwise internalize.-The evolution in parenting and partnership: Specific examples of how this work translates into deeper presence and authenticity.-Reframing ""Man Uprising"": Moving beyond fear and toward mutual growth.-The sacredness of confidentiality and why ""no pillow talk"" is a cornerstone of a successful peer group.Connect with our guest, Rebecca Rosen:Website:https://www.rebeccarosen.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediumrebeccarosen/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediumrebeccarosen/Podcast: Small Medium at Large-------------------------------------------------------------------------🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on InstagramJoin our Facebook community #Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth

14 Aug 42min

The Blueprint for Brotherhood: Cam Mochan on Why Good Men Need Peer Groups to Become Great

The Blueprint for Brotherhood: Cam Mochan on Why Good Men Need Peer Groups to Become Great

Why do so many successful men feel isolated, as if they have to wear a ""superhero suit"" and have all the answers? And what is the most powerful vehicle for breaking this cycle? &nbspIn this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast) with B and Dave , we sit down with Cam Mochan, co-founder of Man Uprising and a 20-year veteran of elite peer groups like EO and YPO.&nbspCam shares his profound journey and unpacks the core mechanics of why peer groups work. He explains how a structured, confidential environment allows men to finally be vulnerable, share their true struggles, and realize they are not alone. This isn't about fixing what's broken; it's about providing the space for good men to become great. &nbspFrom tackling the epidemic of male loneliness to building healthier men for a healthier world, this conversation is a masterclass in the art of authentic connection. It's a must-listen for any man who feels like something is missing and is ready to explore a deeper, more supportive way of living. &nbspKey topics explored in this discussion include: -Cam Mochan's 20-year history with peer groups and why he co-founded Man Uprising. -The unique loneliness experienced by entrepreneurs and leaders.-Why peer groups are different from—and complementary to—coaches, therapists, and mentors.-The liberating power of structure in creating a safe space for vulnerability.-The core principle: Sharing experiences, not telling each other what to do.-The shocking statistics on male suicide that drive the mission of Man Uprising.-Why being truly heard is one of the most transformative experiences a man can have.-The goal of moving beyond professional development to build ""healthier men"" in all areas of life.-The powerful idea that you don't have to be sick to want to get better.&nbspCam Mochan's Peer Group Tools&nbsp--------------------------------------------------------------&nbsp🔔 Stay Connected: Follow us on InstagramJoin our Facebook community&nbsp#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth

7 Aug 48min

TJ Westphal on The Art of 'The Slog': Navigating Adversity with Intention

TJ Westphal on The Art of 'The Slog': Navigating Adversity with Intention

In this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast) with B, he sits down with TJ Westphal, co-founder of The Slog Co., for an in-depth discussion on navigating adversity—what he defines as 'the slog.' Moving beyond the common narrative of simply enduring the grind, TJ presents a powerful framework for slowing down, engaging in radical honesty, and moving through challenges with intention, purpose, and courage. This conversation is a guide for anyone tired of maintaining a facade of being 'fine' and ready to move from stagnation to deliberate action. We explore how to reframe struggle into a catalyst for transformation, confront the resistance that hinders growth, and understand the high cost of suppressing vulnerability in our performance-driven world. From distinguishing a true calling from a destructive distraction to building a community rooted in accountability, this episode is a reminder that while the only way out is through, you don't have to do the work alone.The Slog.co Website The Slog.co Instagram The Slog.co LinkedIn The Slog Pod Email: admin@theslogco.com--------------------------------------------Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔔 Stay Connected: Instagram | Facebook

31 Juli 42min

Dave’s Journey from Cancer to Courage — Embracing the Warrior and the Lover

Dave’s Journey from Cancer to Courage — Embracing the Warrior and the Lover

special guest Dave Mann to their new studio. Inspired by the shocking statistic that a man takes his own life every 15 minutes in the U.S., Dave shares his personal journey from surviving cancer and deep depression to finding purpose through peer support. He opens up about balancing the “warrior” with the “lover” archetype—strength and vulnerability—and the life-changing role of structured peer groups.Together, Baruch and Dave delve into the importance of identifying your “why” and your absolutes, the transformative power of peer-led sharing (not advice), and how structured support has helped Dave overcome adversity—from health scares to personal loss. They also touch on Dave’s recent plant-medicine journey, which he says “opened a magic door,” and how peer groups and thoughtful ceremony support deep healing.This episode is a rallying cry: suicide isn't the answer—living courageously is. It’s a testament to the life-saving power of connection, community, and unapologetic vulnerability.—Tune in for:Dave’s raw and hopeful personal storyWhat peer groups really are—and why structure mattersA deep dive into the warrior/lover archetypesTools for men to reclaim purpose, respect, and emotional healthDave’s reflections on grief, brotherhood, and how to love others well==Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth

25 Juli 44min

From First Mountain to Second: Phil Owens on Identity, Reinvention, and the Power of Purpose

From First Mountain to Second: Phil Owens on Identity, Reinvention, and the Power of Purpose

In this raw and deeply human conversation, Phil Owens joins the podcast to explore the winding, sometimes painful, and ultimately redemptive journey from the first mountain of success and identity to the second mountain of meaning and purpose.Phil shares his path from growing up in rural Oklahoma as one of nine children, joining the military to escape, building multiple successful businesses, and ultimately experiencing the breakdown of identity that led him to a more spiritual, purpose-driven life.Topics we cover include:Leaving home, joining the military, and the drive to succeedBuilding and then detaching from the identity of "entrepreneur"The pain and clarity that comes with divorce, death, and business dissolutionSuicidal ideation and the unspoken darkness many men facePlant medicine, therapy, and the reintegration processFinding purpose on the second mountain: community, service, and spiritual growthLetting go of the ego’s need for titles, labels, and successLessons from Viktor Frankl, Edith Eger, and the importance of meaningThe power of men's groups like EO, YPO, and Man UprisingPhil’s vulnerability, honesty, and wisdom make this a must-listen episode for anyone who’s ever asked: What now? What’s next? Why am I here?🎧 Listen in and reflect on your own journey up the second mountain.🔗 Connect with us:Learn more about Man UprisingFollow us on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe and leave a review if this episode moved you==Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔹 What You'll Learn:???📌 Timestamp Highlights:???🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth

10 Juli 48min

From Lost Boys to Purpose-Driven Men: Finding Clarity, Connection, and Growth

From Lost Boys to Purpose-Driven Men: Finding Clarity, Connection, and Growth

In this powerful conversation, we explore the journey from confusion to purpose, touching on the unique challenges young men face today. Our discussion spans the struggles of the "Lost Boys" in modern society, the transformative impact of mentorship, and the critical role of self-awareness through tools like the Enneagram.We dive deep into:Finding Purpose Beyond Survival: Why purpose is more than just making money, and how having a mentor can guide young men out of the 'Lost Boys' phase into meaningful lives.The Enneagram as a Roadmap: Using the Enneagram to better understand yourself and others, including how this framework can transform relationships, parenting, and leadership.Warrior to Civilian: The harsh reality of transitioning from combat to everyday life, drawing on first-hand Israeli military experiences to highlight the importance of mental resilience and emotional growth.Join us as we unpack these life-changing concepts and share practical insights for living with purpose, building deep connections, and thriving in every season of life.

26 Juni 44min

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