The Hope Matrix
The Hope Matrix explores the science of hope, stories of people that put hope in practice, and strategies you can use in your life to maintain a hopeful mindset. The host, Kathryn Goetzke, is also the author of The Biggest Little Book About Hope, and Chief Mood Officer at The Mood Factory. Kathryn, along with her team at her nonprofit iFred, also created Hopeful Minds, the first free global program to teach hope as a skill, available for download at www.hopefulminds.org. Check out all the episodes at www.thehopematrix.com
The Hope Matrix
Episode 52: Shining Hope Through Trauma—A Police Captain’s Journey, featuring Adam Meyers
In this powerful episode of The Hope Matrix, Kathryn Goetzke speaks with Adam Meyers, a police captain and mental health advocate, about his journey through trauma and Shine Hope Story. Adam opens up about his childhood dream of becoming a police officer, the challenges he faced with learning disabilities, and his eventual success in law enforcement.
He shares his deeply personal experience of a critical incident where he was forced to use deadly force against an individual struggling with mental health issues, an event that profoundly impacted his own well-being. Adam discusses the emotional toll of trauma, his battles with major depressive disorder, PTSD, and dissociation, as well as his struggles with unhealthy coping mechanisms. Through therapy, self-care, and an unwavering commitment to healing, he found a way forward—and now advocates for mental health awareness in first responders and beyond.
This episode is a candid and heartfelt conversation on the importance of seeking help, breaking the stigma around mental health, and Shining Hope even in the darkest moments.
More about Adam Meyers:
Adam Meyers is a police captain and mental health advocate dedicated to supporting first responders and those struggling with trauma. With over two decades in law enforcement, he has firsthand experience with the emotional challenges of the job and is passionate about normalizing conversations around mental health.
Find out more: https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/