Truth behind the badge with Team South Florida

S5E3 Passing the Torch with JP Guillot

In this episode, we sat down with a great man and a true leader in the law enforcement profession. Lieutenant JP Guillot, a 30 year police veteran, is just months away from hanging up the badge.

He’s always been humble and this conversation was no different. We talked about how much the job has changed since he started as a police explorer back in the late '80s, to working narcotics in some of the toughest areas, to climbing the ranks and eventually helping shape the future of law enforcement through his leadership and tenure at one of Florida’s most respected and well-known police academies.

He didn’t hold back, sharing his honest thoughts on everything from “TikTok cops” to what’s really hurting law enforcement leadership these days. There was even a moment that got emotional, when we surprised him with some heartfelt words from someone he truly made a lasting impact on.

This one’s for anyone who believes leadership still matters and the right people in uniform still make a difference. Whether you're active, retired, supportive, or aspiring law enforcement, give this one a listen and if you'd like, reach out to JP though his instagram page at Talon Protection.

JP, Sir, brother, thank you for who you are and all you've sacrificed for the profession and society. Congratulations and best wishes on a WELL DESERVED upcoming retirement.

-Your Team South Florida Law Enforcement Charity Family

S5E2 Scarred but STANDING

This episode gets real with Mr. Mike Mellides of @CoachUniteUs , as we caught up over one year later since our last episode together. For episode one, Mike filled us in on his rollercoaster of a journey through the law enforcement profession.
For this episode, Mike talks about the present and lessons learned after sacrificing so much for his police career. This included his health, time, and safety among other things. Despite that, he was simply pushed aside when he it was convenient for his administration.
Mike opens up about hitting rock bottom, the darkness that nearly took him, and the fire that brought him back. Now with a clearer purpose than ever, he’s using his pain to continue serving others through his charity, coaching, and entrepreneurship.
His story is raw, real, and a reminder that even when we feel broken, we can still rise and lead. You don’t need rank to be a leader. That comes from heart, and you either have it or you don’t.
#WarriorSpirit #Resiliency #Mindset
The episode is available on all major podcast platforms featuring @teamsouthflorida ‘s Truth Behind the Badge. 

S5E1 Serving with Honor - lessons from James Cullen and Jeff Morse

Serving with Honor – Lessons from a Law Enforcement Officer / US Coast Guard Commander and a Firefighter Battalion Chief.

In this powerful episode, we sat down with two remarkable guests — a retired firefighter battalion chief and a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander who also served as a police officer. With decades of experience in service and leadership, they share their inspiring journeys, some lessons they learned, and the values that  guided them through it all.

Beyond their impressive careers, these men are dedicated to family, humility, and taking care of others. Their stories highlight the resilience, courage, and deep sense of duty that shaped their lives. From leadership insights to heartfelt advice, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to lead with integrity and serve with passion.

S4E7: Identity with Stephanie Kiesow

It was an honor to sit down with Stephanie Kiesow and not just discuss her incredible book, Workicide, but also have a great conversation about wellness, life in general, the workplace, and our identity. 

More information and a link to purchase her book through Amazon can be found at her website: www.stephaniekiesow.com. She can also be contacted via LinkedIn at Stephanie Kiesow.

S4E6: The Right Way to Lead with JR

It's been humbling and amazing getting to know this law enforcement officer over the years. From nearly being killed after being shot, to never forgetting his role as a father, husband, friend, and much more, to work promotions, it's been rewarding beyond measure. It was a pleasure to connect with JR, formerly Big Sarge, now Lieutenant, and discuss all things leadership.

You can connect with JR via instagram at fit_cop.

S4E5: From Policing to Music and Giving Back with Frank Ray

We had a great conversation with retired veteran police officer and musician, Mr. Frank Ray. Hats off to Frank who did his time in policing, experienced the ups and downs of the profession, followed his passion and was blessed to take his musical talents into a full-time career.

Frank shared his thoughts about mental health, giving back, and never forgetting those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and their families.

Frank's social media can all be found via his main website at https://frankraymusic.com. In addition, Frank shared his mental health campaign titled “FRAY", which he transformed into an organization dedicated to mental health for first responders. The name is derived from First Responders mentAl claritY and more info can be found at www.frayoc.org

S4E4: Lifestyle Choices with Amanda

Amanda, a veteran law enforcement officer, trainer, and with a strong focus on fitness, wellness, and mental health sat down to talk and share her insight gained over the years.

S4E3: 3am with JC

What an incredible human being who has no problem making himself vulnerable, being transparent and open, in an effort to help others.

We sat down with retired Miami-Dade Police Sergeant JC Prellezo and discussed his struggle, perseverance, and thoughts on law enforcement then and now.

Sergeant Prellezo created 3am Fog based on his own story he shared with us. He calls it a safe place for first responders to try and begin to understand and heal from the psychological injuries from trauma.

You can follow and contact "JC" at instagram at @3a.m.fog and on youtube at: 3AMFOG.

S4E2: The Florida Tour de Force with "Q"

Rich sat down with Detective Roberto Quinones, better known as "Q", to many in South Florida to discuss the upcoming 28th Annual Florida Tour de Force memorial charity bicycle ride.

This years ride takes place April 8th thru April 12th and travels from Miami Beach to Daytona Beach.

Additional information can be found at: https://floridatourdeforce.org/

S4E1: The Choice To Be Resilient

For the return of this podcast, Rich sat down with Mike Mellides for a powerful, moving, and emotional episode which can best be described as an emotional rollercoaster.

Mike was vulnerable, transparent, and open about his experience as a police officer through some of the ups and unfortunately, some of the all too real negatives many are not privy to. Despite going through a living hell and coming close to losing it all, Mike chose to be resilient, find his why, find his purposes, and continues pushing to help and inspire others.

Mike is currently focusing on entrepreneurship, continued professional growth, and as he has done for years, continues fostering relationships with the youth to guide them as a mentor, coach, and teacher through his nonprofit, CoachUniteUs.

We hope you enjoy this episode and in Mike's own words, if this episode helps even just one person find hope, it was all worth it.

You can reach Mike on instagram at @CoachUniteUs