Policing means being in ‘a fight’. But not the one with fists and flashbangs. The real war is internal. Against chaos. Against doutbt. Against the death of soul. And then in the middle of our fight and in that crucible, something sacred whispers: “You are not done.” It happened to me as to many others and I had the pleasure of talking about that with Patrick Flannelly.
I followed that voice through martial arts, education, and later into the heart of law enforcement. Not to conquer others, but to master myself.
Chief Flanley knows that war too. He sees its casualties—cops broken by burnout, veterans crushed by moral injury, good souls dragged into despair by systems that grind but never give.
Together, we ask: What if policing wasn’t just procedure and posture—but pilgrimage?
What if strength also meant the ability to surrender?
What if the warrior’s highest calling was to protect their own humanity?
Resistance will mock this. But resistance fears wisdom. Because wisdom—unlike knowledge—must be earned.
Your badge is not your armor. Your soul is.
Although I am not longer formally involved with police – besides my weekly judo training at the police training center in Leusden – I would like to say to all my friends…
Stand up. Train harder. Stay closer. Reflect deeper. And above all, serve higher.
It was a honour to be on this great podcast.