About this episode

Joe Smarro discusses his journey from law enforcement to advocating for first responder mental health.

Joe Smarro, Marine combat veteran, former San Antonio Police Officer, and bestselling author of Unarmed, joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share the moment he chose therapy over the gun belt and built a life dedicated to first responder mental health. This raw and hopeful conversation covers childhood trauma, PTSD recovery, suicide prevention, masculine vulnerability, and why "selfish AF" self-care might be the bravest thing you ever do.

People in this episode

Hosts: G-Rex, Dirty Skittles

Guest: Joe Smarro

Topics covered

• first responder mental health
• PTSD recovery
• suicide prevention
• masculine vulnerability
• self-care

Keywords

• mental health
• first responders
• therapy
• PTSD
• self-care
• suicide prevention
• masculinity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: San Antonio Police Department

Books & works: Unarmed

Places: San Antonio

More episodes of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

• Season 17 Recap: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Talk Toxic Relationships, Joy, and Mental Health Recovery · May 26, 2026 · 39 min
• Jacintha Field on Helping Kids Regulate Big Feelings After Trauma · May 19, 2026 · 39 min
• Kathryn Henry Turns Grief Into Another F*cking Growth Opportunity · May 14, 2026 · 53 min

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