Peace, Power & Purpose Podcast

09/25/2026

Men mature through pain, not age.

Growth comes from what you survive, what you learn, and what you refuse to repeat.

09/25/2026

In Washington, D.C., they were not always called gangs. They were crews.

Former undercover cop and Green Beret Shay Mattera explains how D.C. street crews were built around neighborhoods, blocks, and lifelong relationships, which made them smaller but extremely loyal.

He also breaks down why the drug trade in D.C. looked different from other major cities.

Full episode with Shay Mattera on YouTube.

09/24/2026

Finally got to meet Derrick Balderas in person today.

He’s in Tennessee getting ready to compete in the Chattanooga Ironman this weekend, so we were able to link up while he was in town.

Grateful for the friendship that came out of the podcast and even more grateful for the man behind the story.

Go crush it this weekend, brother.

09/24/2026

“I had been on the job 15 minutes.”

Shay had barely started his career as a police officer when a suspect turned, reached down, and pulled a gun.

That moment could have ended his career before it ever really started.

Instead, it was the beginning of a path that took him from patrol officer, to undercover cop, and eventually to becoming a Green Beret.

This episode is packed with stories from the street, undercover work, military service, and the experiences that shaped the man he became.

Full episode coming soon.

Subscribe to the Peace, Power & Purpose Podcast on YouTube so you don’t miss it.

09/23/2026

14 months ago, I started the Peace, Power, & Purpose Podcast with no idea where it would go.

Today, the show is officially part of the YouTube Partner Program.

That only happened because you chose to watch, subscribe, share, and support the show. I’m incredibly grateful.

I’m also grateful for my role with MCHN Strength and for Nick Lavery trusting me to help build that side of the company.

And after a great call with Wes Whitlock today, we’ve got a Rogue American Apparel × Peace, Power, & Purpose Podcast merchandise collaboration coming.

If you haven’t subscribed on YouTube yet, now’s the time.

Search Peace, Power, & Purpose Podcast and subscribe.

09/23/2026

09/23/2026

COMING SOON TO THE PEACE, POWER, & PURPOSE PODCAST

For nearly 30 years, Shay Mattera served in law enforcement in Washington, D.C. while also serving in the military.

After 9/11, he spent years working long-term undercover investigations. Then came a decision that put duty, career, and personal sacrifice on a collision course.

His Chief of Police was fighting to keep him home because of how critical he was to the department.

Shay was privately asking the Army to send him to war.

We get into undercover police work, Special Forces, PTSD, leadership, sacrifice, and what decades of service can cost a man.

This is one you’re going to want to hear. Subscribe to the Peace, Power, & Purpose Podcast on YouTube now, turn on notifications, and be there when this episode drops.

09/23/2026

Not everybody in Nashville is a country fan.

Every once in a while, the OGs come out, headbang, and represent the metal scene.

Deftones. “7 Words.” Nashville, 2025.