Former Police Officer and Strength Coach, Police Chaplain, Spiritual Director, Peer Support and Wellness Advocate
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Today we're diving deeper into what spirituality is with our friend Matt Domyancic, the Tactical Chaplain. A medically retired police officer with patrol, SWAT, peer support, and academy instructor experience (plus time as a D1 strength coach at Yale and Georgetown), he now serves as a chaplain, spiritual director, and wellness advocate for first responders. Matt brings a proactive, no-nonsense approach to mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health: think breath work, cold plunges, journaling, and building resilience before the breakdown hits. His insights on discipline, self-awareness, and viewing challenges as growth fuel are exactly why he's a recurring voice here on Normalize PTSD.
In this episode, Matt and I dug into spirituality, which is probably my weakest area and exactly why I love wrestling with it. We unpacked the difference between clergy, chaplains, spiritual directors, life coaches, and how wildly the training and depth varies between them – so you actually know what to look for (and the red flags to avoid) when searching for someone safe to guide you.
Matt broke down spiritual pride, spiritual bypassing, and why the loudest, most credential-flexing “fixers” are usually the ones who haven't done their own work. I also shared the practical stuff I implemented since our last talk, and Matt closed us out with a simple “armor down” routine you can start this week. We got into why the word “love” makes guys like us so uncomfortable, and why we need 3 AM friends who'll just listen without trying to fix us. Thank you all for listening and the support.
Resources Mentioned:
- People / Clinicians
- Dr. Jamie Lusk – Psychologist with the VA, Naval Academy grad, former Marine officer, endurance athlete; does surf therapy and outdoor adventure therapy; writes for Psychology Today
- Michael Branch – Former California Highway Patrol, then Navy SEAL, then therapist
- Father Jim Clark – Retired theology professor, expert in masculine spirituality and psychology; associated with Richard Rohr
- Retreats / Programs
- Modern Elder Academy (MEA) – The retreat Matt just returned from
- Illuman – Men's Rite of Passage – Retreat in Illinois this August (led by Jim Clark)
- Stillpoint – Two-year spiritual direction school Matt attended
- Veteran/first responder retreats mentioned: Boulder Crest, Mighty Oaks, Protectors Peak, Save a Warrior
- Books / Articles / Media
- “Helping, Fixing or Serving” by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD
- “Through the Dark Wood” by James Hollis (audiobook on Audible)
- “In Waves and War” – Documentary on veterans and psychedelic therapy
- The Chosen – TV series (referenced for its portrayal of the disciples and Nicodemus)
- Mark Gladman – Content on the Insight Timer app
- Blue Grit Radio (Eric Tong) – Episode with Matt and Chaplain Jared Altic on first responder chaplaincy
- “Armor Down” Routine
Follow along on our social media for a deep dive into resources discussed in this episode!
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at http://www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.