Podcast episode
Craig Semple – The Detective Who Investigated His Own Recovery: PTSD, Resilience & Mental Health
September 8, 2026
Listen to the episode
Play the full conversation here, or open the show in your preferred podcast app.
Duration: 2:01:58
About this conversation
What happens when a homicide detective turns hisinvestigative skills inward?In this powerful episode of From The Ground Up Show, ErickLoden sits down with Craig Semple—a former police detective, mental healthadvocate, and author—to discuss PTSD, burnout, resilience, and the difficultjourney of rebuilding a life after trauma.After years of investigating serious crimes and carrying thehidden weight of life behind the badge, Craig reached a breaking point thatnearly cost him his life. Recovery…
Show notes, links & resources
What happens when a homicide detective turns hisinvestigative skills inward?
In this powerful episode of From The Ground Up Show, ErickLoden sits down with Craig Semple—a former police detective, mental healthadvocate, and author—to discuss PTSD, burnout, resilience, and the difficultjourney of rebuilding a life after trauma.
After years of investigating serious crimes and carrying thehidden weight of life behind the badge, Craig reached a breaking point thatnearly cost him his life. Recovery required him to approach himself as he woulda complex investigation: examine the evidence, identify destructive patterns,challenge long-held assumptions, and determine what needed to change.
Craig shares an honest account of the psychological toll ofpolice work, the warning signs he failed to recognize, and the stigma thatoften prevents first responders and high-performing leaders from asking forhelp. He also explains why resilience is not about pretending to beunaffected—it is about learning how to get back up, seek support, and moveforward with purpose.
This conversation explores:
• The cumulative effects of trauma and stress
• PTSD and mental health among police officers and first responders
• Burnout, identity, and the pressure to appear strong
• Recognizing warning signs before reaching a crisis
• Using self-awareness to investigate your own life
• The practical work of recovery and rebuilding
• Turning personal pain into a mission that helps others
Craig’s story is raw, courageous, and ultimately hopeful.Whether you are a first responder, business owner, leader, or someone workingthrough a difficult season, this episode offers an important reminder: askingfor help is not weakness, and your lowest moment does not have to be the end ofyour story.
Listen to Craig Semple – The Detective Who Investigated HisOwn Recovery: PTSD, Resilience & Mental Health on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Content note: This episode includes candid discussion ofPTSD, mental-health crisis, and attempted suicide.
#FirstResponderMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery#MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #FromTheGroundUpShow
https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/
THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL
Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.
Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/
WATCH & LISTEN
Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/5pxPUIFg1BY
Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p
Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140
SHORTER EDITIONS
From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA
Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674
From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o
Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058
GUEST & RESOURCES
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow
ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW
Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. Honest business and leadership conversations for people building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.
Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com