Description
In this gripping episode of the Truth Hurts Show, Brian Goldstein and co-host Makan Mostafavi sit down with retired law enforcement officer John Mattingly, who spent 21 years policing one of the most dangerous cities in America.
John doesn’t hold back as he exposes the realities of inner-city violence, government-funded programs that fail, and the mental toll officers face every day. He opens up about the broken relationship between cops and communities—and what both sides are getting wrong. From watching a child walk barefoot through the projects at 2AM, to breaking down inhumane policies masked as reform, John gives an uncensored look at policing that most people will never see.
Brian and Makan dive deep into what it means to lead under pressure, how to think critically in high-stress situations, and what the public needs to understand about compliance, consent, accountability, and survival—both for cops and civilians.
This episode isn't about taking sides. It's about facing the harsh truths of a broken system—and asking the questions that actually move the conversation forward.
🚨 John's Links 🚨
https://linktr.ee/john_mattingly
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YouTube: @TruthHurtsShow
Brian's Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd
Makan's Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi
Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome John!
02:38 Growing Up in Portland, Kentucky
04:35 Joining the Police Force
06:00 Challenges in Policing and Community Programs
09:58 Law Enforcement and Public Trust
15:18 Traffic Stops and Public Interaction
25:20 Media Influence and Public Perception
31:47 Critical Thinking in Policing
32:46 The Importance of Listening
33:44 Handling High-Stress Situations
35:03 Dealing with Trauma and Stress
37:21 Balancing Work and Personal Life
43:13 Self-Defense and Legal Considerations
58:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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