We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful JP McMichael. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with JP below.

JP, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I was a first responder to the Pentagon on 9/11, was later dianosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and in 2003 almost took my own life. After years of my own struggles and seeing how the struggles of other first responders and veterans were ignored, looked down upon, and they were considered weak if they asked for help, I decieded to begin speaking publicly about my battles. I began to see that as I spoke, people began sharing thier journey with me and it helped me as well. It led to me taking over our Peer Support Team and becoming the head of our Health and Wellness Program for our staff.

As I tried to explain to my young son what I was going through and that it wasnt his fault, I began to see how difficult the conversations where and wrote a childrens book about the conversations that included a workbook that could help foster the conversations. I saw the struggles that first responders and military members had transitioning from the job to home and that nothing was being offered to help.

Catalyst of Change Associates was born out of the desire to help others not stumble over the same roadblocks along thier journey, as I did on mine. I have carried these lessons into the classroom as well, by sharing my struggles with my students from the start of the semester and support them with thier struggles, as well as highlighting thier skills and talents. I also work to help them find interships and opportunities to jumpstart thier career path.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am currently a keynote speaker, adjunct professor, author of five childrens books, and an advocate for health, wellness, and resillience. I retired last november after a 25 year law enforcement career. I also work with groups such as Operation Enduring Warrior and Boulder Crest, to help give back to first responders and military veterans .

I have written five childrens books on topics such as: helping children unstand the struggles of PTSD and to create conversations so they know what they are seeing is not thier fault and it is ok to ask questions; Body image and anti-bullying; the relationship between a father and daughter and the milestones they share through life (I wrote that because my daughter was mad that my son had a book and she didnt); loss of a loved one or friend; and the first in a series of books about my service dog Taz.

I have a service dog named Taz, who is amazing and has had such a huge impact on my life. She is names after firefighter captain Tom Zub, who passed away in 2022. We recently had the opportunity to go to New Jersey to meet some of Toms family and members of the Fourth Watch Motocycle Club (a first responders club that donated Taz to me and has chapters around the country).

My purpose in what I do, whether it is writng, speaking, or teaching is to help others see thier purpose and value, while providing them with the tools to overcome the traumas and stressors life throws ar us.

I am most proud of my students. When I see them grow throughout the semester, as well as thier entire time at the university and go on to help others and find careers with meaning and purpose to them I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to play a small role in thier journey.

I speak of topics dealing with mental health and wellness, resilience, leadership, and the ADA to people from all walks of life and of all ages, not just first responders and military. Unfortunately, when people think of PTSD they think of those particular fields, yet it impacts all of us. Teaching resillience and strategies early on can foster growth that can lesson the chances of being impacted by struggles and trauma long term while also leading to a happier and healthier life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2012 I broke my neck training for a fight. I had to have a fusion done from C5 to C7. A few years later, after recovering well and returning to work, I lost feeling in my arms and legs and had to have the fusion done from c2 to c7. Prior to that surgery I was told I would never be able to be a cop again, and that they could not guarantee I would be able to walk.

Four months later I returned to full duty.

I learned from this that we take a lot in life for granted until it impacts us directly, and that you can not allow someone else to direct your path or create your future. When the surgeon told me what he did I was in shock and thought what am i going to do now. Then I got angry and thought this doctor doesnt know me or my drive and I am going to do everything in my power to prove him wrong.

This translated into my work with the Americans with Disabilities Act. When I was put in that position I was recovering from my surgery, ironic I thought at the time how the world has a way of putting us in places and situations that change the path we believe we should be on, to the path we were meant for.

I could have easily accepted what the surgeon said, as I believe most people do. When an experet tells us something we often take it on its face, but no one knows what your goals and dreams are execpt you. If you have purpose and meaning, you can overcome the greatest obstacles.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My struggles with PTSD and almost ending my life led me to find my purpose and meaning. I spent over 15 years of my law enforcement career working on what would become Catalyst of Change Associates. While working full time I obtained my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Forensics, as well as my masters degree in Counseling. I sent in proposals to speak at every conference I could find, as well as at our academy and to our staff. I often paid out of pocket to go to conferences because I saw the value not only for my law enforcement career, but for my life after retirement. During the COVID Pandemic, I had to look at possibly giving up on company because of finances. I decieded to do the last few virtual events I had booked after seeing a speech by Tyler Perry in which he talked about how when you are ready to quit, you could be one step away from your dream. A short time later I was speaking at a conference, and one of the members of the audience reached out to me after the presentation and took me under thier wing. It was like a breath of fresh air from someone who was very successful, and saw something in my that I the time I didnt see in myself. I met a few other folks along the way who also opened up opportunities that allowed my to retire from law enforcement and do what I love.

I believe that we meet people along our journey and each of them has something to teach us, good or bad, that helps guide us. They may be in our lives for a few moments, days, months, or years. When we open our minds and suspend judgements, we meet some amazing people that can greatly impact the trajectory of our lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.catalystofchangeassociates.com
• Facebook: Catalyst of Change Associates LLC
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/j-p-mcmichael-maba-44b62344
• Youtube: @waywardpathofthewarrior0621
• Other: Social media links are also on the website

Image Credits

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