Duke Watson Life As A Military Veteran, Firefighter & Police Officer | Called 2 Serve Podcast Episode 25
Manage episode 483796683 series 3625617
In Episode 25 of the Called 2 Serve Podcast, Host Reggie Hubbard welcomes Duke Watson—an inspiring public servant who has uniquely served as a Military Veteran, Firefighter, and now Police Officer.
In this powerful conversation, Duke opens up about his journey across three demanding careers, the mental health challenges that come with service, and how fitness and faith help him stay grounded. With vulnerability, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Duke reflects on service, marriage, mentorship, and the importance of emotional resilience.
🔹 In This Episode, Duke Shares:
His experience growing up in a family of Military Veterans, Firefighters, and Police Officers—and how that shaped his path
Why he pursued all three callings: joining the military, becoming a Firefighter/EMT, and later transitioning to a Police Officer
How peer-to-peer support and mental health awareness became personal after losing a close friend
The pressures of public safety work and finding strength in fitness, marriage, and faith
Why the gym is his therapy and how he now uses TikTok to inspire others with fitness and positivity
His love for cartoons, comic conventions, and being unapologetically himself off the clock
🔹 Why This Episode Matters:
This episode is a raw and relatable look at what it means to live a life of service. Whether you're a Military Veteran, Firefighter, Police Officer, or someone supporting one, Duke’s story reminds us of the humanity behind the badge—and the power of support, transparency, and purpose.
🔹 About Duke Watson:
Duke is a uniquely dedicated public servant who has worked as a Military Veteran, Firefighter/EMT, and Police Officer. He’s also a certified peer support specialist, fitness enthusiast, and voice for mental health in first responder communities.
🔹 About the Called 2 Serve Podcast:
Hosted by Reggie Hubbard, the Called 2 Serve Podcast features conversations with extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others. Our mission is to honor and inspire those who make an impact in their communities.
📅 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:00 – Growing up in a military & service-oriented family
04:00 – Why he pursued military, fire, and police careers
10:00 – Transitioning from Firefighter to Police Officer
17:00 – Lessons from multiple academies and leadership roles
25:00 – Peer support training after losing a friend to suicide
32:00 – Struggles with PTSD, support systems, and healing
40:00 – Using fitness as mental health therapy
48:00 – TikTok fitness journey, cartoons, and comic cons
52:00 – Final reflections and receiving the Called 2 Serve coin
🎧 Listen now on:
👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QI4k5GtEdp6AXBmdEj8yk
👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-2-serve-podcast/id1785553680
📲 Follow Called 2 Serve Podcast:
🌐 Facebook: @Called2ServePodcast
📸 Instagram: @called2servepodcast
🎥 TikTok: @called2servepodcast
📣 Twitter (X): @C2Spodcast
🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories of faith, service, and strength.
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25 episodes