ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Guest: Mike Marotta, Executive Director, Warriors Heart
🎥 Watch This Episode: https://youtube.com/live/41BIdJ2TxWM
🌐 Learn More: www.warriorsheart.com
🎤 Watch Mike’s Emerson Hour Talk: YouTube – Emerson Hour
The January episode of ILEETA Live launched 2026 with a powerful conversation featuring Mike Marotta—Air Force veteran, retired San Antonio PD officer, peer-support advocate, and now Executive Director at Warriors Heart in Virginia.
Co-hosts Joe Willis and Brian Hill kicked things off with exciting updates about the 2026 ILEETA Conference in St. Louis, a live check-in from SHOT Show with Todd Fletcher and Ray Merlin, and news that conference registrations are tracking a full month ahead of trend. They also spotlighted key dates like:
- 📅 Trainer of the Year Nominations – Due Feb 1
- 📅 Live Fire / Certification Registration – Opens Feb 2
🎙 Featured Guest: Mike Marotta
Mike’s journey from a C-5 loadmaster in the Air Force to a wellness unit pioneer at San Antonio PD, to national thought leader in trauma recovery is a story of purpose, growth, and grit.
He shared how his personal struggles and emotional reflection catalyzed change, leading him to co-found officer wellness programs, support First H.E.L.P. initiatives, and ultimately find his calling at Warriors Heart. Now, Mike leads a 42-day residential treatment campus in Virginia designed exclusively for members of the warrior class—military, veterans, law enforcement, fire, EMS, and corrections professionals.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- "Don’t Be Afraid" – Mike’s message to those facing transition: “You are created and refined for what’s next.”
- Emotional Literacy Matters – Cops are taught to suppress emotions, but healing begins with words like lonely, sad, and disconnected.
- Get Out of the Way – Mike reflects on how stepping aside allowed the SAPD wellness program to truly thrive.
- Hang Onto Your Satellites – Don’t lose the friends and support systems that existed before the badge.
- Empower the Human Spirit – A guiding mantra at Warriors Heart that Mike now carries forward in everything he does.
Instructor Development Tip
Kerry Avery (Odin Training Solutions) challenged trainers to ditch the bio intros and lead with something emotionally resonant—like a case study or powerful video—to engage the learner's brain and heart. “Start with why we’re here,” she said, “not who we are.”
Mike added, “Start with story. Start with heart. That’s what earns their trust.”
🔗 Connect with Mike Marotta & Warriors Heart:
- 🌐 Website: www.warriorsheart.com
- 📹 Emerson Hour Talk: Watch on YouTube
- 💼 LinkedIn: Mike Marotta on LinkedIn
- 📸 Instagram: @warriorshearthealing
- 🐦 X (Twitter): @WarriorsHeart22
- 📘 Facebook: Warriors Heart on Facebook
With just 54 days until ILEETA 2026, this episode reminds us why the community matters.
🗓 Conference Dates: March 16–21, 2026
📍 Location: Union Station Hotel, St. Louis
🔗 Register: www.ileeta.org/conference
