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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Brian's Links

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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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