Craig Semple - The Detective Who Investigated His Own Recovery: PTSD, Resilience & Mental Health

What happens when a homicide detective turns his investigative skills inward? In this powerful episode of From The Ground Up Show, Erick Loden sits down with Craig Semple—a former police detective, mental health advocate, and author—to discuss PTSD, burnout, resilience, and the difficult journey of rebuilding a life after trauma. After years of investigating serious crimes and carrying the hidden weight of life behind the badge, Craig reached a breaking point that nearly cost him his life. Recovery required him to approach himself as he woulda complex investigation: examine the evidence, identify destructive patterns, challenge long-held assumptions, and determine what needed to change. Craig shares an honest account of the psychological toll of police work, the warning signs he failed to recognize, and the stigma that often prevents first responders and high-performing leaders from asking for help. He also explains why resilience is not about pretending to be unaffected—it is about learning how to get back up, seek support, and move forward with purpose. This conversation explores: • The cumulative effects of trauma and stress • PTSD and mental health among police officers and first responders • Burnout, identity, and the pressure to appear strong • Recognizing warning signs before reaching a crisis • Using self-awareness to investigate your own life • The practical work of recovery and rebuilding • Turning personal pain into a mission that helps others Craig’s story is raw, courageous, and ultimately hopeful. Whether you are a first responder, business owner, leader, or someone working through a difficult season, this episode offers an important reminder: asking for help is not weakness, and your lowest moment does not have to be the end of your story. Listen to Craig Semple – The Detective Who Investigated His Own Recovery: PTSD, Resilience & Mental Health on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Content note: This episode includes candid discussion of PTSD, mental-health crisis, and attempted suicide. #FirstResponderMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery#MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #FromTheGroundUpShow ⁠https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/⁠ THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode. Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/ WATCH & LISTEN Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/5pxPUIFg1BY Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140 SHORTER EDITIONS From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674 From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058 GUEST & RESOURCES [email protected] https://mentalityplus.com.au/ https://a.co/d/0afqjojv https://a.co/d/02loIZyc PARTNERS & SPONSORS https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. Honest business and leadership conversations for people building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle. Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com Questions: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/