What if the pain you've buried is the very thing standing between you and your healing? This powerful interview pulls back the curtain on one man’s darkest moments to show you what’s possible when you stop running and start facing the truth.

How This Helps You?

Let’s be real—most people are carrying wounds they’ve never told anyone about. And as long as those wounds stay hidden, so does the healing. In this conversation, you’ll see how the deepest pain can become your greatest turning point—if you’re willing to go there.


Why Must You Listen?

  • Discover how trauma, when confronted with truth, can become the foundation for purpose and personal transformation
  • Learn how even the most chaotic childhood doesn’t have to define your future
  • Hear what it really takes to serve others without losing yourself—whether you’re in a crisis profession or just trying to show up for your own life


What’s It All About?

Joe Smarro’s story isn’t easy to hear—but it just might be exactly what you need to. From childhood abuse and chaos so intense he once set his own bed on fire, to tours of duty as a U.S. Marine, to the high-stakes role of police crisis negotiator—Joe has lived through storms most can’t imagine. But the greatest battle he ever faced? Was the one inside.


This episode doesn’t glorify pain. It reveals the truth of it. And in that truth, you’ll find the possibility of your own redemption.


You’ll hear about the suicide calls, the emotional toll of policing, and the moment a man died in Joe’s arms. But you’ll also hear what happened next—and how Joe’s journey now helps others face what they’ve been running from.


This isn’t just Joe’s story. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s tired of pretending they’re fine.


Looking for the Links?

SolutionPoint+ (Joe’s Mental Health Training Org)

JoeSmarro.com

Connect with Joe on Facebook

Follow Joe on Instagram

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn


Press play now to discover how the pain you’ve hidden might just be the path to the healing you’ve been searching for.


Today’s Featured Guest

Joe Smarro is a decorated US Marine Corps combat veteran, serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After military service, he joined the San Antonio Police Department in 2005, becoming a key member of the SAPD Mental Health Unit and growing it into a model of best practices. He delivered a TEDx talk in San Antonio in 2018, titled "I See You," and co-starred in the Emmy-winning documentary "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops." Joe co-founded SolutionPoint+ in 2017, focusing on mental wellness and safety in organizations. He left SAPD in 2020 to expand his impact in law enforcement across the nation, aiming to eradicate suicide in policing.


Hey, it's Kevin!


I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!


  • I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
  • Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!

  • Show Notes

    What if the pain you've buried is the very thing standing between you and your healing? This powerful interview pulls back the curtain on one man’s darkest moments to show you what’s possible when you stop running and start facing the truth.

    How This Helps You?

    Let’s be real—most people are carrying wounds they’ve never told anyone about. And as long as those wounds stay hidden, so does the healing. In this conversation, you’ll see how the deepest pain can become your greatest turning point—if you’re willing to go there.


    Why Must You Listen?

    • Discover how trauma, when confronted with truth, can become the foundation for purpose and personal transformation
    • Learn how even the most chaotic childhood doesn’t have to define your future
    • Hear what it really takes to serve others without losing yourself—whether you’re in a crisis profession or just trying to show up for your own life


    What’s It All About?

    Joe Smarro’s story isn’t easy to hear—but it just might be exactly what you need to. From childhood abuse and chaos so intense he once set his own bed on fire, to tours of duty as a U.S. Marine, to the high-stakes role of police crisis negotiator—Joe has lived through storms most can’t imagine. But the greatest battle he ever faced? Was the one inside.


    This episode doesn’t glorify pain. It reveals the truth of it. And in that truth, you’ll find the possibility of your own redemption.


    You’ll hear about the suicide calls, the emotional toll of policing, and the moment a man died in Joe’s arms. But you’ll also hear what happened next—and how Joe’s journey now helps others face what they’ve been running from.


    This isn’t just Joe’s story. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s tired of pretending they’re fine.


    Looking for the Links?

    SolutionPoint+ (Joe’s Mental Health Training Org)

    JoeSmarro.com

    Connect with Joe on Facebook

    Follow Joe on Instagram

    Connect with Joe on LinkedIn


    Press play now to discover how the pain you’ve hidden might just be the path to the healing you’ve been searching for.


    Today’s Featured Guest

    Joe Smarro is a decorated US Marine Corps combat veteran, serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After military service, he joined the San Antonio Police Department in 2005, becoming a key member of the SAPD Mental Health Unit and growing it into a model of best practices. He delivered a TEDx talk in San Antonio in 2018, titled "I See You," and co-starred in the Emmy-winning documentary "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops." Joe co-founded SolutionPoint+ in 2017, focusing on mental wellness and safety in organizations. He left SAPD in 2020 to expand his impact in law enforcement across the nation, aiming to eradicate suicide in policing.


    Hey, it's Kevin!


    I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!




    Stay Awesome! Live Inspired!

    © 2025 Grit, Grace, & Inspiration


    This podcast is designed specifically for those seeking healing from trauma, relief from anxiety, overcoming fear of the unknown, resolving isolation, rebuilding self-worth, confronting guilt and shame, personal growth after trauma, finding their life's purpose, recovering from emotional distress, conquering limiting beliefs, navigating identity shifts, building resilience, rebuilding relationships, coping with chronic pain, searching for spiritual direction, embracing inner strength, cultivating hope, overcoming self-doubt, reclaiming their future, and experiencing post-traumatic growth.

    Comments & Upvotes

Listen On

Also Listen