Beyond the Uniform with The LT's Daughter
Welcome to Beyond the Uniform with The LT's Daughter, the podcast where we share the personal stories of police officers and their families, offering insight into the impact this profession has on not only the lives of police officers but also on their families.
We will be discussing exciting experiences, cases that never left them, how they balance home & family life, what they learned and so much more! Tune in, every week as we tackle tough topics, share feel good moments, and discuss the impact the job can have on everyone.
Join us as we share experiences beyond the uniform. Thanks for tuning in, be careful.
Beyond the Uniform with The LT's Daughter
57. One Decision Away: How Retired NY State Police Captain David Atkins Built His Life Around Service, Family, and Doing What is Best for His Life's Path
Today's guest is David Atkins—retired New York State Police Captain, motivational speaker, and creator of The One Decision Away Philosophy.
David brings decades of experience, not only as a leader in law enforcement, but also as someone who has built a life filled with purpose, service, and impact beyond the badge. He spent 22 years with the New York State Police, overseeing operations in Westchester County with more than 400,000 911 calls a year. He was named NY State Trooper of the Year in 2003 and Investigator of the Year in 2007, and he was among the first responders at Ground Zero on 9/11.
Now retired, David leads a thriving team of 1,400 in his Beachbody business, speaks to thousands across the country, and hosts The Personal Perseverance Project Podcast. He’s the author of The Leveled Up Life, and his next book—The One Decision Away Philosophy—releases in Summer 2025.
In this conversation, we talk about:
- His journey through law enforcement and the realities of leadership during the 2020 riots
- How he prioritized family in one of the most demanding jobs out there
- The mindset shifts that led him to personal and professional growth after retirement
- The moment I unknowingly saw him speak at a conference years ago—and why it stuck with me
- What The One Decision Away Philosophy really means and how we can apply it in our own lives
This one is packed with wisdom, heart, and a powerful reminder: you're always one decision away from a completely different life.
About David:
David Atkins is a retired NY State Police Captain, keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and entrepreneur. He is the creator of The One Decision Away Philosophy and the author of The Leveled Up Life. David is also a first responder from 9/11 and now dedicates his time to helping others level up through mindset, health, and service.
Connect with David Atkins:
🌐 Website & Book: www.davidatkinsspeaks.com
📸 Instagram: @david_w_atkins
📘 Facebook: Coach David Atkins
💼 LinkedIn: David W. Atkins
Connect with me:
🌐 Website: www.beyondtheuniform.co
📸 Instagram: @theltsdaughter
📧 Email: theltsdaughter@gmail.com
Get the Law Enforcement Family Connection Workbook HERE