The Hero Next Door Ep. 1: Sheila Stephens of The Valkyrie Initiative

Former ATF special agent Sheila Stephens spent her career hunting violent criminals, infiltrating gangs, and running undercover operations across the country. But the injury that ended her time in the field nearly ended her life as well.In this powerful first episode of The Hero Next Door, Sheila sits down with host Dr. Darcy Leutzinger and the Proud American Studios team to talk about what really happens to the minds and hearts of those who serve on the front lines of law enforcement, the military, intelligence, and public safety. She shares how childhood trauma, years of undercover work, and a career‑ending injury led her to the brink of suicide—and how one unexpected phone call changed everything.