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.