001. Gave up Law Enforcement to be a Doctor | Now Helping First Responders PTS & Trauma
- Paul Pantani
- Sep 6, 2021
- 5 min read
Shiloh Catanese
In this inaugural episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, Paul Pantani introduces his first guest, Dr. Shiloh Catanese, affectionately known as Dr. Shiloh in social circles. Paul couldn’t have chosen a better guest to kick things off than Dr. Shiloh—a former police officer turned forensic psychologist, and now co-host of the L.A. Not So Confidential podcast. This wasn’t just another interview; it was a full-circle moment between a former training officer and his once-rookie partner, now a mental health professional serving the very community she once patrolled.
For many in law enforcement, the military, firefighting, EMS, or any first responder role, "life after service" can feel like stepping into the unknown. Episode 001 with Shiloh Catanese is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and relevance.
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Shiloh's journey began where many in the military and police community find themselves: in a uniform, answering the call. Her parents were LA County deputies, so law enforcement ran in her blood. Yet, from an early age, she sensed that her path would take her beyond the badge. After graduating with degrees in psychology and criminal justice, Shiloh found herself as a cadet in a local police department, eventually working her way up to full-time officer. It was during this time she met Paul, her training officer, and unknowingly began laying the groundwork for a career that would shift from enforcing the law to understanding the minds behind those who break it.
Two years into her police service, Shiloh felt the pull toward psychology intensify. She returned to school and earned her doctorate in forensic psychology, all while working patrol on weekends. The grind was real—balancing school, shift work, and later, full-time internships with parole and probation offices. Her goal? To join the FBI. But life, as it often does, had other plans.
After receiving a conditional job offer from the FBI, Shiloh was also offered a position as a full-time psychologist working with sex offenders re-entering society. Faced with two life-changing options, she chose the one that gave her purpose. This critical pivot is a powerful lesson for any military veteran or first responder contemplating their own transition: sometimes, the mission evolves.
Shiloh spent over a decade delving into the minds of criminals, conducting therapy, and performing risk assessments. But her heart never strayed too far from the thin blue line. In 2017, she returned to law enforcement—this time as an in-house psychologist for a major Southern California police department. Her new mission: supporting the mental health of officers and their families.
Dr. Shiloh's current role puts her on the frontlines of a silent battle often faced by military veterans and first responders: mental health. She delivers therapy, conducts debriefings after officer-involved shootings, and leads wellness training—all designed to break the stigma that too often keeps our heroes from seeking help.
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Law enforcement and military culture have long worn the armor of toughness, often at the cost of emotional well-being. Shiloh emphasized in the podcast that stigma around mental health is slowly breaking down. Younger generations of officers are more open to therapy, viewing it not as weakness, but as a proactive strategy for long-term survival.
For veterans navigating military transition or first responders reaching their retirement point, this message is crucial. Transition is not just about switching careers or filing for military veteran jobs—it’s about preparing the mind and spirit for what’s next.
Aside from her clinical work, Shiloh co-hosts L.A. Not So Confidential, a psychology-meets-true-crime podcast that takes deep dives into notorious criminal cases. It’s not just storytelling—it’s analysis through the lens of forensic psychology. What makes it especially intriguing for military veterans and first responders is the insider perspective: clinical nuance, tactical knowledge, and the rare ability to humanize even the most hardened criminals.
Interestingly, Shiloh notes that 80% of true crime content consumers are women, often driven by a desire to understand and prevent victimization. For veterans and first responders, that psychological curiosity mirrors the investigative mindset that defines their careers.
The episode doesn’t shy away from the darkness that can accompany a service career. Paul and Shiloh talk candidly about vicarious trauma, PTSD, and the ripple effects of repeated exposure to tragedy. They discuss the reality that police officers often have to revisit the scene of traumatic events repeatedly—not just physically, but mentally. Unlike military deployments that may happen far from home, law enforcement trauma lingers on familiar streets.
Shiloh warns of the "deadly triad" often present in officer suicides: untreated depression, alcohol abuse, and relationship breakdown. The stats are sobering. The message is clear: taking care of mental health is not optional. It’s survival.
For every military veteran or first responder, there will come a day when the uniform comes off. Whether it’s retirement, reassignment, or an unexpected incident that cuts a career short, transition is inevitable. The podcast emphasizes the importance of preparing not just your resume, but your identity.
Too often, those who served focus solely on "getting to the finish line" of retirement. But what comes next? Who are you without the badge or uniform? Do you have hobbies, friends outside the force, or interests that bring you joy? These aren’t luxuries. They’re lifelines.
Lessons for Military Veterans and First Responders
Throughout the episode, several themes emerge that resonate deeply with anyone from the military, police, EMS, or firefighter communities:
You are not your job – Build an identity outside your service role.
Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness – Just as you train your body for the mission, train your mind for life after service.
It’s okay to seek help – Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s armor for the next chapter.
Plan for transition early – Don’t wait until the end to think about what’s next.
Peer support matters – Whether you're a military veteran, police officer, firefighter, or EMS, having someone who understands your journey is priceless.
Final Thoughts: The Mission Evolves
Dr. Shiloh Catanese exemplifies what it means to evolve without abandoning your mission. Her journey from patrol car to psychologist’s chair is a testament to the power of transition done right.
The Transition Drill Podcast is the best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. Your transition is more than a career shift—it’s a chance to redefine your purpose, continue serving others, and build a meaningful life beyond your uniform.
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