Real Talk. Raw Humor. Relentless Hope.

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Matthew Carlson, LPC, LMHC (aka Willy Bearden) is a licensed trauma therapist, retired firefighter, filmmaker, and national speaker who’s been showing up for high-stress professions and human suffering since 2004. His speaking style is rooted in clinical wisdom, field grit, and storytelling that doesn’t flinch.

Whether he’s sharing a rooftop coffee with burned-out medics or keynoting at a national conference, Matt brings vulnerability, dark humor, and tactical tools that audiences remember — and use.

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Most Requested Topics

• The CLIMB Protocol: A Modern Reset for First Responders & Trauma Survivors

• Nervous System Reset: Beyond CISM — What Really Works

• You’re Not Broken, You’re Just Carrying Too Much: Redefining PTSD, Strength & Recovery

• Peer Support Reimagined: Humor, Film, and the Front Lines of Resilience

• The Steamer Story: From Barstool Breakdown to National Resilience Strategy

 

Each talk can be customized for law enforcement, fire service, dispatchers, veterans, clinicians, students, educators, corporate teams, or the general public.

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Speaker Rate

$2,500 per day

• Travel & lodging billed separately
  Includes keynote or workshop, Q&A, and coordination for optional podcast or film segment with your team.

 

Booking Inquiry

Use the form below to request availability.
Include:

• Event name & location

• Desired topic(s)

• Audience size & type

• Date(s)

• Virtual or in-person

• Optional add-ons (peer support film, podcast segment, breakout group, custom workshop, etc.)

 

For urgent requests or to co-develop a regional training or story-based film project, contact Matt directly at matthew@challenger-point.com.

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Past Engagements

• San Diego International Peer Support Conference

• Fire Engineering Magazine Feature

• ResponderStrong (Colorado)

• Kalamazoo–Battle Creek Resiliency Project

• Route 91 Survivor Film Project

• Rural & Trauma Teams across the U.S.

• Multiple Police, Fire, Dispatch, and Mental Health Collaborations

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Motto

Ad Astra Per Aspera
To the stars through adversity