Speaking & Consulting
Raw. Real. Resilient.
When the mission is personal, the message hits harder.
Matthew Carlson, LPC, LMHC — aka Willy Bearden — brings two decades of lived and professional experience into every keynote, workshop, and strategic consult. A retired firefighter, licensed trauma therapist, filmmaker, and founder of the CLIMB Protocol, Matthew doesn’t just talk about resilience — he builds it.
Whether your audience is made up of frontline responders, military veterans, mental health professionals, or corporate leaders seeking gritty wisdom, his sessions are immersive, story-driven, and built to reset the nervous system, rewire the mission, and reignite purpose.
Available Topics
🔥 Resilience Under Fire
Lessons from the frontlines of firefighting, trauma therapy, and real-world recovery.
🧠 From PTSD to Purpose
How to process trauma, regulate the nervous system, and reclaim your mission.
📽️ Resilience Cinema
Storytelling as a healing tool — from podcasting and film to legacy narratives for survivors.
👣 The CLIMB Protocol
A movement-based, soul-level reset for trauma-exposed professionals — built for those who can't afford to shut down.
🤝 Peer Support That Works
Training leaders and teams in real peer support — not just a checkbox or badge.
🎤 Custom Workshops & Panels
Tailored content for agencies, retreats, departments, churches, nonprofits, and conferences.
Speaker Profile Highlights
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Licensed in FL, TX, and CO with 20+ years trauma service experience
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PTSD & resilience subject matter expert for first responders and veterans
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Published in Fire Engineering, Counseling Today, and featured by Firefighter Close Calls
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Creator of the CLIMB Protocol and Undercover Dumpster Fire podcast
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National keynote speaker for law enforcement and firefighter conferences
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Actor, director, and founder of 16 Cent Productions
Day Rate
$2,500 per day
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Travel and lodging (negotiated per event)
Includes up to:
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1 keynote or 2 workshops per day
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Panel participation or breakout session
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On-site collaboration or film interview (optional)
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Agency-specific follow-up call or consult
🗓 Weekend or multi-day rates available upon request.
🎥 Recording rights and licensing available via 16 Cent Productions.
Booking & Contact
To inquire about speaking, workshops, or customized consulting:
📧 matthew@challenger-point.com
📞 970-363-4031
📝 Or submit a Booking Form
“We don’t need more fluff. We need brave spaces, bold stories, and real strategies that help people reset and rise.”