Raw. Real. Resilient.

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When the mission is personal, the message hits harder.
Matthew Carlson— 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, Willy 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.

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Available Topics

Resilience Under Fire
Lessons from the frontlines of firefighting, trauma therapy, and real-world recovery.

 

From PTS to Purpose
How to process trauma, regulate the nervous system, and reclaim your mission.

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Resilience Cinema
Storytelling as a healing tool — from podcasting and film to legacy narratives for survivors.

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The CLIMB Protocol
A movement-based, soul-level reset for trauma-exposed professionals — built for those who can't afford to shut down.

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Peer Support That Works
Training leaders and teams in real peer support — not just a checkbox or badge.

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Custom Workshops & Panels
Tailored content for agencies, retreats, departments, churches, nonprofits, and conferences.

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Speaker Profile Highlights

• Licensed in FL, TX, and CO with 20+ years trauma service experience

• PTSD & resilience subject matter expert for first responders and veterans

• Published in Fire Engineering, Counseling Today, and featured by Firefighter Close Calls

• Chief Resilience Architect, Founder of the CLIMB Protocol, 16 Cent Productions, Challenger Point Practice and Undercover Dumpster Fire vodcast

• National keynote speaker for law enforcement and firefighter conferences

• Actor and Director

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Day Rate

$2,500 per day

• Travel and lodging (negotiated per event)

Includes up to:

• 1 keynote or 2 workshops per day

• Panel participation or breakout session

• On-site collaboration or film interview (optional)

• Agency-specific follow-up call or consult

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🗓 Weekend or multi-day rates available upon request.
🎥 Recording rights and licensing available via 16 Cent Productions.

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Booking & Contact

To inquire about speaking, workshops, or customized consulting:

📧 matthew@challenger-point.com
📞 970-363-4031
📝 Or submit a Booking Form

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“We don’t need more fluff. We need brave spaces, bold stories, and real strategies that help people reset and rise.”

-Matthew Carlson

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