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Behind The Shield

Jonathan Williams (Law Enforcement, Mental Health and Catharsis Through Music) - Episode 1196

Behind The Shield

James Geering

Mental Health, Fitness, Health & Fitness

4.9695 Ratings

🗓️ 1 February 2026

⏱️ 112 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Jonathan Williams is a modern country artist from Vernon, British Columbia, whose music blends heart, grit, and the honesty of lived experience. A retired RCMP officer turned singer-songwriter, Jonathan’s journey from the front lines of law enforcement to the spotlight of the Canadian country scene is a story of resilience, redemption, and rediscovery through music.

His breakout single “That’s What a Heartbreak Tastes Like” reached #3 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown, earning radio play across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, and racking up over 26,000 streams. His follow-up singles “Wild Fire” and “Goodbye Back” have continued that momentum, with “Goodbye Back” surpassing 150,000 digital streams, gaining national radio traction, and solidifying Jonathan as one of Canada’s most promising independent country voices.

Produced by Jeff Johnson (The Washboard Union, Chris Buck Band) and recorded at Saxman Studios in Nashville, Jonathan’s recordings capture the energy and authenticity that define his live performances. His songs are built around real emotion — stories of heartbreak, hope, and hard-won lessons — anchored by a powerful voice and a sound that merges modern Nashville polish with the heart of true country storytelling.

Jonathan’s career continues to rise with two new singles on the way — both produced by Jeff Johnson and recorded in Nashville — leading up to the release of his six-song EP planned for 2026. The project will showcase his strongest songwriting to date, highlighting his distinct blend of heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems that speak to life, love, and resilience.

Over the past year, Jonathan has performed more than 50 shows across British Columbia, including major events like Peachfest, Westside Daze, Armstrong IPE, Vancouver Island Exhibition, and Parks Alive, along with brewery residencies and sold-out shows at venues like Crown & Thieves. His “Boots, Bars & Battle Scars Tour” combined live music with storytelling about mental health and PTSD — connecting deeply with audiences and first responders across the province.

Media and industry have taken notice. Jonathan has been featured on Global TV, CTV, Castanet, and the Vernon Morning Star, and was a 2nd Ballot Nominee for both Male Artist of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2025 BC Country Music Association Awards. His music has also received consistent coverage on 91.5 Bounce FM, 105.7 The Ranch, Move 101.5 Kelowna, and numerous U.S. and international country stations.

Looking ahead, Jonathan is preparing for a Canada-wide tour to support his upcoming EP release — with plans to expand into national festivals, international showcases, and sync placements through recent connections at VIFF AMP Summit. His career continues to grow from the grassroots upward, built on talent, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect through every lyric and performance.

Whether on stage or on record, Jonathan Williams embodies the spirit of modern country — real stories, raw emotion, and the reminder that no matter how tough the road gets, there’s always music to carry you through.

Transcript

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0:00.0

Welcome to the Pioneer Shield podcast. As always, my name's James Gearing, and this week it is my absolute

0:04.3

honor to welcome on the show, 14-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, songwriter,

0:10.9

and country artist Jonathan Williams. Now, in this conversation, we discuss a host of topics,

0:17.5

from his original journey into music, his transition into policing, some of

0:23.2

his notable career calls, addiction in Canada, his own mental health journey, his powerful

0:30.3

transition story, catharsis through performing, and so much more.

0:35.5

Now, before we get to this incredible conversation, as I say every week,

0:39.2

please just take a moment.

0:41.2

Go to whichever app you listen to this on.

0:43.6

Subscribe to the show, leave feedback, and leave a rating.

0:48.4

Every single five-star rating truly does elevate this podcast,

0:52.7

therefore making it easier for others to find.

0:55.6

And this is a free library of almost 1,200 episodes now.

1:00.9

So all I ask in return is that you help share these incredible men and women's stories

1:06.4

so I can get them to every single person on planet Earth who needs to hear them.

1:12.6

So with that being said, I introduce to start by saying two things.

1:41.0

Firstly, thank you to our mutual friend Steve Steve Farina, for making this introduction.

1:45.4

And secondly, I want to welcome you onto the Behind the Shield podcast today.

1:49.4

Oh, yeah. It's a pleasure and an honor to be here. And I'm just so grateful for that connection

1:56.0

to be made. Absolutely. So where on planet Earth are we finding you today?

2:01.3

We are in Vernon, British Columbia in Canada.

2:05.4

How are you guys being affected by this massive weather storm?

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