A heartfelt podcast honoring the sacrifices of first responders and their families. Through raw and inspiring stories, host Rico explores the bravery, resilience, and love that define their lives. Each episode sheds light on the personal challenges and triumphs behind the badge, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the human side of service. Together, we celebrate their dedication and preserve their legacy. 💙
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Episode 7: From Chaos to Calling: Kristin’s Journey into Service
Season 2 · Episode 7
Sunday, August 17, 2025 • Duration 01:12:10
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Kristin shares the raw, unfiltered truth of her early life—growing up in rural Arkansas with a mother battling meth addiction, becoming a mom herself at 17, and walking through divorce by 21.
When her sister suffered a seizure, a 911 call became a turning point—one that led Kristin to dispatch, ride-alongs, and eventually, the police academy.
This episode explores the personal struggles and pivotal moments that shaped Kristin’s path to public service. It’s a story of pain, purpose, and the call to something greater.
🎧 Listen now and stay tuned for Part 2—where we dive into her time in uniform, the trauma she faced, and how she found her way back to the badge.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
#8158Podcast #FromChaosToClarity #FirstResponderStories #WomenInLawEnforcement #AddictionRecovery #FYP
Episode 6: From Navy Medic to Tennessee FTO: Nate on Service, Resilience & Mental Health 💙
Season 2 · Episode 6
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • Duration 01:52:41
From being born in Japan to serving as a Navy EMT/medic and building a career in Texas EMS and Tennessee law enforcement, Nate’s journey is all about service, mentorship, and quiet strength. We talk rebuilding a small department, why he loves being an FTO, and the real differences he’s seen between Texas and Tennessee when it comes to first responder mental health. He also opens up about a critical early call involving infant loss and the weight of undiagnosed PTSD—plus a few unforgettable stories from the road.
Content note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss (SIDS).
Listen, share, and support the mission:
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
Hashtags:
#FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage #8158Podcast #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #LawEnforcement #EMS #NavyMedic #FTO #PTSDAwareness #Resilience #ServeWithHonor #ThinBlueLine #PublicSafety #StoriesOfSacrifice
Episode 5: Part 2: Behind the Headset, Beyond the Trauma — Emilee Landreth on Healing First Responders
Season 2 · Episode 5
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 • Duration 01:13:02
In Part 2 of our conversation with Emilee Landreth, former 911 dispatcher and licensed therapist, we pick up where we left off—unpacking the silent weight of trauma, the struggle to find support, and the power of choosing healing.
Emilee shares what it’s like to walk away from chaos and step into purpose—helping other first responders navigate their own mental health journeys. From ride-alongs to real calls that still linger, this episode is packed with hard truths, encouragement, and resources to remind you: you’re not alone. 💙
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📞 Need Help Now?
Crisis & Peer Support Lines:
📱 First Responders Peer Support (24/7): 833-377-7648
📱 Frontline Helpline (24/7): 866-676-7500
📱 Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 opt 1
📱 Share The Load: 888-731-3473
📱 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
📱 Crisis Text Line: Text “HELP” to 741741
📱 Next Rung: Text SUPPORT, COUNSELING, or TREATMENT to 833-698-7864
📱 Copline (LEO Only): 800-267-5463
⸻
👩⚕️ Therapist Contact – NC Only (Expanding Soon):
Emilee Landreth, MSW, LCSW-A
📞 Office: 704-269-6068 | Crisis: 828-290-9125
🌐 http://www.tlctherapycenter.com
📧 resilientfrontlines@tlctherapycenter.com
🧠 Responder Support Services (WNC + Upstate SC):
📞 Office: 828-333-5708 | Crisis: 828-209-8038
⸻
🌐 Helpful Sites:
🔗 First Responder Center for Excellence (https://firstrespondercenter.org/resource-hub)
🔗 First Responders Foundation Mental Health Resources (https://firstrespondersfoundation.org/mental-health-resources-for-first-responders/)
⸻
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🎧 Subscribe & Listen:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest or share your story:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
🔥 Get exclusive content + ad-free episodes:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
⸻
#EmileeLandreth #FirstResponderTherapist #911Dispatch #MentalHealthSupport #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaHealing #FrontlineTherapy #RelentlessCourage #8158Podcast #StoriesOfSacrifice #FYP
Episode 4: Beyond the Darkness: Understanding Trauma & Finding the Light
Season 2 · Episode 4
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 • Duration 01:07:10
In this episode of the 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with David — coach, podcast host, and trauma educator behind Beyond the Darkness. Together, we explore what trauma really means, how it can silently shape our lives, and what healing can look like in real time.
Whether you’re walking through it yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and stronger than before. 💙
🧩 Resources, reflections, and small steps that make a big impact.
🛠️ Tools for understanding and coping with trauma.
🎙️ Real talk. No fluff. Just healing.
—
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
—
🧠 Listen to David’s show: Beyond the Darkness
🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-darkness-living-with-ptsd/id1794195917?i=1000706540273
Episode 3: Surviving the Badge: Ronda’s Story of Service, Loss & Resilience
Season 2 · Episode 3
Sunday, August 3, 2025 • Duration 01:07:37
In this powerful episode of the 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with retired Montana police officer Ronda, who served 24 years in law enforcement and comes from a remarkable four-generation legacy of military and public service.
She opens up about the deep trauma she’s carried—from critical incidents and personal loss, to the heartbreaking suicides of her FBI handler, her brother, and her co-sergeant. Ronda shares how PTSD has impacted her life, the toll it took on her relationships, and how she continues to fight for healing and hope.
Her story was featured in the documentary Officer Involved by Patrick Shaver, and today she courageously brings her voice to this platform—reminding us all that behind the badge is a human heart still learning to survive.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
#FirstResponderMentalHealth #YouAreNotAlone #PTSDawareness #OfficerInvolved #BackTheBlue #StoriesOfSacrifice #8158Podcast #MentalHealthMatters #LineOfDuty #TraumaSurvivor #WomenInLawEnforcement #BlueFamily #HealingThroughStories
Episode 2: Love, Loss & Living With PTSD: Libby’s Story of Strength After Service
Season 2 · Episode 2
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 01:36:38
Libby was the wife of Corey Anderson, a 101st Airborne veteran who served in Iraq and battled PTSD and TBI after his return. Despite years of seeking help through the VA and Vet Court, Corey died by suicide in October 2024. In this powerful episode, Libby shares what it was like being engaged during his deployment, the struggles of navigating the VA system, and the impact of losing him.
Now a mother of four and a communications student, Libby is using her voice to advocate for mental health awareness, PTSD support, and veteran families. She opens up about her own healing journey and why she continues to fight for change.
This story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and advocacy—and a reminder that no one should have to walk through trauma alone.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
⸻
#PTSDawareness #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitarySpouse #StoriesOfSacrifice #YouAreNotAlone #BackTheBlue #TBI #8158Podcast #SurvivorStrong #MentalHealthMatters
Episode 1: Emilee Landreth: From 911 Dispatcher to First Responder Therapist — Healing the Ones Who Serve
Season 2 · Episode 1
Sunday, July 27, 2025 • Duration 58:41
Emilee Landreth knows what it’s like to be behind the headset when everything goes wrong. After five years in dispatch—fielding line-of-duty deaths, suicides, and trauma with no access to debriefings—she knew something had to change.
Now a licensed therapist in North Carolina, Emilee is on a mission to serve those who serve us. In this powerful episode, she shares her personal journey from dispatch to mental health, how her law enforcement roots shaped her career, and what she wants every first responder to know about healing, trauma, and hope. 💙
Whether you’re struggling silently or just need someone who gets it—this one’s for you.
⸻
📞 Need Help Now?
Crisis & Peer Support Lines:
🧠 First Responders Peer Support (24/7): 833-377-7648
🧠 Frontline Helpline (24/7): 866-676-7500
🧠 Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 opt 1
🧠 Share The Load: 888-731-3473
🧠 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
📱 Crisis Text Line: Text “HELP” to 741741
📱 Next Rung: Text SUPPORT, COUNSELING, or TREATMENT to 833-698-7864
🚔 Copline (LEO Only): 800-267-5463
⸻
👩⚕️ Therapist Contact – NC Only (Expanding Soon):
Emilee Landreth, MSW, LCSW-A
📞 Office: 704-269-6068 | Crisis: 828-290-9125
🌐 http://www.tlctherapycenter.com
📧 resilientfrontlines@tlctherapycenter.com
🧠 Responder Support Services (WNC + Upstate SC):
📞 Office: 828-333-5708 | Crisis: 828-209-8038
⸻
🌐 Helpful Sites:
📚 First Responder Center for Excellence (https://firstrespondercenter.org/resource-hub)
📚 First Responders Foundation Mental Health Resources (https://firstrespondersfoundation.org/mental-health-resources-for-first-responders/)
⸻
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🎙️ Subscribe & Listen:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
📢 Join us on Patreon:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
💬 Be a guest or share your story:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
⸻
#EmileeLandreth #FirstResponderTherapist #911Dispatch #MentalHealthSupport #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaHealing #FrontlineTherapy #RelentlessCourage #8158Podcast #StoriesOfSacrifice #FYP
Bonus: LIVE from the Lounge: A Conversation with Darryl – National Guard Veteran & Advocate
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • Duration 01:05:07
This special bonus episode was recorded live with Darryl, a National Guard Veteran, as he shares his journey through service, transition, and personal growth. Hosted by Rico, this conversation dives deep into what it means to serve, adapt, and find purpose after the uniform.
📍 Please note: Due to the live setting and close recording setup, you may hear some light feedback and background noise throughout the episode.
—
💙 Support the mission:
https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🎙 Be a guest:
https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
🌐 Explore more:
https://www.8158podcast.com
🎧 Get exclusive content:
http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
BONUS: From Survival to Living – Rico’s Next Chapter Begins
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 08:25
In this powerful bonus episode, we’re flipping the mic around as 8158 Podcast creator and host, Rico, opens up about his next chapter—stepping into life coaching.
After years of simply surviving—pushing through pain, grief, and identity shifts—Rico found purpose through storytelling. Now, he’s ready to help others move from just surviving to fully living.
💬 He shares:
• What survival mode really looks like
• How his healing journey began
• Why he’s launching coaching for people ready to rewrite their story
• What his coaching will look like (1:1, group, and digital tools)
If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure of what’s next—this one’s for you.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
#FromSurvivalToLiving #RewriteYourStory #LifeAfterTrauma #8158Podcast #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #StoriesOfSacrifice #FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage
BONUS: From Prison to Purpose: Rico’s Journey to 81-58
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 51:18
In this deeply personal episode of 81-58: Stories of Sacrifice, host Rico steps into the spotlight to share his own story—one of pain, resilience, redemption, and purpose.
Born in Oakland and raised in chaos, Rico found himself caught in a cycle of instability, incarceration, and searching for direction. From foster care and boys camp to prison and parole, his path was anything but easy. But through it all, he discovered strength, found healing, and uncovered a purpose that would one day become this very podcast.
Hear how the death of his cousin, Sheriff’s Deputy Billy Butler, became the turning point that gave birth to 81-58 Podcast—a platform honoring the sacrifices of first responders and their families.
💙 Get ready for an honest, emotional, and inspiring story of transformation.
🎧 Episode drops January 8, 2025.
📲 Trailer available now on all platforms!
⸻
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
⸻
#8158Podcast #StoriesOfSacrifice #FirstResponderSupport #BackTheBlue #RedemptionStory #FromPrisonToPurpose #YouAreNotAlone