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PODCAST

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice

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. 💙

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

75:25

Episode 17: Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health, PTSD...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/09/17

In this episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Dr. Thalia Nicholson, a licensed psychologist and fire wife of over 11 years, to tackle one of the most pressing topics in the first responder community: mental health. Thalia shares her professional insights and personal experiences on the challenges first responders and their families face, the stigma surrounding seeking help, and why creating purpose beyond the uniform is essential. She also explains the truth about confidentiality,

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87:08

Episode 16: Part 2 From Rock Bottom to Record...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/09/14

In Part 2 this powerful episode of 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Jason Andrews—a veteran, father, and advocate whose journey is nothing short of inspiring.Jason grew up in California with dreams of becoming a chef, but the events of 9/11 changed his path forever. He went on to serve in both the Army and Coast Guard, where his career brought him face-to-face with some of the nation’s most high-profile cases. But Jason’s story doesn’t end with service—it’s a journey through

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87:58

Episode 15: Part 1 From Rock Bottom to Record...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/09/14

In Part 1 of this powerful episode of 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Jason Andrews—a veteran, father, and advocate whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Jason grew up in California with dreams of becoming a chef, but the events of 9/11 changed his path forever. He went on to serve in both the Army and Coast Guard, where his career brought him face-to-face with some of the nation’s most high-profile cases. But Jason’s story doesn’t end with service—it’s a journey through

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10:15

BONUS: Never Forget: Unity, Sacrifice, and the Call...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/09/11

On this special 9/11 episode of the 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we pause to honor the lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the families who continue to carry the weight of that day. We reflect on the mission of our podcast and the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation—lifting up first responders, veterans, and their families through storytelling, support, and community. As we remember the unity that defined us in the days after 9/11, we also address today’s heavy news: the

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96:31

Episode 14: From Navy Submarines to Project Hope EMS:...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/09/10

In this powerful episode of the 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Kent Meyer — a Navy veteran, EMT, and paramedic who dedicated over 14 years to saving lives. Kent opens up about his journey from growing up in rural Nebraska, serving aboard Navy submarines, and transitioning into civilian EMS, to facing the emotional weight of critical incidents and his battle with PTSD. Through resilience and therapy, Kent found healing and a new mission: founding Project Hope EMS, a

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79:31

Episode 13: From Ambush to Redemption: Devan’s Story...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/09/07

In this episode of 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Devan—a U.S. Air Force veteran whose journey takes us from a small Kentucky town to a six-month deployment in Turkey, through trauma, anger, addiction, and ultimately, healing.Devan shares what it was like growing up as the only Black kid in a rural community, joining the military out of rebellion, and facing ambushes overseas. But the real battle came after coming home. From choking a manager at AutoZone in a moment of rage

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61:40

Episode 12: From Fire Calls to First Kicks:...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/09/03

Meet Gretchen—a 20-year-old EMT, CNA, volunteer firefighter, and soon-to-be mom—whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. From being adopted at 3 months old and joining the fire service at 14, to working the front lines of EMS during high-traffic summers on the AL/FL line, Gretchen opens up about the wild calls, the emotional challenges, and her unstoppable drive to serve. We talk about life in public service, balancing multiple jobs, navigating complicated family dynamics, and preparing for

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01:00:32

Episode 11: “When the Job Nearly Took Him: Kaegan’s...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/31

In Part 2 of Kaegan’s powerful story, we go deeper into the mental and emotional toll of life in EMS. After a traumatic suicide call involving a 15-year-old boy, Kaegan found himself spiraling — facing panic attacks, heavy drinking, and a moment where he nearly ended his own life.But this chapter is also about the fight back. From EMDR therapy and first responder-focused counseling to becoming a father, getting married, and earning a position with a fire department — Kaegan shares what healing

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01:03:19

Episode 10: Buried Beneath the Calls: Kaegan’s Story...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/27

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, we meet Kaegan — an EMT and paramedic from Arizona — who opens up about the early days of his career, the loss of his firefighter father at 18, and the crushing weight of nonstop 911 calls. Kaegan shares what it was like to be thrown into the chaos of emergency medicine while silently carrying trauma, burnout, and anxiety. He takes us inside the culture of silence, the pressure to keep going, and how toxic leadership can quietly erode a responder’s

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01:42:09

Episode 9: “American Sheriff: Mark Lamb on...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/24

In this episode of the 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Sheriff Mark Lamb—former Pinal County Sheriff and founder of TEN7 Consulting (https://www.ten7consulting.com)—to talk about his journey from patrol to public leadership and everything in between. We discuss his years in law enforcement, lessons learned in the line of duty, what it means to be a “constitutional sheriff,” and his mission now to train and mentor others through TEN7. Sheriff Lamb opens up about the challenges,

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54:05

Episode 8: “Back to the Badge: Redemption, Recovery &...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/20

In Part 2 of Kristin’s journey, we dive deep into life behind the badge—and the battles that came with it.From the affair that forced a career crossroads, to the traumatic incident that left her with PTSD, Kristin opens up about the darkest parts of her story. After a brief detour through corrections and bail bonding, she hit rock bottom—but it wasn’t the end. Now a recovering alcoholic and back in uniform, Kristin shares what it’s like to serve a tiny town with just three officers, and how

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01:12:10

Episode 7: From Chaos to Calling: Kristin’s Journey...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/17

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

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01:52:41

Episode 6: From Navy Medic to Tennessee FTO: Nate on...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/13

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

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01:13:02

Episode 5: Part 2: Behind the Headset, Beyond the...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/12

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

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01:07:10

Episode 4: Beyond the Darkness: Understanding Trauma...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/06

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

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01:07:37

Episode 3: Surviving the Badge: Ronda’s Story of...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/08/03

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

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01:36:38

Episode 2: Love, Loss & Living With PTSD: Libby’s...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/07/30

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

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58:41

Episode 1: Emilee Landreth: From 911 Dispatcher to...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/07/27

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

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01:05:07

Bonus: LIVE from the Lounge: A Conversation with...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/07/23

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

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08:25

BONUS: From Survival to Living – Rico’s Next Chapter...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice ·

2025/07/16

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

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