BTC EP #008: The School Systems: Preventing or Promoting SUD

A First Responder’s Truth: Steve Barger on Trauma, Addiction, and the Alarming Shift in Our Schools Steve Barger has spent his life serving others—commanding first responders, answering crisis calls, and carrying the weight of moments most people never witness. In this deeply personal interview, Steve shares the story behind the uniform: years of trauma, a battle with alcoholism, and the struggle to lead while fighting demons no one could see. Steve also brings a powerful, boots‑on‑the‑ground perspective on what’s happening to our kids. From the erosion of discipline to the explosion of vaping and the psychological pressure of social media, he paints a sobering picture of a school system in crisis—and the young people caught in the middle. This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about pain, resilience, leadership, and the urgent need to protect the next generation.