Episodes
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The Longest Gunfight in St. Louis Police History? | Built Different 45
In this episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter continues his series honoring the fallen officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department by sharing the stories of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty between 1890 and 1904. these officers faced armed criminals, dangerous...
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Forgotten Heroes: The First Fallen Officers of the St. Louis Police Department | Built Different 44
In this episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter begins a new series honoring the fallen officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department by sharing the stories of the department's earliest line-of-duty deaths. From Sergeant John Sturdy in 1865 to Officer Louis Wilmers in 1890, these...
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How a Service Dog Saved a Police Officer’s Life After PTSD | Built Different 43
What happens after the badge comes off? In this powerful episode of the Built Different Podcast, retired St. Louis police officer James Frost shares the deeply personal story behind his career, the traumatic incidents that changed his life, and the invisible battle with PTSD that nearly cost him...
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Supporting the Families Behind the Badge | Built Different 42
In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Colin sits down with Tammara Goldschmidt, President of the St. Louis Police Wives & Family Association, to discuss the vital role families and community support play in law enforcement. Tammara shares the organization's nearly 70-year history…
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I Got Shot in the Line of Duty… Then I Lost My Leg | Built Different 41
In this special Q&A episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter answers questions from viewers about his journey after being shot in the line of duty, losing his leg, and navigating life as an amputee. Colin opens up about the hardest moment he faced after learning he would lose his leg, how...
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She Investigated Death for a Living—Then the Trauma Caught Up to Her | Built Different 40
In this episode of the Build Different Podcast, Rachael Stark shares her powerful journey through law enforcement, military service, and forensic death investigation—and the mental health challenges that came with it. This conversation is an honest look at the realities many first responders...
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911 Dispatcher Alex Scott Shares the Reality of Emergency Calls | Built Different 39
In this episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter sits down with Alex Scott, a Saint Louis County Police dispatcher and supervisor, to talk about the unseen side of law enforcement. Alex shares what it’s really like working behind the headset — from handling hundreds of emergency calls,...
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Firefighting, Helicopters & Near-Death Calls | Built Different 38
In this episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter sits down with veteran firefighter and flight paramedic Chip Ashford to break down a career built on discipline, risk, and purpose. Chip shares his journey from growing up in a firehouse to volunteering at 17, working EMS in St. Louis, and...
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He got shot, then lost his leg. I had to hear his story | Built Different 37 Ft. Tony Twist
In this powerful episode of Built Different, @TonyTwist18 sat down with Colin Ledbetter, former St Louis Cop, who flat lined many times and just had his leg amputated 4 years later due to complications. Tony has taken a lot of hits over the years, but this conversation hits DIFFERENT. Colin…
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Why People Love the Built Different Podcast (Real Reviews)
From everyone at Trueline Media Group, we'd like to extend our gratitude to all of our first responders and to Colin for what you all do. Let's grow Built Different together! In this video, you’ll hear honest testimonials from people who actually listen to the show and what keeps them coming…
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Chaos to Comeback? Inside North St. Louis Policing | Built Different 36
In this episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter sits down with two 6th District officers to talk about policing North St. Louis through COVID, manpower shortages, rising and falling crime trends, and the reality behind the headlines. Brett and Jessica share raw stories from patrol — from...
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The Mental Health Crisis Killing First Responders A Firefighter’s Shocking Truth
Ever wondered what 30 years in the fire service looks like? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, we sit down with retired Fire Captain Pat Byron, who shares raw insights from nearly three decades serving North County Fire & Rescue. Pat Byron served as a Fire Captain for nearly 30 years...
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911 Dispatcher Reveals The CRAZIEST Calls People Actually Make at 2AM
Ever wondered what 30 years in the fire service looks like? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, we sit down with retired Fire Captain Pat Byron, who shares raw insights from nearly three decades serving North County Fire & Rescue. Pat Byron served as a Fire Captain for nearly 30 years...
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Firefighter Reveals 300 Calls to 6,000 Calls Per Year What Changed Everything
Ever wondered what 30 years in the fire service looks like? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, we sit down with retired Fire Captain Pat Byron, who shares raw insights from nearly three decades serving North County Fire & Rescue. Pat Byron served as a Fire Captain for nearly 30 years...
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The Truth About Being a Firefighter in 2025: It’s Not What You Think | Built Different 35
Ever wondered what 30 years in the fire service looks like? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, we sit down with retired Fire Captain Pat Byron, who shares raw insights from nearly three decades serving North County Fire & Rescue. Pat Byron served as a Fire Captain for nearly 30 years...
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She Spent 26 Years in Corrections & Fire - How She Helps People Heal Trauma | Built Different 34
From corrections officer to firefighter to massage therapist – discover how Stephanie Spaniel transformed trauma into healing. In this episode, we explore her 26-year journey through Illinois corrections, firefighting/EMS, and her current work helping people release stored trauma through…
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Stop Being Tough – A Marine’s Message That Could Save Your Friend’s Life | Built Different 33
First responders are trained to stay alert, ready, and resilient — but that constant state of readiness doesn’t always turn off. In this conversation, we explore how stress lives in the body, why first responders often struggle to relax even in safe environments, and what that means for their...
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Inside a St. Louis Bagpipe Band: Officers Honor Fallen Heroes | Built Different 32
Ever wondered why bagpipes are played at police funerals? In this powerful episode, three St. Louis police officers share the sacred tradition of police bagpiping—from honoring fallen heroes to bringing communities together at events like Guns & Hoses. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: 1. **The History of…
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Police Officer Shot 9 Times Reveals the Hardest Part of Recovery | Built Different 31
In this episode of Built Different, I open up about the night I was shot, my recovery journey, and what it really means to heal as a first responder. I answer your questions about trauma, returning to duty, burnout, and how to support those in recovery. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The untold story of the...
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From Army Ranger to St. Louis Cop: My Journey Through RASP & the Streets | Built Different 30
From cartel violence in Mexico to Army Ranger to patrolling St. Louis' toughest streets — Armando shares his incredible journey of resilience, purpose, and service. In this episode, we talk about growing up between two worlds, surviving RASP selection, and why he chose to work in District 6. WHAT...
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Inside a St. Louis Bagpipe Band: Officers Honor Fallen Heroes | Built Different 33
In Episode 33 of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with members of the St. Louis Police Pipes & Drums — Chris Rumpsa, Jason Delp, and Commander John Blaskiewicz — to talk about the tradition, commitment, and emotion behind keeping the bagpipe band alive in law enforcement. They discuss...
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Surviving the Unthinkable: A Built Different Q&A with Colin Ledbetter | Built Different 32
In this powerful Q&A episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter opens up about the night he was shot, his long road to recovery, and how that moment reshaped his perspective on life, service, and healing. Colin shares the unseen struggles — both physical and mental — of coming back from...
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Rookie Reality Check: Policing, Pressure & Purpose in St. Louis | Built Different 31
In this episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter welcomes Armando Valenzuela, a first-year St. Louis police officer, for a raw talk about the job few understand. From chaotic calls and shifting public perception to lessons learned about respect, communication, and staying grounded — Armando’s...
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Modern Policing: The Next Generation with Greg Schaffer & Armando Valenzuela | Built Different 30
In this episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with veteran St. Louis police officer Greg Schaffer and new recruit Armando Valenzuela for an unfiltered conversation on the realities of modern policing — from leadership breakdowns to brotherhood, burnout, and rebuilding trust within...
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Unfiltered. Real. Built Different.
Built Different is more than a podcast. It’s a platform for real stories of resilience, sacrifice, and strength. Hosted by former St. Louis police officer and veteran Colin Ledbetter, the show highlights first responders, military service members, and everyday people who’ve faced life-changing...
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Modern Day Firefighting: Sacrifice, Brotherhood, Survival with Cody Carpenter | Built Different 29
In this week’s episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with St. Louis City firefighter Cody Carpenter for a powerful conversation about life on the front lines of one of the busiest fire departments in the country. Cody shares his journey from growing up in Champaign, Illinois to...
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Serving the Protectors: Mental Health and Resources for First Responders | Built Different Ep. 27
In this special edition of Built Different, we join the St. Michael’s Army Golf Tournament to shine a light on the incredible work being done for law enforcement and first responder families. Ashley Travers, founder of St. Michael’s Army, sits down with Corey Schonhorst, Officer Greg Schaeffer…
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From Warfighter to Problem Solver: The Story Behind Asymmetric Solutions | Built Different Ep. 27
From Marine Recon to Marine Raider and now CEO, Keith Waldrop’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode of Built Different, Keith shares how years of experience in the Special Operations community prepared him for life after the military and the running of his company…
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The Day Special Ops Stopped Carrying Knives
In this week’s powerful episode of Built Different, Colin sits down with Annie Yatch, a leadership coach who helps entrepreneurs and high performers break free from the subconscious trauma patterns that hold them back. Annie shares how childhood experiences shape the way we lead, make decisions,...
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Beyond PTSD: Tools to Rewire Your Mind and Body w/ Annie Yatch | Built Different ep. 26
In this week’s powerful episode of Built Different, Colin sits down with Annie Yatch, a leadership coach who helps entrepreneurs and high performers break free from the subconscious trauma patterns that hold them back. Annie shares how childhood experiences shape the way we lead, make decisions,...
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Jeff Roorda: Inside 30+ Years of Policing, Politics, and Public Safety | Built Different ep 25
In this week’s episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with veteran police officer, former state representative, and Fraternal Order of Police leader Jeff Roorda for a powerful conversation spanning over three decades of public service. Jeff reflects on his early days working…
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Facing the Streets: Real Stories from Aaron Webster | Built Different ep 24
In this week’s episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter reconnects with longtime friend and former St. Louis City Police Officer Aaron Webster for a candid conversation about policing on the front lines. Aaron shares his journey from growing up in North St. Louis to joining the force in the...
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From North City to Brentwood: Officer Rick Petitt’s Journey | Built Different ep 23
In this week’s exciting episode of Built Different, Colin sits down with Officer Rick Petitt, a former St. Louis City cop who now serves the community of Brentwood, Missouri. Together, they reflect on the unique challenges of policing in the city, the culture shock of moving to a slower-paced...
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Surviving the Job: Tom Lake on Life After the Badge | Built Different ep 22
In this week’s episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with retired St. Louis Police Sergeant Tom Lake for a raw and powerful conversation about resilience, duty, and life after trauma. Tom reflects on his 23-year career in law enforcement, including his time in internal affairs and...
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Tales from the Sixth w/ Officer Michael Hines | Built Different ep 21
In this week’s episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with longtime friend and St. Louis City Police Officer Michael Hines for a candid conversation about career longevity, leadership, and life on and off the job. With nearly a decade of experience, Mike reflects on his early years...
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From the Neighborhood to the Badge: Brian Hayes’ Story | Built Different Ep. 20
In this week’s episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with St. Louis City Police Officer Brian Hayes for a grounded conversation about policing with purpose. Brian opens up about growing up in St. Louis, serving in the military, and joining the force at age 39 after years of...
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From Trauma to Triumph: Therapy’s Role in First Responder Wellness | Built Different Ep. 19
Follow Punchline Productions In this week’s episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with Lori Bosma and Tom Crease from Responder Development & Empowerment for a powerful conversation on PTSD, trauma, and healing in the first responder community. Lori and Tom break down the unseen...
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Life After the Bullet: Inside an Officer’s Journey to Recovery
In this week's episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with Sean Kovic of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for a raw, unfiltered look at life for a first responder. Sean opens up about entering the force during the height of COVID and enduring not one—but two near-death...
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Turning Grief Into Purpose: Ann Dorn & The Capt. David Dorn Foundation | Built Different Ep.17
On this powerful episode of Built Different Podcast, Collin Ledbetter sits down with Ann Dorn, retired Sergeant of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and founder of the Captain David Dorn Foundation. Ann shares the deeply emotional story of losing her husband, Captain David Dorn, who…
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Why Every Pint Counts: An Officer’s Mission to Give Back | Built Different EP 16
On this episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter comes to you from Busch Stadium at a blood drive held in his honor. Colin and his partner, Nate, reflect on the harrowing night they were both shot in January 2022 and the 50 pints of blood it took to keep them alive. Joined by the Red…
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The Importance of a Constant Blood Supply
Watch this week's episode of Built Different where Colin Ledbetter sits down to discuss his personal history with the Red Cross, the urgent need for blood donations, and why every pint matters. #builtdifferentpodcast #donatebloodsavelife #blooddonor #givebloodsavelives #blooddrive #redcross...
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How 50 Strangers Saved Our Lives
Watch this week's episode of Built Different where Colin Ledbetter sits down to discuss his personal history with the Red Cross, the urgent need for blood donations, and why every pint matters. #builtdifferentpodcast #donatebloodsavelife #blooddonor #givebloodsavelives #blooddrive #redcross...
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High-Speed Chases, Night Shifts, and The Toughest Calls: Officer Ben | Built Different
On this episode of Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter sits down with longtime friend and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Ben. Collin and Ben have known each other for nearly a decade, having served together in the National Guard before Ben joined the police department in 2019.…
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War, Riots, & SWAT Raids: Chad Cross Tells His Story | Built Different EP14
In this episode of Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter sits down with Chad Cross, a former St. Louis City Police Officer and Marine Corps veteran, to dive deep into his experiences in law enforcement and the military. Chad shares his journey from enlisting in the Marine Corps right out...
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How Backstoppers Supports First Responder Families | Built Different EP 13
In this powerful episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter sits down with Barbara O’Connor, wife of injured Arnold Police Officer Ryan O’Connor, to discuss the life-changing impact of the 2017 shooting that left Ryan with a severe traumatic brain injury. Barbara opens up about...
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From Afghanistan to Effingham County: John’s Path to Law Enforcement | Built Different EP 12
In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter is joined by John, a sergeant and K-9 handler with the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and a Marine Corps veteran. Collin and John discuss John's journey from military service to law enforcement, sharing stories about...
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BackStoppers: Supporting First Responder Families with Mike Simms | Built Different EP 11
In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter is joined by Mike Simms, President of the Jefferson County Backstoppers and a board member of Guns N’ Hoses. Together, they discuss the incredible work Backstoppers.org does to support the families of fallen and injured first...
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Behind the Badge and Beyond | Built Different | EP 10
In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter is joined by Brad, a former St. Louis City police officer and current member of a suburban police department. Brad and Collin reflect on their years working together in District 6, sharing stories from the frontlines of one of...
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A Navy Veteran’s Path to Policing in St. Louis | Built Different EP 9
In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter welcomes St. Louis Police Officer Dylan to share stories from his five years of policing in District 6. Dylan reflects on his journey from growing up in DeSoto, Missouri, to serving in the Navy, and eventually transitioning…
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Marine Veteran Turned Police Officer | Built Different EP 8
In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter reconnects with his former partner and Marine Corps veteran, Officer Josh, from the Fairview Heights Police Department. Together, they dive into the stark contrasts between policing in St. Louis’ high-crime District 6 and the...
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