Midwest Mayhem Podcast

With 21 years in the fire service, Joe Wilkes has dedicated his life to serving others—starting as a volunteer firefighter and building into a full-time career. Along the way, he’s experienced both the rewarding moments and the ones that leave a lasting impact. Early in his career, a pediatric call changed everything—shaping how he understood the emotional toll first responders carry and the importance of addressing it. That experience led Joe to help start Pulaski County FRSST (First Responder Stress Support Team), an organization focused on helping first responders navigate stress, trauma, and the unseen side of the job. In this episode, we talk about the calls that stay with you, the mental weight of the fire service, and why supporting each other off the scene is just as critical as the work done on it. This one is real, raw, and an important conversation for anyone in the first responder community. 🎙️ *Voices of Valor — Turning Courage Into Conversation*

In this episode of Midwest Mayhem, we sit down with Samantha Nahlik — a critical care paramedic with over a decade of experience at Washington County Ambulance District, and a leader focused on driving change in EMS through education and leadership. Samantha shares what it’s really like navigating the EMS world — from working under false leadership, to finding your place, to stepping up and becoming the kind of leader others need. With experience in multiple roles throughout her career, she brings a well-rounded perspective from both the field and the classroom. We also discuss balancing life as a paramedic while going through pregnancy, the challenges providers face every day, and what it takes to educate and build the next generation of EMS professionals the right way. This conversation is real, honest, and packed with insight from someone who’s lived EMS from every angle — on the truck and in the classroom.

In this episode of Midwest Mayhem Podcast – Voices of Valor, we sit down with Guest #15, Nathan Johnston—a U.S. Navy veteran whose journey from aviation ordnance to entrepreneurship is rooted in discipline, leadership, and purpose. Nathan served over seven years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman, specializing in H-60 helicopter weapons systems. Throughout his career, he earned multiple commendations, advanced through the highly competitive Meritorious Advancement Program, and played a key role in maintaining mission-ready aircraft during deployments aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. His leadership and attention to detail contributed to thousands of hours of safe, successful operations handling high-level ordnance systems. After transitioning out of the Navy in 2022, Nathan carried that same work ethic into the civilian world, gaining experience in the firearms industry before co-founding Frontline Armory in 2024—a veteran-owned business built on the mission: “Empowering Veterans. Equipping Our Community.” In this episode, Nathan opens up about: Life in the Navy and the realities of aviation ordnance Leadership under pressure and earning advancement through performance The transition from military to civilian life Building Frontline Armory from the ground up His passion for supporting veterans and strengthening his local community This is a conversation about service, identity, and continuing the mission beyond the uniform.

Anthony Dyer is an author, storyteller, and advocate for personal growth and deeper understanding of the human experience. Best known for his book MoonChild, Anthony explores themes of identity, purpose, emotional struggle, and transformation through powerful and thought-provoking storytelling. Drawing from his own life experiences, Anthony brings a raw and authentic perspective to his work—connecting with readers who are navigating their own paths through adversity, self-discovery, and healing. His writing challenges conventional thinking while encouraging individuals to look inward, embrace their journey, and find meaning in both the light and the dark moments of life. Beyond writing, Anthony is passionate about conversations that matter—especially those centered around mental health, personal development, and breaking stigmas that prevent people from speaking their truth. In this episode, Anthony joins Midwest Mayhem to share the story behind MoonChild, the inspiration that fueled his journey as an author, and the deeper message he hopes will resonate with anyone searching for purpose and clarity in their own life.

In this episode of Voices of Valor, Tyler sits down with Justin Duncan, MSc., BS, NRP, EMT-CP, CCEMT-P, CP-C, FP-C, Chief Executive Officer of the Washington County Ambulance District and one of Missouri’s most respected EMS leaders. With over 20 years of clinical EMS experience and more than 15 years in executive leadership, Justin has helped shape EMS operations, policy, and innovation across Missouri and beyond. In addition to leading the Washington County Ambulance District, he also serves as President of the Missouri EMS Association, President of the SHO-ME MIH Network, and Chief Clinical Officer & Co-Founder of Paralign Health. But this conversation goes far beyond credentials. Justin opens up about the heartbreaking loss of a dear friend within his own district—a loss that nearly drove him out of the career he loves. He shares the emotional toll of leadership in EMS, the challenge of leading while grieving, and the responsibility of staying strong for the people who depend on you. We also discuss servant leadership, the realities of rural EMS, Mobile Integrated Healthcare, and the future of emergency medical services, along with Justin’s passion for advocating for the men and women working on the front lines. It’s an honest and powerful conversation about loss, leadership, resilience, and purpose.

In this powerful episode of Midwest Mayhem’s Voices of Valor, we sit down with Dale Whitener — Army veteran, firefighter, EMT, and Deputy Chief — whose life has been defined by service, resilience, and the unbreakable will to keep showing up when others need help most. Dale’s journey began in the U.S. Army as an E-4 Specialist attached to a Combat Engineer company, where taking the Combat Lifesaver course first sparked his passion for emergency medicine. That spark turned into a lifelong calling. He went on to serve multiple fire districts, rising through the ranks from firefighter to Fire Chief, and now serves as Deputy Chief running stations 2 and 5 while also acting as liaison to the ambulance district and 911 center. In EMS, Dale’s career has taken him from dispatch to the street — from PRN EMT to becoming the first EMS Captain for his district, leading crews and mentoring providers. But behind the uniform is a story few could imagine enduring. After suffering a devastating personal loss, Dale faced some of the darkest moments a first responder can experience — moments that nearly made him walk away from the job, and from everything. In this episode, he opens up about grief, trauma, nightmares, and the mental weight responders carry… and the people who helped him fight his way back. This is more than a story about emergency services — it’s a story about survival, brotherhood, healing, and why purpose can still shine through even the heaviest storms.

In this powerful episode of Voices of Valor, we sit down with Sheila Struckmeyer, FNP-C — former Flight Nurse with Survival Flight during its time based in Iron County, Missouri. Sheila shares her journey in emergency medicine, the deep bonds she formed with the crews of Iron County Ambulance District, and how those relationships shaped her passion for supporting first responders both professionally and personally. Now a dedicated advocate for first responder mental health, Sheila works directly with agencies to lead critical incident stress debriefings after difficult calls, helping responders process trauma and continue serving their communities with strength and resilience. Drawing from her own experiences with profound personal loss, she brings a rare level of empathy, understanding, and authenticity to the work she does. This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a human being — and that asking for help is not weakness, but courage. Turning Courage Into Conversation.

Born and raised in Leadwood, Missouri, Dylan Miner is a husband, a father, a volunteer fire lieutenant, and a career firefighter. Dylan joins Tyler & Lochie for an honest and powerful conversation about courage, mental health struggles, and the role faith and religion have played in shaping his journey—both on and off the job. This is a story of resilience, purpose, and finding strength when it matters most.

In this powerful episode of Voices of Valor, we sit down with Maddy Gartner, an EMS professional with 10 years of experience, including 9 years with SFCAD. Maddy is not only a dedicated first responder, but also a wife and a new mom to 5-month-old twin girls. Maddy shares her journey with raw honesty—opening up about the lasting effects of bullying during her high school years, the mental-health-altering calls she’s experienced throughout her EMS career, and the emotional toll that comes with answering the call day after day. She also discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career in emergency services with motherhood, marriage, and personal well-being, offering insight that will deeply resonate with first responders and their families alike. This episode highlights resilience, vulnerability, and the strength it takes to keep showing up—for your community, your family, and yourself. 🎙️ Voices of Valor is a platform dedicated to sharing the stories of firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, and veterans—because every story matters. 🖤 Turning courage into conversation.

In this episode of Voices of Valor, we sit down with Sara Ladas, a 911 dispatcher, Captain at 911, Dispatch Chaplain, and mom of two, for an honest and meaningful conversation about service, leadership, and compassion behind the headset. Sara shares what it’s like to be the calm voice on the other end of the line during someone’s worst moment, the responsibility that comes with leading within dispatch, and the unique role of serving as a chaplain for those who answer the calls no one else hears. As a mother and a faith-driven leader, Sara also opens up about how she uses religion as a guiding tool — both in her personal life and in supporting others through crisis, trauma, and loss. This episode highlights the often-unseen strength of dispatchers, the importance of mental health and peer support, and the role faith and purpose can play in resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that valor isn’t only found in the field — it’s found in the voices that guide help, comfort, and hope when it matters most.

In this powerful Season 1 finale of Voices of Valor, we sit down with Adam Wells, a highly respected law enforcement professional, military veteran, instructor, pastor, and community leader whose career spans more than two decades of service. Adam brings a remarkable background — including a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, and ongoing doctoral work focused on Criminal Justice. His career includes over 20 years as a commissioned law enforcement officer, eight years with the Missouri Army National Guard as a Military Police Staff Sergeant, and five years as a Training Instructor at the U.S. Army Military Police School. Throughout his career, Adam has instructed on some of the most critical topics facing first responders today, including trauma, domestic violence, child victimization, offender behavior, crisis intervention, and officer wellness. He continues to serve the community through Criminal Justice Services, where he works with offenders and provides MRT programming, and through his volunteer work with the Cold Case Foundation. Today, Adam also serves as the Associate Pastor at 3 Crosses Cowboy Church and is the co-owner of Checkpoint Coffee & Canteen in Potosi, Missouri — a business dedicated to supporting local veterans and first responders. This episode dives into Adam’s experiences, his mission, his service, and the heart behind everything he does.

In this powerful Season 1 finale episode, we sit down with Justin Barton — a firefighter, dispatcher, and now patrol deputy whose journey through public safety has been shaped by service, loss, resilience, and the harsh realities that many never see. Justin began his career in July 2018 as a volunteer firefighter with Leadwood Fire Protection District. In 2019, he joined Irondale Fire, encouraged by Tyler, who also urged him to pursue dispatching. Justin went on to serve at Washington County Central Dispatch before moving to St. Francois County Joint Communications Center, all while remaining active with both fire districts. In February 2023, Justin earned the rank of Lieutenant at Irondale Fire — but the months that followed would test him in unimaginable ways. Within a short span, Justin experienced the loss of a close friend in an officer-involved shooting, handled a 911 call with an armed subject during another shooting, and arrived to work only to learn that his officers were engaged in a standoff following yet another critical incident. Those moments — heavy, traumatic, and unforgettable — led Justin into his next chapter: law enforcement. Today, he serves as a Patrol Deputy with the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department, where he has worked for the past 2.5 years.

Brandon Hall, a Captain with the Leadwood Fire Protection District for 17 years, sits down with us for a raw and deeply personal conversation. In this episode, Brandon opens up about the loss of his mother, the impact it had on his life, and the long, honest road that led him toward sobriety. His story is one of resilience, reflection, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward in the face of grief and personal change. This episode is a powerful reminder that even our hometown heroes carry battles the world never sees — and that healing often begins when we speak our truth.

In this deeply powerful installment of Voices of Valor, we sit down with Sadie Harlin, widower of the Late Ashtin Harlin — EMT-P, for a conversation filled with strength, truth, and heart. Together, we reflect on Ashtin’s life — not just as a devoted paramedic, but as someone shaped by the experiences, pressures, and demands of both EMS and the military. Sadie shares the realities of how those worlds impacted Ashtin, the weight they carried into everyday life, and the resilience that defined their story. This episode goes beyond a single moment. It’s about service. It’s about sacrifice. And it’s about the unseen battles so many first responders and military families face. Raw. Emotional. Honest. This is an episode you’ll feel long after it ends.

Join Tyler as he sits down with former Leadington Fire Department Assistant Chief Tommy Hill, the third guest in our Voices of Valor series. This episode of the Midwest Mayhem Podcast is filled with laughter, tears, and the unbreakable bond of the fire service as Tyler and Tommy share stories that hit close to home. From moments of courage to honest conversations about burnout, brotherhood, and mental health, this one reminds us why first responders are truly built different.

Buckle up, because this Halloween, the Midwest Mayhem crew takes an imaginary backroad ride through some of Missouri’s most haunted legends. From the eerie Long Banta House in Potosi, to the chilling Bonne Terre Mansion, the abandoned Old Iron County Hospital, the infamous St. Joseph Hills Mental Institution, and the ghostly glow of the Diamond Diner / Tri-County Truck Stop — we hit them all. Along the way, we talk about local Halloween happenings, trunk-or-treats, and the spooky side of small-town Missouri. Expect laughs, goosebumps, and plenty of mayhem as we dive into stories that make you roll your windows up just a little tighter. So grab your candy, lock your doors, and join us for a haunted hometown tour — Midwest style.

In this episode of Midwest Mayhem, Judge Michael Randazzo joins Tyler and Lochie for an insightful conversation about how small-town life shapes the courtroom. From lessons learned in his early years to the powerful stories shared in his new book “Presiding Over Shadows,” Judge Randazzo opens up about faith, family, and the people who influenced his path.

Join Tyler & Lochie for the first episode of the brand-new series "Voices of Valor", featuring special guest Critical Care Paramedic Sydney Horton. Together, they dive into what it’s really like to work in EMS — the challenges, the unforgettable moments, and the deep sense of purpose that comes with serving others.

“Stronger Together: Suicide Awareness Month Special” is a heartfelt episode of Midwest Mayhem dedicated to raising awareness, sharing stories of hope, and reminding us all that no one faces the struggle alone.

Join Tyler & Lochie as they interview Joe Exotic from the Netflix series "Tiger King" and his takes on Prison health care, the Netflix documentary, and more.

This one hits different. In Episode 3, we step away from the usual chaos to dive into something real — mental health. Host Tyler Barton sits down with mental health advocate Lochie Barton for an honest, heartfelt conversation about the silent battles so many of us fight, especially in the first responder world. From laughter to tough truths, this over-an-hour-long episode is raw, unfiltered, and packed with perspective. Whether you’ve worn the uniform or just know someone who has, this episode will stick with you.