Built Different

Real stories from first responders, military veterans, and law enforcement officers. Hear firsthand experiences, untold challenges, and life after the badge....

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Episodes

Thursday Jul 24, 2025

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 dispatch in Arnold, his transition into law enforcement, and the high-stakes investigations that shaped his career—from wiretaps to meth busts.He shares unfiltered stories about the pressures of the job, the emotional toll of leadership, and what ultimately led him into the political arena.With candor and conviction, Jeff offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of modern policing, the challenges facing departments today, and what it means to truly serve a community through chaos, controversy, and change.Find Jeff's book online:https://www.amazon.com/War-Police-Ferguson-Effect-America/dp/1944229523?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2AoLpH3WVUG1TXEAqFxLUbY1B1NYVZdMog_ph-LYXn0.CKE8XBfTgqRLXCSp2jW68eH3FVHV1kqOKboW07HJAcA&dib_tag=se&qid=1753393844&refinements=p_27%3AJeff+Roorda&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Jeff+RoordaFollow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

Thursday Jul 17, 2025

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 sixth district, where his deep community roots shaped his approach to policing. From harrowing calls involving tragedy and violence to tense confrontations that tested his resolve, Aaron opens up about the real and raw experiences that defined his career.Find Colin online:https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

Thursday Jul 03, 2025

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 department, and the unexpected things that shape a young officer’s career.From night shifts and FTO lessons to decompressing with dog walks and learning how to cook, Rick shares how he’s grown both on and off the job. Whether you’re on the job, thinking about joining the force, or just want a look inside the real life of a modern-day officer, this episode is full of honesty and insight into what it takes to truly be Built Different.Find Colin online:https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

Thursday Jun 26, 2025

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 narcotics, and the shooting in 2016 that nearly took his life. He opens up about the physical and emotional aftermath, the PTSD diagnosis he initially resisted, and the path to healing that followed.Find Colin online:https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

Thursday Jun 19, 2025

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 in the Sixth District, how a strong FTO shaped his foundation, and the lessons he’s carried from both the streets and his time in the Army National Guard. From late-night calls and high-speed pursuits to balancing military service with police work, Mike’s journey is one of resilience, brotherhood, and quiet professionalism.This episode is a look into what it really takes to do the job year after year and to have what it takes to be 'Built Different.'Find Colin online:https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

Thursday May 15, 2025

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 persistence. Now with nearly a decade on the job, Brian shares how his roots in the community shape the way he polices, trains new officers, and serves as a crisis negotiator. From navigating high-stress calls to building authentic relationships with residents, Brian’s approach to the job is personal, intentional, and refreshingly human.Follow Colin online:https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

Thursday May 08, 2025

Follow Punchline ProductionsIn 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 weight carried by those on the front lines—from hypervigilance and emotional detachment to the ripple effects on family and identity. This episode is about breaking the stigma, finding support, and showing that healing is possible—even after years of silence. For anyone who serves or supports those who do, this one’s for you.Find Lori & Tom with Walter's Walk:https://www.walterswalk.com/Responder Development and Empowermenthttps://frontlinerde.com/Find Colin online:https://www.instagram.com/collin_ledbetter_/?hl=enFollow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

Thursday May 01, 2025

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 experiences: an accidental fentanyl overdose and being shot in the line of duty.From the brotherhood of the badge to the mental toll of high-stakes policing, this is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and what it truly means to be Built Different.Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#builtdifferentpodcast #policeofficer #lawenforcement #podcast #podcastclips #policestories

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

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 was tragically murdered during the George Floyd riots in 2020 while protecting a local business. She walks us through the events of that night, the shock and heartbreak that followed, and the tremendous support she received from the law enforcement community.In the wake of that tragedy, Ann turned grief into purpose—creating the Captain David Dorn Foundation to equip underfunded police officers and first responders with essential safety gear like tourniquets, trauma kits, and duty bags. Her mission: Save lives and support those who put theirs on the line.This is an episode about sacrifice, resilience, legacy, and service—a must-watch for anyone who values our law enforcement and wants to understand the real cost and courage behind the badge.Learn More or Support the Mission:https://www.facebook.com/CaptDavidDornFoundation/Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/🎧 Subscribe to Built Different for more raw, honest conversations with first responders, military veterans, and real-world warriors.#BuiltDifferentPodcast #DavidDorn #AnnDorn #BackTheBlue #FirstResponders #PoliceWives #StLouisPolice #LineOfDuty #FaithOverFear #LawEnforcementSupport #NeverForgetFollow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

Thursday Apr 03, 2025

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 Cross and fellow donors, they discuss the lifesaving impact of blood donations, the critical shortages hospitals face, and why it's crucial to give before tragedy strikes. Colin shares his personal goal to give back the 39 pints that saved him, proving that even in survival, there's a duty to serve.From the importance of regular blood donation to the challenges facing law enforcement today, this episode is a powerful reminder that small acts—like donating a single pint—can mean the difference between life and death.🚨 Support the show & stay connected:🔗 Follow Built Different for real stories from first responders, veterans, and those who live life built different.Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#builtdifferentpodcast #donatebloodsavelife #blooddonor #givebloodsavelives #blooddrive #redcross #policeofficer #firstresponders #lineofduty #STLPolice #MissouriStrong

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