Built Different

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.The two reminisce about their time in the military, including missed opportunities like a deployment to Singapore, and dive deep into the challenges of law enforcement. Ben shares what it’s like working Night Watch in one of America’s most violent cities, how he’s adjusted to the demanding schedule, and how it affects his personal life.They also get personal—discussing the night Collin was shot in the line of duty, some of the hardest calls Ben has responded to, and the moments that test a police officer’s mental resilience. This episode is full of raw, real, and unfiltered insight into the life of a modern police officer.🚨 Support the show & stay connected:🔗 Follow Built Different Podcast for more real stories from first responders, military veterans, and those who live life built different.Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/#BuiltDifferentPodcast #PoliceLife #NightWatch #FirstResponders #LawEnforcement #StLouis #MilitaryVeteran #PoliceStories #TrueCrime #BehindTheBadgeFollow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/

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 of high school to transitioning into law enforcement and eventually serving on the St. Louis SWAT team. He reflects on the challenges and chaos of policing in one of the most violent cities in America, his experiences during the Ferguson riots, and the shifting landscape of modern policing.The conversation also covers the importance of professionalism in law enforcement, the realities of working in high-crime areas, and Chad’s mission to make a lasting impact beyond just making arrests. Now pursuing new ventures, including a coffee business and a training program, Chad talks about life after law enforcement and the drive to continue serving the community in different ways.This is a raw and insightful discussion packed with real-life experiences and unfiltered perspectives from someone who's been on the frontlines of both war and the streets.Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#BuiltDifferentPodcast #LawEnforcement #MarineCorps #SWAT #PoliceStories #StLouis #FirstResponders #PoliceLife #MilitaryVeteran #StreetSurvival

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 the harrowing experience, the immediate and long-term challenges her family faced, and the vital support systems that stepped in to help, including Backstoppers and the Police Wives Association.Collin and Barbara reflect on their own shared experiences with injury in the line of duty and the overwhelming uncertainty that follows such tragic events. From the crucial role of community support to the unseen struggles of families affected by these incidents, this episode is an emotional and inspiring look at resilience, faith, and the unwavering strength of first responder families.If you want to learn more about how to support Backstoppers or get involved, visit Backstoppers.org.Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/#FirstResponders #lawenforcement #police

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 deployments to Afghanistan and Okinawa, as well as the unique challenges of balancing police work and family life.John dives into his day-to-day experiences as a K-9 officer, highlighting the rewards and sacrifices of working with a dual-purpose dog. The conversation also explores the importance of integrity, mentorship, and avoiding burnout as a young officer in a demanding profession. From military camaraderie to the realities of policing in a small community, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heartfelt reflections on service and sacrifice.Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/#FirstResponders #lawenforcement #police

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 responders, ensuring they receive financial assistance, education, counseling, and more.Mike shares how his personal connection to law enforcement inspired him to get involved with Backstoppers, an organization that has been making a difference for 65 years. Learn about the annual fundraising efforts, including the iconic Guns N’ Hoses event, and the importance of community support and memberships to sustain their mission.Collin also opens up about how his own family was supported by Backstoppers, highlighting the life-changing impact this organization has on families in need. Whether you’re a first responder, a supporter, or just learning about this vital nonprofit, this episode sheds light on how you can get involved and make a difference.Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Check out BackStoppershttps://backstoppers.org/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#BuiltDifferentPodcast #Backstoppers #GunsNHoses #FirstResponders #CommunitySupport #Nonprofit #LawEnforcementFamilies #SupportLocalHeroes

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 the city's toughest areas.The conversation dives deep into the unique challenges of law enforcement, the importance of family support, and the mental toughness required to face high-pressure situations. Whether you're interested in policing, military service, or tales of grit and determination, this episode is packed with real-life lessons and insights.Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#BuiltDifferentPodcast #LawEnforcement #SpecialForcesSelection #PoliceLife #MilitaryStories #BehindTheBadge #FirstResponders

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 into law enforcement.The two discuss Dylan’s time in the Navy, including his deployments to Japan and Cambodia, and the unexpected path that led him to the police academy in 2019. Dylan recounts his rookie days in the academy, the challenges of adapting to high-crime areas like Walnut Park, and the unique experiences that come with policing one of St. Louis’ most intense districts.With humor and insight, Dylan and Collin dive into the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of their shared profession. Whether you’re interested in military stories, law enforcement, or just love a good laugh, this episode has it all.Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#BuiltDifferentPodcast #PoliceLife #StLouis #NavyVeteran #LawEnforcementStories #BehindTheBadge #FirstResponders

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 more suburban environment of Fairview Heights, where retail thefts and traffic accidents take center stage over violent crimes.Josh shares his journey from serving in the Marine Corps to joining law enforcement, highlighting stories from their time as partners in St. Louis. From adrenaline-fueled moments chasing suspects to navigating riot lines, they recount the highs, lows, and camaraderie that define life on the force.Whether you’re curious about the differences in policing environments or just love a good story from the frontlines, this episode offers humor, insight, and heartfelt reflections on their shared experiences.Follow Colinhttps://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#BuiltDifferentPodcast #PoliceStories #LawEnforcement #FairviewHeights #StLouisPolice #MarineCorpsVeteran #FirstResponders

Rookie Mistakes and Hard Lessons: Life as a St. Louis Police Officer | Built Different EP 7

In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Collin Ledbetter sits down with Greg, a 15-year veteran of the St. Louis Police Department, to share a mix of hilarious and heartfelt stories from their time in law enforcement. From a rookie mishap involving a stolen gun belt to navigating the challenges of working nights in one of the city’s toughest districts, Greg reflects on the lessons he’s learned and the evolution of his career.Collin and Greg dive into what it’s like to adapt to changes in technology, societal norms, and department culture while staying grounded in the ever-demanding world of policing. With humor and candidness, they explore the realities of life as a police officer, including the sacrifices, camaraderie, and whether or not they’d recommend the job to future generations.This episode is packed with humor, insight, and the kind of real talk that gives listeners a glimpse into the life behind the badge. Don’t miss it!#BuiltDifferentPodcast #PoliceLife #LawEnforcementStories #RealTalk #FirstResponders #BehindTheBadge

104 Years of Fire Fighting | Augusta Fire Department | Built Different