Built Different

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 with North County Fire & Rescue (formerly Riverview Fire Department), starting in 1985. He witnessed the transformation of firefighting from basic emergency response to advanced paramedic care, navigating explosive call volume growth and departmental consolidations throughout his career.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button – it helps us bring you more first responder stories!#firstresponders #firefighterlife #builtdifferentpodcast ​🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor! A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa! 👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different📱https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/colin.ledbetter.3Follow Trueline Media Group📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/@TruelineMediaGroup

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 with North County Fire & Rescue (formerly Riverview Fire Department), starting in 1985. He witnessed the transformation of firefighting from basic emergency response to advanced paramedic care, navigating explosive call volume growth and departmental consolidations throughout his career.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button – it helps us bring you more first responder stories!#firstresponders #firefighterlife #builtdifferentpodcast ​🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor! A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa! 👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different📱https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/colin.ledbetter.3Follow Trueline Media Group📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/@TruelineMediaGroup

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 bodywork.Stephanie brings 26+ years of experience working in high-stress, high-trauma environments. After 13 years in Illinois Department of Corrections and 13 years in fire/EMS, she now specializes in massage therapy focused on releasing stored trauma—whether from childhood experiences or occupational stress. Her unique background gives her deep insight into how the body holds onto trauma and how to help people heal.Connect with Stephanie:https://www.instagram.com/spaniol79?igsh=OXVjdWx3bTl0eW5thttps://www.facebook.com/stephanie.spaniol.2025?rdid=NwGMvMaGiaQBXeR3&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1CoNsQUVYK%2F#https://www.facebook.com/spaniol1?rdid=pB3QhY1OPQ5Dsxt2&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1Ag7P69xj6%2F#Holding Space STL:https://www.holdingspacehealingllc.com/?fbclid=Iwb21leAPSD05jbGNrA9IPRmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHm2AG7sT2V7kj93P9_uKbJbgVt27u1_RszTrjEMy2ZDd4_lR-VDLnVZPXLmM_aem_nTcZI_qrgcy63skQdb1r2whttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558459971562&rdid=wiYFz1zUa48AUQuA&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1bpfCopCp2%2F#https://www.instagram.com/holdingspacehealing_llc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D#firstresponders #massagetherapy #traumarecoverycoach ​🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor! A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa! 👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different📱https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/colin.ledbetter.3Follow Trueline Media Group📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/@TruelineMediaGroup

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 health, relationships, and recovery.Whether you serve on the front lines or love someone who does, this episode sheds light on the physical and neurological impact of the job — and why healing takes more than just rest.If you or a veteran you know is in need of help, reach out to Chad Cross with the link below:https://www.tyr-i.com/the-phalanx-project#firstresponders #mentalhealthawareness #firstresponderwellness 🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor! A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa! 👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different📱https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/colin.ledbetter.3Follow Trueline Media Group📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/@TruelineMediaGroup

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 Police Bagpipes** – How Irish immigrants created this tradition and why it's now universal across all backgrounds2. **What It Takes to Learn** – The brutal reality of bagpipe stamina, daily practice requirements, and the chanter training process3. **Balancing the Badge & the Band** – How officers manage patrol schedules, homicide investigations, and funeral call-outs while maintaining musical skill4. **Why This Matters** – The emotional impact of bagpipes at funerals, the brotherhood between city and county bands, and why this tradition will never die5. **How to Get Involved** – What officers need to know if they want to join (spoiler: it's harder to recruit than to learn)MEET THE GUESTS:**Chris Rumpsa** – Retired St. Louis Metro PD Sergeant (21 years), founder of the St. Louis City Police Bagpipe Program, now serving with NGA Police**Jason Delp** – St. Louis City PD (8 years), Downtown Bike Unit, bagpiper for 1.5 years**John Blaskiewicz** – Commander of Homicide, St. Louis City PD (28.5 years), started bagpiping in 2020If you'd like inquire about joining the band, contact Chris Rumpsa here:Crumpsa131@gmail.com👍 **If this episode moved you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE** — it helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.**Special thanks to:**- Dave Samback and the St. Louis County Police Pipe & Drum Band- All officers who honor the fallen through music- The families who allow us to serve them in their darkest moments**DISCLAIMER:** The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of their respective departments. This content is for educational and informational purposes.#PoliceBagpipes #BuiltDifferent #LawEnforcement #StLouisPolice #FirstResponders #PoliceTradition #AmazingGrace #GunsAndHoses #PolicePodcast #thinblueline🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor! A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa! 👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different📱https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/colin.ledbetter.3Follow Trueline Media Group📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/@TruelineMediaGroup

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 shooting – What most people don't know about the night that changed everything, including the back-and-forth of whether I'd surviveMental vs. physical recovery – Why the mental battle was harder than the physical injuries and how I deal with it todayComing back to the job – The two-year struggle of not knowing if I'd return to law enforcement and what that uncertainty does to youAdvice for those in recovery – Taking it day by day and learning to live with the trauma instead of trying to erase itWhat "Built Different" really means – How this phrase became a rallying cry for first responders and why I named the podcast after itStaying grounded – The role of family, friends, and support systems in surviving the hardest daysMindset shifts – How my focus changed from the job to family, friends, and helping other first respondersBurnout & reset routines – What I did to decompress as a cop and what keeps me motivated with the podcast todayThe truth about healing – Why time doesn't heal all wounds, but learning to handle trauma doesWhat I miss (and don't miss) – The camaraderie vs. the endless accident reportsHow to support a first responder in recovery – The right way to show up: acknowledgment, not assumptionsABOUT THE HOST: I'm a former law enforcement officer who was shot in the line of duty in January 2022. After a two-year battle to return to the job, I created Built Different to share the real stories of first responders—the trauma, the recovery, and the resilience that keeps us going. This podcast is for every officer, firefighter, paramedic, and veteran who's ever felt like they're fighting alone.👍 If this episode resonated with you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. Your support helps us reach more first responders who need to hear these stories.DISCLAIMER: This podcast shares personal experiences and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a licensed counselor or crisis hotline. You are not alone.FIRST RESPONDER RESOURCES: • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • COPLINE (Law Enforcement Peer Support): 1-800-267-5463 • Fire/EMS Helpline: 1-888-731-3473#BuiltDifferent #FirstResponders #LawEnforcement #PTSD #Recovery #PoliceOfficer #Trauma #MentalHealth #LineOfDuty #Brotherhood🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor! A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa! 👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different📱https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/colin.ledbetter.3Follow Trueline Media Group📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/@TruelineMediaGroup

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 YOU'LL LEARN:Growing Up Between Cultures – How Armando's childhood in both St. Louis and Mexico shaped his worldview and career pathArmy Ranger Selection (RASP) – The brutal physical and mental challenges of becoming a Ranger, including Cole Range "hell week"Why District 6 – What drew him to one of St. Louis' most active police districts and the importance of community-focused policingLeadership That Matters – How trust, teamwork, and strong leadership transform police workPurpose Over Action – A powerful story about de-escalating a suicidal call and why moments like that define the job👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE — it helps us bring more stories like Armando's to light!ABOUT ARMANDO: Armando is a bilingual law enforcement officer currently serving in the 6th District of St. Louis City. A U.S. Army veteran and former member of 3rd Ranger Battalion, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in both the U.S. and Mexico, his military service, and his commitment to community policing in one of the city's most challenging areas.#LawEnforcement #ArmyRanger #StLouis #PoliceStories #Military #BuiltDifferent #District6 #CommunityPolicing🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor! A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa! 👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different📱https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/colin.ledbetter.3Follow Trueline Media Group📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/@TruelineMediaGroup

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 what it takes to learn the instrument, how the band supports officers and families at funerals and major events like Guns n’ Hoses, the struggle to recruit new members, and why the music continues to mean so much to the policing community.If you'd like inquire about joining the band, contact Chris Rumpsa here:Crumpsa131@gmail.com#motivation #bagpipes #policeband

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 trauma, the importance of community and family, and what “Built Different” truly means to him today. This honest conversation offers a glimpse into the resilience of first responders and the power of faith, support, and self-reflection.Whether you’re a first responder, veteran, or someone navigating your own season of recovery, Colin’s story will remind you that healing isn’t about forgetting — it’s about learning to live with what shaped you.Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#BuiltDifferentPodcast #FirstResponderStories #ColinLedbetter #Resilience #MentalHealthAwareness #SurvivorStory #PoliceCommunity #HealingJourney #OvercomingTrauma #VeteranSupport #PodcastMotivation #InspirationDaily #BuiltDifferent

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 take is authentic, powerful, and full of truth about what it means to serve today.Follow Punchline Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/punchline_productions_314/https://punchlineproductions.co/#BuiltDifferent #ArmandoValenzuela #RookieCop #PoliceStories #LawEnforcement #StLouisPolice #CourageToServe #BehindTheUniform #BuiltDifferentPodcast #PoliceLife