The Brighter Side of Blue Podcast

The Brighter Side of Blue
  • 4.9 (54)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast focusing of the great things law enforcement officers and agencies have done and continue to do on a daily basis.  Crime stories with interviews from those involved...victims, investigators, officers, informants, lawyers and more.

  1. 3d ago

    Bill Buford: Surviving Waco & a Lifetime in Law Enforcement

    Featured Interview (37:06) Retired ATF Agent Bill Buford has lived a law enforcement career that sounds almost impossible. A Vietnam-era Green Beret, Buford went on to become an ATF agent and SRT team leader. Before Waco, he had already been shot multiple times and seriously wounded during an arrest. Then, on February 28, 1993, he and his team were sent into the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. What followed was one of the most violent days in the history of federal law enforcement. Bill takes us inside that day from the perspective of someone who was actually there. He talks about the loss of three members of his own 12-man Arkansas team, being shot multiple times himself, fighting his way out of the compound, and the incredible actions of the agents who fought alongside him. But this interview goes far beyond Waco. Bill talks about growing up in Kansas City, becoming a Green Beret, his Vietnam service, how he ended up at ATF almost by accident, building an SRT team, the importance of training and peer support, losing his friend and protégé Robert Williams at Waco, and continuing his law enforcement career long after that day. It's an incredible conversation with a man who has spent his life serving his country and protecting others. And, somehow, after everything he's been through, Bill is still planning to go bear hunting with a crossbow. We were honored to have him tell his story.

  2. 6d ago

    BMF UPDATE, BIG ARRESTS & A BILLION-DOLLAR SURPRISE

    We weren't planning on doing a Saturday night edition, but a few calls came in that changed that. We've got a major update on a familiar name from our BMF series, some big developments involving local and federal law enforcement, and a look at a recent case that shows just how much work is being done behind the scenes. We also get into the search for a missing two-year-old that ended with a good outcome, and Danny has a pretty unbelievable story about the person who recently hit the billion-dollar lottery. There's a lot more to this one than we're putting in the description. Some of the best information is the stuff we're hearing directly from people in the know. It's our first-ever Saturday night "Weekend Swirl," and we think you're going to enjoy this one. #TheBrighterSideOfBlue #SLMPD #SLPOA #BMF #LawEnforcement #CrimeNews #StLouis #StLouisCrime #Police #DrugInvestigation #FederalInvestigation #CrimeThisWeek #WeekendSwirl #LawEnforcementCommunity

  3. Aug 11

    Vietnam Veteran, Cop, Musician: The Many Lives of Dan Glenn

    This week on The Brighter Side of Blue, we sit down with a man whose life has taken him through Vietnam, law enforcement, music and some truly unbelievable experiences. Dann Glenn is a Vietnam combat veteran, former military and police officer, accomplished bassist and guitarist, composer, author and longtime member of the St. Louis community. His story is anything but ordinary. Dann served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne before becoming a military policeman. After returning home, he began a career in law enforcement, only to realize that his lifelong passion for music was calling him back. Years later, after 9/11, he found himself drawn back toward law enforcement and eventually landed in St. Louis, where his path crossed with Producer John and a number of familiar names from the St. Louis police family. Dann shares stories from Vietnam, his police career, his incredible music career and the people he's met along the way. And wait until you hear how a chance encounter involving a bag of laundry eventually led to him sitting down with Van Morrison. Before we get to Dann, we're doing what we always do around here: talking about the police family. The guys reminisce about the ROMEOs, Retired Old Men Eating Out, including a table packed with decades of police experience, old friends and some familiar faces. Because as we always say, once you're part of the police family, you're in forever. JJ also discusses the tragic death of U.S. Marshal Bradley Fisher, who was killed while deploying spike strips during a pursuit in Indiana. The guys talk about just how dangerous that seemingly simple police tactic can be and why proper training and positioning matter. And, of course, there is plenty of the usual Brighter Side of Blue nonsense along the way, including a debate over women's sports, some questionable sandwich history, the St. Louis-born Gerber sandwich, a police call involving a landlord, a tenant and two alligators, snakes, an emu, dogs, cats and pigs, plus the guys somehow finding a way to turn almost every topic into a reason to bust each other's balls.

  4. Aug 4

    Inside the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force | TFO Matt Tesreau

    Our featured interview (47:50) This week on The Brighter Side of Blue, we're joined by SLMPD Officer Matt Tesreau, a 20-year veteran whose career has taken him from patrol to the Rapid Deployment Unit, SWAT, and now the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Matt sits down with Tommy, JJ, and John to share stories from two decades of police work, including what it's like tracking violent fugitives across the country, serving high-risk warrants, working alongside federal agencies, and how technology has transformed modern policing. He also discusses the teamwork, patience, and investigative work that goes into finding some of the region's most dangerous criminals. Along the way, you'll hear unforgettable stories about SWAT operations, nationwide manhunts, cutting-edge equipment, close calls on the job, and why—after 20 years—Matt still approaches every shift with the same enthusiasm he had on day one. If you've ever wondered what happens after a violent suspect goes on the run, this is an inside look at the men and women dedicated to bringing them to justice. Before we sit down with Matt, the boys are back around the table with another fun and unpredictable opening. This week, Tommy shares stories from his trip to Newfoundland, the crew discusses a bizarre new crime trend, recent developments in the St. Louis officer ambush investigation, an incredible teenage lifeguard rescue, the latest on Sophie Cunningham and the WNBA, upcoming SLPOA events, and JJ closes with another thought-provoking Zen. As always, expect plenty of laughs, good-natured ribbing, and the conversations that make The Brighter Side of Blue more than just another law enforcement podcast. #TheBrighterSideOfBlue #MattTesreau #SLMPD #USMarshals #FugitiveTaskForce #LawEnforcement #PolicePodcast #TrueCrime #BehindTheBadge #StLouis #ThinBlueLine #PublicSafety #Podcast #BackTheBlue #SchickerFord

  5. Jul 27

    Inside the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office | Melissa Price-Smith

    This week on The Brighter Side of Blue, we're joined by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price-Smith for an engaging conversation about justice, leadership, and the future of public safety in St. Louis County. Melissa reflects on her career, discusses the changes she's implemented since becoming Prosecuting Attorney, and shares why strong partnerships between prosecutors, law enforcement, and the community are essential to safer neighborhoods. She also opens up about her unique path to the courtroom, lessons learned along the way, and the philosophy that guides her office today. Before our featured interview, the guys are back for another unpredictable opening segment.With Danny away exploring Newfoundland, Tommy, JJ, and John hold down the fort, sharing stories about everything from city tow operators and an inspiring update on Page Spears' new ice cream business to the latest antics from around St. Louis.Then, in true Brighter Side fashion, the show takes an unexpected turn when former guest Samir walks into the studio unannounced. If you missed his original episode, Samir fled Iraq after participating in the uprising against Saddam Hussein, spent three and a half years living in refugee camps, eventually settled in St. Louis, and later returned to Iraq as an interpreter embedded with U.S. Special Forces. During that mission, he helped capture Saddam Hussein, even pulling him from the infamous "spider hole." In this surprise visit, Samir shares exciting news about his story attracting international attention, including interviews overseas and an upcoming Netflix project. You'll also hear -A surprise appearance by young fan Soleil. -JJ's latest Zen, which Tommy calls "the best one yet." -Plenty of laughs, stories, and the unscripted conversations you've come to expect from The Brighter Side of Blue. Whether you're here for law enforcement, current events, incredible life stories, or just the camaraderie around the table, this episode delivers a little bit of everything. Communities that support law enforcement are safer places to live.

  6. Jul 20

    Behind the Badge: Brotherhood, Leadership & Life on the SLMPD SWAT Team

    What does it really take to earn a place on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's SWAT Team? In this week's featured interview, SLMPD SWAT Officers Bennie Blackmon and Franklin Derby take us behind the badge to share their road to one of the department's most elite assignments. From the challenges of making the team and proving themselves, to life-changing callouts, leadership, humility, empathy, and the brotherhood that defines SWAT, this is an honest conversation about the men behind the uniform. Their stories remind us that great police work isn't just about tactics—it's about character. Before the interview, the crew covers a little bit of everything. Danny and Tommy preview the episode, celebrate an exciting event with the St. Louis Police Foundation, debate the world's most diabolical house flies, tell the unbelievable true story of the CIA's infamous "$20 million spy cat," answer another round of Schicker Ford Wants to Know, and even call JJ live from his secondary job for the weekly Zen. As always, it's a mix of humor, history, and the conversations you've come to expect from The Brighter Side of Blue. Communities that support law enforcement are safer places to live. #TheBrighterSideOfBlue #SLMPD #SWAT #Brotherhood #Leadership #LawEnforcement #BehindTheBadge #StLouis #PolicePodcast #SchickerFord #ColombosCafe #SLPOA

  7. Jul 13

    Inside the World of Sex Trafficking | A Survivor's Story & the FBI Agent Who Helped Save Her

    Sex trafficking is one of the most misunderstood crimes in America. This week, we sit down with former FBI Special Agent Nikki Badolato, who spent years investigating human trafficking and helping victims escape some of the darkest circumstances imaginable. Joining us by phone is Korina Crusan, a survivor whose life was forever changed by sex trafficking. In an incredibly courageous conversation, she shares her personal story, how she became trapped, what it took to escape, and how Nikki helped guide her toward a new life. Together, Nikki and Korina offer a rare look into the realities of trafficking, the tactics predators use to manipulate victims, the challenges investigators face, and, most importantly, the hope that recovery is possible. This is an emotional, honest, and inspiring conversation that every parent, law enforcement officer, and community member should hear. Before our featured interview, we open the show by honoring JJ's brother, Steve Joyner, one of The Brighter Side of Blue's very first and most loyal supporters. Surrounded by Steve's family and lifelong friends, we celebrate his life with stories, laughter, and a heartfelt toast before easing into our usual mix of humor and current events. The opening also includes discussion about St. Louis' crackdown on street takeovers, some bizarre headlines, plenty of laughs from the crew, and Producer John's perfectly timed one-liners before transitioning into one of the most powerful interviews we've ever recorded. If you enjoy the episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. Your support helps us continue telling the stories that matter.

  8. Jul 6

    Before Ferguson: How St. Louis Police Handled Protests

    Featured interview (46:02) Before Ferguson changed protest policing across the country, major demonstrations in St. Louis were handled very differently. Retired SLMPD Officer Rick Rea spent 13 years in the department’s Intelligence Division, where part of his job was learning who was coming to town, what they were planning, and how police could prepare before a protest ever began. Rick takes us inside the intelligence operations behind some of St. Louis’ biggest demonstrations of the era. He shares how he became trusted by members of the disability rights group ADAPT, attended their strategy meetings, and quietly passed information to police commanders as protests unfolded. He also looks back at the massive preparations surrounding the World Agricultural Forum, when St. Louis prepared for the same kind of chaos protesters had brought to Seattle. Intelligence officers tracked tactics, identified locations, worked with other police departments, and helped prepare the newly formed Civil Disobedience Team for what many believed could become a major confrontation. The worst of it never happened, and that may be the point. This is a look back at protest policing before social media, before demonstrations could form in minutes, and before Ferguson changed the way protests were organized, covered, and policed in St. Louis and across the country. Before we get into our conversation with Rick Rea, the crew covers everything from the infamous 1991 Guns N’ Roses riot at Riverport and an unexpected phone call from Dennis Haymon, to a serious discussion about leadership, policing and the current state of St. Louis. As always, there are plenty of laughs along the way, including the official demotion of Axl Rose to “Bill Rose.” Communities that support law enforcement are safer places to live. #BeforeFerguson #Ferguson #StLouis #StLouisHistory #SLMPD #PoliceHistory #ProtestPolicing #LawEnforcement #TheBrighterSideOfBlue

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4.9
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

A podcast focusing of the great things law enforcement officers and agencies have done and continue to do on a daily basis.  Crime stories with interviews from those involved...victims, investigators, officers, informants, lawyers and more.

Information

  • Creator
    The Brighter Side of Blue
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Brighter Side of Blue
  • Show Website
    The Brighter Side of Blue Podcast

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