Midwest Mayhem Podcast

Tyler Barton
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly

Midwest Mayhem isn’t just a podcast — it’s a movement built from the heart of Missouri. We shine a light on the stories that often go unheard — from the firehouse to the front lines, from the backroads of small-town Missouri to the people who keep those towns running. Each episode blends real conversations, raw emotion, and a little bit of chaos the Midwest way — with laughter, heart, and hometown pride. Through our Voices of Valor series, we honor first responders, veterans, dispatchers, and other hometown heroes who’ve lived the moments most people only read about. These are stories of courage, mental health, resilience, and the powerful bonds that hold our communities together. At Midwest Mayhem, we believe every call, every laugh, and every story matters — because this is where quiet towns have loud voices, and heroes finally get the mic.

  1. 1d ago

    Midwest Mayhem Halloween Special #2

    Things are getting spooky on Midwest Mayhem Podcast! For our 2nd Annual Halloween Special, Tyler sits down with Dale and Rob from Forgotten Souls Paranormal Team for a night of ghost stories, paranormal investigations, unexplained encounters, and everything that goes bump in the night! From haunted locations and local legends to the strange experiences that keep paranormal investigators searching for answers, we're diving into the mysterious world of the supernatural. Are these encounters truly paranormal, or is there a logical explanation for the things we can't explain? Turn down the lights, grab your headphones, and join us for another Halloween Special filled with mystery, laughs, and a few chills along the way!

    Midwest Mayhem Halloween Special #2

  2. Oct 23

    S2/E18 Guest #22 (Voices of Valor: Tj Isgrig)

    **Voices of Valor — Season 2, Episode 18 | Guest #22: TJ Isgrig** In this episode of Midwest Mayhem Podcast's Voices of Valor, we sit down with TJ Isgrig, a retired paramedic who dedicated 33 years of service to the St. Francois County Ambulance District. Throughout his career, TJ served as an EMT, paramedic, and supervisor, witnessing firsthand the evolution of emergency medical services, the challenges of leadership, and the emotional toll that comes with a lifetime of answering the call. But what happens when the person needing help isn't a stranger, but someone you love? TJ shares his experiences responding to emergencies involving family members and friends, navigating personal loss, and dealing with the lasting impact of difficult calls. We discuss his journey through EMS, how emergency medicine has changed over three decades, leadership, mental health, family, and the lessons learned from 33 years of serving his community. This episode offers an inside look at the personal and professional challenges of a career in emergency medical services and reminds us that behind every uniform is a person with a story worth telling.

    S2/E18 Guest #22 (Voices of Valor: Tj Isgrig)

  3. Oct 9

    S2/E17 Guest #21 (Voices of Valor: Nick Via)

    In this episode of Voices of Valor, Tyler and Lochie sit down with Nick Via for a conversation about a lifetime dedicated to the fire service, training, mentorship, and giving back to the next generation. Nick shares his journey through the fire service, the experiences that shaped him, and his perspective on where the fire service stands today. The conversation dives into training, leadership, department culture, and some of the challenges facing both career and volunteer departments. We also talk about Nick’s involvement with the Sullivan Junior Fire Academy, where he has helped mentor and train young people interested in emergency services, and the importance of building the next generation of firefighters the right way. As an avid supporter of Midwest Mayhem Podcast, Nick has been part of the Mayhem Militia for a while — but this time, he steps behind the microphone to tell his own story. Voices of Valor is about the people behind the uniform, the lessons they’ve learned, and the stories worth telling. Turning Courage Into Conversation.

    S2/E17 Guest #21 (Voices of Valor: Nick Via)

  4. Sep 25

    The S.TA.B.L.E.S (Guest Varina Luttrull)

    In this episode of Midwest Mayhem Podcast, we sit down with Varina Luttrull, Executive Director of The STABLEs Equine Therapeutic Foundation in Farmington, Missouri. Founded in 2023, The STABLEs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equine-assisted services to children and adults of all ages and abilities. Through riding instruction, horsemanship, horse care, and the powerful connection between people and horses, their mission is centered around supporting, teaching, advocating, bonding, loving, empowering, and serving their community. Varina brings more than 13 years of experience in the therapeutic riding industry and over 35 years of experience with horses. As a certified instructor through PATH International and Equi-First Aid USA, her background includes therapeutic riding instruction, horse training, barn management, herd management, and equine care. But for Varina, this mission is also personal. As the mother of a daughter with physical and physiological challenges, she has witnessed firsthand the impact equine-assisted services can have on individuals and their families. We talk about Varina’s journey, the story and mission behind The STABLEs, how therapeutic riding works, the incredible role horses can play in building confidence and independence, and what it takes to operate a nonprofit organization dedicated to making these services available to the community. We also dive into the horses, volunteers, instructors, challenges, successes, and the people who make The STABLEs what it is today. This episode is about much more than horseback riding. It’s about connection, confidence, compassion, and giving people an opportunity to grow—both in and out of the saddle. Learn more about The STABLEs Equine Therapeutic Foundation at their official website.

    The S.TA.B.L.E.S (Guest Varina Luttrull)

  5. Sep 11

    S2/E15 Guest #20 (Voices of Valor: Kevin Eckhoff)

    Join Tyler and Lochie for another episode of Voices of Valor as they sit down with Guest #20, Kevin Eckhoff. Kevin began his career with the State of Missouri in 1995 before joining the Missouri Department of Corrections in 1996. He spent the majority of his career at Potosi Correctional Center, working his way from Corrections Officer to Sergeant and eventually Lieutenant. During his career, Kevin served on the Eastern Region Crisis Negotiation Team and as a Gang Task Force Coordinator. Known for his ability to communicate, problem-solve, and gain compliance without being the stereotypical “tough guy,” Kevin built a career spanning nearly three decades before retiring in 2023. In 2024, Kevin published *Many Hats: The "Many Hats" of a Corrections Officer*, sharing his experiences and lessons from a career behind the walls. Join us as we talk corrections, crisis negotiation, leadership, Kevin’s book, and life beyond the uniform—including his days as a rodeo cowboy, passion for sprint car racing, and amateur photography. This is Voices of Valor Guest #20 — Kevin Eckhoff. Turning Courage Into Conversation.

    S2/E15 Guest #20 (Voices of Valor: Kevin Eckhoff)

  6. Sep 4

    The Firehouse Round Table E1

    Welcome to the very first Firehouse Round Table! Presented By: Muddy River Training LLC Host Tyler Barton sits down with firefighters Dylan Miner, Josh McAtee, and Andrew Hopkins for an open and unfiltered conversation about the fire service — the good, the bad, and the things that sometimes need to be said. Around the table, we dive into leadership, training, firehouse culture, accountability, volunteer vs. career departments, expectations placed on volunteers, and the challenges facing today’s fire service. With different backgrounds and experiences represented at the table, the guys share their perspectives on what works, what doesn't, and what we can do to continue moving the fire service forward. There are serious conversations, different opinions, plenty of laughs, and a little mayhem along the way.

    The Firehouse Round Table E1

  7. Aug 21

    Mayhem Returns To The Mic!!

    We’re catching up on what we’ve been up to, covering some of the recent events that happened while we were away, and talking about what’s coming next for Midwest Mayhem Podcast!

    Mayhem Returns To The Mic!!

  8. May 22

    S2/E12 Guest #19 (Voices of Valor: Rick Whaley)

    In this episode of Midwest Mayhem Podcast: Voices of Valor, Tyler & Lochie sit down with longtime firefighter and EMS provider Rick Whaley for a powerful conversation about nearly four decades of service to communities across Southeast Missouri. From joining the Elvins Fire Department in 1988, to serving as chief, assistant chief, EMT, and longtime member of the St. Francois County Ambulance District, Rick shares the highs, hardships, lessons, and brotherhood that come with a lifetime in the fire service. In this episode, we discuss:• Life in the fire service across multiple generations• Leadership, brotherhood, and dedication to the job• Mental health and emotional struggles in first responders• Grief, loss, and perseverance through difficult moments• What continues to inspire firefighters to answer the call year after year This episode is filled with experience, honesty, heart, and powerful perspective from someone who has spent decades serving others. 🎧 Midwest Mayhem Podcast — Turning Courage Into Conversation.

    S2/E12 Guest #19 (Voices of Valor: Rick Whaley)
See All (30)

About

Midwest Mayhem isn’t just a podcast — it’s a movement built from the heart of Missouri. We shine a light on the stories that often go unheard — from the firehouse to the front lines, from the backroads of small-town Missouri to the people who keep those towns running. Each episode blends real conversations, raw emotion, and a little bit of chaos the Midwest way — with laughter, heart, and hometown pride. Through our Voices of Valor series, we honor first responders, veterans, dispatchers, and other hometown heroes who’ve lived the moments most people only read about. These are stories of courage, mental health, resilience, and the powerful bonds that hold our communities together. At Midwest Mayhem, we believe every call, every laugh, and every story matters — because this is where quiet towns have loud voices, and heroes finally get the mic.

Information

You Might Also Like