Built Different

5.0 (3)
Personal Journals
Updated Weekly

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

2d ago

How a Service Dog Saved a Police Officer’s Life After PTSD | Built Different 43

What happens after the badge comes off? In this powerful episode of the Built Different Podcast, retired St. Louis police officer James Frost shares the deeply personal story behind his career, the traumatic incidents that changed his life, and the invisible battle with PTSD that nearly cost him everything. James opens up about why he became a police officer, the emotional weight of officer-involved shootings, living with hypervigilance after retirement, and the devastating reality of contemplating suicide. He also introduces the audience to Bodie, his PTSD service dog, explaining how highly specialized training has helped him manage anxiety, regain confidence, and return to everyday life. This conversation offers an honest look at the mental health struggles many first responders face—and why seeking help isn't weakness, but strength. #police #ptsd #servicedog Connect with James: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093519226827 Missouri Patriot Paws: https://mopatriotpaws.org/ Dogs on Duty: https://www.facebook.com/DogsOnDuty Unique Canine LLC: https://www.facebook.com/uniquecanine 🎉 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.3 Follow Trueline Media Group 📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup 🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/
Jul 2

Supporting the Families Behind the Badge | Built Different 42

In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Colin sits down with Tammara Goldschmidt, President of the St. Louis Police Wives & Family Association, to discuss the vital role families and community support play in law enforcement. Tammara shares the organization's nearly 70-year history of standing beside officers and their families through line-of-duty injuries, personal crises, and everyday challenges. The conversation covers everything from hospital response teams and scholarships for officers' children to mental health initiatives, academy graduations, and rebuilding community within the profession after COVID. Colin also reflects on his deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, watching the unrest unfold from overseas, and recalls how the Police Wives Association supported his family after he was critically injured in the line of duty. Whether you're in law enforcement, have family in public service, or simply want to learn more about the people who support those behind the badge, this conversation offers a powerful look at service, sacrifice, and community. Connect with the Police Wives: https://stlpolicewives.org/ Email: info@slpwa.org #builtdifferent #police #policewives 🎉 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.3 Follow Trueline Media Group 📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup 🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/
Jun 18

I Got Shot in the Line of Duty… Then I Lost My Leg | Built Different 41

In this special Q&A episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter answers questions from viewers about his journey after being shot in the line of duty, losing his leg, and navigating life as an amputee. Colin opens up about the hardest moment he faced after learning he would lose his leg, how faith and family have helped him stay positive through adversity, and the lessons he's learned throughout recovery. He also shares stories from his law enforcement career, including calls that reminded him why serving others mattered so much. Plus, Colin provides an update on his prosthetic journey, physical therapy progress, and what's next as he continues rebuilding his life one step at a time. If you've ever faced a setback, struggled through adversity, or needed a reminder that resilience is possible, this episode is for you. 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more inspiring conversations on Built Different. #builtdifferent #resilience #recovery
Jun 2

She Investigated Death for a Living—Then the Trauma Caught Up to Her | Built Different 40

In this episode of the Build Different Podcast, Rachael Stark shares her powerful journey through law enforcement, military service, and forensic death investigation—and the mental health challenges that came with it. This conversation is an honest look at the realities many first responders experience but rarely discuss. Whether you're in law enforcement, the military, EMS, fire service, healthcare, or simply supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insight, hope, and practical takeaways. If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear it. #builtdifferent #firstresponders #forensics
May 21

911 Dispatcher Alex Scott Shares the Reality of Emergency Calls | Built Different 39

In this episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter sits down with Alex Scott, a Saint Louis County Police dispatcher and supervisor, to talk about the unseen side of law enforcement. Alex shares what it’s really like working behind the headset — from handling hundreds of emergency calls, coordinating officers during high-stress situations, and managing life-or-death moments, to the emotional toll dispatchers carry every day. The conversation dives into police communications, critical incidents, mental health, teamwork inside dispatch centers, and the realities of working 12-hour shifts in public safety. This episode gives an inside look at the people who keep first responders connected when seconds matter most. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with first responders, law enforcement, military, and people who are truly Built Different. #police #dispatch #builtdifferent
May 7

Firefighting, Helicopters & Near-Death Calls | Built Different 38

In this episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter sits down with veteran firefighter and flight paramedic Chip Ashford to break down a career built on discipline, risk, and purpose. Chip shares his journey from growing up in a firehouse to volunteering at 17, working EMS in St. Louis, and eventually becoming a captain in St. Charles City. Along the way, he became a flight paramedic, responding to high-risk emergencies in helicopters and managing critical care operations. If you’re interested in first responder life, leadership under pressure, or what it means to truly be “built different,” this episode delivers real, unfiltered insight. #firefighter #firstresponders #builtdifferent
Apr 20

He got shot, then lost his leg. I had to hear his story | Built Different 37 Ft. Tony Twist

In this powerful episode of Built Different, @TonyTwist18 sat down with Colin Ledbetter, former St Louis Cop, who flat lined many times and just had his leg amputated 4 years later due to complications. Tony has taken a lot of hits over the years, but this conversation hits DIFFERENT. Colin started Built Different to give first responders a voice nobody else is giving them. From the realities of policing in one of America’s most dangerous cities to advocating for first responder mental health, this conversation dives deep into what’s really happening behind the badge. This isn’t what you see on the news—this is real life. 🎙️ Raw. Honest. Built Different. #inspiration #builtdifferent #firstresponders 🎉 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.3 Follow Trueline Media Group 📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/ ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup 🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/
Apr 6

Why People Love the Built Different Podcast (Real Reviews)

From everyone at Trueline Media Group, we'd like to extend our gratitude to all of our first responders and to Colin for what you all do. Let's grow Built Different together! In this video, you’ll hear honest testimonials from people who actually listen to the show and what keeps them coming back. From motivation to real conversations, this is why Built Different is hitting different. If you’ve been thinking about checking it out, start here. #inspiration #gratitude #firstresponders

See All (54)

out of 5

3 Ratings

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