8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice

Bonus: LIVE from the Lounge: A Conversation with Darryl – National Guard Veteran & Advocate

This special bonus episode was recorded live with Darryl, a National Guard Veteran, as he shares his journey through service, transition, and personal growth. Hosted by Rico, this conversation dives deep into what it means to serve, adapt, and find purpose after the uniform.
📍 Please note: Due to the live setting and close recording setup, you may hear some light feedback and background noise throughout the episode.
—
💙 Support the mission:
https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🎙 Be a guest:
https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
🌐 Explore more:
https://www.8158podcast.com
🎧 Get exclusive content:
http://Patreon.com/8158podcast

BONUS: From Survival to Living – Rico’s Next Chapter Begins

In this powerful bonus episode, we’re flipping the mic around as 8158 Podcast creator and host, Rico, opens up about his next chapter—stepping into life coaching.
After years of simply surviving—pushing through pain, grief, and identity shifts—Rico found purpose through storytelling. Now, he’s ready to help others move from just surviving to fully living.
💬 He shares:
    •    What survival mode really looks like
    •    How his healing journey began
    •    Why he’s launching coaching for people ready to rewrite their story
    •    What his coaching will look like (1:1, group, and digital tools)
If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure of what’s next—this one’s for you.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
#FromSurvivalToLiving #RewriteYourStory #LifeAfterTrauma #8158Podcast #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #StoriesOfSacrifice #FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage

BONUS: From Prison to Purpose: Rico’s Journey to 81-58

In this deeply personal episode of 81-58: Stories of Sacrifice, host Rico steps into the spotlight to share his own story—one of pain, resilience, redemption, and purpose.
Born in Oakland and raised in chaos, Rico found himself caught in a cycle of instability, incarceration, and searching for direction. From foster care and boys camp to prison and parole, his path was anything but easy. But through it all, he discovered strength, found healing, and uncovered a purpose that would one day become this very podcast.
Hear how the death of his cousin, Sheriff’s Deputy Billy Butler, became the turning point that gave birth to 81-58 Podcast—a platform honoring the sacrifices of first responders and their families.
💙 Get ready for an honest, emotional, and inspiring story of transformation.
🎧 Episode drops January 8, 2025.
📲 Trailer available now on all platforms!
⸻
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
⸻
#8158Podcast #StoriesOfSacrifice #FirstResponderSupport #BackTheBlue #RedemptionStory #FromPrisonToPurpose #YouAreNotAlone

END OF SEASON 1

🎙️ 8158 Podcast: We’re Taking a Short Break 💙
The Stories of Sacrifice podcast is pressing pause — but not for long!
We’ll be back with brand new full-length interviews starting June 27, but in the meantime, don’t miss our bonus episodes every Wednesday! These drops will include follow-ups with past guests, powerful new content from Rico, and maybe even details on a live event 👀🔥
Need to reach out or just want to talk?
📞 Support Hotline: 209-542-8158
📧 Email: ContactUs@8158podcast.com
Note: Rico is not a licensed therapist and cannot offer legal advice, but this is a safe space to speak — and he will listen.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
⸻
#BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #8158Podcast #StoriesOfSacrifice #FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage #SupportOurHeroes #BehindTheBadge #ThinBlueLine #PodcastCommunity #MentalHealthMatters

Episode 43: Behind the Sirens: Emma’s Journey Through Grief, Guilt & Grit

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Emma—a first responder, wife, and mother—who shares her journey from adoption through EMS, all while battling invisible wounds. Emma talks about losing her father, feeling guilty for not being there, and how that pain eventually guided her toward a career in emergency medicine. She walks us through the highs and lows of EMT school, raising a family in a dual first responder household, and learning to prioritize her mental health after hitting a breaking point.
Emma’s story reminds us that behind every uniform is a human fighting battles we often don’t see. This conversation is one of healing, grit, and hope. 🎙️
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
#FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #8158Podcast #StoriesOfSacrifice

BONUS EPISODE: LIVE COLLAB WITH TYLER BURNS

In this powerful episode, we team up with Tyler Burns from The Debrief Podcast for a raw and honest conversation about the mental health crisis facing our first responders.
 
We dive into the stigma surrounding PTSI/PTSD, the fear of speaking out, and the real-life consequences that silence can bring. Together, we explore what needs to change within departments to create safe, supportive environments — and how policy shifts can help save lives.
 
This isn’t just a conversation — it’s a call to action.
 
🎥 Watch it on Patreon: patreon.com/8158podcast
 
#MentalHealthMatters #FirstResponderSupport #PTSI #BreakTheStigma #8158Podcast #TheDebrief #PolicyChange #YouAreNotAlone

Episode 42: “From Surviving to Serving: AJ’s Journey Through Trauma and Into EMS”

AJ’s story is one of survival, strength, and service. Emancipated at 15 and raised in a home marked by addiction and abuse, she found her way into emergency medicine—not just as a career, but as a calling.
Now with over a decade of experience in EMS, AJ opens up about the organized chaos she thrives in, the pediatric calls that still sit heavy on her heart, and the deep “why” behind the work she does.
This episode is raw, powerful, and deeply human. If you’ve ever wondered how someone turns pain into purpose—AJ’s story is one you won’t forget.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
⸻
#FirstResponderMentalHealth #SurvivorStory #EMSStrong #8158Podcast #YouAreNotAlone #StoriesOfSacrifice

Episode 41: Faces of Justice: The SketchCop’s 45-Year Mission with Michael Streed

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Michael Streed, a.k.a. The SketchCop — a former police officer and forensic artist who has helped solve some of the most high-profile crimes of the last 45 years.
From working the Samantha Runyon case to reimagining the Alcatraz escapees and tracking down a Louisiana serial killer, Michael shares how he transforms trauma into powerful composite sketches that lead to justice.
We dive into the art and heart behind forensic sketching, the emotional weight of sitting with victims, and his global mission to train others in this powerful craft. He also opens up about personal sacrifice — losing his wife to cancer, carrying on his father’s legacy, and watching his sons serve in law enforcement and the military.
This is a powerful look into the intersection of art, law enforcement, and human resilience. 🎨🕵️‍♂️🇺🇸
⸻
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
⸻
#FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage #8158Podcast #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #SketchCop #ForensicArt #ColdCases #TrueCrime #FacesOfJustice

BONUS: His Watch, Our Mission: Honoring Bill Butler’s Legacy

On June 27, we honor the life and legacy of Deputy William H. “Bill” Butler Jr., whose End of Watch marked the beginning of a mission we continue today.
In this powerful anniversary episode, we reflect on who Bill was, the values he lived by, and the lasting impact of his service. You’ll hear stories from those who knew him best, and learn why this podcast was created to carry his spirit forward.
This isn’t just a remembrance—it’s a call to action. To serve with heart. To show up for each other. To never forget.
⸻
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Visit our website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
⸻
#BillButler #EOW #EndOfWatch #ThinBlueLine #HonorTheFallen
#8158Podcast #StoriesOfSacrifice #PoliceLegacy #LineOfDuty
#LawEnforcementPodcast #LegacyLivesOn

Episode 40: 🚨 From Near-Death to Saving Lives: Fox’s Story of Service, Struggle & Strength 💙

In this episode, we sit down with Fox—a firefighter and EMT-A with deep roots in Michigan, now serving in Georgia. His path into public safety started young—after surviving cardiac arrest at just 18 months old. Since then, his life has been anything but ordinary.
We talk about:
    •    Losing his grandmother during medic school
    •    His dreams of joining Tactical EMS and working with SWAT 🚔
    •    How ADHD helps him focus in the chaos of emergency calls
    •    Coping with PTSD and the suicide of a close friend
    •    Why he turns to family and gaming—not therapy—for healing
    •    The emotional weight of line-of-duty deaths like Brandon Sykes’
Fox’s journey is filled with sacrifice, perseverance, and a raw honesty that reminds us why we do what we do. This one’s for the warriors behind the scenes.
🎧 Tune in now and hear Fox’s powerful story of resilience.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
🌐 Website:
🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?
Schedule an interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast
#8158Podcast #StoriesOfSacrifice #FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone