8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice

Episode 26: Strength in the Struggle: Payton’s Journey from Trauma to EMS

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Payton—a Delaware-based EMS provider with a story of resilience that will stop you in your tracks. From a childhood marked by trauma to navigating life as one of two women in her department, Payton opens up about the emotional weight of the job, the challenges of balancing motherhood, and her dreams of what comes next. 💙
We talk mental health, female strength in first responder roles, and how one call can change everything. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes in EMS or how personal battles shape professional bravery—this one’s for you.
💙 Support the mission:
Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
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Schedule an interview here:
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#FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage #8158Podcast #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #WomenInEMS #StoriesOfSacrifice #ResilienceInUniform

Episode 25: Service, Struggle & Strength: Jacob’s Journey from Coast Guard to Community Hero (Part 2)

Part 2: Purpose Beyond the Uniform
After 12 years in the fire service and now serving as a historian with the American Legion, Jacob is using his story to help others. He’s dedicated to supporting first responders and veterans through community outreach, education, and heart-led advocacy. This is a story of grit, growth, and giving back.
💙 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

Episode 24: Service, Struggle & Strength: Jacob’s Journey from Coast Guard to Community Hero (Part 1)

Part 1: Jacob’s Journey
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jacob—a Coast Guard veteran, former firefighter, and lifelong advocate for mental health and service. From dropping out of high school to surviving trauma, Jacob opens up about his raw and real journey through loss, resilience, and rediscovery. He shares how cannabis, community, and connection have played a role in his healing.
💙 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

Episode 23: From Stickers to Cell Blocks: Messiah’s Journey Behind the Walls

At just 20 years old, Messiah is already walking one of the toughest beats in Harris County, Texas—as a night shift corrections officer. In this episode, he shares how a childhood moment with a K9 officer sparked his dream, the reality of working inside the jail system, and the unforgettable calls that shaped his first year—including his first dead body scene and a shocking backup fail involving Netflix. From wild inmate antics to moments of real change, Messiah opens up about the good, the bad, and the downright unexpected sides of the job.
💙 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

Episode 22: A Mother’s Fire: Loving a Son in the Line of Duty

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Maria, the proud mother of a lifelong firefighter, Joseph. From firehouse tours as a toddler to becoming the youngest lieutenant in Atlanta, Joseph’s path was always clear—but for Maria, being the mom of a first responder hasn’t been easy. She opens up about the pride, the fear, and the quiet strength it takes to love someone who runs toward danger. We talk about holidays spent apart, the toll on mental health, and what it really means to be a firefighter’s mom. This is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional love.
💙 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

Episode 21: From EMS to Foster Parenting: A Life of Service and Love

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew, a dedicated EMS professional with 27 years of experience, a paramedicine instructor, and a passionate foster parent. Matthew and his wife have opened their hearts to 15 medically complex children, including Charlee, one of the first children they adopted. He shares the emotional journey of fostering, the heartbreaking loss of Charlee, and how they turned their grief into action through Charlee’s Orchard, a nonprofit supporting families of children with Down syndrome. Join us as we discuss the challenges, triumphs, and future goals of their incredible mission.
💙 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

BONUS: From Guard to Guardian: A Bond Forged Behind Bars”

In this episode of the 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we share the remarkable journey of Richard Glassman and Joseph Herd Jr.—two men whose lives collided behind prison walls but became forever connected through an act of courage and an unexpected bond.
Richard, a corrections officer, once saved Joseph’s life during a brutal attack inside the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility. Decades later, their relationship has transformed from duty and survival to friendship and growth. This is a powerful story of redemption, second chances, and the human spirit’s ability to rise above circumstance.
Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation that challenges assumptions and celebrates the strength it takes to change a life—yours or someone else’s.
⸻
💙 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 #StoriesOfSacrifice #Redemption #SecondChances #CorrectionsOfficers #PrisonMinistry

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Starting May 4, we will be releasing two episodes per week on Sundays and Wednesday’s because one just isn’t enough!!

Episode 20: Relentless Courage: Breaking the Silence on First Responder Trauma with Sgt. Michael Sugrue

First responders are trained to run toward danger, but what happens when the biggest battle is the one they fight within? In this powerful episode of 81-58: Stories of Sacrifice, retired Sgt. Michael Sugrue shares his personal journey through trauma, PTSD, and the road to healing. As the co-author of Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma, Michael is on a mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement and beyond.
We dive into the realities of cumulative trauma, the challenges of seeking help, and how departments can better support those who serve. If you or someone you love wears the badge, this episode is a must-listen. You are not alone.
💙 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

Episode 19: Surviving the Unthinkable: Adam Meyers’ Story of Resilience

In this powerful episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Adam Meyers, a dedicated law enforcement officer who faced a life-altering critical incident in 2016. Adam takes us back to the beginning—sharing his journey into law enforcement, the events leading up to that fateful day, and how it changed his life forever. Through resilience, courage, and a commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health, Adam’s story is one of survival, recovery, and advocacy. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about the realities first responders face and the support they deserve.
💙 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