8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice

Joe Childers has lived a lot of life — and worn a lot of hats.
From growing up in West Virginia to serving Eastern Kentucky for more than 30 years in fire and EMS, Joe’s journey is filled with grit, humor, and heart. He started young — lifeguarding at 14, joining the fire department at 16, becoming an EMT in 1993 and a paramedic in 1997 — all while playing and coaching football for decades.
In this episode, Joe (aka DJ Jabba) shares:🚑 Wild, funny, and unforgettable EMS stories⏱ What 72-hour shifts really do to your body and mind💔 How a career-ending injury in 2024 forced him into an unexpected transition🧠 The impact that injury had on his mental health — and how he found a new outlet🎧 Why becoming a DJ at the Thin Line Rock Station has been healing in ways he never expected👨‍👦 And how spending afternoons with his grandson has become one of the most meaningful parts of his life
This conversation is honest, lighthearted, emotional, and full of moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe feel a little less alone if you’re navigating life after service.
Because sometimes the next chapter doesn’t look like what you planned — but it can still be powerful.
🎙 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Links & Resources
💙 Support the missionDonate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donatepodcast-1
🌐 Podcast Website🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Want to be a guest?Schedule an interview here:🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/appointments-4
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast

Some healing doesn’t happen in silence —and some healing doesn’t happen through words at all.
In this episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, we’re joined by Horses4Heroes, a nonprofit creating powerful spaces for healing through equine-assisted programs designed for first responders, veterans, and the children of those who serve.
Horses have an incredible ability to sense emotion, build trust, and meet people exactly where they are — especially those who’ve spent their lives carrying the weight of service, trauma, and sacrifice.
In this conversation, we talk about:• How Horses4Heroes was founded and why their mission matters• The unique role horses play in trauma recovery and emotional regulation• Why asking for help can feel harder than the job itself• The impact these programs have on families and children• How community support keeps this mission alive
This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to look traditional to be transformational — and that no one who serves should ever have to walk their journey alone.
💙 You are not broken.💙 You are not weak.💙 And you are not alone.
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💙 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

Take a moment to slow down with us in this special Christmas bonus episode of the 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice. 💙🎙️
As we wrap up another powerful year of storytelling, Rico and BriAnn sit down together to reflect on the moments that shaped 2025 — the laughs, the tears, the courage, and the community that keeps this mission alive.
This episode is all heart.
No guests. No agenda.
Just gratitude, reflection, and a heartfelt message to every first responder, veteran, dispatcher, and family who carries the weight of service — especially during the holidays.
We’re taking a short two-week break for Christmas and New Year’s, and we’ll be back in January with more real stories of real heroes.
Until then, take a breath… recharge… and know that you are never walking this road alone.
From our family to yours — Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 🎄✨
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💙 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 your interview here:
🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join Our Community & Get Exclusive Content
Become a Patreon member:
🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast

In Part 3 – “Bridging the Gap: Community, Courage & the Two-In, Two-Out Movement,” Rico and retired firefighter Anthony Crane close out this powerful three-part series with one of the most honest, emotional, and eye-opening conversations yet.
This final chapter is all about what happens after the flames are out — the mental load, the community responsibility, and the unspoken expectations first responders carry long after everyone else goes home.
In this episode, Anthony and Rico dive into:
    •    Why “last call” shouldn’t only mean a funeral bell
    •    How communities can actually support their firefighters, officers, EMS, and dispatchers
    •    Why first responders don’t want validation — they want help, understanding, and real support
    •    The truth about burnout, PTSD, and the weight responders bring home to their families
    •    Why civilians learning CPR, AED, and basic first aid could save lives and save responders
    •    How Anthony uses photography, advocacy, and the “Two In, Two Out” mindset to push mental health forward
    •    The upcoming first responder vendor event and the major project in the works for the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation
This episode is raw, funny, heartbreaking, and hopeful — a reminder that it takes all of us to hold this line together.
⚠️ Content note: This episode includes honest discussion about trauma and suicidal ideation. You’re not alone.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Thank you for listening to this series and supporting the mission to honor our heroes and strengthen the community around them.
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💙 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

In Part 2 – “Season 2, Episode 32: Two In, Two Out: Forged by Fire - The Brotherhood Behind the Badge (Part 2 of 3)” Rico and retired firefighter Anthony Crane continue their raw, unfiltered conversation about the realities first responders face long after the call is over. Anthony opens up about the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service, EMS, law enforcement — and even in prison. He breaks down why asking for help is viewed as “weakness,” and why it’s actually one of the strongest decisions a person can make. Together, Rico and Anthony tackle:     •    Why first responders hide their struggles     •    Why civilians AND responders need to get certified in CPR, AED, and first aid     •    How one dispatcher’s perspective changed the way Anthony sees mental readiness     •    The beginnings of Anthony’s “two in, two out” community movement     •    Personal stories about trauma, therapy, burnout, and learning to stay alive after the job ends     •    A hilarious section involving watermelon wine, Tinkerbell patches, and a surprise “test” that Anthony gives Rico This episode is emotional, chaotic, funny, and deeply human — exactly what real conversations about mental health should be. ⚠️ Content note: This episode includes honest discussion about trauma and suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling, you are not alone. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Catch Part 3 next, where the guys talk community responsibility, leadership, and why bridging the gap between civilians and first responders matters now more than ever. ⸻ 💙 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

In this special three-part series, Rico sits down with retired volunteer firefighter, photographer, and peer-support warrior Anthony Crane to talk about what really happens after the calls stop.
In Part 1 – “Two In, Two Out: Forged by Fire — The Brotherhood Behind the Badge”, Anthony shares:
    •    How 25 years in the fire service – mostly as a volunteer – shaped his mental health and identity
    •    Why he created his “Two In, Two Out” peer-support push for first responders
    •    The moment his doctor told him his body and mind couldn’t take another year on the job
    •    How EMDR, life coaching, and a stubborn refusal to quit helped him keep going
    •    Why he’d rather shine the spotlight on other firefighters than ever be “validated” himself
We also talk about the Thin Line Rock Station, his “Dragon Slayer” car covered in first responder patches, and what it feels like when your entire sense of purpose suddenly changes.
⚠️ Content note: This episode includes honest discussion about trauma, depression, and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA).
Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3, where we dive deeper into stigma, community, and how civilians can become part of the “two in, two out” mindset.
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💙 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

Take a breather with us this Thanksgiving as we slow down, laugh a little, and reflect on the heart of this mission. In today’s special bonus episode, we’re sharing gratitude, a few behind-the-scenes moments (including BriAnn’s legendary taquito fail 😂🔥), and a sneak peek at what’s coming for the rest of the year.
We’re wrapping up 2025 with something BIG — Anthony Crane returns for a powerful 3-part series, diving even deeper into his journey, growth, and lessons learned.
After that, we’ll take a short holiday break and be back in January with even more real stories of real heroes.
Whether you’re cooking, traveling, or hiding from relatives in the garage — thanks for spending part of your day with us. We’re so grateful for this community. 💙
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🔗 Connect With Us
💙 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

Today, we honor Officer Collin James Rose — a beloved K-9 handler, loyal friend, and dedicated law-enforcement professional whose life of service continues to ripple through the world long after his End of Watch.
This episode walks through Collin’s story:
• his early passion for public service
• his remarkable work with K-9 partners Clyde and Wolverine
• the tragic night of November 22, 2016
• and the extraordinary legacy that rose from loss
We also highlight the Officer Collin Rose Memorial Foundation, created to continue Collin’s mission through scholarships, K-9 safety initiatives, fallen-officer family support, and community outreach.
Collin’s story is a powerful reminder that heroes are never forgotten — their impact lives on through the people and communities they served. 💙
If you feel moved by this episode, we encourage you to learn more, support the foundation, and share Collin’s story so his legacy continues to shine.
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🔗 Important Links
💙 Officer Collin Rose Memorial Foundation:
https://www.collinrosememorial.org
🎙 8158 Podcast Website:
https://www.8158podcast.com
💙 Support the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation:
https://www.8158podcast.com/donate
📅 Be a Guest on the Show:
https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
🔒 Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content (Patreon):
http://Patreon.com/8158podcast

Trauma changes everything — how you think, how you react, and how you see yourself. But it doesn’t have to define your future.
In this powerful episode, Rico and BriAnn open up about what it means to move from survival mode to rebuilding a life of purpose.
Rico shares how he earned his CDL while incarcerated — not just as a way to find work, but as the first step in reclaiming his identity. Together, they unpack what trauma really is, how it shows up in everyday life, and the moment you begin to take your power back.
💙 Whether you’re a first responder, veteran, or someone simply trying to find healing after hardship — this conversation will remind you that you are not broken, you are becoming.
✨ Listen now and take the first step toward your own transition.
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🔗 Show Notes / Links:
💙 Support the mission: Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation (https://www.8158podcast.com/donate)
🌐 Website: https://www.8158podcast.com
🎙 Be a guest: https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Exclusive content: http://Patreon.com/8158podcast

🎧 Disclaimer Statement:
The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this episode belong solely to the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the 8158 Podcast, its hosts, sponsors, or affiliates.
The stories shared are based on personal experiences and perspectives. While every effort is made to present information responsibly, the podcast does not verify or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any statements made by guests.
This content is provided for informational and storytelling purposes only and should not be interpreted as factual claims, professional advice, or official representation of any organization.
Listener discretion is advised.
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This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who’ve worn our nation’s uniform — and the families who’ve stood faithfully beside them.
In this special one-hour episode of 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, Rico and BriAnn reflect on what service truly means beyond the battlefield. From stories of courage and loss to the quiet strength of those transitioning back home, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
🎖️ Hear stories that inspire, honor, and remind us all of the true cost of freedom — and the power of community that continues long after service.
💙 Whether you’ve served, loved someone who has, or simply want to better understand the meaning of sacrifice, this episode will move you.
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🔗 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?
👉 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us
📢 Join our community & get exclusive content:
👉 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast