Podcast
Beyond the Dispatch
Hosted by Beyond the Dispatch · EN
Welcome to BTD, where we go beyond the uniform to explore the untold stories, personal struggles, and triumphs of first responders/ military members.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
30-Year 911 Dispatcher Donna Jahn | Romeoville Hero, Community Service & Scholarship Fundraiser | BTD Ep.58
2w ago01:50:00Tap to summarizeHear from Donna Jahn, a 30+ year 911 dispatcher in Romeoville, IL, who shares powerful stories from the other side of emergency calls. Learn how she gives back through Thanksgiving meals and a golf outing honoring her late husband that has raised $128,000 for wrestling scholarships. Contact Donna at 630-291-8998 to support or attend.
Transcribe →Mental Health & First Responder Family Wellness with Sertoma Star Services | BTD Ep.57
3w ago01:39:08Tap to summarizeA powerful conversation with Gia Washington and Jennifer Wojcikowski of Sertoma Star Services about mental health, suicide prevention, and first responder family wellness. Learn about their upcoming Responding First to Each Other event on June 12th at the Bremen Township Senior Complex from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.June 12th event link: https://sertomastar.org/wellness-event/ Sertoma Star Services website: https://sertomastar.org/Still Here 🤙🏻🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F6...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
Transcribe →Andrew Kolodziej: Undercover Work, DEA Task Force, Loss, and Turtle Hustle Mindset | BTD Ep.56
May 2602:36:57Tap to summarizeIn this powerful Episode 56 of Beyond the Dispatch, I sit down with Andrew Kolodziej, founder of Turtle Hustle and longtime law enforcement professional, to unpack his journey from undercover work to impactful training and mentorship. Andrew shares candid stories from his time as a Special Agent on an undercover narcotics task force and as a DEA Task Force Officer, explaining the realities of working deep cover and the toll it can take on your identity, relationships, and mental health. We talk about the loss of his mother and how that pain reshaped his perspective on life, faith, and resilience, ultimately fueling the mindset that drives him today. Andrew also breaks down the mission behind Turtle Hustle, his training company focused on practical, real world law enforcement skills, performance under stress, and building a winning mindset for first responders and protectors. If you’re in law enforcement, a first responder, military, or just someone who cares about service, sacrifice, and personal growth, this episode will hit homeStill Here 🤙🏻🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F6...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
Transcribe →War Abroad, War Within: Army Vet & IL Cop Mike Alvis Tells All | BTD Ep.55
May 1902:27:27Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Beyond The Dispatch, I sit down with Mike Alvis—Army veteran and Illinois police officer—to talk about a life shaped by service both overseas and here at home.Mike shares his experiences deploying to the Middle East, Korea, Poland, and Ukraine, giving a raw look at what it’s like operating in different parts of the world under constantly changing conditions. We get into the realities of active duty and National Guard life, and how those experiences translate when you come back and put on a badge.We also dive into his time in law enforcement, including the mental toll of the job, the leadership challenges officers face, and what it really takes to stay grounded through it all.This conversation goes beyond surface-level stories—it’s about the weight of service, the unseen struggles, and the lessons learned along the way.If you’re interested in military life, policing, leadership, or the mental side of service, this is one you don’t want to miss.Still Here 🤙🏻🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F6...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
Transcribe →Healing Trauma & Strengthening Relationships | First Response Therapy with Jessica Galvan| BTD Ep.54
May 1201:32:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Jessica Galvan, owner of First Response Therapy in New Lenox and wife of a firefighter, to talk about mental health in the first responder world and beyond. We dive into childhood trauma, relationships, self-love, and how EMDR therapy can help process difficult experiences. Jessica also shares practical tools for navigating emotional struggles and highlights key warning signs of suicide everyone should know. A powerful and honest conversation for anyone looking to better understand trauma and healing.Still Here 🤙🏻🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F6...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
Transcribe →Inside the Chicago Fire Department with Lt. Pat McCauley | The McCarthy Brigade Story | BTD Ep. 53
Apr 2802:04:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with retired Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Pat McCauley to explore a life dedicated to service, both on and off the fireground. Pat shares stories from his 30 plus year career in one of the busiest fire departments in the country, offering insight into the challenges, brotherhood, and defining moments that shaped him.We also dive into the McCarthy Brigade and what it stands for, how it was formed, and the impact it continues to make today. From honoring fallen firefighters to supporting families and preserving tradition, Pat gives a firsthand look at the mission behind the brigade and why it matters.Still Here 🤙🏻🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F6...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
Transcribe →The Files They Don’t Want Released, Civil Unrest & Political Corruption (Podcast Update | BTD Ep. 52
Apr 2100:20:51Tap to summarizeToday’s short episode is a check‑in and a challenge: I update you on the show, talk about a sponsor opportunity, and dive into Epstein, civil unrest, and political corruption. Couldn’t do any of this without your support, comment or DM me after you listen. 🤙🏻Still Here🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.c...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
Transcribe →From Addiction to Chicago Fire Department Chaplain: The Redemption of Father Ryan Brady | BTD Ep. 51
Apr 1402:20:15Tap to summarizeHe was a South Side Chicago kid battling addiction and losing control of his life. Today, he’s Father Ryan Brady, a chaplain serving alongside the Chicago Fire Department and guiding others through their own moments of crisis.In this episode, we talk about hitting rock bottom, rediscovering faith, and what it means to find purpose on the other side of surrender. It’s a story of struggle, redemption, and service that reminds us how far grace can reachStill Here 🤙🏻🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F6...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
Transcribe →Real Police Stories: K9, Near-Death Calls & Investigations with Gerald Vetters Real Police Stories: K9, Near-Death Calls & Investigations with Gerald Vetters | BTD Ep. 50
Apr 702:32:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Gerald “Gerry” Vetters, a Navy veteran and retired Division Chief of Investigations from the Oak Lawn Police Department. Gerry opens up about his journey from part-time cop to leading major investigations, sharing wild K-9 stories, a near-death experience, and intense attempted murder cases along the way. We also get into what’s really going on in law enforcement today, how the job has changed, and what most people on the outside never see. If you like real, unfiltered stories from someone who has been there and done it, this one’s for you.Still Here 🤙🏻🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F6...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
Transcribe →Jason Yerkovich on Mental Health, Resilience & Carrying the Fire | Beyond The Dispatch Ep. 49
Mar 3101:57:51Tap to summarizeSat down with Jason Yerkovich, author of Carrying the Fire, for a real conversation about mental health, resilience, and what it takes to keep going when life hits hard.We dive into his book, the struggles behind it, and the mindset needed to push through adversity when everything in you wants to quit. This is an honest look at what it means to carry your past, face it, and still move forward.If you’ve ever battled your own thoughts or felt the weight of it all, this one’s for you.🤙🏻 Still Here🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F6...🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.
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