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.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Andrew Kolodziej: Undercover Work, DEA Task Force, Loss, and Turtle Hustle Mindset | BTD Ep.56
1w ago02:36:57Tap 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
2w ago02:27:27Tap 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
3w ago01:32:49Tap 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.
Transcribe →Ken Tworek — Medal of Valor Cop Turned Therapist Helping First Responders Heal | BTD Ep. 48
Mar 1003:08:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Beyond The Dispatch, I sit down with Ken Tworek — retired police officer, Medal of Valor recipient, licensed social worker, and founder of Three Block Solutions.Ken opens up about his experience surviving a life-threatening ambush in the line of duty and how that moment transformed his purpose. We talk about resilience, trauma, leadership, and the work he’s doing to support first responders through real-world stress and mental health challenges.This conversation goes deep — from the badge to the human behind it.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 →Unsolved: The Tinley Park 5 | Charlie Minn on the 2008 Lane Bryant Murders | BTD Ep. 47
Mar 301:08:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Charlie Minn to discuss the 2008 Lane Bryant shooting in Tinley Park, Illinois, where five women were tragically murdered in a suburban retail store — a case that remains officially unsolved.Charlie shares the story behind his latest documentary, Who Killed These Women? The Tinley Park 5. We also talk about his career and several of his other films. Charlie is known for hard-hitting true-crime documentaries such as 47 Hours to Live, The Delphi Murders, and Murder in Mansfield, where he focuses on giving victims and families a voice while digging deep into the facts of each case.Still Here 🤙🏻🌐 Website: www.BeyondtheDispatch.com🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jRR6F60PV7sTWWNIsLVJF?si=tkmapUPKS4SIyvMA_pqI4g🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you inside the minds of America’s warriors — after the fight ends.#FlightMedic #LineOfDuty #PoliceShooting #CriticalCareTransport #BeyondTheDispatch
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