Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Badges and Breakthroughs Podcast

Claim This Podcast

by Dylan Cade Bates and Po'okela Bates

5 episodes

Updated Daily

Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸

Podcast Overview

Welcome to Badges and Breakthroughs—the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the real stories of first responders, veterans, mental health advocates, and the people who love them. Step beyond the badge and past the headlines, where silence fades and truth comes out. Each week, we fearlessly dive into the lives behind the uniform, exploring unfiltered experiences, profound challenges, moments of resilience, and unexpected humor. If you’re tired of surface-level conversations and ready for honest insight into life on the front lines and the battles fought in the shadows, this show is for you. We tackle tough topics: the scars you can see and the ones you can’t, the stigma around mental health, and the breakthroughs that happen in the darkest hours. Expect gripping stories, eye-opening conversations, and a community that honors every journey. Whether you wear the badge or support someone who does, you’re invited to join us in rewriting the narrative—one breakthrough at a time. Because behind every badge is a beating heart, and every story deserves to be heard.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

10/2/2025

Visit Website View on Apple Podcasts RSS Feed

2 verified contact emails on file for Badges and Breakthroughs Podcast

Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.

See contact details

Recent Episodes

February 19, 2026

Episode 5- Two Badges, One Home: Laura Turner on Marriage, Motherhood, and Mental Health

Episode 5- Two Badges, One Home: Laura Turner on Marriage, Motherhood, and Mental Health in a Law Enforcement Family In this powerful episode of Badges and Breakthroughs, “Two Badges, One Home: Laura Turner on Marriage, Motherhood, and Mental Health in a Law Enforcement Family,” Lieutenant Laura Turner takes us straight into the heartbeat of what it means to serve, lead, and love while wearing the badge.Laura isn’t just a seasoned night-shift lieutenant and crisis negotiator—she’s also married to another officer and raising two daughters in a home built around shift work, radio traffic, and the realities most people only see on the news. In this conversation, she pulls back the curtain on:The unfiltered truth of night shift: the calls that still replay in her mind and how they changed her as a leader and a human.What it’s really like when both spouses wear the badge—sharing the weight, the worry, and the unspoken “Are you okay?” after the hardest nights.The tension between being a tactical decision-maker at 3 a.m. and a present, emotionally available mom at the breakfast table a few hours later.How burnout, compassion fatigue, and invisible wounds showed up in her life—and the practical steps she’s taken to come back from the edge.The power of crisis negotiation skills off duty: how learning to truly listen has reshaped her marriage, parenting, and her own mental health.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to hold a family together while answering the call of this job—or if you’re quietly asking yourself how much longer you can carry it all—this episode is for you. Laura’s honesty is raw, relatable, and deeply validating for anyone who has ever worn a uniform, loved someone who does, or is raising kids in the shadow of the sirens.Hit play to hear a story that will make you feel seen, push back against the stigma around mental health in law enforcement, and remind you that strength isn’t never breaking—it’s choosing to heal and keep going.Listen in, share this with your partner, your squad, or your shift, and join us as we go behind the badge, beyond the silence, and straight into the real life of a law enforcement family with two badges under one roof.

February 5, 2026

Episode 4: Mike Doddo

Dylan interviews Mike Doddo, a police lieutenant in Tennessee about law enforcement, leadership, & mental health

October 6, 2025

Behind the Badge: How Chad Schwenke Found Purpose Through Service

In Episode 3 of Badges and Breakthroughs, host Kela Bates sits down with Chad “Schwenke” Schwenke, a devoted husband, father, and follower of Christ who has spent his life in public service — from volunteer firefighter and EMT to police officer and SWAT instructor. Chad opens up about his journey through fire and law enforcement, the emotional toll of critical incidents, his faith, and his mission to serve others through MEDC Training Solutions (Make Every Day Count). This heartfelt episode dives deep into resilience, compassion, and the unseen struggles first responders face every day.

5 total episodes available

Deep-dive analytics for Badges and Breakthroughs Podcast

Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is Badges and Breakthroughs Podcast?: Welcome to Badges and Breakthroughs—the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the real stories of first responders, veterans, mental health advocates, and the people who love them. Step beyond the badge and past the headlines, where silence fades and truth comes out. Each week, we fearlessly dive into the lives behind the uniform, exploring unfiltered experiences, profound challenges, moments of resilience, and unexpected humor.

If you’re tired of surface-level conversations and ready for honest insight into life on the front lines and the battles fought in the shadows, this show is for you. We tackle tough topics: the scars you can see and the ones you can’t, the stigma around mental health, and the breakthroughs that happen in the darkest hours.

Expect gripping stories, eye-opening conversations, and a community that honors every journey. Whether you wear the badge or support someone who does, you’re invited to join us in rewriting the narrative—one breakthrough at a time. Because behind every badge is a beating heart, and every story deserves to be heard.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Information about guest appearances is not available.

Legal Disclaimer

Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.

All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.

We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.

By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.