7 Jul 2026
Behind the Badge, Beyond the Gold: The Man Behind Butte County's Sheriff Kory Honea
💛 Episode 30: Before we jump in: You'll notice the audio sounds a little different for the first couple of minutes. We got so excited for our conversation that we didn't check the mic placement! Hang in there - we get it fixed quickly, and this conversation is absolutely worth sticking around for!Most of us know Sheriff Kory Honea from press conferences, community events, or the moments when Butte County has needed a steady leader the most. But in this episode, we wanted to introduce you to someone beyond the badge.Who is Kory Honea when he's simply being himself?We had such a wonderful time sitting down with Kory and talking about life, leadership, family, and the moments that have shaped who he is today. It's an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation that lets you see the person our community has come to know and trust.Kory shares what first led him into public service, what has kept him going through some incredibly challenging seasons, and how he stays grounded when the weight of leadership feels heavy. His encouragement for anyone walking through a difficult season is simple, genuine, and something we all needed to hear.We also look back at the Camp Fire and reminisce about the unexpected role Jaymes Lackey's viral memes played in bringing hope, laughter, and positivity to our community during one of the darkest times in Butte County's history. Sheriff Honea shares his perspective on those moments and why finding light, even in the hardest circumstances, can make a bigger difference than we sometimes realize.If you've ever found yourself wondering what Sheriff Honea is really like outside of the public eye, this episode is your chance to find out. We talk about the highs, the hardships, the lessons he's learned over a lifetime of service, and the values that continue to guide him every day.Kory became the 31st Sheriff of Butte County in 2014 after more than two decades serving our community in a variety of law enforcement roles. Along the way, he's built a career centered on service, integrity, and doing what's right, even when it's difficult. But what stood out most during our conversation wasn't his impressive career: it was his humility, his heart for people, and his unwavering commitment to this community.This episode is full of encouragement, laughter, honest conversations, and reminders that even the people we look up to are navigating life's challenges one day at a time. We walked away feeling inspired, and we think you will too.If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe so you never miss another conversation. Every week we're sharing the stories of the incredible people in Butte County who have a Heart of Gold. Join Erin and Jaymes Lackey for our hyper-positive regional podcast highlighting local individuals in Northern California who have a Heart of Gold.This episode is sponsored by: Erin Lackey Photography www.erinlackey.com/seenagainCheck out Hearts of Gold on Instagram + Facebook: @heartsofgold.mediaCheck out Sheriff Honea's Podcast: https://www.buttecounty.net/2140/Sheriffs-Mic-Podcast
