Dylan Cade Bates and Po'okela Bates

Badges and Breakthroughs Podcast

Society EN ↓ 5 episodes

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....

Author

Dylan Cade Bates and Po'okela Bates

Episodes

Episode 5- Two Badges, One Home: Laura Turner on Marriage, Motherhood, and Mental Health 19.02.2026 1:32:17

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...

Episode 4: Mike Doddo 05.02.2026 51:34

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

Behind the Badge: How Chad Schwenke Found Purpose Through Service 06.10.2025 1:37:03

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 missi...

From Hostage Negotiator to Healer: The Story of George Forsythe 06.10.2025 2:37:11

In this episode, Dylan and Kela sit down with George Forsythe , a retired Maryland State Trooper who spent over 20 years undercover investigating murder-for-hire cases and leading hostage negotiations. After retiring, George turned his focus to mental health—earning his master’s in counseling and founding Driftwood Psychotherapy , where he now helps first responders overcome trauma, addiction, and...

From Highway Patrol to Healing Hearts: The Story of Master Trooper Stephen Griffith 02.10.2025 2:06:11

In this first episode, hosts Dylan and Kela Bates sit down with Master Trooper Stephen Griffith , a North Carolina State Highway Patrol veteran and Discipleship Director at Osborne Baptist Church. Together, they explore the realities of life in law enforcement — from leadership, faith, and community service to mental health and the challenges of balancing duty with personal integrity.