Podcast

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.

In this episode of "Badges and Breakthroughs," host Dylan Bates interviews Mike Dotto, a lieutenant in a Tennessee sheriff's department with a rich background in law enforcement and the Marine Corps. Mike shares his journey from South Florida to Tennessee, discussing the various roles he has held, including detective and financial crimes investigator. He reflects on the importance of service before self, the recognition he has received throughout his career, and the emotional toll of working in law enforcement, especially when dealing with traumatic incidents. Mike emphasizes the significance of mentorship and the need for officers to maintain their identity outside of their badge, advocating for mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help when needed.

Chad Schwenke talks about what we actually endure as first responders to pull back the veil of the mental resiliency it truly takes to just keep going on episode 3 of the Badges & Breakthroughs Podcast.

The Badges and Breakthroughs Podcast Episode 1 Featuring Master Trooper and Pastor, Stephen Griffith

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 stress. George shares stories from his undercover career, his personal journey through struggle and healing, and his calling to serve others after life in law enforcement.

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.

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.