In this episode of Built Different, I open up about the night I was shot, my recovery journey, and what it really means to heal as a first responder. I answer your questions about trauma, returning to duty, burnout, and how to support those in recovery.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

The untold story of the shooting – What most people don't know about the night that changed everything, including the back-and-forth of whether I'd survive

Mental vs. physical recovery – Why the mental battle was harder than the physical injuries and how I deal with it today

Coming back to the job – The two-year struggle of not knowing if I'd return to law enforcement and what that uncertainty does to you

Advice for those in recovery – Taking it day by day and learning to live with the trauma instead of trying to erase it

What "Built Different" really means – How this phrase became a rallying cry for first responders and why I named the podcast after it

Staying grounded – The role of family, friends, and support systems in surviving the hardest days

Mindset shifts – How my focus changed from the job to family, friends, and helping other first responders

Burnout & reset routines – What I did to decompress as a cop and what keeps me motivated with the podcast today

The truth about healing – Why time doesn't heal all wounds, but learning to handle trauma does

What I miss (and don't miss) – The camaraderie vs. the endless accident reports

How to support a first responder in recovery – The right way to show up: acknowledgment, not assumptions

ABOUT THE HOST: I'm a former law enforcement officer who was shot in the line of duty in January 2022. After a two-year battle to return to the job, I created Built Different to share the real stories of first responders—the trauma, the recovery, and the resilience that keeps us going. This podcast is for every officer, firefighter, paramedic, and veteran who's ever felt like they're fighting alone.

👍 If this episode resonated with you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. Your support helps us reach more first responders who need to hear these stories.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast shares personal experiences and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a licensed counselor or crisis hotline. You are not alone.

FIRST RESPONDER RESOURCES: • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • COPLINE (Law Enforcement Peer Support): 1-800-267-5463 • Fire/EMS Helpline: 1-888-731-3473

#BuiltDifferent #FirstResponders #LawEnforcement #PTSD #Recovery #PoliceOfficer #Trauma #MentalHealth #LineOfDuty #Brotherhood

🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor!

A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa!

👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!

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From cartel violence in Mexico to Army Ranger to patrolling St. Louis' toughest streets — Armando shares his incredible journey of resilience, purpose, and service. In this episode, we talk about growing up between two worlds, surviving RASP selection, and why he chose to work in District 6.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

Growing Up Between Cultures – How Armando's childhood in both St. Louis and Mexico shaped his worldview and career path

Army Ranger Selection (RASP) – The brutal physical and mental challenges of becoming a Ranger, including Cole Range "hell week"

Why District 6 – What drew him to one of St. Louis' most active police districts and the importance of community-focused policing

Leadership That Matters – How trust, teamwork, and strong leadership transform police work

Purpose Over Action – A powerful story about de-escalating a suicidal call and why moments like that define the job

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE — it helps us bring more stories like Armando's to light!

ABOUT ARMANDO: Armando is a bilingual law enforcement officer currently serving in the 6th District of St. Louis City. A U.S. Army veteran and former member of 3rd Ranger Battalion, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in both the U.S. and Mexico, his military service, and his commitment to community policing in one of the city's most challenging areas.

#LawEnforcement #ArmyRanger #StLouis #PoliceStories #Military #BuiltDifferent #District6 #CommunityPolicing

🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor!

A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa!

👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more!

Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different

📱https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/

ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/colin.ledbetter.3

Follow Trueline Media Group

📱https://www.instagram.com/truelinemediagroup/

ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/truelinemediagroup

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@TruelineMediaGroup

In Episode 33 of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with members of the St. Louis Police Pipes & Drums — Chris Rumpsa, Jason Delp, and Commander John Blaskiewicz — to talk about the tradition, commitment, and emotion behind keeping the bagpipe band alive in law enforcement.

They discuss what it takes to learn the instrument, how the band supports officers and families at funerals and major events like Guns n’ Hoses, the struggle to recruit new members, and why the music continues to mean so much to the policing community.

If you'd like inquire about joining the band, contact Chris Rumpsa here:

[email protected]

#motivation #bagpipes #policeband

In this powerful Q&A episode of Built Different, host Colin Ledbetter opens up about the night he was shot, his long road to recovery, and how that moment reshaped his perspective on life, service, and healing.

Colin shares the unseen struggles — both physical and mental — of coming back from trauma, the importance of community and family, and what “Built Different” truly means to him today. This honest conversation offers a glimpse into the resilience of first responders and the power of faith, support, and self-reflection.

Whether you’re a first responder, veteran, or someone navigating your own season of recovery, Colin’s story will remind you that healing isn’t about forgetting — it’s about learning to live with what shaped you.

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#BuiltDifferentPodcast #FirstResponderStories #ColinLedbetter #Resilience #MentalHealthAwareness #SurvivorStory #PoliceCommunity #HealingJourney #OvercomingTrauma #VeteranSupport #PodcastMotivation #InspirationDaily #BuiltDifferent

In this episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter welcomes Armando Valenzuela, a first-year St. Louis police officer, for a raw talk about the job few understand. From chaotic calls and shifting public perception to lessons learned about respect, communication, and staying grounded — Armando’s take is authentic, powerful, and full of truth about what it means to serve today.

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#BuiltDifferent #ArmandoValenzuela #RookieCop #PoliceStories #LawEnforcement #StLouisPolice #CourageToServe #BehindTheUniform #BuiltDifferentPodcast #PoliceLife

In this episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with veteran St. Louis police officer Greg Schaffer and new recruit Armando Valenzuela for an unfiltered conversation on the realities of modern policing — from leadership breakdowns to brotherhood, burnout, and rebuilding trust within the force.

Greg, a 16-year department veteran, opens up about the darkest moments of his career — from the chaos of the George Floyd riots to his own battles with mental health and the toll of service.

Armando shares his path from Army Ranger to software developer to police officer, reflecting on standards, discipline, and why he still believes in the mission despite the challenges.

Together, they discuss what it means to lead with integrity, the need for vulnerability in a culture built on toughness, and why the future of policing depends on raising — not lowering — the standard.

This episode is a raw look at the human side of the badge, the cost of service, and the next generation stepping up to carry the torch.

Find Colin online:

https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/

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Built Different is more than a podcast. It’s a platform for real stories of resilience, sacrifice, and strength. Hosted by former St. Louis police officer and veteran Colin Ledbetter, the show highlights first responders, military service members, and everyday people who’ve faced life-changing challenges and kept moving forward.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep going when the world knocks you down, or what drives the men and women who put everything on the line for others — this is the podcast for you.

Tune in. Be inspired. Discover what it means to be Built Different.

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In this week’s episode of Built Different, Colin Ledbetter sits down with St. Louis City firefighter Cody Carpenter for a powerful conversation about life on the front lines of one of the busiest fire departments in the country.

Cody shares his journey from growing up in Champaign, Illinois to becoming a fifth-generation firefighter serving in North City St. Louis. From grueling apartment fires to near-miss moments, Cody opens up about the dangers, sacrifices, and resilience required in the fire service.

This episode offers an unfiltered look at the realities of modern-day firefighting, and what it truly means to be Built Different.

Find Colin online:

https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/

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In this special edition of Built Different, we join the St. Michael’s Army Golf Tournament to shine a light on the incredible work being done for law enforcement and first responder families. Ashley Travers, founder of St. Michael’s Army, sits down with Corey Schonhorst, Officer Greg Schaeffer and Ann Dorn of the Captain David Dorn Foundation to discuss the real challenges faced by officers—both on and off duty.

From mental health and PTSD to financial and family support, this episode explores the unseen pressures of serving on the front lines. Learn how these organizations provide equipment, training, and crucial resources while bridging the gap for officers and their families in need.

Know a first responder family in need of assistance? Don't hesitate to reach out to St. Michael's Army and the Captain David Dorn Foundation:

https://www.saintmichaelsarmysoldiers.com/

https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelsarmy/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/CaptDavidDornFoundation/

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From Marine Recon to Marine Raider and now CEO, Keith Waldrop’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode of Built Different, Keith shares how years of experience in the Special Operations community prepared him for life after the military and the running of his company, Asymmetric Solutions.

Keith opens up about the mindset it takes to make it through SOF selection, the sacrifices of service—including time away from family—and what it really means to never quit. We also dive into how he transitioned from combat operations to entrepreneurship, leading one of the nation’s premier tactical training companies.

Find Keith and Asymmetric Solutions online:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithwaldrop/

https://asymmetricsolutionsusa.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ZU_RJ1aGKsl2vRrQUe_XA

Find Colin online:

https://www.instagram.com/colin_a_25/

Follow Punchline Productions

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https://punchlineproductions.co/