8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode discusses suicidal ideations and extreme content that may be triggering to some. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, Rico sits down with Tanya Stamos — a U.S. Navy disabled veteran and the founder of Operation RJS, a nonprofit created in honor of her father, Richard James Stamos, a Vietnam combat veteran who passed away from lung cancer connected to his service.

In this episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, Rico sits down with Dena Campbell, a 14.5-year NYPD officer who never planned on wearing the uniform—until a “backup plan” turned into a calling.

Dena shares what it was like coming on the job in 2011, learning policing through Operation Impact, working through Hurricane Sandy, and surviving the chaos of 2020—a season she describes as feeling like you were “an extra on a movie set.”

Bu...

Disclaimer: This episode discusses suicidal ideations and other heavy topics that may be triggering to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Nikki—a former correctional officer from Canada, current Thin Line Rock Station DJ, the host of Sirens, Slammers, & Service, and the owner of Blue Line Fitness.

Nikki walks us through her journey from a childhood dre...

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice — Off Duty Series

When the uniform comes off, the real conversations begin.

In the first episode of our Off Duty series, we’re sitting down with Jason Andrews for an honest, unfiltered conversation about life outside the badge. This isn’t about calls, ranks, or resumes—it’s about who you are when the shift ends.

We talk about the weight first responders carry long after the sirens stop, how identi...

⚠️ Trigger Warning / Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, PTSD, infant/child death, and loss. Some content may be distressing. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

In this powerful episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, Rico sits down with Patrick — a United States Marine Corps veteran (0311 Infantry) and retired law enforcement officer — to talk about the moments that shaped him… and the calls tha...

In this episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Josh Grandinetti—a former firefighter, EMS Captain, and first responder whose career was forever changed by injury.

Josh grew up in Arizona with a strong family foundation, learning responsibility early by working alongside his father’s business at just 10 years old. That work ethic eventually led him into the fire service, where he spent 15 years as a firefighter and ...

Joe Childers has lived a lot of life — and worn a lot of hats.

From growing up in West Virginia to serving Eastern Kentucky for more than 30 years in fire and EMS, Joe’s journey is filled with grit, humor, and heart. He started young — lifeguarding at 14, joining the fire department at 16, becoming an EMT in 1993 and a paramedic in 1997 — all while playing and coaching football for decades.

In this episode, Joe (aka DJ Jabba) share...

Some healing doesn’t happen in silence — and some healing doesn’t happen through words at all.

In this episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, we’re joined by Horses4Heroes, a nonprofit creating powerful spaces for healing through equine-assisted programs designed for first responders, veterans, and the children of those who serve.

Horses have an incredible ability to sense emotion, build trust, and meet people exactly where they ar...

In Part 2 – “Season 2, Episode 32: Two In, Two Out: Forged by Fire - The Brotherhood Behind the Badge (Part 2 of 3)” Rico and retired firefighter Anthony Crane continue their raw, unfiltered conversation about the realities first responders face long after the call is over. Anthony opens up about the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service, EMS, law enforcement — and even in prison. He breaks down why asking for help i...

DISCLAIMER:

The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this episode belong solely to the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the 8158 Podcast, its hosts, sponsors, or affiliates.

The stories shared are based on personal experiences and perspectives. While every effort is made to present information responsibly, the podcast does not verify or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any statements made by guests.

This...