The Badges and Breakthroughs

The Badges and Breakthroughs

With Dylan Bates

Welcome to Badges and Breakthroughs: The podcast where we go behind the badge, beyond the silence. Here, we sit down with first responders, veterans, members of the mental health community, and all the supporters who stand with them. Every episode is an invitation to step outside the headlines and into the real stories—the moments that most never hear. We ask the questions others shy away from, diving deep into the raw, unfiltered experiences that shape those who serve our communities. It’s about exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly: how this work changes us, what we carry home, and the breakthroughs that come from facing the hardest moments. Whether it’s stories of resilience, struggle, hope, or humor in the darkest times, we lift the veil on what it truly means to wear the badge or love someone who does. This is a space to honor every scar as proof of survival, to break stigmas around mental health, and to connect our audience with insights, real talk, and the knowledge that none of us are alone. Listen in, share your story, and join a community that’s rewriting the narrative—one breakthrough at a time. We invite you to join us as a featured guest —sharing your story, your perspective, and your journey. Together, we’ll dive deep into each unique experience, seeing the world through your lens, one conversation at a time.

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Meet The Host

Dylan Bates

Hi, I'm Dylan Cade Bates founder of Blonde in Blue. This began with me, a "Blonde in Blue" behind the badge, but like most things in life worth building, it's grown to include more. Today, my husband Po'okela "Kela" Bates and I run this space together. It will be me leading the mission and content — Kela as a co-host, advocate, and leader for every first responder and family member who connects here. I'm a seasoned law enforcement professional with nearly a decade of service—from patrol and investigations to crisis negotiation, critical incident response, and peer support roles. I'm also a counselor-in-training and certified in Crisis Intervention, Trauma-Informed Care, and Peer Support Facilitation. My lived experience and professional background give me a deep understanding of the toll the job can take—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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