The Brighter Side of Blue Podcast
<div>A podcast focusing of the great things law enforcement officers and agencies have done and continue to do on a daily basis. Crime stories with interviews from those involved...victims, investigators, officers, informants, lawyers and more.</div>
Inside the Mason Griffith Trial: Chief Chris Neace on the Night, the Evidence & the Verdict
16 Feb 2026
New Haven Police Chief Chris Neace joins us to walk through the Mason Griffith case—from the night of March 12, 2023 at the Casey’s in Hermann, to the evidence presented in court, the
Kyles Reyes: Law Enforcement, Media and the Fight for the Badge
9 Feb 2026
In the episode, we sit down with Kyle Reyes, the owner of Law Enforcement Today and Blue Lives Matter — two of the largest pro-law-enforcement platforms in the country. Kyle shared how and why he
Colin Ledbetter: Shot in the Line of Duty, Killed, and Brought Back to Life
2 Feb 2026
On this episode of The Brighter Side of Blue, we sit down with Colin Ledbetter, a former St. Louis Metropolitan Police officer whose story defies the odds. In January 2022, Colin was shot multiple
Inside the Michael Brown Case: Former Prosecutor Bob McCulloch Explains the Investigation
26 Jan 2026
In 2014, the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer ignited national protests, political pressure, and a media firestorm that reshaped conversations around policing and justice
Dumb Criminal, ICE Ops, Chuck Manson, JJ’s Birthday & JJ’s Zen — In a Wild Opening
21 Jan 2026
Earlier this week, we released our feature interview with John Hessel on the Kirkwood City Hall shooting. This episode is the full opening that was recorded for that night — released separately
Inside the Kirkwood City Hall Shooting: City Attorney John Hessel’s Firsthand Account (2008)
19 Jan 2026
On February 7, 2008, Kirkwood City Hall became the scene of a tragedy that shook St. Louis and the nation. Cookie Thornton opened fire during a city council meeting, killing six people before being
Top 10 St. Louis-Area Police Departments to Work For & Our National Pilot Episode
12 Jan 2026
The boys kick things off from our Florida studio with a full house and a few familiar faces, easing into some classic banter and a recap of a few vacation mishaps that prove you probably shouldn’t
A 15-Year-Old, A School Bus, A Hit: The Kyunia & Diamond Taylor Story
5 Jan 2026
It’s New Year’s in St. Louis and the guys open with cashew chicken, car theft, and “fun without guns” before turning to one of the city’s most haunting cases. Retired SLMPD Homicide
Defending the Worst Crimes: A Conversation with Scott Rosenblum
29 Dec 2025
St. Louis’ top defense attorney Scott Rosenblum returns to The Brighter Side of Blue to talk about what it’s really like defending people accused of absolutely horrific crimes. Scott breaks down
Paige Spears: FREE After 37 Years | Life After Prison + “Rescue From Darkness”
22 Dec 2025
First, we’re joined by St. Louis Post-Dispatch legend Bill McClellan, a columnist who’s been telling the real story of St. Louis for decades. Bill sits down with the guys to talk about his work,
From Drug Runs to Murder-For-Hire: Ret. Det. Jeff Stone Breaks It Down
15 Dec 2025
A brutal murder-for-hire plot, a wealthy businessman, a hitman, and a case that still echoes through St. Louis homicide history.In this episode of The Brighter Side of Blue, (47:23) we sit down with
St. Louis’ Craziest Killers: The Untold Stories (w/ Chief Joe Mokwa) + Bonus Raphael Jackson Confession
8 Dec 2025
St. Louis has produced some of the wildest, most unpredictable killers in America — and tonight, we’re breaking them all down. From Maury Travis’ torture basement, to Jerry Lee Little Jr.’s
The Trials & Tribulations of STL Sheriff Alfred Montgomery
1 Dec 2025
St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery is sleeping in a federal lockup while fighting to keep his elected job—and St. Louis Post-Dispatch crime reporter Katie Kull was in court every single day of his
Profiler Reacts: Raphael Jackson — Sociopath or Psychopath
24 Nov 2025
The viral Raphael Jackson confession has been viewed millions of times — and now we’re breaking it down with one of the top criminal profilers in the country. At 29:00, retired ATF Supervisory
How Guns ’N Hoses Became a St. Louis Tradition
17 Nov 2025
In this special episode of The Brighter Side of Blue, we dive deep into the history and heart behind Guns ’N Hoses, St. Louis’ legendary Thanksgiving Eve tradition that brings police and fire
“Set It Off” Copycats: The Lindell Bank Heist on St. Pat’s in St. Louis
11 Nov 2025
On March 17, 1997, Dogtown’s St. Patrick’s Day parade collided with chaos when two gunmen stormed Lindell Bank at McCausland and 40, gunned down the security guard, sprayed the lobby with
Full Confession of Raphael Jackson — The St. Louis Killer Speaks
5 Nov 2025
⚠️ Viewer Discretion Advised — Contains Graphic ContentIn this unedited, full-length confession, Raphael Jackson — one of St. Louis’ most dangerous and remorseless killers — describes, in
Inside the Wildest Confession of Their Career: With Homicide Detectives Carroll and Stone
3 Nov 2025
It’s our 2-year anniversary at Colombo’s Café in Dogtown, and we’re celebrating with a heavy hitter. After some bar-banter and dispatch center stories, we sit down with veteran homicide
Failoni’s of Dogtown: A Century of STL Hospitality + JJ’s Homeless Rescue
27 Oct 2025
From the basement studio at Colombo’s Café & Tavern in Dogtown, we kick off with a powerful true story from JJ—about spotting a familiar face from his childhood, Tim Osborne, living under a
The Best Dope Men in St. Louis — Named by the Cops Who Chased Them
20 Oct 2025
They worked the streets. They built the cases. In this episode of The Brighter Side of Blue, retired narcotics legends Tommy Murphy and Det. Leo Rice join the crew to reveal their picks for the top
Inside the 7th: Horseshoe Nights, West-Side Wars, and Two Partners Who Saw It All
13 Oct 2025
The Brighter Side of Blue crew—Danny, Tommy, JJ, and Producer John—teed up a phenomenal sit-down with retired STL legends Tom Carroll and Jeff Stone. Partners for ~18 years (with at least 16 in
Shot by George Bush: Sgt. Tom Lake’s Survival & The Manhunt That Followed
6 Oct 2025
Retired SLMPD Sgt. Tom Lake and Detective Jeff Stege walk us through the chaotic 24 hours that began with a South City carjacking, a murdered locksmith, and a suspect named George Bush—and ended
Episode 25 - The FULL Story of Billy Armentrout
4 May 2024
Billy McDonough comes on the show to talk about a murder from "I Am A Killer" that he was closely connected to. 🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️ https://brighterside.itemorder.com/sh...
Episode 24 - Murderer Teams Up With Police - Told by Joe Spiess
27 Apr 2024
Police Chief Joe Spiess of Brentwood Missouri comes in to tell the story of a murderer turned informant. 🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️ https://brighterside.itemorder.com/sh...
Episode 23 - "I'm Shooting It Out With The Police"
19 Apr 2024
John Hefele comes on to tell a collection of stories from his time working as a police officer. 🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️ https://brighterside.itemorder.com/sh...
Episode 22 - Finding A Decapitated Child
12 Apr 2024
Celebrating his 30 year career, now retired Sergeant Brian McGlynn and former St. Louis Cardinal Eli Marrero come on the show. 🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️
Episode 21 - The Torry Miller Manhunt
5 Apr 2024
Live from Barney's on Chippewa! A very special show. 🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️ https://brighterside.itemorder.com/sh... =========================== Connect with us!
Episode 20 - Everything You Need To Know About Meth
29 Mar 2024
Jason comes on the show to detail everything he learned being on the forefront of the fight against meth in America. 🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️ https://brighterside.itemorder.com/sh...
Episode 19 - Former DEA Deputy Administrator Breaks Down The Border Crisis
22 Mar 2024
Former DEA Deputy Administrator Jack Rileyand Former ASAC Joe Cronin, DEA Counter Narco Terrorism Operations join the podcast to talk all things El Chap, the border crisis, the opioid crisis, and
Episode 18 Pretending To Be A Dirty Cop
15 Mar 2024
🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️ https://brighterside.itemorder.com/sh... =========================== Connect with us! ============================= Facebook: ➡︎
Episode 17 Popes, Presidents, & Princes
8 Mar 2024
🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️ https://brighterside.itemorder.com/sh... =========================== Connect with us! ============================= Tik Tok: ➡︎ / brightersideofblue
Episode 16 Exposing Pedophilia At A Massive Scale
1 Mar 2024
Nikki Badolato details her time leading the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force. 🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️
Episode 15 Disturbing Case Of A Mother Murdering Her Children
23 Feb 2024
The Godfather of homicide Joe Burgoon details some memorable cases that have come across his desk. 🔥 Get some BSOB Merch HERE ➡️
Episode 14 Untold Story - Tragic Death Of Bob Stanze
16 Feb 2024
Chief of Police in Sunset Hills Steve Dodge recounts the tragic incident when his partner Bob Stanze was shot and killed in the line of duty during an arrest in St. Louis City on August 8, 2000. Joe
Episode 13 Undercover Brothers: The Undercover Files #2
9 Feb 2024
Brothers, retired SLMPD Sgt Ron Klier and former St. Louis County detective Dennis Klier talk about their careers on the police force as well as their military service. Things that come up: - SCAT
Episode 12 Catching A Rapist - The Undercover Files #1
2 Feb 2024
33 year veteran and recently retired Sergeant of St. Louis County PD Jen Williams details her experience going undercover to catch a rapist. To watch this episode on video:
Episode 10 - The Legends Series #3 Major Harry Hegger: From Marine Grunt to City Cop
19 Jan 2024
Harry shares stories about many of his investigations including legendary gangsters Sam Petty, Lorenzo Petty, Jerry Lewis-Bey. The arrests of of "dirty" cops and much more. Producer John's "I
Episode 9 - The Legends Series #2 Sgt. Joe Burgoon: The Godfather of Homicide
12 Jan 2024
Joe talks about the National Food Store murders, the deadliest mass shooting in St. Louis history. Also talks about an unsolved murder in South St. Louis and more
Episode 8 - The Legends Series #1: Capt. Joe Spiess Sr. and The Hoodlum Squad
4 Jan 2024
Legendary cops vs legendary mobsters. Joe Spiess Sr., the last living member of the legendary Hoodlum Squad, shares his stories of investigating some of St. Louis' notorious mobsters. Stories
Episode 7 - Happy New Year...The Train Story
29 Dec 2023
Happy New Year to all. Our new weekly feature of "I thought it was a good idea..." An entertaining story about a train crossing gone wrong. Thanks to all our listeners and what's coming up in
Episode 6 - Part 1 - The Hostage Taking of Police Commissioner Col. John Frank (producer John's father)
18 Dec 2023
The movie "The Negotiator" was derived from the facts surrounding this case. We hear from Producer John, his brother Joe Frank, and HRT (Hostage Response Team) member retired Sgt. Tony Lachenicht
Episode 6 - Part 2 - The Hostage Taking of Police Commissioner Col. John Frank (producer John's father)
18 Dec 2023
The movie "The Negotiator" was derived from the facts surrounding this case. We hear from Producer John, his brother Joe Frank, and HRT (Hostage Response Team) member retired Sgt. Tony Lachenicht
Special Episode - The Cold Case of Nancy Brannon
12 Dec 2023
We speak with Melissa Daus, the niece of Nancy Brannon. Melissa tells the story of her Aunt Nancy who went missing November 25, 1986. Melissa and her family want to bring closure to the case,
Episode 5 - Protecting the Cardinals. Backstoppers and Guns n Hoses
8 Dec 2023
We visit with retired Lt. Col. Jerry Leyshock and talk about his work with St. Louis Cardinals. Jerry also talks about his involvement in the annual Guns n Hoses event, as well as other St. Louis
Episode 4 - Woody goes undercover as a doctor?
1 Dec 2023
Great police investigation by the Sunset Hills and Crestwood PDs, with the assistance of the US Marshals. Positive results since Gabe Gore's tenure as the Circuit Atty of the City of St. Louis.
Episode 3 - The arrest of serial killer Maury Travis
25 Nov 2023
We visit with retired SLMPD Major Harry Hegger tells the story of the arrest of serial killer Maury Travis. Major Hegger also recalls the a case where parents with terrorism ties kill their own
Episode 2 - Bomb Squad called...Sawyer threw away a bomb?
17 Nov 2023
Also a quick visit with Tammy Sorocko-Benjamin. The story of the deadly plane crash of Governor Mel Carnahan. A story of great police work done recently by SLMPD Mobile Reserve Unit. JJ quits
Episode 1-The Southside Rapist: Part 1 ... The capture of Dennis Rabbitt
10 Nov 2023
The capture of Dennis Rabbitt, the notorious serial rapist that terrorized south St. Louis. From the view of Detective Randy Sassenger who was responsible for the identification of Rabbitt as the
Episode 1-The Southside Rapist: Part 2... An interview with victim Tammy Sorcko-Benjamin
10 Nov 2023
An interview with Tammy Sorocko-Benjamin, who at age 14, was the youngest victim of the southside rapist and FOUGHT HIM OFF. Hear her incredible story of courage and determination
Introduction to the Brighter Side of Blue
4 Nov 2023
Clips from upcoming from guests of upcoming shows. Brentwood Chief of Police Joe Spiess, Former DEA Deputy Administrator Jack Riley. Former Major Harry Hegger, and more. Hear from the youngest