Come join us every Thursday @ 5:30 at Columbo's Cafe and Tavern in the basement as we put on a new episode . . .

Brighter Side of Blue Episodes

Nov. 18, 2024

How do Elections Effect the Police? - #53

This week we have on Tim Lachenicht to talk about stories from his career in the St. Louis Police Department. We also have on Jay Schroeder to talk about how elections and voting in certain leaders directly effects our polic…
Nov. 11, 2024

The K9 Unit: Stories of Dogs in Law Enforcement - #52

On this week's episode, we talk all things dogs! What role do dogs play in law enforcement and how do we support getting them more involved and available for police departments around the United States. K9s4COPS website: htt…
Nov. 4, 2024

Trials and Tribulations: Retired Police React to Outrageous Criminal Trials - #51

On this week's episode, we talk about some of the craziest trials we've read about. We also show some behind the scenes footage of the Guns n' Hoses box off. Timestamps: 3:34 - Young Thug pleads guilty 7:28 - JJ hates bullie…
Oct. 28, 2024

The Iraqi Interpreter That Captured Saddam Hussein: A Never Before Told Story - #50

On this week's episode we have a special guest that details his ascent from an Iraqi refugee, to an interpreter for the U.S. military, to playing an integral role in capturing Saddam Hussein. 0:00 - Intro 3:39 - Background o…
Oct. 25, 2024

Federal Friday #2- Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorists Organizations

We are joined by a former Navy Seal to discuss the possibilities of designating cartels as FTOs (Foreign Terrorists Organizations
Oct. 21, 2024

Police Stepping Up For Foster Children - #49

This week's episode of The Brighter Side of Blue our very own Tom Sawyer opens up about his experience fostering 3 victims of domestic abuse. This story epitomizes what the Brighter Side of Blue is all about, the police fami…
Oct. 14, 2024

The STRANGEST Cop Stories - #48

This week's episode, we cover several St. Louis police stories including: - The child m*lestor "Flashlight Bob" - The infamous Michael Harper su*cide - And of course Diddy Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 20:06 - Arrested for clonin…
Oct. 7, 2024

Freeing a Rehabilitated Prisoner - #47

This week's episode, we go into the imprisonment of Paige Spears and his journey of rehabilitation. If you have even a slight degree of connection to the governor, we are asking for you help to free Paige! Timestamps: 0:00 -…
Sept. 30, 2024

Funny Police Stories With Vince Stehlin - #46

Vince Stehlin comes on the show to lighten things up with some great stories of his time pulling pranks as a police officer. We also get a surprise guest from one of the original and most profound philosophers of the world. …
Sept. 23, 2024

Honoring Women In Law Enforcement - #45

On This episode of The Brighter Side Of Blue we honor just a few of the wonderful women that help keep our communities safe. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 35:42 - Colonel Leyshock 1:02:14 - Anna Kimble 1:24:16 - Kim Allen 1:32:18…
Sept. 16, 2024

Stories From A Police Widow: How To Move Forward - #44

Today we have on Michelle Blue Stanze-Colombini to detail her experience after her late husband, Bob Stanze was killed in the line of duty. She breaks down how she handled the situation, organizations that helped immediately…
Sept. 13, 2024

Federal Friday-Tiktok and Terrorism-Episode 1.3

DEA veterans Jack Riley and Joe Cronin discuss wide ranging topics surrounding the border and national security in a 3 part episode
Sept. 13, 2024

Federal Friday- Cartel Business-Episode 1.2

DEA veterans Jack Riley and Joe Cronin discuss how cartels are using open borders and effecting national security in a 3 episode inaugural series of Federal Friday
Sept. 13, 2024

Federal Friday-The Border is Open for Business-episode 1.1

DEA veterans Jack Riley and Joe Cronin discuss wide ranging effects of an open border in a 3 part series about the border and national security
Sept. 9, 2024

Kelly Chase Police Stories - #43

This week we have on Kelly Chase to talk about some great stories and interactions he has had and seen with the police in St. Louis! We also have on John Schicker owner of Schicker Automotive to talk about what made him deci…
Sept. 2, 2024

40 Years Of St. Louis Police Stories With Retired Sgt. Thomas “Bo” Bottini #42

This episode we bring on our friend Tom Bottini to discuss a wide range of stories from his long career as a police officer. From kilos in the snow to undercover operations, this episode covers it all! Timestamps: 0:00 - Int…
Aug. 31, 2024

Story Vault #4: The Hoodlum Squad - Keeping the mafia under control

Capt. Joe Spiess Sr, an original member of the Hoodlum Squad, recalls some of the stories from his time of dealing with mafia families in St. Louis. Bombings, safe burglaries and more.
Aug. 26, 2024

#41 - The Bishop and the Stolen Urn

This episode we have Bishop Edward Rice on to tell a "hallmark story" of a story so bizarre it needs no embellishing. We also have Detective Leo Rice of the SLMPD Intelligence Division back on to detail more outrageous stori…
Aug. 24, 2024

Story Vault #3: Suspected terrorist fatally stabs daughter

Former SLMPD Major Harry Hegger recalls some of the facts surrounding the investigation of a terrorist fatally stabbing his daughter for becoming too Americanized.
Aug. 19, 2024

#40 - Tales From St. Louis’s Most Violent Offenders Unit

Leo Rice & Tony Lachenicht come on the show to tell some of their wildest stories while patrolling the streets of St. Louis.
Aug. 17, 2024

Story Vault #2: Fighting Off the Southside Rapist . . . at age 14

Tammy Sorocko-Benjamin recalls her horrifying encounter with the notorious St. Louis area serial rapist Dennis Rabbitt. A riveting story of courage, determination and the power of believing in yourself. To hear the full inte…
Aug. 12, 2024

#39 - St. Louis’ Crockett and Tubbs

Steve Burle and Clarence Hines recall some of the memories as being partners in several different divisions in the SLMPD Want to support the show? - https://www.thebrightersideofblue.com/sponsors/ Produced by Jack Millikan…
Aug. 10, 2024

Story Vault #1: The Pettys: St. Louis's OG's

Retired members of the SLMPD Major Harry Hegger and Lt. Col. Jerry Leyshock recall stories involving the notorious Petty crime family (Sam, Lorenzo and Joe). The Petty Family was very active in the drug trade in the 70's and…
Aug. 3, 2024

#38 Heroes of the CVPA High School Tragedy

We at The Brighter Side Of Blue are frustrated with the lack of support our brave officers should have received during the 2022 school shooting here in St. Louis, MO. In this episode we detail and bring to light some of the …