Sex trafficking is one of the most misunderstood crimes in America.

This week, we sit down with former FBI Special Agent Nikki Badolato, who spent years investigating human trafficking and helping victims escape some of the darkest circumstances imaginable.

Joining us by phone is Korina Crusan, a survivor whose life was forever changed by sex trafficking. In an incredibly courageous conversation, she shares her personal story, how she became trapped, what it took to escape, and how Nikki helped guide her toward a new life.

Together, Nikki and Korina offer a rare look into the realities of trafficking, the tactics predators use to manipulate victims, the challenges investigators face, and, most importantly, the hope that recovery is possible.

This is an emotional, honest, and inspiring conversation that every parent, law enforcement officer, and community member should hear.

Before our featured interview, we open the show by honoring JJ's brother, Steve Joyner, one of The Brighter Side of Blue's very first and most loyal supporters. Surrounded by Steve's family and lifelong friends, we celebrate his life with stories, laughter, and a heartfelt toast before easing into our usual mix of humor and current events. The opening also includes discussion about St. Louis' crackdown on street takeovers, some bizarre headlines, plenty of laughs from the crew, and Producer John's perfectly timed one-liners before transitioning into one of the most powerful interviews we've ever recorded.

If you enjoy the episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. Your support helps us continue telling the stories that matter.

Featured interview (46:02) Before Ferguson changed protest policing across the country, major demonstrations in St. Louis were handled very differently.

Retired SLMPD Officer Rick Rea spent 13 years in the department’s Intelligence Division, where part of his job was learning who was coming to town, what they were planning, and how police could prepare before a protest ever began.

Rick takes us inside the intelligence operations behind some of St. Louis’ biggest demonstrations of the era. He shares how he became trusted by members of the disability rights group ADAPT, attended their strategy meetings, and quietly passed information to police commanders as protests unfolded.

He also looks back at the massive preparations surrounding the World Agricultural Forum, when St. Louis prepared for the same kind of chaos protesters had brought to Seattle. Intelligence officers tracked tactics, identified locations, worked with other police departments, and helped prepare the newly formed Civil Disobedience Team for what many believed could become a major confrontation.

The worst of it never happened, and that may be the point.

This is a look back at protest policing before social media, before demonstrations could form in minutes, and before Ferguson changed the way protests were organized, covered, and policed in St. Louis and across the country.

Before we get into our conversation with Rick Rea, the crew covers everything from the infamous 1991 Guns N’ Roses riot at Riverport and an unexpected phone call from Dennis Haymon, to a serious discussion about leadership, policing and the current state of St. Louis. As always, there are plenty of laughs along the way, including the official demotion of Axl Rose to “Bill Rose.”

Communities that support law enforcement are safer places to live.

#BeforeFerguson #Ferguson #StLouis #StLouisHistory #SLMPD #PoliceHistory #ProtestPolicing #LawEnforcement #TheBrighterSideOfBlue

Featured Interview...(28:10) Before Ronnie Robinson became a retired SLMPD Lieutenant Colonel, he helped build and lead one of the most influential gang intelligence units in St. Louis history.

In this episode, Ronnie shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a changing North St. Louis neighborhood to leading the department's Gang Unit during one of the city's most violent eras. Rather than simply making arrests, Ronnie explains how gathering intelligence, building relationships, and mentoring young people became the keys to reducing violence and solving some of St. Louis' toughest gang-related crimes.

He also discusses the arrival of Bloods and Crips in St. Louis, the influence of Hollywood on gang culture, the crack cocaine epidemic, and why empathy is one of the most important qualities a police officer can possess. Perhaps the most powerful moments come as Ronnie reflects on the young lives he was able to change through the Police Athletic League (PAL), and the heartbreaking stories that continue to stay with him decades later.

This isn't just a conversation about gangs. It's a conversation about leadership, community, mentorship, and the people who refused to give up on a generation of young people.

If you enjoy the stories we share, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone who appreciates the history and humanity behind the badge.

Before the interview, the guys tackle everything from Producer John's trip on the Bourbon Trail to "The Rolling Crackers," escaped bees, a pastor's viral fight, and a heartfelt tribute to a fallen Toronto police officer.

Communities that support law enforcement are safer places to live.

#TheBrighterSideOfBlue #SLMPD #StLouis #GangUnit #PolicePodcast #LawEnforcement #TrueCrime #PoliceStories #Leadership #Podcast