Ep. 20: Holding Down the Fort: Tony Bustos on Faith, Family, and the Weight Behind the Barrel

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold. Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me. From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Tony Bustos—an incredible mom, devoted wife, and full-time homeschool teacher to four kids across four different grades. With honesty, strength, and a touch of humor, Tony shares what it’s really like to raise a family while her husband serves on the frontlines as a narcotics officer, SWAT team member and currently a detective. Tony opens up about the mental and emotional balancing act that comes with loving someone who wears the badge. From juggling homeschooling to coordinating sports schedules and Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes for all four of her kids, Tony gives us an honest, inspiring look at what it means to be the backbone of a law enforcement family. This is a raw and real conversation about sacrifice, structure, and the unshakable love that holds it all together. If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠