Cops and Writers Podcast

Send us a textDo I have a treat for all of you! On today's episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, I have with me Professor, Bestselling Author, and Retired ATF Special Agent Jay Dobyns for this special two-part interview that will conclude next Sunday.Jay Dobyns spent over two decades as a federal agent embedded in the dark heart of America's violent crime, participating in more than five hundred undercover missions targeting gun runners, narcotics traffickers, explosives manufacturers, murder-for-hire schemes, and vicious gangs.Jay's most infamous case—a landmark infiltration of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang—changed the face of undercover work forever, earning him international recognition.Jay's story is more than headlines and danger. It's about the cost of service to others, the toll on identity, family, and mental health, and how to rise from it stronger.  In today's episode we discuss:·      Thank you Steve Gould over at the Things Police See Podcast for the intro.·      Acknowledgement of Jay's wife and kids, who are the heroes of this story. ·      Almost playing in the NFL. ·      Jay's intense desire to work undercover.·      The role and value of undercover work in law enforcement.·      His first foot chase and how it ended.·      Taken hostage as a rookie ATF agent?·      Getting shot point blank and surviving a sucking chest wound.·      The aftermath of almost being killed.·      When he started to feel invincible.·      Fifteen years of being an undercover ATF agent specializing in illegal narcotics, explosives, and guns before going after the Hells Angels.·      The murder of Cynthia Garcia at the hands of Hells Angels members.·      Path to the Hells Angels. Hang around, prospect, and full patch. The rules, bylaws, and procedures of the Hells Angels. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Learn more about Jay Dobyns and his books on his website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome, everyone, to a special bonus edition of the Cops and Writers Podcast. A few weeks back, it was my pleasure to be a guest on the Ireland Crimes and Mysteries Podcast hosted by the wonderful Nules Ní Chleirigh. Being a child of two Irish immigrants, I jumped at the opportunity to be on her show. Her podcast is recorded over in the Emerald Isle in County Tipperary. I had so much fun talking to her about American policing and the differences between how we do things here in the US and how it is done over in Ireland. Please enjoy my conversation with the most wonderful Nules on the Ireland Crimes and Mysteries Podcast. Check out the Ireland Crimes and Mysteries Podcast website! Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome everyone to the conclusion of my special two-episode conversation with Author and Retired DEA Special Agent Jaime Forza! Here are just some of Jaime's career highlights. After serving eight years in the U.S. Navy, Jaime joined the U.S. Department of Defense, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) as a Special Agent serving for two years. In 1989, he became a Special Agent with the DEA, first in Charleston, South Carolina, then transferred to the Miami Field Division. He took part in numerous undercover and covert operations and was deployed on assignment to Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1990.In 1996, the DEA transferred Jaime to Merida, Mexico, Resident Office, where he later promoted to Resident Agent in Charge. In this role, he played a crucial part in the dismantling of the Juarez Cartel drug enterprise. In 2009, he was promoted and reassigned to the Office of Global Enforcement, Special Projects Branch. In this role, he served as the Senior Military Advisor for Narco-Terrorism at the U.S. Southern Command Headquarters.In 2013, DEA selected Jaime as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division. In this role, he managed domestic enforcement and oversaw the daily operations of the division's foreign-based component in the Bahamas and its forward air operating bases. Jaime was subsequently appointed to Senior Executive.On December 5, 2024, Jaime released his book, THE RULES OF KONGO : A Psychological Crime Thriller Inspired by Actual Events. This book can be described as a dark, psychological crime thriller with supernatural elements. In today's episode we discuss:·      Cocaine coming from Colombia to Mexico and then the United States. How did they smuggle it, and how much?·      Drug submarines that were assembled in the jungle? ·      The Juarez cartel.·      Operation Panama Express.·      Working UC in America and overseas. Scariest moments and most fulfilling.·      Santeria priests and priestesses or other “black magic/voodoo”. Putting spells on witnesses attempting to tie their tongue in knots in court, making drug dealers invisible to LE. ·      Palo Mayabme dark magic / Voodoo dolls.·      What is your advice for someone who wants to become a DEA agent? How should they prepare?·      Jaimie's book, THE RULES OF KONGO : A Psychological Crime Thriller Inspired by Actual Events. ·      Jaimie's answer to the illegal drug problem in America.All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.To learn more about Jaime's book, The Rules of Kongo, head over to this website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of my special two-episode conversation with Author and retired DEA Special Agent Jaime Forza! Here are just some of Jaime's career highlights. After serving eight years in the U.S. Navy, Jaime joined the U.S. Department of Defense, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) as a Special Agent serving for two years. In 1989, he became a Special Agent with the DEA, first in Charleston, South Carolina, then transferred to the Miami Field Division. He took part in numerous undercover and covert operations and was deployed on assignment to Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1990.In 1996, the DEA transferred Jaime to Merida, Mexico, Resident Office, where he later promoted to Resident Agent in Charge. In this role, he played a crucial part in the dismantling of the Juarez Cartel drug enterprise. In 2009, he was promoted and reassigned to the Office of Global Enforcement, Special Projects Branch. In this role, he served as the Senior Military Advisor for Narco-Terrorism at the U.S. Southern Command Headquarters.In 2013, DEA selected Jaime as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division. In this role, he managed domestic enforcement and oversaw the daily operations of the division's foreign-based component in the Bahamas and its forward air operating bases. Jaime was subsequently appointed to Senior Executive.On December 5, 2024, Jaime released his book, THE RULES OF KONGO : A Psychological Crime Thriller Inspired by Actual Events. This book can be described as a dark, psychological crime thriller with supernatural elements.I really enjoyed my time with Jaime and we have a lot in common. In today's episode we discuss:·      Growing up in Brooklyn, New York.·      What are mafia fires? ·      The neighborhood Bruha.·      Moving to Puerto Rico when he was in high school.·      His biggest influences as a young child and teen?·      Why he joined the Navy at 16 years of age and later became a N.C.I.S. agent?·      His path to joining the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).·      Being a DEA Agent in the 1980s/90s in Miami.·      Travelling to Panama and taking part in Operation Just Cause, arresting General Manuel Antonio Noriega.·      The pros and cons of working as a DEA agent in Mexico. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.To learn more about Jaime's book, The Rules of Kongo, head over to this website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textHey everyone, thanks for joining us as we're going the back to west coast today for the conclusion of our interview with Author and Retired Los Angeles Police Department Lieutenant Jeff Wenninger!   Jeff is a retired LAPD lieutenant with more than 33 years in law enforcement. He started with L.A. County Sheriff in 1991 and worked the Rodney King riots on the street and jail, where he and his coworkers were not allowed to go home for two weeks straight.He later lateralled to LAPD in 1993 and went on to work with some of the most highly-trained units, including the Metropolitan Division which encompasses SWAT, K9, high risk warrants, and more. As a sergeant, he was handpicked as the officer in charge of the Rampart Gang Enforcement detail following the Rampart Scandal in the late 90s. As a sergeant and later as a lieutenant, Jeff was the officer in charge of the Use of Force Investigation Division and oversaw investigations of lethal force and other significant applications of force. Jeff's work earned him prestigious awards including the LAPD Medal of Valor, Police Star, and Meritorious Unit Citation.Jeff is the founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC. He is releasing a book called “On Thin Ice” that will be published on May 6.Please enjoy this candid interview witch we talk about what's good and bad with law enforcement today, and how we can fix it.In today's episode we discuss:·      The trends in law enforcement today regarding uniforms. ·      How the O.J. Simpson trial changed the LAPD.·      Jeff's career trajectory with the LAPD?·      The special units Jeff served on and supervised.·      At the apex of a promising career, why Jeff decided to retire from law enforcement.·      How difficult was it to transition to civilian life?·      Being the founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants. What is this and why do it?.·      Your upcoming book, On Thin Ice: An LAPD Veteran's Journey to Reimagine Policing, is due out soon. Why write it, and what, if any, message do you want to give the reader?·      What Jeff misses the most about the job.Go check out Jeff's website to learn more about him and his newest book, On Thin Ice. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textHey everyone, thanks for joining us, as we're going west coast today! Welcome to part one of my two-part conversation with Author and Retired Los Angeles Police Department Lieutenant Jeff Wenninger!   Jeff is a retired LAPD lieutenant with more than 33 years in law enforcement. He started with the L.A. County Sheriff in 1991 and worked the Rodney King riots on the street and jail, where he and his coworkers were not allowed to go home for two weeks straight.He later lateralled to LAPD in 1993 and went on to work with some of the most highly-trained units, including the Metropolitan Division which encompasses SWAT, K9, high risk warrants, and more. As a sergeant, he was handpicked as the officer in charge of the Rampart Gang Enforcement detail following the Rampart Scandal in the late 90s. As sergeant and later as a lieutenant, Jeff was the officer in charge of the Use of Force Investigation Division and oversaw investigations of lethal force and other significant applications of force. Jeff's work earned him prestigious awards including the LAPD Medal of Valor, Police Star, and Meritorious Unit Citation.Jeff is the founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC. He is releasing a book called “On Thin Ice” that will be published on May 6.Please enjoy my candid interview, which we talk about what needs to be fixed and what is working with law enforcement today.In today's episode we discuss:·      Being adopted as a child, how did this affect your later life, especially in your career as a police officer? Or did it? ·      His father being a professor at Kent State University and being there when national guardsmen opened fire on students.·      Jeff being the recipient of a hockey scholarship to go to college. How his career in hockey molded him and prepared him later in life?·      As a young man, there was an incident where he had a negative interaction with the police where he was unlawfully arrested. How did this affect him later as a police officer?·      Why leave the L.A. Sheriff's to join the LAPD?·      O.J., guilty or not guilty?·      How the O.J. Simpson trial changed the LAPD and the city.·      Working the streets and jail during the Rodney King riots. Over sixty people dead and thousands injured.All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Go check out Jeff's website to learn more about him and his newest book, On Thin Ice. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome back everyone to the conclusion of my conversation with the amazing Nick Chiarkas! I was so excited about this interview I didn't want you guys to wait for next Sunday! I really enjoyed talking to Nick and I think you guys are going to feel the same about this episode.  Nick grew up in the Al Smith housing projects on Manhattan's Lower East Side. When he was in the fourth grade, his mother was told by the principal of PS-1 that "Nick was unlikely ever to complete high school, so you must steer him toward a simple and secure vocation." Instead, Nick became a writer, with a few stops along the way: a U.S. Army Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division serving in the Viet Nam war, a New York City Police Officer, Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Deputy Chief Counsel for the President's Commission on Organized Crime; Chief Counsel for the USATBCB; and the Director of the Wisconsin State Public Defender Agency. On the way, he picked up a Doctorate from Columbia University, a Law Degree from Temple University, and was a Pickett Fellow at Harvard. Not bad for a guy whose principal told his parents that he wouldn't amount to much.I found this interview to be so captivating and entertaining. I didn't want it to end. I hope you guys feel the same. Please enjoy my conversation with Nick.In today's episode we discuss:.·      Why Nick left the NYPD after only seven years on the job. ·      His experience of being sent to the Woodstock music festival as security and meeting some of the musicians, including Jimi Hendrix.·      His part in the movie, The Anderson Tapes (Starring Sean Connery, Diane Cannon, and Christopher Walken). ·      How Nick wound up being the Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and the Deputy Chief Counsel for the President's Commission on Organized Crime.·      His awkward first meeting with President Reagan.· His becoming the director of the Wisconsin State Public Defender Agency and how he was not welcomed with open arms because him being a former police officer. ·      The changes he instituted in the public defender's office.·      His books, Weepers and Nunzio's Way. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Check out Nick's Amazon Author page!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of my two-part conversation with the amazing Nick Chiarkas! I really enjoyed talking to Nick and I think you guys are going to feel the same about this episode.  Nick grew up in the Al Smith housing projects on Manhattan's Lower East Side. When he was in the fourth grade, his mother was told by the principal of PS-1 that "Nick was unlikely ever to complete high school, so you must steer him toward a simple and secure vocation." Instead, Nick became a writer, with a few stops along the way: a U.S. Army Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division serving in the Viet Nam war, a New York City Police Officer, Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Deputy Chief Counsel for the President's Commission on Organized Crime; Chief Counsel for the USATBCB; and the Director of the Wisconsin State Public Defender Agency. On the way, he picked up a Doctorate from Columbia University, a Law Degree from Temple University, and was a Pickett Fellow at Harvard. Not bad for a guy whose principal told his parents that he wouldn't amount to much.I found this interview to be so captivating and entertaining. I didn't want it to end. I hope you guys feel the same. Please enjoy my conversation with Nick.In today's episode we discuss:.·      The principal who told Nick's folks that he would never graduate from high school. ·      Growing up in a housing project in New York in the 1950s to60s.·      The street gangs of that era and his affiliations.·      Volunteering to join the army and being in the elite 101st Airborne Division, serving in Vietnam.·      Why he became a New York Police Officer.·      The influence of his father and other relatives being police officers with the NYPD.·      Coming across an armed robbery in progress as a rookie cop, by himself!Check out Nick's Amazon Author page!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome back for the conclusion of my interview with Author and Retired DEA Special Agent Chris Feistl. Chris Feistl served with distinction for 26 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), retiring in 2014 as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division.After serving an initial six-year assignment in Miami, Florida, Chris was sent to Colombia in July 1994 and assigned to a special Task Force created to take down the notorious Cali cartel, “the most powerful criminal organization in the world." In Colombia, Chris partnered with Dave Mitchell, and together they spent almost three years investigating the cartel; their joint efforts resulting in the arrest of the four ruthless Cali “Godfathers” and the dismantlement of the biggest drug cartel in history.Chris has long been considered an expert on the Cali cartel, consistently making him a highly sought-after guest on television documentaries and podcasts with a particular focus on his pursuit of the Cali cartel leaders. Chris was portrayed in an 80-episode Spanish-language Netflix series entitled En la Boca del Lobo, as well as in Season 3 of Netflix's widely acclaimed hit Narcos Colombia: Rise of a New Empire, The Cali Cartel.Chris is also an author with his highly anticipated novel, After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History scheduled for release June 24. Please enjoy this enlightening and captivating conversation with DEA Special Agent Chris Feistl.In today's episode we discuss:.·      How he dealt with the rampant corruption within the Colombian police? Also, how he dealt with the changing political winds in the U.S. and Colombia.·      The Cali KGB, what this was, and how they combated this.·      Drawn and quartered with motorcycles on the Netflix show. How real was that? ·      How did the Cali Cartel dispose of bodies?·      What was the relationship with the CIA and FBI like during his work there?·      Using a chicken truck to arrest one of the Godfathers.·      When he feared the most for his life as a DEA Agent.·      His upcoming book, After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History. How did this happen, and why write the book?Learn more about Chris and his upcoming book!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to a bonus episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, with me being interviewed on the Things Police See Podcast hosted by Steve Gould!We talk about everything from rectal hot sauce to a last-second murder confession. Check out the most awesome Steve Gould's Things Pollice See Podcast!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of my interview with Author and retired DEA Special Agent Chris Feistl. Chris Feistl served with distinction for 26 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), retiring in 2014 as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division. After serving an initial six-year assignment in Miami, Florida, Chris was sent to Colombia in July 1994 and assigned to a special Task Force created to take down the notorious Cali cartel, “the most powerful criminal organization in the world." In Colombia, Chris partnered with Dave Mitchell, and together they spent almost three years investigating the cartel; their joint efforts resulting in the arrest of the four ruthless Cali “Godfathers” and the dismantlement of the biggest drug cartel in history. Chris has long been considered an expert on the Cali cartel, consistently making him a highly sought-after guest on television documentaries and podcasts with a particular focus on his pursuit of the Cali cartel leaders. Chris was portrayed in an 80-episode Spanish-language Netflix series entitled En la Boca del Lobo, as well as in Season 3 of Netflix's widely acclaimed hit Narcos Colombia: Rise of a New Empire, The Cali Cartel. Chris is also an author with his highly anticipated novel, After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History scheduled for release June 24. Please enjoy this enlightening and captivating conversation with DEA Special Agent Chris Feistl. In today's episode we discuss:. ·      How Chris got his start in law enforcement at the age of 20! ·      How he broke the news to his folks that he was going to Colombia to hunt down the biggest, most dangerous drug cartels in the world. ·      His first assignment as a rookie DEA agent in Miami during its cocaine heyday. ·      His first tour of duty in Colombia. ·      How did the Cali Cartel help take down Pablo Escobar? ·      Examples of how powerful and rich the Cali Cartel was at the height of their power. ·      What were the differences between the Cali Cartel and Pablo and the Medellin Cartel. ·      How NAFTA opened the door to the illegal drug trade coming into America. ·      How did two gringos, you and your partner blend in? ·      How did you deal with the rampant corruption within the Colombian police?  All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. My interview with Murph and JP about taking down Pablo Escobar. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1595839/episodes/11030413 Learn more about Chris and his upcoming book!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome back to the conclusion of my interview with retired Las Vegas Metro Lieutenant Randy Sutton. Most cops, including myself, have a recurring nightmare of being in a gunfight and their firearm malfunctioning or their rounds hitting the bad guy with no effect. My guest on today's show lived that nightmare, going toe to toe with a gunman less than a few feet away from him, with his pistol malfunctioning, and once he cleared his weapon, the rounds hitting, but having no effect. All the while the bad guy was firing his gun at him so closely he could see the fire coming out the barrel. Lt. Sutton joined the Princeton Police Department at 19 years of age, becoming one of the youngest Police Officers in the state. He served the town for ten years before joining the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he served for almost 24 years, retiring at the rank of lieutenant. During his service, he distinguished himself as one of the highest decorated officers in department history, having earned multiple Lifesaving awards, Exemplary Service awards, Community service,e and a Medal for Valor.The good lieutenant is also a public speaker, prolific author, podcaster, and the founder of Wounded Blue whose mission is to improve the lives of injured and disabled law enforcement officers by providing support, education, assistance and legislative advocacy to our true American heroes.Please enjoy this often raw and very real conversation with Lieutenant Randy Sutton.In today's episode we discuss:.·      Saving a baby who was shot in a drive-by shooting during a gang initiation.·      Randy's career progression in the Vegas Metro PD. ·      Randy's opinion of the Vegas Metro PD now compared to back when he was on the job.·      The biggest changes in the department in the last twenty years.·      How many times was he told by tourists that prostitution is legal in Vegas?·      What if anything is being done about prostitution in Las Vegas?·      How is order kept in a town that is flooded with drunk/high tourists who are vulnerable to criminality?·      How Randy dealt with an unexpected end to his law enforcement career.·      What is The Wounded Blue? What he is trying to accomplish with this organization, and how can we help?Visit the Wounded Blue website and donate to this worthy cause!Visit Randy's website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of my show with retired Las Vegas Metro Lieutenant Randy Sutton. Most cops, including myself, have a reoccurring nightmare of being in a gunfight and their firearm malfunctioning or their rounds hitting the bad guy with no effect. My guest on today's show lived that nightmare, going toe to toe with a gunman less than a few feet away from him, with his pistol malfunctioning, and once he cleared his weapon, the rounds hitting, but having no effect. All the while, the bad guy was firing his gun at him so closely he could see the fire coming out of the barrel. Lt. Sutton joined the Princeton Police Department at 19 years of age, becoming one of the youngest Police Officers in the state. He served the town for ten years before joining the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he served for almost 24 years, retiring at the rank of lieutenant. During his service, he distinguished himself as one of the highest decorated officers in department history, having earned multiple Lifesaving awards, Exemplary Service awards, Community service, and a Medal for Valor.The good lieutenant is also a public speaker, prolific author, podcaster, and the founder of Wounded Blue, whose mission is to improve the lives of injured and disabled law enforcement officers by providing support, education, assistance, and legislative advocacy to our true American heroes.Please enjoy this often raw and very real conversation with Lieutenant Randy Sutton.In today's episode we discuss:.·      Why and how he got involved in law enforcement.·      How he became a police officer at the young age of nineteen. ·      The best and worst parts of being a small town cop in Princeton New Jersey.·      Starting over his law enforcement career in the Las Vegas Metro Police Department.·      The challenges and problems with starting over in Vegas and being one of the oldest recruits in the academy. ·      Responding to an active shooter at a high school.·      Going toe to toe with an armed suspect and having your gun malfunction.·      Testifying in a Coroner's Inquest and facing the suspect's mother.·      The aftermath of being in a fatal confrontation.Visit the Wounded Blue website and donate to this worthy cause!Visit Randy's website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome back to the conclusion of a special two part show with former FBI Special Agent, Zach Schoffstall. You never embarrass the bureau! The truth and facts of a case be damned! That is what happened to my guest at the end of his FBI career. Let's take a closer look at my guest on the show today. Zach started serving his country as an intelligence officer in the United States air force where he was stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan for four years. He then continued to serve his country transitioning from his military career to becoming a special agent in the FBI where he served for 16 years. While at the FBI, Zach rose to the rank of Supervisory Special Agent working at a variety of work locations throughout the United States and variety of assignments including, teaching practical applications, tactics, and firearms, SWAT operator and team leader, being on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Safe Streets Gang Task Force, DEA Narcotics Task Force, and Virginia State Police Narcotics Task Force, and eventually Provided leadership as the Supervisory Senior Special Agent in charge of all counterterrorism and criminal investigations in North Idaho.  Due to a series of events that were politically motivated, and illegal, his life was turned upside down and was eventually terminated for upholding the law and doing the right thing.This is a story of corruption and abuse of power that went to the top of the FBI food chain. Zach and his family were punished for him standing up to his corrupt supervisors who bent to political pressure, instead of following the law and doing the right thing. Zach never imagined that “Never embarrass the bureau” mantra would have cost him so much and forced him into being a whistleblower, and eventually costing him his distinguished career. This week's episode will dive deeper into the ugly circumstances that cost this good man his career. Never embarrass the bureau, Zach never thought by standing up and doing the right thing would send his career into a tailspin and cost him his job and much more. In today's episode we discuss:.·      The summer of 2022 pride event in Idaho. The FBI monitoring general threat traffic.·      A threat of ANTIFA. ·      A call came in that a group of individuals were coming in a U-Haul wearing masks and carrying shields and poles. The chief arrested everyone for conspiracy to riot with no probable cause.·      The next few days you were doing updates with HQ and the US Attorney's office. There was an Assistant USA whose daughter was going through transition and wanted to throw the book at them.·      Counter terrorism was aware of this group and they were known to be non-violent. ·      The three-way call between you, FBI management, and US Attorney's office. Including FBI HQ rep.·      Behind all of this was an AUSA, FBI management, and Female FBI supervisor were scheming to have a female FBI agent to swear to the warrant, even though she didn't know the facts.·      Zach was taken off the case and they handed it off to another group of FBI agents. Ordered not to talk about it. ·      What retaliation from the FBI looks like.·      “You don't embarrass the bureau.”Visit Zach on Instagram at zach_schoffstallCheck out the new Cops and Writers YouTubWhat would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textToday is a bonus episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast I shall name, Author Spotlight. Think of it as an offshoot of the Cops and Writers Podcast, with more of an emphasis on giving writers actionable help with the authorly side of things. Not a bunch of fluff or theories. Concrete things that will help you build your author career. Think of this as an experiment, for now.I am not abandoning the Cop side of Cops and Writers! I will continue to bring you the best police or criminal guests to entertain, compel, and inspire you. For today's episode, I brought in a friend of the show and a publishing heavy hitter, Bryan Cohen. Bryan Cohen runs Best Page Forward, a company that helps authors to learn, profit, sustain, and scale their author careers. He's helped over 30,000 authors through his Ad Challenges and his Sell More Books Show Podcast has run every week for over a decade. Bryan's Author Ad Agency manages ads for authors selling millions of dollars in book sales per year.Bryan knows his stuff and has helped me throughout my writing career! Please enjoy my chat with the most awesome, Bryan Cohen!In today's episode we discuss:.·      How much of the experience of doing standup comedy at a young age helped you later on in life? · Real-world experience! Many authors don't have it. How do you overcome that?·      Bryan's book, “How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis.”·      What are the most common errors you see in book descriptions and how do we get better at writing them? What are the “must have's” in a book description?·      Will AI take over your best page forward blurb writing business? Or will you use it to help your business?·      The Sell More Books Show Podcast. I have been a long time listener and it was super helpful when I was new to the biz. Long time with Jim, some time with Claire, and now the rotating hosts and cut down on the length of the show. What is the future of the show? Why get rid of Patreon?·      How do we grow sustainable author practices? It can be a grind, but there is no silver bullet. Every profitable author I know has worked their butts off, especially the first few years and built up a big catalogue. There is no getting around that. I think it comes down to your own definition of success and what you want out of writing. ·      Speaking of success, how are you helping authors build a six-figure business in publishing? Things authors are doing right, and not so right.·      Author ad challenge. What is it and how does it help?·      What are some best marketing practices for fiction/nonfiction/memoirs?  ·      A.I., the cows are out of the barn! Where do you see it going and as authors, how do we use it to help our author careers? The Atlantic Article regarding Meta taking author's work and training their AI with it.Visit Bryan over at Best Page Forward! Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of a special two part show with former FBI Special Agent, Zach Schoffstall. Zach started serving his country as an intelligence officer in the United States air force where he was stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan for four years. He then continued to serve his country transitioning from his military career to becoming a special agent in the FBI where he served for 16 years. While at the FBI, Zach rose to the rank of Supervisory Special Agent working at a variety of work locations throughout the United States and variety of assignments including, teaching practical applications, tactics, and firearms, SWAT operator and team leader, being on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Safe Streets Gang Task Force, DEA Narcotics Task Force, and Virginia State Police Narcotics Task Force, and eventually Provided leadership as the Supervisory Senior Special Agent in charge of all counterterrorism and criminal investigations in North Idaho.  Due to a series of events that were politically motivated, and illegal, his life was turned upside down and was eventually terminated for upholding the law and doing the right thing.This is a story of corruption and abuse of power that went to the top of the FBI food chain. Zach and his family were punished for him standing up to his corrupt supervisors who bent to political pressure, instead of following the law and doing the right thing. Zach never imagined that “Never embarrass the bureau” mantra would have cost him so much and forced him into being a whistleblower, and eventually costing him his distinguished career. I wanted you all to get to know Zach, the man and his life and career progression. You can't help but like this guy. He served his country in many ways and was thrown under the bus by the agency that he devoted his life to. So, this episode is mostly devoted to that. Next week's episode will dive deeper into the ugly circumstances that cost this good man his career.In today's episode we discuss:.·      How does a kid from Montana who was thinking of becoming a race car driver become an FBI agent?. ·      Zach's path into military duty. What exactly does an intelligence officer do?·      Zach's distinguished career progression with the FBI. ·      Zach being SWAT and firearms instructor. What exactly is a FBI SWAT operator?·      Working on task forces.·      Transferred to Idaho as a boss. What was that rank and responsibilities?·      Two big issues Zach was forewarned about, US Attorney's office and Violent crime task force. How did this play out?·      What Zach thought of FBI leadership at this point of his career. Visit Zach on Instagram at zach_schoffstallCheck out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to the conclusion of a special two part show with fan favorite, former Gambino Family Mobster turned mafia historian and international bestselling author, Louis Ferrante. Mr. Ferrante grew up in New York City and became entangled in the Gambino crime family. He was eventually arrested and served almost ten years in prison. While he was incarcerated, he taught himself to write, and he fell in love with books. He promised himself that he would someday become an international bestselling author, and he did!Louis Ferrante is an international bestselling author, including his newest book, Borgata: Clash of Titans: A History of the American Mafia: Volume 2 of the Borgata Trilogy. He is also a global speaker and television host for Discovery Networks International. His books have been translated into twenty languages and his television series has aired in over 200 countries and territories around the world.Please enjoy this conversation where we discuss the head of the Kennedy clan, Joe Kennedy and his affiliation with the mob, his manipulation of American Politics that led to his sons John F. Kennedy becoming president and Bobby Kennedy becoming attorney general and both of their eventual assignations. We also dive into the hatred between FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and the Kennedy's. We also discuss mob and union bosses Jimmy Hoffa, Sam Giancana, Carlos Marcello, Florida don Santo Trafficante and a host of other prominent mafia characters.In today's episode we discuss:.·      J. Edgar Hoover, The Kennedys, and the mob. ·      FBI conducting illegal wiretaps and other illegal activities regarding the mob.·      The mob and the bay of pig's connection.·      The United States hiring mafia hitmen to take out Fidel Castro.·      The Lee Harvey Oswald and Jack Ruby connection with the mob.·      J. Edgar Hoover withholding information on the John F. Kennedy assassination that could have saved his life.·      The Warren Commission. ·      The movie The Godfather and blowback from the real mafia.·      The Jimmy Hoffa / Richard Nixon and the mob connection. Visit Lou on his website to learn more about him and his books!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of a special two-part show with former Gambino Family Mobster turned mafia historian and international bestselling author Louis Ferrante. Mr. Ferrante grew up in New York City and became entangled in the Gambino crime family. He was eventually arrested and served almost ten years in prison. While he was incarcerated, he taught himself to write, and he fell in love with books. He promised himself that he would someday become an international bestselling author, and he did!Louis Ferrante is an international bestselling author, including his newest book, Borgata: Clash of Titans: A History of the American Mafia: Volume 2 of the Borgata Trilogy. He is also a global speaker and television host for Discovery Networks International. His books have been translated into twenty languages, and his television series has aired in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.Please enjoy this conversation where we discuss the head of the Kennedy clan, Joe Kennedy and his affiliation with the mob, his manipulation of American Politics that led to his sons John F. Kennedy becoming president and Bobby Kennedy becoming attorney general and both of their eventual assignations. We also dive into the hatred between FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and the Kennedy's. We also discuss mob and union bosses Jimmy Hoffa, Sam Giancana, Carlos Marcello, Florida don Santo Trafficante and a host of other prominent mafia characters.In today's episode we discuss:.·      Does Lou ever feel like his life is in danger because of writing these books? He exposes a lot of dirt, some known some unknown on some very powerful families (both mob and non-mob) and politicians..·      The first book of the trilogy, Borgata: Rise of Empire: A History of the American Mafia (Borgata Trilogy).·      The history of the Catholic religion and the mob. ·      Chicago politics and organized crime.·      Trump signing off on the Warren Commission files. What, if any, startling revelations will come out of this? Who do you think killed Kennedy? ·      The rumblings in the mob to kill John F and Bobby Kennedy.·      Joe Kennedy. The big boss of the family. His alliance with the mob, bootlegging, killing illegal aliens (dumping them off boats), FDR and Joe Kennedy?·      Joe Kennedy aspiring to become president but was anti-democracy. More pro-Hitler and Nazis. ·      Joe Kennedy having girlfriend's and then handing them down to his sons after he was done with them.·      JFK, war hero and second son of the Kennedys. Joe had him picked to become president. Joe made a deal with Sam Giancana (Chicago mob) to get his son elected in a very close race between him and Nixon.·      Bobby Kennedy was thought of as a slacker and a wimp. Not up to par for the Kennedy persona.·      Bobby Kennedy going after the teamsters and Jimmy Hoffa. History of Bobby Kennedy and Jimmy Hoffa.·      Frank Sinatra and the mob? Unofficial liaison?Visit Lou on his website to learn more about him and his books!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to the conclusion of a special two part show with renowned advocate and expert in the field of human trafficking, and the founder of Libertas International Tyler Schwab. I'm going to warn you that the subject matter we cover during this interview is deeply disturbing and shocking, but I believe necessary to uncover the tragedy that is human trafficking.Here are some shocking numbers for you think about. It is estimated that over 40 million victims worldwide are trapped in human trafficking today. One in four victims are children. Human trafficking generates over 150 Billion dollars annually. This sick and twisted business has to be exposed and stopped!Tyler and his nonprofit Libertas International are doing their best to put an end to this horrible business and help the survivors of this despicable industry.  If you are a regular listener to the show, you know I like to have fun and attempt to lighten serious subjects. That wasn't possible for this episode. We are talking about modern slavery. But I feel that we need to bring this crime to light and punish the criminals who facilitate this heinous crime.In today's episode we discuss:·      The Mexican border. Lot's being said about it, how much of human trafficking happening with border hoppers?·      How can Human Trafficking be stopped and how did it get so out of control?.·      The cooperation with law enforcement in the USA and other countries? What does this look like?·      What can be done to help the victims? Especially children.·      The danger of what you are doing to you and loved ones.·      How can people help? What are the red flags of human trafficking?·      It feels hopeless, is it? What are the trends and is this crisis getting worse or better?Please visit Tyler's website and consider donating to this worthy cause!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.  What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of a special two-part show with renowned advocate and expert in the field of human trafficking, and the founder of Libertas International Tyler Schwab. I'm going to warn you that the subject we cover during this interview is deeply disturbing and shocking, but I believe necessary to uncover the tragedy that is human trafficking.Here are some shocking numbers for you to think about. It is estimated that over 40 million victims worldwide are trapped in human trafficking today. One in four victims are children. Human trafficking generates over 150 Billion dollars annually. This sick and twisted business has to be exposed and stopped!Tyler and his nonprofit Libertas International are doing their best to put an end to this horrible business and help the survivors of this despicable industry. If you are a regular listener to the show, you know I like to have fun and attempt to lighten serious subjects. That wasn't possible for this episode. We are talking about modern slavery. But I feel we need to bring this crime to light and punish the criminals who facilitate this heinous crime.In today's episode we discuss:·      How witnessing a crime on January 6, 2011, changed his life forever.·      Tyler's beginnings in fighting modern slavery.·      What is Human Trafficking? You have heard it, why is in the shadows of mainstream media and pop culture?·      40 million people trapped in Human trafficking in the world! How can this be?·      How does human trafficking generate over 150 billion a year?·      How he educated himself regarding human trafficking and how and why he started his non-profit, Libertas International.·      The border crisis and human trafficking. ·      The Columbian connection.Please visit Tyler's website and consider donating to this worthy cause!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.  What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textThank you for joining me today for a truly enjoyable and informative chat with Dr. Danna Kollmann. I knew this was going to be a lot of laughs when I was going to interview Dr. Kollmann, the author of Never Suck on a Dead Man's Hand: Curious Adventures of a CSI. Dana Kollmann is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice. Dana received her BS in Anthropology from Towson State University, a Master of Forensic Science from George Washington University and a MS and PhD in Anthropology from American University.  Dana's experience in forensic archaeology and anthropology has been obtained primarily through her training at the Smithsonian Institution, where she worked in museums throughout the United States performing examinations of curated skeletal collections.Dana has 11 years of crime lab experience, 10 of which was obtained through her work as a Forensic Services Technician with the Baltimore County Police Department where she processed hundreds of crime scenes working as a Crime Scene Technician. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kollmann as much as I did recording it. In today's episode we discuss:·      The real-life story of where Dr. Kollmann came up with the title of her book, Never Suck a Dead Man's Hand.·      Why she chose to become a CSI and not a police officer.·      How much of an influence her father, a police officer was in her career trajectory. ·      Her making a cat stew as a youngster.·      Her first crime scene off training, which happened to be a homicide.·      The strangest piece of evidence she encountered processing a crime scene as a CSI.·      The most satisfying case she processed.·      A spinning ceiling fan with parts of a human head attached.·      Dingo attack!·      P.R. dust.·      Her book, Never Suck on a Dead Man's Hand: Curious Adventures of a CSI.·      Getting a human skull through TSA.Grab your copy of Dana's book, Never Suck a Dead Man's Hand: Curious Adventures of a CSI. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.  What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show

Send us a textThis is going to be a different Cops and Writers episode. Today's interview is like something you would see in a movie or read in a piece of fiction. Unfortunately for my guest, she was forced to live and still lives this nightmare. Dr. Jan Canty was married and going through the process of attaining her PhD. Unknown to her, her husband, a psychology professor, was leading a double life of frequenting a prostitute and befriending her pimp. This cost him all of their money, and ultimately his life, in a brutal killing where he was chopped up into pieces and spread out over Michigan. Dr. Jan Canty recounts this harrowing series of events in her book, A Life Divided: A Psychologist's memoir about the double life and murder of her husband - and her road to recovery. Dr. Jan Canty is a Psychologist, Author, Podcast Host, Speaker... and Homicide Survivor. She has worked in clinical psychology for over thirty years in a private practice setting, large psychiatric hospital, teaching graduate school and consulting with attorneys and the federal government. She is an author and hosts the Domino Effect of Murder Podcast. Dr. Canty is a champion of the often overlooked or poorly treated homicide survivors. Her passionate is finding ways to support and help other so-called homicide or suicide survivors. Please enjoy this honest and sometimes raw conversation with Dr. Canty.In today's episode we discuss:·      Dr. Canty's road to a P.H.D.·      Living in the worst part of Detroit during its most violent time.·      How she met her late husband and their relationship. ·      How her late husband, the psychology professor, got involved with a valedictorian hooker and biker pimp?·      The events leading up to her late husband's brutal murder and dismemberment.·      The realization that her late husband had been living a double life.·      Navigating the criminal justice system after the arrest of those responsible for the killing of her late husband.·      How victim rights are not popular in today's culture and are often overlooked or ignored.·      Her book, A Life Divided: A Psychologist's Memoir About the Double Life and Murder of Her Husband - and Her Road to Recovery.·      Dr. Canty's podcast, The Domino Effect of Murder.Visit Dr. Canty's website to learn more about her and her work.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Support the show

Send us a textWelcome back to the conclusion of my special two-part show with Kansas City Police Detective Brent Cartwright. Retired Detective Brent Cartwright dedicated over 25 years to serving as a US Army veteran and police officer, spending more than a decade as an undercover detective. He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart and a Commendation for Valor. Cartwright is recognized by the US Criminal Courts as an expert witness in narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms crimes.Brent was shot six times with an AK-47 in the line of duty. He endured numerous surgeries and pushback from his own department. He eventually returned to duty, but discovered it wasn't working and received a medical retirement.  Brent recently wrote Undercover Junkie: Chasing Highs, Confronting Killers, and Unraveling in the Chaos that is due out February 15, 2025. This book takes you the reader through the career of someone who lived undercover for over ten years and was addicted to the adrenaline dumps and excitement. Please enjoy this story of valor, self-awareness, and resiliency, with a real hero. It turns out that getting shot wasn't the worst thing.In today's episode we discuss:·      The circumstances of him getting shot six times with an AK-47 and surviving.·      How long he was in the hospital, and recovery? Did he want to get back to work immediately?·      Was there mandatory psych treatment? What did that look like? ·      What were his considerations for taking a medical retirement?·      What was his reaction?·      Working the 2020 riots.·      Retirement from law enforcement. What did that look like for you?·      How he delt, and deals with PTSD.·      His book, Undercover Junkie: Chasing Highs, Confronting Killers, and Unraveling in the Chaos.Visit Brent's website to learn more about him and his newest book!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of a special two-part show with Kansas City Police Detective Brent Cartwright. Retired Detective Brent Cartwright dedicated over 25 years to serving as a US Army veteran and police officer, spending more than a decade as an undercover detective. He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart and a Commendation for Valor. Cartwright is recognized by the US Criminal Courts as an expert witness in narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms crimes.Brent was shot six times with an AK-47 in the line of duty. He endured numerous surgeries and pushback from his own department. He eventually returned to duty but discovered it wasn't working and received a medical retirement.  Brent recently wrote Undercover Junkie: Chasing Highs, Confronting Killers, and Unraveling in the Chaos which is due out February 15, 2025. This book takes you, the reader, through the career of someone who lived undercover for over ten years and was addicted to the adrenaline dumps and excitement. Please enjoy this story of valor and resiliency with a real hero. It turns out that getting shot wasn't the worst thing.In today's episode we discuss:·      It turns out that getting shot wasn't the worst thing. What does that Mean?·      How Brent got into police work.·      What his parents and then-girlfriend, now wife thought.·      His time in the Army and how that prepared him for police work.·      Getting run over by a drunk driver.·      How far into his career did he get into undercover work?·      What were his preconceived notions of undercover work compared to the reality of doing the work?·      The circumstances of him getting shot six times with an AK-47 and surviving.Visit Brent's website to learn more about him and his newest book!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textGood evening everyone. It's evening as I record this special solo episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast.Why do a solo episode? Good Question. I have been super busy taking care of my wife who had a total knee replacement surgery a couple of days ago. She's a tough cookie but needs a little help from me and that has put most things on the back-burner, including this podcast. So, I thought it would be a good idea to answer some questions from the Cops and Writers Facebook group with stories from my career in law enforcement. In today's episode we discuss: ·       The impending release of The Good Collar. Getting the cover to conform with Amazon, and releasing the paperback, then the hardcover, and then the Kindle version very soon!! Some reviews have already come out on Goodreads, with an average of 4.5! For Goodreads that is awesome! Thanks to everyone who was a beta and ARC reader!·      Fred Snyder asks: Current day United States. How much/what kind of paperwork is involved if a Federal officer (FBI, USSS, DHS) draws his/her gun? Doesn't fire it, just draws it. ·      Connie Albus asks:  A husband and wife are found dead, both with bullet wounds but the coroner is not sure if the husband murdered his wife then committed suicide due to the angle of the bullet wounds on him, or if it was a double murder.  On the coroner's report would it show hers as "homicide" and his as "homicide/suicide"?  or other wording?  Thanks for the help.  (story takes place in the USA) _(added the remains were found in a burned building). Rich Rybicki and Scott Morales did a great job answering and I added that we never assume anything, it's a double homicide until it isn't. The totality of the circumstances comes into play here. Were there any 911/DV calls at the address? Did they find a gun, if so, where was it? Is there a motive, such as an impending divorce or other problems? Any history of calls of one of them having a mental illness crisis? Was there a note? There was a fire, so that might be tricky. Witness statements or video? ·      Allison Holland-Ray asks: In modern times, Portland, Maine, I have a suspect who's pointing his gun at two bystanders, while three officers all point their weapons at him. What is the protocol for getting him to drop his weapon? Right now, I have written that the officers are talking to him and they put their weapons down to show they are willing to talk. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textIt should be noted that this episode was recorded on January 2, 2025, one day after the terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Of course, there will be new information as the investigations proceed regarding these horrific acts of cowardly violence. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. We touch on this topic, but know that all the facts aren't in and we may never know exactly what the motives were, how many were involved, and what could have been done to prevent these tragedies.Today on the show I was lucky enough to get back up from my friend and fellow author, retired Chicago Police Department Detective Lieutenant Richard Rybicki.The good lieutenant served for over 29 years on the Chicago Police Department where he worked as a Patrol Officer, Tactical Officer, Gang Crimes Specialist, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Detective Lieutenant. His last assignment was as the Lieutenant/commanding officer of the Area Three Homicide/Sex/Gang Crimes unit.Thank you for joining us as we look back on 2024 and peer into 2025 with all its good, bad, and ugly.In today's episode we discuss:·      What's a “ghoul pool” and other New Year's Eve stories from big city cops.·      What really happens in big cities in the United States on New Year's and how the cops cope with the stress.·      Me almost getting shot on my second New Year's Eve as a rookie cop.·      The terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year's.·      What is the FBI doing about these attacks?·      144 police officers killed in the line of duty in 2024.·      The problem with recruitment and retention of law enforcement in the U.S.A. ·      Writing and publishing trends in 2024.·      What's going to be big in 2025 in the writing biz? Visit Richard's author page on Amazon.Check out the Sam Laska Crime Thriller page on Facebook.Visit Richard at his website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textToday we are bringing back returning champ, retired NYPD Detective, Author, and Podcaster, Vic Ferrari. Vic worked a distinguished twenty-year career with the NYPD as a patrol officer and later moved up to the organized crime unit working in the auto theft squad as a detective. During his retirement, he wrote NYPD Tell All books. This has blossomed into a catalog of amazing books, including his latest NYPD: Presumption & Dysfunction!On the show today we discuss the homicide of United Health Care's CEO, Brian Thompson, and the suspected killer, Luigi Mangione, and his newest book,  NYPD: Presumption & Dysfunction.Please enjoy my chat with the informative and highly entertaining, Vic Ferrari!In today's episode we discuss:·      The homicide of United Health Care's CEO, Brian Thompson, and the suspected killer, Luigi Mangione.·      How the suspected killer Luigi Mangione was not a professional hitman like so many news agencies were portraying him early in the investigation!·      The ridiculous support he is getting from strangers.·      Vic's recent book release, NYPD: Presumption & Dysfunction (Tell All NYPD Books). ·      What do his former co-workers say about the books?·      The use of nicknames in police work. Some funny ones and if anyone has been salty about you bringing them up.·      Vic's nickname.·      Vic's podcast, NYPD Through The Looking Glass. Visit Vic Ferrari's Amazon Author Page to learn more about him and his books! Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Dark Mode with John CoyleThe first ever comedy podcast for entrepreneurs, marketers, and creatives.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to a bonus Christmas Eve Cops and Writers with my friend Chicago PD Detective Richard Rybicki!Today's bonus episode is filled with police stories from working Christmas during the holidays. We also both answer the burning question, is Die Hard a Christmas movie?Please enjoy this fun holiday Cops and Writers.In today's episode we discuss:·      How a suspect was throwing his own blood at Rich on Christmas.·      How the cops celebrated Christmas while working.·      Crackhead Christmas with a communist!·      Fighting with a gunshot victim in the back of an ambulance.·      Never volunteer. No good deed ever goes unpunished.·      Suicidal people during the holidays.·      Suicide hotline 988, the police hotline is 800-267-5463. You are not alone. Don't make a permanent decision based on a temporary situation!·      Is Die Hard a Christmas movie and some interesting Die Hard trivia.·      Rich's newest book series, The Corpse Whisperer. ·      Patrick's book, The Good Collar, is hopefully being released soon!! All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Visit Richard's author page on Amazon.Check out the Sam Laska Crime Thriller page on Facebook.Visit Richard at his website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Would you like to win a Free Kindle Fire and signed copies of the Good Collar? Here is the link!!Support the show

Send us a textToday we are traveling to the great white north, Canada where we are chatting with Stephen G. Metelsky, M.A. Steve is a criminal psychology professor at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. He also lectures about organized crime at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. Steve spent 21 years as a police officer and later was promoted to sergeant with the Halton Regional Police Service & the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He specialized in traditional organized crime, informant development and undercover operations as an operator and covert handler. Please enjoy this eye-opening and entertaining conversation with Steve.In today's episode we discuss:·      How Steve got interested in police work.·      Life as a recruit in a Canadian police academy back in the 1990s.·      The best job on the police force, sergeant!·      Steve's first exposure to undercover police work.·      “Good Stress” in police work.·      Steve specializes in organized crime, undercover operations, and informant development.·      Mexican drug cartels, Hell's Angels, the Wolfpack alliance, and Asian gangs in Canada.·      Steve's book, Undercover: Stories from the underworld of law enforcement.Head on over to Steve's website to learn more about him and his books!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textToday we are traveling across the pond to England to speak to Author, Award-Winning Journalist, and Television Producer Robert Murphy and Retired British Police Officer Michelle Leonard. Ron Evans, aka, The Clifton Rapist, had been arrested and convicted of raping and killing a young woman but only served 10 years in prison. In 1979, when he was released from prison, he went back to his criminal behavior and raped at least 7 young women eluding the police for several years.There was an incredible public outcry for the police to capture this maniac. In complete secrecy, a daring new plan was introduced, unlike anything previously attempted by a UK police force. A small group of young female officers – some just 18 – put their lives on the line, walking the quiet residential roads late at night, acting as bait until one fateful night The Clifton Rapist attacked Undercover Police Officer Michelle Leonard who was acting as a decoy. Please enjoy this incredible story told by the police officer who lived it and the journalist who wrote the book and produced the movie, Decoy: The gripping true crime story of one of Britain's most shocking and secretive historical undercover police operations.In today's episode we discuss:·      How Michelle got interested in police work.·      How many years she was in the police force when she was approached to become a decoy. ·      Bristol 1979 being a safe area before the Clifton Rapist started his one-man crime wave. ·      How the British police force investigated sexual crimes back then without the aid of modern science.·      What it was like for Michelle when this homicidal manic attempted to assault her.·      Robert Murphy's interest in the case and the book he wrote and the documentary he made depicting this case. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Please visit Robert's website to learn more about him, Michelle, and his work.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textGet your pen and paper ready to take notes! Today's show is for you writers out there or those of you who are curious how a New York Bestselling author navigates the ever-changing waters of publishing books and collaborating with other authors. On the show today we chat with J.D. Barker and Christine Daigle.J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL, THE FOURTH MONKEY, A CALLER'S GAME AND BEHIND A CLOSED DOOR. He is currently collaborating with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television.By day, Christine Daigle is a clinical neuropsychologist whose work includes brain-computer interfaces translating brain signals into commands to control technology. When she has time, Christine Daigle is a multi-genre author whose latest release, Heavy Are The Stones, is a serial killer thriller co-authored with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker. She and Barker are also collaborating on a reboot of Flatliners, based on the original screenplay.In today's episode we discuss:·      Their experience at Author Nation writers' convention.·      The attention grabbing first line of Behind a Closed Door, “Would you kill a stranger to save your partner?”·      Pushing sexual boundaries in books and movies.·      The essential elements to writing a good thriller!·      The research involved with the controversial book, Behind a Closed Door.·      How to overcome writer's block.·      Best advice for new writers or those writers trying to up their game.Check out Christine's website to learn more about her and her books!Head on over to J.D.'s website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textOn the show today we are going true crime detailing the murder for hire plot involving former NYPD Police Officer Valerie Cincinelli. On May 17th, 2019, Valerie solicited her boyfriend, John DiRubba, to hire a hitman to murder his own daughter and Valerie's ex-husband, Isaiah Carvalho. Isaiah and John worked with the FBI to secretly record conversations and to stage a crime scene photo which was sent to John by an FBI agent posing as a hitman. To help me out today I brought in my favorite NYPD Detectives, Marique Bartoldus and Vic Ferrari. They both gave us invaluable insights into the NYPD and incredible feedback regarding the case, not to mention some laughs.Please enjoy this story of greed, jealousy, lust, and sometimes, just plain stupidity.In today's episode we discuss:·      We talk about Vic Ferrari's newest book, NYPD: Presumption & Dysfunction and Marique Bartoldus' book, Twenty and Out.·      The term, ‘hairbag'. ·      The evolution of Valerie Cuccinelli's career with the NYPD. ·      The beginnings of her breakup with her husband and starting an affair.·      Valerie's unusual behavior.·      The FBI staging her husband's murder and the sting operation that led to her arrest.·      Valerie's eventual arrest and resignation from the NYPD.·      Final thoughts regarding this case.Check out Marique's Amazon Author Page.Visit Vic Ferrari's Amazon Author Page to learn more about him and his books!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome back for the conclusion of my very special two-part interview with Susan Snow. Susan Snow is the daughter of LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, who was killed in the line of duty on October 31, 1985,  in a contract hit while driving his six year old son to school. Thomas shielded his son from a hail of gunfire, saving his sons life while giving up his own. Detective Williams was a hero on so many levels.Susan was only seventeen years old and a senior in high school at the time of this incident. Susan's book "The Other Side of the Gun" was born out of Susan's journey through the trauma she experienced with the death of her father. She wrote it to heal herself and help others heal through her words and experiences. Thank you Susan for sharing your story with us. I would like to dedicate this episode to your father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, end of watch October 31, 1985. Rest easy hero.In today's episode we discuss:·      Was justice ever served?·      Why she wrote the book, The Other Side of The Gun. How this book changed her and her loved ones. ·      The movie, In The Line of Duty, The Price of Vengeance that depicted her father's murder. ·      Are you hyper vigilant with your family and yourself?·      Did she ever consider becoming a cop? What if her kids want to?·      What advise she would give to anyone who is going through this type of trauma.·      Her new career being a public speaker.·      Bulldoze fear!Visit Susan's website to learn more about her and her book.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of a very special two-part interview with my guest Susan Snow. Susan Snow is the daughter of LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, who was killed in the line of duty on October 31, 1985,  in a contract hit while driving his six year old son to school. Thomas shielded his son from a hail of gunfire, saving his sons life while giving up his own. Detective Williams was a hero on so many levels.Susan was only seventeen years old and a senior in high school at the time of this incident. Susan's book "The Other Side of the Gun" was born out of Susan's journey through the trauma she experienced with the death of her father. She wrote it to heal herself and help others heal through her words and experiences. Thank you, Susan, for sharing your story with us so we can better understand and appreciate the heroes and their families who have had to endure these types of tragedies. In today's episode we discuss:·      The murder of LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams on October 31, 1985.·      How she was forgotten due to the attention that was focused on her brother and mother. ·      Finally realizing that her father was killed in a contract hit because he was a LAPD detective. ·      Having a father who was a LAPD detective and trying to be a normal teenager.·      Her grief process and negative experience with her therapist.·      Lunch with a nun.·      Discovering she had PTSD and how she coped with this diagnosis.·      How Susan navigated having a mom with a drinking problem, getting through her senior year of high school, and processing her father's murder. Visit Susan's website to learn more about her and her book.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textIt's been a while since I recorded a question-and-answer episode, so that is what we are doing today. A very special thank you to the members of the Cops and Writers Facebook group for the questions.I was lucky enough to get back up from my friend and fellow author, retired Chicago Police Department Detective Lieutenant, Richard Rybicki.The good lieutenant served for over 29 years on the Chicago Police Department where he worked as a Patrol Officer, Tactical Officer, Gang Crimes Specialist, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Detective Lieutenant. His last assignment was as the Lieutenant/commanding officer of the Area Three Homicide/Sex/Gang Crimes unit.In today's episode we discuss:·      Rick's newest book series that is in development that has a very interesting plot twist! ·      Funny and disturbing Thanksgiving stories from the street.·      Alex Wilson asks; My story is a fictional murder in the UK.  Would a pathologist or similar ever go to see a body at the crime scene, to advise on the probable cause of death, possible weapons used etc, or would this only happen later at the postmortem?·      Sharon Reichs asks; How did you keep from killing a supervisor with all the liberal bullshit they spew as directives? (Not that I have an opinion or anything).·      Katherine Kovacic asks; What do you consider your best case and why? [Unrelated second question] Is there something you know now that you wish you knew then (specifically relating to policing!) and if so, what impact would that have had?·      Rose Bingham asks, Present day Chicago. A victim found strangled in the rain. Some paper found under her coat (that the killer would've handled) that didn't get wet had fingerprints on it (do-able?). Security camera at night had shown 2 separate people at the scene. I have the detective reviewing the footage but needs to have it blown up and possibly made a bit clearer. Who would be the people working on the footage?·      Lisa Messegee asks,California, present day, Is a detective required to attend the autopsy for a homicide victim? Would they want to, if it's not required? Could they delegate to a crime scene investigator?Visit Richard's author page on Amazon.Check out the Sam Laska Crime Thriller page on Facebook. Visit Richard at his website!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Wellness Thru Reading Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Send us a textToday's show is for you authors out there who want to up their writing game, or just have a laugh, because we had a lot of fun recording this episode. I traveled across the pond, virtually, to Jolly Old England and was lucky enough to have Cara Clare and James Blatch from the Indie Writers Club Podcast on the show today. Cara Clare a prolific author who has penned over 47 books, is known for her steamy paranormal and fantasy worlds, Cara's the queen of "why choose" adventures, where love knows no bounds and neither do her characters.Cara is best known for her TikTok sensation, The Phoenix Prophecy series, and also writes super spicy romantasy under Alexis Brooke and women's fiction under Poppy Pennington-Smith. Returning champion James Blatch is back on my show! Many of you know James from the wildly popular Self-Publishing Show Podcast that he co-hosted with Mark Dawson. He also co-founded the Self Publishing Formula (SPF) that has been rebranded as Lean Self Publishing. James is also a cold-war aviation thriller author.Cara and James now host the Indie Writers Club Podcast that is a lot of fun and gives valuable information for authors at all stages of their writing careers. Please enjoy this very wide raging show where we talked about everything from the ending of the Self-Publishing Podcast, why you aren't selling more books, me learning what a reverse harem's, the upcoming presidential elections in the United States, and of course, James doing his Mafia Vampire Romance impersonation. In today's episode we discuss:·      Why the Self-Publishing Podcast came to an end. ·      How the ending of the podcast and his partnership with Mark Dawson affected James personally and professionally.·      How Cara Clare produces an incredible number of words for her own books and as a ghostwriter. ·      How and why the Indie Writers Club Podcast started.·      The Discord channel.·      Why your books aren't selling.·      Taking a hard look at your title, blurb, and book cover and what they should and shouldn't have.Visit Cara at her website!Visit James at his website!Come join the fun at The Indie Writers Club Podcast!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Latin MinuteThe Latin Minute is your new favorite bilingual comedy podcast. Latinos living in SW FlListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Send us a textHave you ever told yourself that one day you will tell your parents story? I know I have. Both of my parents are immigrants who chased the American dream. But I still haven't, and I don't know why. My guest today, Shirley Novack, has done this and wrote a book about her father and his amazing life coming to America as a young teenager after living in a brothel for three years in Poland with his little brother. Her book, The Story Of… is a story of hardship, joy, overcoming the odds, and realizing the American dream!  Shirley also has some grand tales to tell from her life. Everything from living next to a victim of the Boston Strangler and being detained as a suspected terrorist by the Secret Service and local police. Please enjoy my chat with the captivating Shirley Novak. In today's episode we discuss:·      Having one of her neighbors killed by the Boston Strangler. ·      Her interest in true crime and wanting to be a police officer.·      Being detained by the Secret Service and police as a suspected terrorist. ·      Sitting next to a drug mule on an airplane.·      Her incredible book, The Story Of...·      Why she wrote the book.·      How she researched the book interviewing her relatives.·      What it was like for her telling her father's incredible story.Grab a copy of Shirley's book, The Story of...Visit Shirley on her website.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Support the show

Send us a textWelcome back to the conclusion of our special two-part interview with retired Death Investigator and author, Barbara Butcher of the New York City Medical Examiner's Office. Barbara Butcher spent 23 years at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner as a death investigator, director of the Forensic Sciences Training Program, and chief of staff. There she investigated more than 5500 deaths, 680 of them homicides. She worked mass disasters, including 9/11, the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, the London Underground bombing, and the crash of Flight 587.During this interview, Barbara opens up and lets us into the life of a death investigator being confronted with death and profound sadness on a daily basis and the toll it took on her physical and mental health. We also have a candid talk about alcoholism and her “rock bottom.” Barbara also shares her recovery from this deadly disease and the good that came from it.  I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.In today's episode we discuss:·      Tools of her trade as a death investigator. ·      The relationship she had with the cops and how they worked together to solve the crime.·      How the time of death gets determined in real life. Spoiler alert, not like what you see on T.V. or the movies.·      Advise for rookie death investigators or someone thinking about this job as a future career.·      Testifying in court. ·      What she misses the most about the job. ·      Faith in a higher power after being subjected to so much death and profound sadness.·      Why she wrote her book, “What the Dead Know” and why it is so popular.·      Her writing process.·      “You don't have that much time. Be kind.”Visit Barbara at her website!Purchase her book, What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death InvestigatorCheck out Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER and When Breath Becomes AirCheck out my newest book, The Good Collar!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textToday is episode one of a special two-part interview with retired Death Investigator and Author, Barbara Butcher of the New York City Medical Examiner's Office. Barbara Butcher spent 23 years at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner as a death investigator, director of the Forensic Sciences Training Program, and chief of staff. There she investigated more than 5500 deaths, 680 of them homicides. She worked mass disasters including 9/11, the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, the London Underground bombing, and the crash of Flight 587.During this interview, Barbara opens up and lets us into the life of a death investigator being confronted with death and profound sadness on a daily basis and the toll it took on her physical and mental health. We also have a candid talk about alcoholism and her “rock bottom.” Barbara also shares her recovery from this deadly disease and the good that came from it.  I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did. In today's episode we discuss:·      Her interview on the James Altucher Show Podcast and his notion that New York is dead, spoiler alert. She doesn't think so! ·      Her honesty and willingness to be vulnerable with her new book and this interview.·      Growing up in New York being the oldest of nine kids and her dad being on the New York Police Department rising to the rank of Deputy Inspector.·      Ghosts or other paranormal feelings being involved in 5,500 death investigations.·      Myths and misconceptions regarding alcoholism. ·      Barbara hitting rock bottom with her drinking and rising from the ashes. ·      How Barbara got the job with the New York Medical Examiner's Office as a death investigator and the training involved in her job.·      Her first time going to a death investigation solo.·      The job of the death investigator.Visit Barbara at her website!Purchase her book, What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death InvestigatorCheck out Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER and When Breath Becomes AirCheck out my newest book, The Good Collar! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome back to the conclusion of a special Cops and Writers Podcast where myself and my special co-host, Retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli will attempt to break down the problems with the United States Secret Service and what can be done to fix them. Because, who wants to hear a bunch of bitching and complaining without any answers?   I hope you enjoy this thought-provoking and critically important discussion. In today's episode, we discuss:·      How to fix the broken Secret Service. ·      Having Secret Service Agents go to Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, and work with the cops on the street. It's like army trauma surgeons going to ERs in these cities to learn how to work on gunshot wounds. They need to experience police work.·      The Congressional hearings and the grandstanding by the people asking the questions. It was nauseating. ·      Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and her incompetence as a leader, including the things she should have done as the director of the Secret Service.·      Secret Service Agent burnout and what can be done to alleviate this during an election cycle.·      Disbanding the United States Secret Service and having the FBI and U.S. Marshalls absorb those duties.Visit Peter's website to learn more about him and his books.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to part one of a special Cops and Writers Podcast. Today, myself and my special co-host, Retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli will attempt to break down the problems with the United States Secret Service and what can be done to fix them. Because who wants to hear a bunch of bitching and complaining without any answers?   I hope you enjoy this thought-provoking and critically important discussion. In today's episode, we discuss:·      My special co-host, Retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli. In January, Peter was on the show talking about Government Cover-Up and Corruption Surrounding Operation Fast and Furious. Peter has testified before Congress and was considered a whistle-blower for doing the right thing.·      In a historical event on July 15 in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump was shot in an assassination attempt. ·      How the gunman, 20 years old with little to no training, armed with an AR-15 platform rifle with scope, got on the roof of a shed 130 yards away from the former president.·      On September 16 at the Trump International Golf Course, a subject armed with an AK-47 with a scope, two ceramic plates and a GoPro and food lay in wait for about 12 hours, about 400-500 yards away in what the F.B.I. is calling an assassination attempt. The Secret Service fired at the gunman, and missed, who got away, but was captured later by local law enforcement. ·      The biased media's coverage of these events and the dangerous political rhetoric that is plaguing our country.·      The history of presidential attempted and completed assassinations.·      The difference between protection for a former president/candidate and a sitting president/vice president.·      Poor communication between the USSS and local law enforcement in Butler, Pennsylvania.·      The understaffing and inadequacies of some agents on scene in Butler Pennsylvania. Visit Peter's website to learn more about him and his books.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Support the show

Send us a textOn today's episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, we are hitting the road with retired Motorcycle Officer and Master Motorcycle Trainer Jerry “The Motorman” Palladino. I grew up watching CHIPs and have been riding motorcycles since I was 16. I love being on my bike, so I thought it would be fun to have a police motorcycle expert on the show. Jerry “The Motorman” Palladino served with the Pasco County Sheriff's Department for 25 years, 15 of those as a motorcycle officer. Jerry Palladino is a certified Police Motor Officer and certified Motor Officer Instructor. His extensive background as a Motor Officer Instructor and owner of Ride Like a Pro, Inc. in the State of Florida has Jerry Palladino ranked as the “go to” authority when it comes to anything dealing with motorcycles and rider training. Jerry is also called upon as an expert witness helping jurors understand the physics of motorcycling and the causes of most motorcycle accidents with his compelling expert witness testimony.Sit back and roll the throttle forward and enjoy my conversation with Jerry “The Motorman” Palladino. In today's episode we discuss:·      His beginnings as a lounge singer and entertainer before becoming a sheriff's deputy. ·      Why he decided to hand up his mic and become a sheriff's deputy.·      How and why, he became a motor officer. ·      What is the function of the motorcycle unit in a police department?·      Why motor officers are loved by their colleagues.·      Most common causes of car and motorcycle crashes.·      Jerry's ‘Ride Like a Pro' motorcycle course.·      Where he got his entrepreneurial spirit.Visit Jerry's website to learn more about Ride Like a Pro!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Support the show

Send us a textOn today's episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, we are going into the courtroom with Attorney and Author Mark Bruce. California native Mark Bruce attended Humboldt State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Journalism. He then attended UC Berkeley Law School, where he graduated with his jurist doctorate. While attending UC Berkeley, he was a finalist in an oral advocacy competition where he appeared before Justice Scalia, who told him. “I like you because you're not a wimp.”Attorney Bruce has been a lawyer for 38 years, 18 as a public defender. Presently, he works for Estelle & Kennedy doing criminal and family law.In 2018, he won the Black Orchid Novella Award and has appeared four times in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, including the May 2023 Cover Short Story. In today's episode, we discuss:·      His education in journalism and his shift to attend UC Berkeley law School. ·      His encounter with Supreme Court Justice Scalia as a law student.·      38 years as an attorney, 18 as a public defender. ·      Why is he a defense attorney?·      One of his most memorable cases as a defense attorney and what it meant to him personally.·      Winning the 2018 Black Orchid Novella Award and appearing 4 times in the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, including the May 2023 Cover Short Story.·      Why Perry Mason was a terrible lawyer.·      Has he ever refused to defend a client? Why?·      How he explains the fact that he defends guilty criminals.Visit Mark at his website to learn more about him and his work.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Support the show

Send us a textOn today's episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, we are going to the greater Cleveland area to chat with Bestselling Author, Drummer, and former Police Chief Rick Porrello.Rick's first career was as a jazz drummer. At the age of 18, he got his first big break when he started touring internationally with Sammy Davis, Jr. Despite a skyrocketing music career, Rick traded his sticks for a badge. What followed was a 33-year career as a police officer in Greater Cleveland, with the last ten of those years as chief of police.As an organized crime historian, Rick Porrello's perspective is an intriguing one. He began writing his first book during family research into the murders of his grandfather and three uncles, all of whom, he learned, were mob leaders killed in Prohibition-era violence. The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia quickly became a regional favorite.His second book caught Hollywood's eye before it was published. Hollywood snapped up To Kill the Irishman—the War that Crippled the Mafia and turned it into the movie Kill the Irishman, starring Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Christopher Walken, and Val Kilmer.Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation where we talk about everything from being on tour with Sammy Davis Jr, becoming a police officer and eventually becoming the chief of police, researching his family's organized crime roots, to writing bestselling books that become movies. In today's episode, we discuss:·      Playing the drums for Sammy Davis Jr. ·      Why Rick became a police officer and his career trajectory.·      How and why, he became a police chief. ·      Why are we, as a culture, so fascinated with organized crime?·      Omerta. What it is and what it means in mob culture.·      His father's pushback when writing the book, “The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia Corn Sugar and Blood.”.·      Elliot Ness and The Untouchables cleaning up police corruption in Cleveland.·      The book, “Kill the Irishman.” The story of Cleveland Mob Boss Danny Greene. Why he wrote this book and how it became a major motion picture.Visit Rick Porrello's website for links to his books. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Support the show

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what it would be like to be a female detective in the mean streets of New York City? Today's guest, Marique Bartoldus, is here to tell us all about it. She's a retired 20-year veteran of the NYPD and an author! Marique attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Police Science. Shortly after graduating, she was sworn into the NYPD, and after six months of training in the Police Academy, was assigned to Transit District 20. After a year, she was reassigned to Patrol Borough Queens South's 105th Precinct. She was assigned to multiple units within the Precinct including Patrol, Conditions, SNEU, Anti-Crime, and Field Intelligence, then left the 105th Precinct and became one of the first detectives assigned to the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad, where she investigated dog fighting and animal cruelty complaints throughout New York City. She returned to the 105th Precinct where she ended her career assigned to the Intelligence Bureau, investigating illegal firearm and narcotics sales and possession. She effected 400 arrests and executed hundreds of search warrants during her distinguished twenty-year career. Marique recently published Twenty and Out: A Compilation of Chaos Experienced while serving 20 years in the New York City Police Department, and I can't recommend this book enough.  Please enjoy this entertaining and honest conversation about being a big-city detective, through the eyes of someone who actually did the job. In today's episode, we discuss:·      The universal cop slang of Felonious Mopery.·      Her father being an NYPD homicide detective and growing up in a cop house.·      Coming to the NYPD a short time after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. ·      Working in the subway during a major power blackout.·      Working undercover, posing as a prostitute.·      Her promotion to the rank of detective.·      Being a cop on New Year's Eve working in Times Square.·      Marique's author career, including her debut book, Twenty and Out: A Compilation of Chaos Experienced while serving 20 years in the New York City Police DepartmentCheck out Marique's Amazon Author Page.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Support the show

Send us a textOn Today's show, we will chat with Award-Winning Author, Green Beret, and Former Secret Service Agent Steve Stratton!Steve joined the Army in 1973 at the age of 19. His first assignment – the White House Communications Agency supporting the President, Vice President and Secretary of State. The next four and a half years included trips to Russia, Africa, South America, the Pacific and all over the US. The transition to Secret Service was an easy move and Steve's role changed to that of Technical Security Specialist. Working at the White House when not on travel his more interesting tasks included managing suspicious package incidents, the Carter-Sadat-Begin peace accord meetings, and support for candidates during the 1980 Presidential Campaign.After a job change to take on a security role with DOE as a contractor, Steve also earned his Green Beret as a member of the National Guard 20th Special Forces. From 1986 until his retirement in 2000 Steve and his teams supported counter-drug missions in the US, Central and South America.Steve's contractor career includes programs at the FBI, the Pentagon, Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and US SOF commands.We also talk about Steve's newest book, Shadow Sanction. Please enjoy this amazing conversation with a guy who has been there and has done that. And yes, we do discuss the recent assassination attempt on President Trump and our mess of a withdrawal from Afghanistan. In today's episode we discuss:·      Protecting President Ford while skiing, when he didn't know how to ski.·      Why Steve Joined the Army and how his career progressed to Special Forces and earning the Green Beret.·      The difference between Special Forces (Green Berets), Ranger, Ranger Battalion, SEALS, Marine Force Recon, Delta Force, and Air Force PJ's. ·      The biggest misconceptions regarding S.F. you see in movies and books.·      With your experience, what is your opinion on our withdrawal from Afghanistan?·      Steve's path to becoming a Secret Service Agent.·      Looking at the recent assignation attempt on President Trump, what were the glaring errors? How can they be fixed?·      Steve's Award-Winning Author career.Check out Steve's website to learn more about him and his books!https://x.com/strattonbooksTwitter https://instagram.com/stevestrattonusa – Instagram https://facebook.com/stevestrattonusa - Facebook Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey. Pick it up today at http://kenhumphrey.comSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome everybody! On Today's show we are going to jail with Author and Jail Psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Baskin. Joseph H Baskin is a psychiatrist in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was Born and raised.After graduating medical school at The Ohio State University, he completed a surgical internship in Chicago.  Seeking a way to stab at patients without the use of a scalpel, he switched to psychiatry, training in The Harvard South Shore Program in Brockton, Massachusetts.Additional fellowships in the specialties of psychodynamic psychotherapy (Freudian-based without the sofa) and forensic psychiatry (the interface between the law and mental health) followed. His unique background has fostered an ability to work with varied populations, including incarcerated folks both in prison and in jails where the level of mental illness is far greater than the general population.Dr. Baskin's newest book, Burning River is his first in the Horror/Supernatural genre.Please enjoy this super informative conversation where we dig into the minds of criminals and not-so-criminal folks.In today's episode we discuss:·      Joseph's beginnings in medicine and how he became a physiatrist in prisons and jails.·      The concept of ‘re-parenting' and how it helps jail inmates. ·      Explaining ‘executive function.'·      PTSD and helping military veterans overcome mental challenges.·      Throwing pills at patients, the overprescribing of psych medications.·      Using de-escalation techniques in the jail/prison setting when dealing with inmates.·      Can people change for the better? ·      Dr. Baskin's wide variety of books and his writing process.Please visit Dr. Baskin's latest book, Burning River!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey. Pick it up today at http://kenhumphrey.comSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome everybody! Today's show is for you writers out there! No matter if you are a bestselling author with a huge backlist or you are just kicking around the idea of writing a book, today's show will have huge value to you!My guest on the show today is Clay Stafford! This guy has been in the entertainment business since he was 10 years old being discovered as a singer/actor child protégé in rural Appalachia. Did I mention he became a published author at age 10 and started a film production company at age 16?Clay is an award-winning author, screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker. He has sold over four million books that are available in 16 languages and has seen his film work distributed internationally in over 14 languages.Clay is the founder and operator of the acclaimed mystery/thriller writer's conference, Killer Nashville, which I will attend this year from August 22-25. If you're going to be attending, come say howdy and I will buy you a drink at the open barPlease enjoy this informative and inspirational conversation with this one-of-a-kind entertainer. In today's episode we discuss:·      Clay being discovered at age 10 and being a child actor.·      The life, or lack of, of a child actor.·      Being a published author at age 10.·      Having mentors as a young actor, including Alan Alda, and hanging out on the set of MASH.·      The importance of Being a risk taker in the entertainment biz.·      How he sold over four million books and what sells books today. ·      Conversations with David Hasselhoff.·      How can we prepare ourselves for a career as a writer?·      Hosting Killer Nashville, who it is for, and how to get the most out of it as an attendee. Visit Clay's website!Learn more about Killer Nashville!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey. Pick it up today at http://kenhumphrey.comThe Poetry Podcast with AThe Poetry Podcast with A is designed for you to learn new skills in the writing...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Murder and Mimosas PodcastA true crime podcast with a focus on lesser known crimes and the background of those...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back everyone to the conclusion of my two-part interview with retired City of Miami Police Lieutenant and Master Dog Trainer Garret Wing.Garret Wing grew up in a law enforcement family. His father, mother, stepmother, and stepfather were all city of Miami cops. His father and stepmother were K9 officers. It makes sense that Garret entered the police academy at the tender age of nineteen. Garret was assigned a K9 after only two years on patrol and quickly rose through the ranks of the police department promoting to lieutenant and worked a variety of highly sought-after specialty units. After eighteen and a half years, Garret did something unheard of for most cops in his position. He left the police department and went into business for himself. Taking this leap of faith and following his passion for training dogs, he founded American Standard Dog Training and DIY K9. He has now devoted his life to training civilian dogs and has turned this passion into a very successful seven-figure business!Please enjoy this entertaining and informative interview with a true entrepreneur. In today's episode, we discuss:·      Police K9s and the difference between patrol, bomb, duel purpose, narcotics, firearm dog, single purpose dog, money dogs, and missing person dogs.·      Training police dogs.·      Pit Bulls and other banned dogs.·      One or two dogs in a home. What's best for the dog and owner?·      Clickers, treats, regular and premium treats, shock collar or E collar, pincher choker collar. When are these appropriate for training dogs?·      How to stop a dog fight or dog attacking a human? ·      What advice would you give someone who wants to be a K9 cop?·      Garret's huge media presence! How he built it and maintains it? Check out Garret's website to learn more about him and his businesses.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey. Pick it up today at http://kenhumphrey.comSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome everyone to part one of my two-part interview with retired City of Miami Police Lieutenant and Master Dog Trainer Garret Wing.Garret Wing grew up in a law enforcement family. His father, mother, stepmother, and stepfather were all city of Miami cops. His father and stepmother were K9 officers. It makes sense that Garret wound up entering the police academy at the tender age of nineteen.  Garret was assigned a K9 after only two years on patrol and quickly rose through the ranks of the police department promoting to lieutenant and worked a variety of highly sought-after specialty units. After eighteen and a half years, Garret did something unheard of for most cops in his position. He left the police department and went into business for himself. Taking this leap of faith and following his passion for training dogs, he founded American Standard Dog Training and DIY K9. He has now devoted his life to training civilian dogs and has turned this passion into a very successful seven-figure business!Please enjoy this entertaining and informative interview with a true entrepreneur. In today's episode we discuss:·      Interviewing his father on his podcast.·      K9's role in the United States Secret Service.·      Doing the unthinkable, leaving a secure job in the police department after 18 ½ years to pursue his dream job.·      Growing up with a family of cops and police dogs in the house.·      Garret's career path with the City of Miami Police Department.·      Garret taking his first bite with the sleeve when he was eight years old.·      What it is really like to wear the bite suit and be chased and bitten by a police dog.All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Check out Garret's website to learn more about him and his businesses.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey. Pick it up today at http://kenhumphrey.comSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome everyone to this very special episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast. As most of you listening to my show are cops, first responders, or someone who writes stories about first responders, I thought this episode would be extremely useful to you all. We all have dealt with, or are still dealing with, a high volume of death. Sometimes we don't deal with it at all. But I guarantee, it will come back to haunt us. So today on the show I have a very special guest, Dr. BJ Miller.Dr. Miller was the executive director of San Francisco's Zen Hospice Project from 2011 to 2016. He's the co-author, with Shoshana Berger, of the book "A Beginner's Guide To The End: Practical Advice For Living Life And Facing Death." Dr. Miller is also known for his 2015 TED Talk, "What Really Matters at the End of Life". Miller has been on the teaching faculty at UCSF School of Medicine since 2007. Dr. Miller is no stranger to death, coming very close to himself by being electrocuted with 11,000 volts that resulted in several months in a burn unit, and eventually losing both legs and his left arm. Dr. Miller is also the co-founder of Mettle Health, an organization that provides personalized, holistic consultations for any patient or caregiver who needs help navigating the practical, emotional, and existential issues that come with serious illness and disability.Dr. Miller is one of the most inspirational and knowledgeable persons I have ever spoken to regarding death, and life.In today's episode, we discuss:·      Clinton Eastwood quote from the movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales. “Death is easy for us; it's living that's tough.”·      My first time hearing Dr. Miller on the Tim Ferriss show back in 2016.·      Experiences with ghosts or the presence of a person after their death.·      The beauty of the mundane of death.·      Dr. Miller's unexplainable synchronicity with his patients.·      The difference between palliative care, end-of-life care, and hospice.·      When is it time to stop treatment and what do you do when a loved one pushes back against that?·      Visions or conversations with dead relatives? Sebastian Younger's new book, In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife on the James Altucher podcast.·      Assisted suicide or assisted dying.·      The role of child life specialists when helping children with death.·      Regrets at the end of life.                 The Netflix documentary featuring Dr. Miller, End Game.Visit BJ at Mettle Health.Watch BJ's TedTalk.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey. Pick it up today at http://kenhumphrey.comSupport the Show.