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PODCAST

Reasons We Serve

Reasons We Serve

Do you ever wonder why people go into law enforcement? Does being in law enforcement change your views of the public over time and how does being an officer affect your family? This podcast explores these questions as well as discusses different careers and the functions of various law enforcement agencies including local, state and federal agencies. The episodes include interviews with retired and active-duty law enforcement officers.

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

131:38

From Marine to Cold Case Hero: Bobby Minchew's...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/09/21

🎥 Episode 126Dive into the gripping true crime story of retired Cold Case Homicide Detective Bobby Minchew in this exclusive interview. From his early days as a shy kid in Houston, Texas, to enlisting in the Marines at 17, surviving bootcamp, and serving in Desert Storm, Bobby shares his raw journey into law enforcement with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Hear about his time in the jail, high-adrenaline patrol shifts, close calls with armed suspects, the Weed and Seed anti-gang unit, and

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116:28

From Tragedy to Triumph: Retired DEA Agent Stacy...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/09/14

🎥 Episode 125 In this powerful episode of our law enforcement podcast, retired DEA Special Agent Stacy Weathers shares her incredible true story for the first time publicly. From her idyllic Midwestern childhood and unexpected call to law enforcement, to marrying fellow DEA agent Frank Mareno, whose tragic murder in Bogota, Colombia, propelled her into a 20+ year career fighting drug traffickers worldwide. Stacy opens up about overcoming grief, proving herself at the DEA Academy, undercover

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80:52

From Small-Town Cop to Major Cases: Rod Gates on...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/09/07

🎥 Episode 124 📌 Description Former law enforcement officer Rod Gates shares his incredible journey from growing up in Colorado to serving with the Sheridan, Wyoming Police Department and the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho.In this interview, Rod opens up about:-His childhood struggles and path to becoming a cop.-Intense moments on patrol, SWAT operations, and detective work.-The harrowing rescue of a kidnapped couple.-Leading roles in Operation Bowcut, a major international child

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111:51

Undercover Cop: Shocking True Stories from the...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/08/31

🎥 Episode 123 In this gripping episode, retired law enforcement officer Glenn "Skinny" Grannan shares his incredible journey from undercover narcotics work in 1970s Louisiana to solving horrific homicides and child crimes in Mississippi. Hear heart-pounding tales of near-death experiences, like a gun clicking against his chest, busting major drug rings, and cracking the infamous "dismembered stripper" case featured on Dateline. Glenn opens up about his philosophy on policing, the toll of the job,

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77:17

35 Years as a Railroad Cop: Paul Miller’s Wild...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/08/24

🎥 Episode 122 In this captivating full-length interview, retired Railroad Police Officer Paul Miller recounts his incredible 35-year career investigating crimes on the rails—from catching thieves hiding in the weeds to chasing suspects through train yards with no backup or gun.Starting as a New Orleans Police Cadet in the 1970s, Paul rose to become a respected railroad special agent, patrolling yards, conducting high-stakes surveillance, and taking down criminals across Louisiana. His stories span

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79:52

From Cadet to Captain: A Retired NOPD Officer’s...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/08/17

🎥 Episode 121 In this compelling interview, retired New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Captain Don Curole shares his incredible journey from a young cadet to a seasoned homicide detective and district commander. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned during his decades-long career, including insights into the cadet program, high-profile cases like Hurricane Katrina, and the evolution of policing in New Orleans.🔹 Key Topics Covered:The federal cadet program that shaped his

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106:56

From Street Hustler to NYPD Detective: The Untold...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/08/10

🎥 Episode 120In this gripping interview, retired NYPD Detective Louis Balestrieri shares his extraordinary journey from hustling in the streets of Brooklyn to becoming a decorated detective in one of America’s toughest police forces. Raised among mob ties, Louis takes us through wild stories of public hustles, street justice, undercover narcotics cases, near-death shootouts, and working on Donald Trump’s Plaza Hotel drug sting.This raw and unfiltered conversation exposes the gritty realities of law

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82:49

From Brooklyn Streets to DEA Leadership: The...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/08/03

🎥 Episode 119-Join us for an exclusive interview with Frank Del Re, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division and Chief of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force. In this gripping conversation, Frank shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to becoming a high-ranking DEA agent, including his experiences working undercover, overseas in Italy, and leading major drug enforcement operations. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and untold stories of a career dedicated to

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111:51

Los Angeles County Sheriff Veteran Homicide...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/07/27

🎥 Episode 118-In this gripping interview, retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's homicide detective Ty Labbe shares his 32-year career journey—from patrolling the streets to solving high-profile murders using cutting-edge cell phone forensics. Ty discusses the evolution of gang violence, the challenges of modern policing, and the emotional toll of investigating child homicides. He also reveals how he helped indict nearly 500 criminals in a federal wiretap case and reflects on the impact of his career

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76:00

Episode 117 interview with retired DEA Special Agent...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/07/20

🎥 Watch this exclusive interview with Retired DEA Special Agent Kevin Wetteland as he reveals the inside story of America’s War on Drugs, from undercover meth busts to the rise of fentanyl trafficking. With 31 years in federal law enforcement (including 26 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration), Kevin provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges DEA agents face today.🚨 What you’ll learn in this interview:✅ The evolution of drug trafficking in America✅ Inside details on meth

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70:06

Episode 116 Dr Richard Stride, CEO, Cascade Community...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/07/13

🎙️ Episode 116 – Trauma, Service, and Healing: Dr. Richard Stride’s Journey In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard Stride, CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare, military psychologist, and former youth pastor, to explore the intersection of mental health, military service, law enforcement stress, and school shootings.Dr. Stride shares his inspiring journey from wanting to be a cop as a teenager, to serving as a combat stress psychologist in the U.S. Army, to now

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72:42

Dick Barr: Seawolf Pilot | Vietnam War Hero &...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/07/06

In this gripping episode, retired U.S. Navy Commander Dick Barr shares his incredible journey as a Seawolf pilot in Vietnam. As part of Helicopter Attack Squadron Light Three (HAL-3), Barr flew many combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and surviving a harrowing shootdown with Navy SEAL RJ Thomas. Discover the bravery, camaraderie, and sheer determination that made the Seawolves the most decorated squadron in U.S. Navy aviation history.🔹 Key Highlights:The origins of the Seawolves

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68:55

Episode 114 retired Oregon State Police Patrol...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/06/29

🎙️ Episode 114: Life on Patrol with Retired OSP Sergeant Duane Larson In this powerful episode, we sit down with Duane Larson, a retired Oregon State Police Patrol Sergeant, for a wide-ranging conversation about his decades-long career serving some of the most rural and challenging areas in Oregon.From his unexpected start in law enforcement at age 30 to patrolling the vast high deserts of Harney County—often without backup for miles—Duane shares unforgettable stories from the front lines. Hear

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64:57

Episode 113 Andy Caldwell Chief of Police Centralia...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/06/22

During this interview, Andy discusses his career, starting in the military and then transitioning to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he served on patrol, followed by assignments as a detective in the robbery and homicide unit, and the intelligence unit. Andy talks about Las Vegas as well as some of the cases he investigated, including homicide cases. Andy talks about his investigation into the O.J. Simpson armed robbery case, which resulted in O.J. going to prison.Andy then

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142:26

Episode 112 Retired Lewis County Sheriff Detective...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/06/15

Episode 112 features a true storyteller. Bruce shares many stories during this episode, from his beginnings in the military and as a military police officer, to his first time working undercover, and what led him to work for the Lewis County Sheriff's Office in Washington State. Bruce discusses his specialty of interviewing people and shares many stories about homicide investigations, including his experience interviewing Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer.Bruce infused his brand of

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136:41

Episode 111 Retired Multnomah County Sheriff...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/06/08

During this episode, Chris discusses his long career with the Multnomah County Sheriff in Oregon. Chris discusses his continuing rotation between patrol and detectives and developing relationships within the community to solve crimes. Chris talks about his time as the co-lead investigator on the Happy Face serial killer case and what it was like talking to Keith Jesperson. Chris tells several interesting stories, including working undercover, being featured in the early days of the television show

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160:49

Episode 110 Retired Drug Enforcement Administration...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/06/01

During this interview with Retired Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Art Scalzo, we discuss a long and storied career. Art talks about growing up in New York, joining the military, and then eventually serving with the DEA. Art tells many stories about undercover work, working on cases domestically and internationally, and working in South America during Snowcap. Art also talks about his post-retirement service, including as a detective for the DA's office, and then

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49:29

Episode 109 Retired NYPD Detective Bill Kelly

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/05/25

Interview with Retired NYPD Detective Bill Kelly. During this interview, Detective Kelly provides insight into the NYPD in the 60's through the 80's. We discuss many topics to include walking the beat in NYC, affirmative action, narcotics, and the toll the job takes, and how he dealt with the stress.

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135:03

Episode 108 Joe Scargill Secret Service Special Agent...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/05/18

Interview with United States Secret Service Special Agent Joe Scargill. During this episode, we discuss Joe's unconventional career serving in the United States, Bulgaria, and as a training instructor.

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143:59

Episode 107 John Rhodes retired Sergeant Los Angeles...

Reasons We Serve ·

2025/05/11

John was hired in 1978 by the LACSD, where he began his career working in the Hall of Justice and then later in Inmate Reception. He started his patrol career in the Firestone Station, which was located at 7901 S. Compton Ave in the heart of a notoriously busy part of Los Angeles. John later served for 10 years in the Special Enforcement Bureau (better known as SWAT) and then later the Advanced Officer Training Unit, the Marina Dive Rescue Team, and finally the Majors Narcotics Station Crew.

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157 results

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