July 22, 2025

Beyond the Barrel: Mini Series The Art of Criminal Interdiction Ep. 7 Under the Hood: Chris Nicholas and the Hidden World of Criminal Interdiction

1 hour 41 minutes

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold.

Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me.

From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel.

In this episode of Beyond The Barrel, we sit down with Chris Nicholas—a Kansas Highway Patrol veteran with nearly two decades of service and over 14 years of boots-on-the-ground interdiction experience. From working roadside stops to uncovering deeply concealed traps in commercial vehicles, Chris has seen it all.

We unpack his evolution from auto body technician to Trooper, to master interdiction instructor, and Training Specialist for the DIAP program. With a career that spans elite interdiction units, the El Paso Intelligence Center, and national conferences like DIAP, EPIC, and NIC—Chris brings a tactical mindset forged from real-world experience and sharpened through teaching thousands of officers across the country.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand the meticulous craft of identifying hidden compartments, commercial motor vehicle interdiction, and what separates a good interdiction officer from a great one—this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Grab a seat at the barrel and get ready to go under the hood with one of interdiction’s most respected minds

If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠

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