Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the world—and it’s happening far closer to home than most people realize.

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Trent the man behind Anti-Predator Project, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works on the front lines of combating human trafficking, locating missing and abducted children, protecting victims and witnesses, and supporting criminal investigations targeting those who prey on the vulnerable.

We discuss the realities of trafficking in America, how predators operate, the investigative techniques used to identify and locate offenders, common misconceptions, and the emotional toll of pursuing justice in some of the darkest cases imaginable.

Whether you’re in law enforcement, a parent, or simply someone who wants to better understand this growing threat, this conversation offers an inside look at the people dedicated to protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

No scripts. No agendas. Just authentic conversations with those who’ve lived it.

Timestamps: 

01:12 – Anti-Predator Project

10:17 – Protecting Children

20:40 – Real Investigations

23:30 – World Cup Risks

31:59 – Labor Trafficking

38:53 – Victim Grooming

47:27 – Online Safety

58:16 – Social Media Risks

01:11:05 – Public Awareness

01:22:04 – Justice Defined

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On this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Mike Sandilla—Nashville-based alternative rock artist and U.S. Army Green Beret veteran whose music is rooted in truth, resilience, and the experiences that never fully leave you.

Influenced by the raw emotion of ‘90s grunge and alternative rock, Mike writes songs for people who’ve lived through life’s hardest moments. His music explores identity, loss, purpose, and the invisible battles many continue to fight long after the mission ends.

We talk about his journey from the Special Forces community to the stage, how military service shaped his songwriting, the healing power of music, and why authenticity resonates more than perfection.

This isn’t just a conversation about music—it’s about life after service, finding purpose, and giving a voice to the experiences that so many carry but few know how to express.

No scripts. No agendas. Just authentic conversations with people who’ve lived it.

Timestamps: 

04:30 Troubled Youth

10:07 Military Loss

13:01 Combat Reality

17:24 Healing Journey

21:18 Green Beret

32:09 Career Sacrifice

35:56 Music Therapy

45:23 Music Industry

54:25 Life After Service

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After more than 22 years with the Las Cruces Police Department, Adrian De La Garza has built a career defined by resilience, leadership, and service. Beginning his law enforcement journey in 2004, he currently serves as a Traffic Investigator, a role he has held since 2009, specializing in serious and fatal crash investigations.

Beyond the badge, Adrian is an instructor in multiple disciplines, including motorcycle operations, driving, and physical training—helping shape and mentor the next generation of officers.

But behind the titles and years of service is a moment that changed everything.

On February 4, 2021, Adrian was shot in the line of duty—an experience that not only tested his training and survival, but reshaped his purpose beyond policing.

In the aftermath, he founded the Southern New Mexico First Responders Assistance Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting first responders and their families during times of crisis, injury, and loss. What started from personal adversity has grown into a mission to give back to those who serve.

This conversation goes beyond law enforcement tactics and career milestones. Adrian opens up about the realities of the job, the weight first responders carry, and how life-changing moments can redefine purpose.

Timestamps: 

04:03  Nonprofit Mission

13:52  Fatal Pursuit

18:22  Shot & Fighting

23:16  Facing Fear

34:29  Growing Up

36:06  Father's Sacrifice

47:36  Becoming Motors

52:05  Stem Cell Recovery

59:18  Family Impact

1:08:10  PTSD & Healing

1:20:45  Advice for Officers

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Fan-favorite guest Anthony Shefferly is back on Beyond the Barrel for a conversation that every current and aspiring law enforcement officer needs to hear.

In this episode, we dive into the disconnect between the recruiting videos many agencies produce and the realities of the profession. We discuss how unrealistic expectations can leave new officers mentally unprepared for the trauma, stress, and sacrifices that often accompany the badge—and how that gap can contribute to long-term mental health struggles, including PTSD.

Anthony also shares his personal journey through law enforcement, SWAT, entrepreneurship, and significant health challenges that ultimately led him to create Heroic Industries, a platform dedicated to improving the health, performance, and longevity of first responders, military personnel, and tactical professionals.

From the truth behind modern police recruiting to the importance of mental resilience, physical health, and developing sustainable habits for a long career, this conversation tackles some of the most important topics facing first responders today. We also discuss natural approaches to wellness, overcoming adversity, and why preparing officers for the realities of the profession is just as important as preparing them tactically.

From small-college football to SWAT operations, business ownership, and personal transformation, Anthony’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t built during easy times—it’s forged through adversity.

Whether you’re a police officer, first responder, military member, or someone striving to become healthier and more resilient, this episode delivers practical insights and an honest conversation about what it takes to thrive in demanding professions.

Pour yourself a glass and join us as we go Beyond the Barrel with Anthony Shefferly

Timestamps: 

01:18 Recruiting Cops

07:39 Patrol Reality

11:49 Finding Purpose

17:14 Leadership Culture

20:16 Peptide Boom

28:23 Creatine Myths

31:36 Vaping Risks

38:03 Officer Survival

46:01 Trauma Reality

54:09 Boundaries & Control

01:08:05 Conference Announcement

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Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with men connected by service, sacrifice, and a mission bigger than themselves.

Justin Jones, Founder and President of American Hero Hunt, accompanied by Travis Linder share how a simple idea in 2016—to give back to a few deserving veterans through hunting trips—grew into a nationwide nonprofit that has now served more than 110 veterans and first responders through hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences. What started as DIY public land hunts in Ohio quickly became something much deeper than harvesting game. It became about healing, camaraderie, purpose, and giving heroes a chance to breathe again.

Joining them is Tommy Morrow, a Philadelphia Police K-9 Officer who knows firsthand the hidden weight carried by first responders. After surviving multiple critical incidents, including being shot in the line of duty, Tommy faced a difficult battle with PTSD and the emotional scars that often go unseen in law enforcement. At one of the darkest moments of his life, he found healing and brotherhood through American Hero Hunt—and now serves as President of the Pennsylvania chapter, helping other veterans and first responders rediscover hope through the outdoors.

This episode goes beyond hunting and fishing. It’s about trauma, resilience, faith, purpose, and the power of brotherhood when life gets heavy. It’s about creating spaces where heroes can drop the armor, swap stories around a fire, and realize they are not alone.

Raw. Honest. Real.

This is a conversation about healing beyond the badge, beyond the uniform… and beyond the barrel.

Timestamps: 

02:00 American Hero Hunt

10:35 Hero Selection

15:15 PTSD Battle

19:30 Ohio Journey

25:08 Ambushed

32:25 K9 Chaos

37:30 System Failure

47:15 Mental Health

57:20 PTSD Victory

1:28:45 Knowledge Is Power

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Most Cops Aren’t Ready to Go Hands-On — Steven Chin Explains Why

Steven Chin has spent nearly three decades immersed in the world of combat, defensive tactics, firearms, and survival training—where failure can cost lives and preparation is everything.

As the owner of Direct Action Training Inc., Steven provides specialized instruction in hand-to-hand combat, edged weapons, improvised tools, CQB firearm tactics, and defensive strategies to military personnel, law enforcement, private military contractors, and security professionals operating in high-risk environments.

But this conversation goes far beyond training.

Steven opens up about the mindset required to survive violence, the realities of operating on an elite SWAT and sniper team, and what separates performance on the range from performance under pressure. From competing in striking and grappling arts in both the U.S. and U.K. to training under world champions and legendary weapons instructors, Steven has built a career around mastering chaos.

Currently serving with the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Training Unit, SWAT Team, and Sniper Team, Steven is responsible for developing and instructing training for officers who may face life-or-death encounters at any moment. His background includes extensive certifications through FLETC and active shooter response programs, while his instruction continues to shape law enforcement defensive tactics and special response teams across multiple agencies.

This episode dives into violence, preparedness, leadership, combat psychology, and the truth about what it really takes to operate in dangerous environments when everything is on the line.

Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser.

Timestamps: 

08:46 – Military Contracting

14:01 – Fighting Discipline

21:31 – MMA Evolution

26:53 – Brutal UK Sparring

34:24 – Living The Fight Life

42:40 – Future Of Fighting

45:30 – Kimbo Slice Era

52:17 – Jake Paul Debate

58:40 – Defensive Tactics Training

1:26:07 – Real World Encounters

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Some cases never leave you.

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Carlos Rodriguez — author of The Ugly Underneath and a former crimes-against-children detective sergeant who spent nearly three decades confronting some of the darkest realities imaginable.

After 27 years with the Washington State Patrol, Carlos retired as a nationally recognized expert in child exploitation investigations and proactive operations targeting predators. As the leader of WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force and an FBI Task Force Officer, he helped develop investigative strategies that would later be modeled and replicated across the country.

But behind the arrests, the operations, and the headlines was a human being carrying the emotional weight of the job.

This conversation goes beyond tactics and titles. Carlos opens up about the mental toll of investigating crimes against children, the darkness investigators absorb over time, and the reality many first responders quietly battle long after the shift ends. We also discuss his book, The Ugly Underneath, and why telling these stories matters.

Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser. This episode is raw, heavy, and real.

Timestamps: 

04:10 – Writing The Book

09:22 – Becoming A Trooper

16:26 – Police Academy Stories

24:42 – Undercover Street Racing

28:00 – Narcotics Investigations

37:26 – Crimes Against Children

44:21 – Emotional Impact

50:47 – Interviewing Predators

58:15 – Rescuing Victims

1:08:40 – Human Trafficking Cases

1:18:55 – Mental Health & Burnout

1:29:20 – Biggest Career Lessons

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Most people in law enforcement training only see the instructor on stage.

They don’t see the late-night emails, scheduling issues, travel logistics, contract negotiations, host agency communication, marketing, payment tracking, or the nonstop work happening behind the scenes.

On this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Teresa, founder of BadgeOps, to discuss the side of the law enforcement training industry most people never hear about. Raised in a law enforcement family and later marrying into another police family, Teresa grew up around the realities of the profession. Her path into the training world began in 2017 by helping with marketing emails while seeing the challenges instructors faced behind the curtain.

What started small eventually turned into years spent managing operations for a nationally recognized training company handling logistics, scheduling, sales, social media, and instructor support.

Now partnered with LEO Network founder Matt Butler, Teresa is helping improve how instructors and agencies connect through communication, transparency, and operational support built specifically for the law enforcement training world.

This episode goes beyond the stage and into the business, stress, politics, and realities of building something from the ground up.Because behind every successful class, somebody is carrying the weight nobody sees.

Timestamps:

02:04 – Badge Ops

05:22 – DC Sniper

10:39 – Career Goals

13:11 – Finance Background

17:08 – Conference Culture

22:07 – Instructor Contracts

28:06 – Biggest Challenges

39:14 – Transparency Talk

47:21 – Future Expansion

01:01:22 – Training Evolution

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Who’s Saving the Ones Who Serve? 

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Greg Grogan a law enforcement officer who’s lived the job on both coasts, from the streets of Northern California to the front lines in Louisiana. But Greg’s story doesn’t stop at policing.

A United States Marine. A current member of the Coast Guard Reserves. A man who’s seen what this life can take and decided to fight back for those still in it. After years in the profession, Greg recognized a problem most ignore: when cops and military members need help, they don’t trust the system built to support them. So he helped build something better.

We dive into The Overwatch Collective a mission driven platform connecting first responders and military personnel with vetted, competent therapists across the country… while protecting what matters most: confidentiality, trust, and access when it’s needed most.

This is a real conversation about service, identity, and what happens when the mission becomes taking care of your own.

Because the truth is 

we’re damn good at running toward chaos…

but terrible at asking for help when it’s over.

Off duty. Off script. 

This is Beyond the Barrel.

Timestamps: 

08:00 — Career path

16:00 — SWAT life

24:00 — Burnout reality

26:30 — Overwatch origin

40:00 — Therapy access

48:00 — Trauma impact

56:00 — Culture shift

1:04:00 — Suicide causes

1:12:00 — Final insights

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Beyond the badge… there’s a mission that never shuts off.

Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Deputy Chief Edward Jenkins has spent nearly 30 years in the fight—working his way from the Corrections Division to the front lines of homicide investigations in one of the toughest environments in the country.

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Jenkins as he breaks down a career built in the trenches—patrol, CSI, investigations, and time spent with the Gary Homicide Unit and Metro Homicide Task Force. This isn’t theory… this is real-world policing shaped by decades of violence, loss, and leadership under pressure.

Now serving as Deputy Chief under Oscar Martinez since 2017, Jenkins is stepping into a new arena—running for Sheriff of Lake County. But this isn’t just about politics… it’s about vision, accountability, and what it really takes to lead from the front in today’s climate.

This is a raw, no-BS conversation about experience, responsibility, and the kind of leadership the job demands—on the street and at the top.

Because the job doesn’t end when you promote… it just gets heavier.

Timestamps: 

08:00 – Pension talk

15:00 – Jail struggles

22:00 – Work ethic

29:00 – Leadership style

36:00 – Homicide reality

43:00 – Missing cases

50:00 – Truth matters

57:00 – Police culture

1:06:00 – Final thoughts

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