In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Jerald M. Wurms, a man whose career defies expectations. Before leading SWAT operations, supervising airport security, and coordinating riot control units, Wurms was producing anti-drug PSAs with Nancy Reagan and managing Hollywood sets with stars like Dolph Lundgren. His journey from red carpets to narcotics investigations shows how leadership, adaptability, and service can take many forms. We dive into his experiences investigating drug trafficking, managing high-pressure police operations, and producing groundbreaking media projects like American Vice. Through every chapter, Wurms demonstrates how skills learned in law enforcement translate far beyond the badge. Whether he was tracking suspects with a K-9 unit, handling civil unrest, or creating content with Rodney Dangerfield, his story proves that one career can shape countless lives. This episode is a rare look at a path that blends public service and production.

Timestamps:

1:12 – Early career in film5:48 – Anti-drug campaigns9:30 – Shift to law enforcement14:20 – First police experiences20:45 – SWAT leadership27:05 – Riot control work33:10 – Balancing career and life39:42 – Producing American Vice46:30 – Lessons and advice

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In this episode of Beyond the Barrel we step inside the world of undercover operations with Lou Valoze, a former ATF agent who spent nearly two decades living in the shadows. From his first gun buy to deep infiltrations with cartels, gangs, and organized crime, Lou shares raw stories of risk, sacrifice, and survival. He opens up about the toll undercover work takes on family life, the dangers of building trust with violent criminals, and his most rewarding cases—including a chilling murder-for-hire sting. This conversation pulls back the curtain on undercover policing. 

Timestamps: 

07:30 Early life

12:20 DEA encounter

17:40 INS & L.A. gangs

23:45 First gun buy

30:00 Undercover style

45:15 Dream Team ops

55:00 Family toll

01:15:00 National cases

01:40:00 Murder-for-hire

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

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In this episode of Beyond the Barrel Ian shares his journey from growing up in Connecticut and dreaming of joining the FBI, to running party promotions, facing Ponzi scheme charges, and serving time in federal prison. He opens up about the lessons learned behind bars, navigating criticism, and transforming his past into a successful podcast platform. This is a story of redemption, resilience, and turning setbacks into opportunities

Timestamps: 

1:00  Growing up

3:00  Early interests

5:00  Negative comments

9:00  FBI dreams

12:00  Party promotions

17:30  Arrest & charges

28:20  Prison stories

37:10  Building the podcast

46:15  Lessons & future

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

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In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we talk with Pete James—retired law enforcement veteran and founder of OfficerPrivacy.com. After 25 years of service, Pete turned his focus to protecting officers and families from online threats. OfficerPrivacy.com, staffed by current and former cops, has already helped thousands safeguard their information. In a world where digital exposure puts officers at risk, Pete’s mission is clear: privacy is protection. This episode explores the hidden dangers of online data - because your safety doesn’t end when the shift does.

Timestamps:

4:26 From Navy to law enforcement

7:01 Digital forensics & expert work

15:34 AI’s impact on privacy

22:16 Founding Officer Privacy

29:15 Free vs paid protection

37:05 John Mattingly’s story

44:04 Politicians, laws & loopholes

55:51 Top sites & how to protect yourself

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

Pete’s way to provide as much as he can in order to help:

Top sites based on web traffic: 

WhitePages

Spokeo

TruePeopleSearch

BeenVerified

TruthFinder

FastPeopleSearch

5 most commonly relisted: 

SpyDialer

Veripages

NationalCellular

VoterRecords

InfoTracer

6 sites that offer immediate removal:

Been Verified

ClustrMaps

SpyDialer

That's Them

VoterRecords

National Cellular

Voter Record Post from April 2024: 

https://officerprivacy.com/apr-24

Perplexity AI prompt for OSINT: 

You are an expert OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) investigator. Your task is to find as much publicly available information as possible about a person based only on their name.

The name of the individual is: [ ] and their last address is in [ ]

Background: You are permitted to use all public sources of data, including search engines, news archives, public records databases, social media platforms, academic publications, business listings, online forums, data broker information, and web-scraped directories. The objective is to collect publicly accessible information about them.

Please gather and organize findings into the following categories:

1. Basic Identifiers (e.g., age, date of birth, aliases, nicknames, home address, phone number, email address, names of relatives).

2. Online Presence (social media accounts, blogs, personal websites, usernames)

3. Professional Information (employment history, LinkedIn profile, business affiliations)

4. News Mentions or Publicity (any media appearances, articles, interviews)

5. Education Background

6. Legal and Government Records (if publicly available — court cases, licenses, voter records, property ownership)

7. Other Notable Online Activity (forum posts, YouTube comments, GitHub, Reddit activity, etc.)

If any areas return no results, indicate so. Prioritize recency and relevance. Provide source URLs for each piece of information retrieved. Ensure that all findings adhere strictly to ethical and legal standards.

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In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Matt Thomas, retired Chief Deputy of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office who recently became Chief of Police in Florence, Arizona. Over 32 years, Matt rose from Detention Officer to second-in-command, serving on SWAT for 18 years—five as commander—while leading narcotics and undercover operations against cartel activity. A graduate of the FBI National Academy and bestselling author of Interceptors, Matt shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and law enforcement culture. From 60 Days In to real-world missions, this is a powerful conversation on thriving when the mission never stops.

Timestamps: 

02:00  Writing Interceptor

10:00  Childhood & gangs

16:00  Small-town move

19:00  Starting law enforcement

26:00  Friends in prison

33:00  Patrol & SWAT

42:00  Family sacrifices

47:00  Narc Sergeant stories

55:00  Becoming Chief

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

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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.

For over 11 years, Chance Cooper has worn the badge in the Kansas City Metro—serving on SWAT, working complex investigations, and tackling just about every role the job could throw at him. Now, he’s bringing that same tactical mindset to a new mission as Chief of Operations for Apollo. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we dig into the grit, the lessons, and the turning points that shaped his journey—from kicking in doors to leading at the highest level. It’s a raw look at the evolution from front-line operator to strategic leader, and the mindset it takes to thrive in both worlds.

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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In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Preston Woodrum Battle of the Badges begins of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. A seven-year law enforcement veteran, Preston has served as patrol sergeant, SWAT leader, and firearms instructor. In 2022, he founded Battle of the Badges—a shooting competition uniting officers through marksmanship, accountability, and connection. What began locally is now expanding nationwide. From his roots as a competitive shooter to reshaping police training, Preston brings insight, discipline, and a challenge to tradition. This conversation explores legacy, culture, and the message: in this profession, you don’t just wear the badge—you earn it.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro & Preston’s story
2:00 Childhood & basketball
4:00 Books to Badges path
7:00 First years on patrol
10:30 Calls vs. proactivity
16:00 Learning empathy
23:00 Joining SWAT
30:00 Night shift & crew bond
44:00 SpongeBob tattoo story
47:30 Battle of the Badges begins

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

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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 pour truths straight—no chaser—with Jerald M. Wurms, a man who lived two lives that few could ever imagine. From walking the red carpets of Hollywood to leading narcotics investigations in Florida, Wurms’ story is anything but ordinary.

Before commanding SWAT units and supervising airport security operations, he was managing film sets with Dolph Lundgren and producing anti-drug PSAs with Nancy Reagan. In this one-of-a-kind episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with a guest whose path defies every stereotype—blending decades of decorated service in Florida law enforcement with an early career in Hollywood’s entertainment industry.

From coordinating riot control units at global summits to producing Geraldo Rivera’s “American Vice,” this episode dives into how one man’s journey spans red carpets and road patrols. Whether he was tracking narcotics with a K-9, leading a team through civil unrest, or producing featurettes with Rodney Dangerfield, he’s got a story for every scene—and every crime scene.

You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes conversation about leadership, adaptability, and the wild, winding road of public service and production.

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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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.

Before Netflix dramatized his story for millions, Steve Murphy lived it. Raised in the small town of Princeton, West Virginia, Murphy began his career in local law enforcement before joining the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1978. His early years took him to the drug-saturated streets of Miami, chasing pushers and pot dealers during the height of the war on drugs. It was there he met his wife, Connie—thanks to a prank turned serendipitous love story.

But Murphy’s legacy would be forged in Colombia.

In 1991, he arrived in Bogotá—thrust into the bloody center of the hunt for the world’s most infamous narco, Pablo Escobar. From the chaos of cartel violence to the emotional toll of adopting a baby orphaned by Escobar’s brutality, Murphy’s journey was more than just tactical—it was deeply personal.

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we go deeper than the Netflix script, unpacking the truths, tragedies, and moral gray zones that defined Murphy’s battle against the Medellín Cartel. It’s the raw, unfiltered account of one man who stood at the intersection of history, violence, and justice.

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/⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 special mini-series of Beyond the Barrel—The Art of Interdiction—we sit down with Michael Stewart, a man whose career spans the full spectrum of criminal justice. From interdiction traffic stops yielding millions in drug and cash seizures to commanding homicide investigations and arguing in court as a licensed attorney, Stewart’s story is the blueprint for modern law enforcement done right.

As Chief of Detectives for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Stewart has led some of Indiana’s most complex cases. We unpack record-breaking drug busts, his role in drafting Indiana’s first Red Flag Law affidavit, and how one marijuana traffic stop led to the federal indictment of a major drug figure and the solving of a homicide.

With a foot in the courtroom and one on the pavement, Stewart brings a rare dual perspective—combining legal precision, street-level grit, and deep investigative insight. Whether you’re a cop, prosecutor, or just someone who wants to understand how justice actually works, this episode delivers the raw, unfiltered truth.

This is The Art of Interdiction—where sharp minds, relentless work, and tactical street smarts collide. And as always on Beyond the Barrel, we pour it straight. No chaser.

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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