Beyond The Barrel Podcast

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:

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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 sit down with Lieutenant Brian Hess, a seasoned law enforcement professional who began his career with the NYPD and has since carved out a unique path at the intersection of policing and technology. With deep roots in intelligence work, criminal investigations, and cyber security, Lt. Hess brings a rare blend of street experience and technical expertise to the conversation.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a specialization in Criminal Justice from John Jay College (CUNY), Brian shares how his early days with the NYPD shaped his mission to modernize the profession from within. That mission now includes a groundbreaking AI-powered report writing software—designed by a cop, for cops—to streamline paperwork and give officers back the one thing they never have enough of: time.

We explore the evolution of tech in law enforcement, the urgent need for innovation, and how Lt. Hess is leading the charge to future-proof the profession without losing sight of its core purpose.

Special thanks to Ian Bick for generously opening his studio for this powerful conversation.

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 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/⁠⁠

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.

Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser. And few stories cut deeper than Tyler Thoman’s.

In this raw and riveting episode, we sit down with Tyler Thoman—former Brevard County deputy and the NRA’s 2021 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Tyler recounts the moment a routine traffic stop on I-95 erupted into a life-or-death gunfight, where his actions saved the life of a fellow deputy and stopped a violent career criminal in his tracks.

But the firefight was only the beginning.

Now serving in Tennessee, Tyler opens up about the silent aftermath—the delayed onset of PTSD, the emotional toll, and the dark path he nearly went down. Through brutal honesty and hard-won healing, Tyler shares what brought him back, what keeps him grounded, and why he refuses to be defined by a single moment.

This is more than a war story. It’s a conversation about purpose, pain, and finding strength beyond the barrel.

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.

Katarina Szulc is a Canadian freelance journalist based in Mexico who has built a reputation for pulling back the curtain on the darkest corners of cartel violence, political corruption, and transnational crime. A 2021 graduate of the BCIT Journalism program, her investigative reporting spans across platforms—from CBC and CityNews Vancouver to her own Substack newsletter—where she digs deep into Mexico’s gritty underworld.

Szulc’s work doesn’t just spotlight the brutality of cartel operations—it exposes the evolving global alliances that make them even more dangerous. Her reporting has uncovered chilling links between Mexican cartels and adversarial states like China, India, Iran, and Venezuela. While the cartels remain financially driven, their partnerships with these nations reveal a far more sinister threat—one rooted in destabilization, not profit. It’s not just about drugs and dollars anymore—it’s about dismantling the very foundation of the United States from within.

From covering community crises in Vancouver and Edmonton to tracking how cartel strategies are influencing U.S. border security and foreign policy, Szulc uses data, interviews, and immersive storytelling to bring a sharp edge to issues most won’t touch. Her voice is one of the few brave enough to go beyond the headlines—and now she brings that truth, straight with no chaser, to Beyond the Barrel.

Follow Katarina Szulc and find out more information here: https://linktr.ee/katarinaszulc

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 episode of Beyond The Barrel, we head north of the border to sit down with Staff Sergeant Dave Haynes, a 22-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service. From working major crimes and fugitives to drastically reducing gun violence in one of the city’s most dangerous divisions, Dave has led from the front with purpose and integrity.

We dive into his leadership philosophy—centered on unity, psychological safety, and officer development—as well as his passionate stance on supporting mental health in policing. Dave opens up about building teams that actually function, the value of staying open-minded, and what it takes to turn around violent communities through trust and strategic enforcement.

This episode goes beyond tactics—it’s about culture, courage, and the kind of leadership we all wish we had.

The views and opinions expressed in this conversation are solely those of the participants and do not reflect the official policies, positions, or ideologies of any active law enforcement agency.

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.

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 episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Tony Bustos—an incredible mom, devoted wife, and full-time homeschool teacher to four kids across four different grades. With honesty, strength, and a touch of humor, Tony shares what it’s really like to raise a family while her husband serves on the frontlines as a narcotics officer, SWAT team member and currently a detective. Tony opens up about the mental and emotional balancing act that comes with loving someone who wears the badge. From juggling homeschooling to coordinating sports schedules and Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes for all four of her kids, Tony gives us an honest, inspiring look at what it means to be the backbone of a law enforcement family. This is a raw and real conversation about sacrifice, structure, and the unshakable love that holds it all together.

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 gripping episode of Beyond The Barrel, we dive into the harrowing true story of Corporal Salvatore Oldrati—a decorated New Jersey officer who made a split-second decision to stop an armed threat during a high-risk call in 2021. Cleared by investigators and allowed to return to duty, Sal continued serving with honor… until nearly two years later, when he was blindsided by an indictment for reckless manslaughter.

We unpack the facts that were ignored, the evidence withheld from the grand jury, and the emotional and financial toll this ongoing legal battle has taken on Sal, his pregnant wife, and their young daughter. With a toxicology report confirming the suspect was armed and under the influence of multiple drugs, and even the suspect’s ex-wife supporting Sal’s actions—why is this still happening?

This is the story of a cop who did everything right… and is still paying the price. Tune in as we explore the intersection of justice, politics, and survival behind the barrel.

Please donate and show your support here:

https://donorbox.org/justice-for-corporal-salvatore-oldrati

https://www.givesendgo.com/SupportforCplOldrati

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 episode of Beyond the Barrel Mini Series: The Art of Interdiction we dive deep into the career of Ted Davis — a true legend in the world of criminal interdiction. From the streets of Jefferson County to the frontlines of commercial vehicle interdiction, Ted’s career is packed with operational insight, tactical expertise, and millions in drug and currency seizures.

Ted began his law enforcement journey in 1996 with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Hoover Police Department in 1998. Over a 27-year career, he rose through the ranks to Lieutenant and played a critical role in shaping Hoover PD’s Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement (ICE) Unit. As a Dual-Purpose K-9 handler, task force leader, and FMCSA-certified CMV inspector, Ted made national waves — including record-setting marijuana and currency seizures and multiple national interdiction awards.

Now working with Viken Detection, Ted continues to impact the field with cutting-edge detection technology.

Whether you’re a street cop, supervisor, or just fascinated by the hunt, this episode delivers an unfiltered look into the mind of a master interdictor.

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