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Welcome, everyone, to a special Cops and Writers Podcast. Due to the nature and timing of our topic today, I released this episode early. Back in late October, retired DEA Agents (legends) Steve Murphy, Wes Tabor, and Chris Feistl predicted on the Cops and Writers Podcast episodes 250 and 251, that the U.S. would take the fight to Maduro and attack on land. On January 3, 2026, the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.

I have heard so many opinions on this from ‘experts’, I'm using air quotes, living in social media-fueled echo chambers, and I wanted to get the true story. So I brought back my experts in narco-terrorism, drug cartels, and international drug smuggling, Steve, Wes, and Chris. 

Here’s an intro to my experts for today’s show.

Retired DEA Special Agent Wes Tabor (episodes 235,236, & 237). Wes was embedded in Venezuela, battling the drug cartel and gangs for three years. He had a front-row seat to the prospering drug trade and threat to the United States and wrote the book, Infiltrate America: Blood Routes and the Rise of Latin American Gangs. So, of course, I asked him to be on the show again, and he graciously agreed.

Of course, I would be remiss if I were going to be talking about drug cartels and smuggling, not to have two experts who took down some of the most notorious drug cartels and their leaders in modern times. Steve Murphy and Chris Feistl. 

Retired DEA Special Agent Steve Murphy and his partner Javier Pena are best known for taking down the Medellin Cartel and its leader, Pablo Escobar. Steve is an expert in drug smuggling and cartels and is considered an expert in the world of narcoterrorism. Steve and Javier’s work was featured in many television documentaries and was featured in the Netflix special, DEA Narcos.

Retired DEA Special Agent Chris Feistl and his partner Dave Mitchell are best known for taking down the Cali Cartel and its leaders Gilberto and Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela. Chris’s work was featured in many television documentaries and was also featured in season three of the Netflix special DEA Narcos.

After listening to these three experts explain recent operations in Venezuela, I have gained valuable insights into why we arrested Maduro and his wife. I hope this clears things up for you as well. Please enjoy my conversation with these DEA legends and experts.

 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

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Welcome back, everyone, for the conclusion of my interview with Author and retired FBI Special Agent Seamus McElearney.

Séamus McElearney began his distinguished career with the FBI in 1998, joining Squad C-10 of the New York Organized Crime Branch. Tasked with investigating the Bonanno and DeCavalcante crime families—infamously known as “the real Sopranos.”

In December 1999, he was assigned to arrest Anthony Capo, a violent soldier in the DeCavalcante family, as part of a sweeping indictment. Not only did he safely execute the arrest, but he also achieved a historic breakthrough: persuading Capo to become the first made member in the family’s century-long history to cooperate with law enforcement. This unprecedented move triggered a domino effect of cooperation that ultimately led to the dismantling of the DeCavalcante family. In all, 71 defendants were convicted, and 11 murders were solved. 

Following this six-year investigation, Séamus was promoted to lead Squad C-38, overseeing the Colombo crime family. Under his leadership, the squad dismantled the Colombos through a series of operations—including spearheading the largest Mafia takedown in FBI history.

As Supervisor, Séamus oversaw investigations that led to the conviction of more than 200 defendants and the resolution of 20 murders.

Throughout his career as an Agent and Supervisor, Séamus helped convict ten Mafia bosses, recover five bodies, and solve the murder of an NYPD officer. He was part of historic FBI teams that dismantled three organized crime families—an achievement no one else can claim.

Seamus is also the author of the popular book, Flipping Capo: How the FBI Dismantled the Real Sopranos.

I’m a fan of the TV show The Sopranos, so it was amazing listening to Seamus explain how the “Real Sopranos” operated and how they were dismantled and brought to justice by Seamus and his team. Please enjoy my conversation with Seamus!  

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      How he got Capo to flip.

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Welcome, everyone, to part one of my interview with Author and retired FBI Special Agent Seamus McElearney. Come back next Sunday for the conclusion of my interview with Seamus.

Séamus McElearney began his distinguished career with the FBI in 1998, joining Squad C-10 of the New York Organized Crime Branch. Tasked with investigating the Bonanno and DeCavalcante crime families—infamously known as “the real Sopranos.”

In December 1999, he was assigned to arrest Anthony Capo, a violent soldier in the DeCavalcante family, as part of a sweeping indictment. Not only did he safely execute the arrest, but he also achieved a historic breakthrough: persuading Capo to become the first made member in the family’s century-long history to cooperate with law enforcement. This unprecedented move triggered a domino effect of cooperation that ultimately led to the dismantling of the DeCavalcante family. In all, 71 defendants were convicted; 11 murders were solved. As a result, Séamus and the team received the U.S. Attorney’s Office Director’s Award.

Following this six-year investigation, Séamus was promoted to lead Squad C-38, overseeing the Colombo crime family. Under his leadership, the squad dismantled the Colombos through a series of operations—including spearheading the largest Mafia takedown in FBI history. The Bonanno squad was later merged into C-38 under his command.

As Supervisor, Séamus oversaw investigations that led to the conviction of more than 200 defendants and the resolution of 20 murders.

Throughout his career as an Agent and Supervisor, Séamus helped convict ten Mafia bosses, recover five bodies, and solve the murder of an NYPD officer. He was part of historic FBI teams that dismantled three organized crime families—an achievement no one else can claim.

Seamus is also the author of the popular book, Flipping Capo: How the FBI Dismantled the Real Sopranos.

I’m a fan of the TV show The Sopranos, so it was amazing listening to Seamus explain how the “Real Sopranos” operated and how they were dismantled and brought to justice by Seamus and his team. Please enjoy my conversation with Seamus!  

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Growing up in the Bronx as a first-generation Irish-American.

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Welcome everyone to a very special Cops and Writers with my friend Ian Bick. Back in November, I visited Ian at his studio in Connecticut, where Ian interviewed me (That episode went live on 12-16-25 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-in-with-ian-bick/id1662286355?i=1000741596571,  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7EWrquIqAYL4z0FbW3xDE0?si=39oDYHc3SEGiwBT8udhxhw, https://youtu.be/aU5xLdhR_5s?si=Tdarr4_9xdd3p0mK) and he was gracious enough to let me interview him.

First off, I have to thank the most awesome and legend in the law enforcement community, retired DEA Special Agent, Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, and all-around good guy, Steve Murphy, for the introduction. You may know Steve from the Netflix story, DEA Narcos, and his popular Game of Crimes Podcast.

Ian Bick is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and host of the hit podcast Locked In with Ian Bick, where he explores real stories of incarceration, redemption, and the human capacity for change. His content has reached hundreds of millions of viewers across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify.

At 18, Ian became one of the youngest nightclub owners in the country. But the rapid success came with high pressure, debt, and a gambling addiction that led him to make destructive choices. At 21, he was convicted of federal wire fraud and served three years in federal prison.

In January 2023, he launched Locked In with Ian Bick, a podcast that gives a platform to former inmates, law enforcement, attorneys, survivors, and others whose lives intersect with the criminal justice system.

Today, the show has become one of the fastest-growing justice-focused podcasts in the country, known for its raw honesty, emotional depth, and willingness to go where most media won’t.

Ian now speaks in prisons, schools, recovery programs, and reentry organizations across the United States, connecting with people who feel stuck or defined by their mistakes. His message is real and rooted in lived experience.

It was such a pleasure getting to know Ian and his producer, Matt (Matty Ice). They rolled out the red carpet for me and made this an incredible experience. As of today’s recording, one of the TikTok reels Ian made from my interview is getting close to half a million views! https://www.tiktok.com/@ianbick/video/7584901104773729566?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7145094841457509930

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Hey cops and writers, thanks for being here with us today for another episode of the Cops and Writers podcast! I’m Patrick O’Donnell, and I will be your host for today’s show.

Before I start, can I ask you all a favor? If you are enjoying this podcast, could you please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It is so important, thank you.

This show is listener supported, so thanks to all of you who keep this show going!

I would especially like to thank those of you who are patrons of the show. Most notably, Frances Sheldrick, Kathleen Donnelly, Fran Cross, Katherine Kovacic, Richard Towles, Ryan Ta, Carl Vonderau, Melinda Colt, Jodi Burnett, and Richard Rybicki.

Your generosity helps pay for the software, equipment, and my time producing this show. Yes, you too can become a patron for less than a cup of coffee or a pint of Guinness. Just go to patreon.com/copsandwriters.

Welcome everyone, for my interview with my friend, podcaster, author, and retired NYPD Detective, Vic Ferrari.

Vic worked a distinguished twenty-year career with the NYPD as a patrol officer and later moved up to the organized crime unit, working in the auto theft squad as a detective.

Vic is now an author with nine books published, the most recent NYPD: Behind The Blue Wall Of Silence, and host of his very popular podcast, NYPD Through The Looking Glass. 

It’s always fun chatting with Vic and hearing his stories from the NYPD. Please enjoy my conversation with the one and only, Vic Ferrari!

 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Vic explains the title and intro to his newest book, NYPD: Behind The Blue Wall Of Silence.

·     

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Hey cops and writers, thanks for being here with us today for another episode of the Cops and Writers podcast! I’m Patrick O’Donnell, and I will be your host for today’s show.

Before I start, can I ask you all a favor? If you are enjoying this podcast, could you please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It is so important, thank you.

This show is listener-supported, so thanks to all of you who keep this show going!

I would especially like to thank those of you who are patrons of the show. Most notably, Frances Sheldrick, Kathleen Donnelly, Frank Cross, Katherine Kovacic, Richard Towles, Ryan Ta, Carl Vonderau, Melinda Colt, Jodi Burnett, and Richard Rybicki.

Your generosity helps pay for the software, equipment, and my time producing this show. Yes, you too can become a patron for less than a cup of coffee or a pint of Guinness. Just go to patreon.com/copsandwriters.

Welcome everyone, for my interview with attorney, author, former California State Assemblyman, and son of a murdered father, Mike Gatto.

Mike Gatto served four terms in the California Legislature, representing Los Angeles. He chaired the Appropriations Committee, served as Assistant Speaker, and authored several pieces of landmark legislation.

On November 13, 2013, his father, Joseph Gatto, was brutally murdered in a home-invasion robbery, which remains unsolved.

Mike wrote the book, Noir by Necessity: How My Father's Unsolved Murder Took Me to Dark Places, which documents his father’s brutal murder and the investigation that took place. Mike takes the reader along with him, witnessing Mike’s frustration, anger, and grief.

It was indeed an honor to talk with Mike. He was honest and sincere, taking me to places during the interview I didn’t expect. I hope and pray that someday soon the killer in this case is brought to justice and the Gatto family can get some much-deserved answers.

 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Why Mike went into politics and what his wife thought.

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Welcome back, everyone, to the conclusion of my interview with former Assistant District Attorney, Police Superintendent, Professor, Podcaster, and Author Patrick Welsh.

Pat Welsh was an ADA turned cop. During his distinguished career, he rose through the ranks to become superintendent of the Dayton Police Department. He worked and supervised in patrol, investigations, including narcotics and homicide. He received numerous commendations, department citations, and awards of merit. He also taught the DPD Academy to recruits and in-service.

Pat is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, the Ohio Police Executive Leadership College, and the Secret Service Executive Protection for Command Officers.

Retired in 2012 and joined the Southern Police Institute, the University of Louisville, as an adjunct instructor/professor, teaching: Legal Issues in Prosecuting Homicides; Leadership; Command Officer Development.

From an orphanage in Dublin, Ireland, to the West Wing of the White House and everything in between. I had a blast talking Irish and police stuff with Pat. I think you’re going to like it, too. Please enjoy the conclusion of my interview with Pat Welsh!

 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      What was the academy like, being a former ADA?

·      Was being a police officer what you thought it would be? Did you ever regret switching over to the PD?

·      Stories of protecting presidents and their wives, pros, and cons.

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Welcome everyone to part one of my interview with former Assistant District Attorney, Police Superintendent, Professor, Podcaster, and Author Patrick Welsh.

Pat Welsh was an ADA turned cop. During his distinguished career, he rose through the ranks to become superintendent of the Dayton Police Department. He worked and supervised in patrol, investigations, including narcotics and homicide. He received numerous commendations, department citations, and awards of merit. He also taught at the DPD Academy to recruits and in-service.

Pat is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, the Ohio Police Executive Leadership College, and the Secret Service Executive Protection for Command Officers.

Retired in 2012 and joined the Southern Police Institute, the University of Louisville as an adjunct instructor/professor, teaching: Legal Issues in Prosecuting Homicides; Leadership; Command Officer Development.

From an orphanage in Dublin, Ireland, to the west wing of the White House and everything in between. I had a blast talking Irish and police stuff with Pat. I think you’re going to like it as well. Please enjoy Part One of my interview with Pat Welsh!

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Being in an orphanage in Ireland and being adopted by an American couple.

·      Going back and visiting the orphanage that he was left at.

·      Discovering and contacting his birth mother and half-sister decades after his adoption.

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Welcome back, everyone, for the conclusion of my interview with Army Veteran, retired Sheriff Deputy, and host of the popular Antihero podcast, Tyler Hoover.

Tyler Hoover is a United States Army Airborne Infantry Iraq War Veteran, having served with the esteemed 82nd Airborne Division. After serving his country in the army, he continued serving as a sheriff's deputy in two different counties in Florida, working in different roles, including SWAT and other special units.

Tyler walked away from law enforcement and is now focused on his wildly popular Antihero Podcast and other entrepreneurial pursuits.

Please enjoy the conclusion of my interview with Tyler Hoover.  

 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      The lack of organized gangs in Orlando.

·      Tyler’s Voodoo call.

·      Tyler’s decision to leave law enforcement after nine years on the job.

·      Tyler starting three different businesses while working full-time as a cop.

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Welcome everyone to part one of my interview with Army Veteran, retired Sheriff Deputy, and host of the popular Antihero podcast, Tyler Hoover.

Tyler Hoover is a United States Army Airborne Infantry Iraq War Veteran, having served with the esteemed 82nd Airborne Division. After serving his country in the army, he continued serving as a sheriff's deputy in two different counties in Florida, working in different roles, including SWAT.

Tyler walked away from law enforcement and is now focused on his wildly popular Antihero Podcast and other entrepreneurial pursuits.

Please enjoy Part One of my interview with Tyler Hoover.  

 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      When he got bitten by the police bug, and the influence of his dad being a cop.

·      Why are some women attracted to a man in uniform?

·      How time in the military can be a help or a hindrance when you become a cop.

·      The different SWAT training.

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