Cops and Writers Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Welcome everyone to this very special episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast. As most of you listening to my show are cops, first responders, or someone who writes stories about first responders, I thought this episode would be extremely useful to you all. We all have dealt with, or are still dealing with, a high volume of death. Sometimes we don’t deal with it at all. But I guarantee, it will come back to haunt us. 

So today on the show I have a very special guest, Dr. BJ Miller.

Dr. Miller was the executive director of San Francisco's Zen Hospice Project from 2011 to 2016. He's the co-author, with Shoshana Berger, of the book "A Beginner's Guide To The End: Practical Advice For Living Life And Facing Death." Dr. Miller is also known for his 2015 TED Talk, "What Really Matters at the End of Life". Miller has been on the teaching faculty at UCSF School of Medicine since 2007. 

Dr. Miller is no stranger to death, coming very close to himself by being electrocuted with 11,000 volts that resulted in several months in a burn unit, and eventually losing both legs and his left arm. 

Dr. Miller is also the co-founder of Mettle Health, an organization that provides personalized, holistic consultations for any patient or caregiver who needs help navigating the practical, emotional, and existential issues that come with serious illness and disability.

Dr. Miller is one of the most inspirational and knowledgeable persons I have ever spoken to regarding death, and life.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Clinton Eastwood quote from the movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales. “Death is easy for us; it’s living that’s tough.”

·      My first time hearing Dr. Miller on the Tim Ferriss show back in 2016.

·      Experiences with ghosts or the presence of a person after their death.

·      The beauty of the mundane of death.

·      Dr. Miller’s unexplainable synchronicity with his patients.

·      The difference between palliative care, end-of-life care, and hospice.

·      When is it time to stop treatment and what do you do when a loved one pushes back against that?

·      Visions or conversations with dead relatives? Sebastian Younger’s new book, In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife on the James Altucher podcast.

·      Assisted suicide or assisted dying.

·      The role of child life specialists when helping children with death.

·      Regrets at the end of life. 
       
         The Netflix documentary featuring Dr. Miller, End Game.

Visit BJ at Mettle Health.
Watch BJ's TedTalk.

Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

My guest today is a Swiss Army Knife of law enforcement experience. 

Mike Roche has over four decades of experience starting as a street cop, detective, and special agent for the ATF and the U.S. Secret Service. Mike also served as an adjunct professor teaching threat Assessments of Physical Structures and Behavioral Threat Assessments of Mass Killers. 

Mike shares his vast experience with us today and gives us valuable insights into law enforcement, especially his time with the U.S. Secret Service.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Mike became interested in law enforcement and why he choose to spend the bulk of his career with the U.S. Secret Service.

·      What it was really like working a protective detail with U.S. Secret Service.

·      How he and other members of the U.S. Secret Service investigated threats against the President of the United States.

·      How to identify potential mass killers in the workplace and school.

·      The role that the U.S. Secret Service plays in the detection and recovery of counterfeit currency. 

 All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Visit Mike Roche's website!

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Welcome back everyone and thank you for joining me for the conclusion of my interview with Bestselling Author, Television Personality, and retired Homicide Detective Lieutenant Joe Kenda.  

Joseph Patrick Kenda is a retired Colorado Springs Police Department detective lieutenant who was involved in 387 homicide cases over a 23-year career. He solved 356 cases, a closure rate of 92%. He was featured on the Investigation Discovery television show Homicide Hunter, where he recounted stories of cases he solved. Kenda hosts the Discovery+ show, American Detective With Lt. Joe Kenda. Lt. Kenda is also a bestselling author with four books under his gun belt.  

Please enjoy the conclusion of my interview with this crime-fighting legend, Lt. Joe Kenda.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Crime reduction strategies that work.

·      A community meeting that turned into a Donnybrook with a woman using her high heels as deadly weapons.

·      Going to a victim’s funeral.

·      When Joe knew it was time to retire from police work.

·      Joe’s second career in television and book writing.

·      Best advice for someone thinking about starting a career in law enforcement.

·      “They all count, or none of them count.”

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today's bonus episode is a rebroadcast of my interview with Special Agent Mark Brandenburg of the United States Secret Service. Due to the recent assassination attempt on President Trump, I thought this interview would shed some light on the job of secret service agent. 

Today we are in the Line of Fire with Special Agent Mark Brandenburg of the United States Secret Service. 

Mark started his career in law enforcement in the Olathe, KS, Police Department (a suburb of Kansas City). He was assigned to patrol, served as an FTO, and was a member of the tactical support unit.

In 2001, Mark was hired by the USSS as a special agent. His second day of training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA, was 9/11.

Began career in the Chicago Field Office investigating financial crimes

In 2008, Mark moved to Washington, DC, and served 5 1/2 years on the Presidential Protective Division during the Obama administration. During this time was a member of the shift protecting the president and served on the Transportation Section that advances the motorcade routes. Mark drove the presidential limo (The Beast) on many occasions.

From 2017 - 2019, Mark was a supervisory agent on the Vice-Presidential Protective Division during Mike Pence’s tenure. 

February 21, 2023, Mark published his first novel, Fence Jumper, which is a humorous political thriller about a suspended USSS agent who discovers the supposedly kidnapped wife of a senator running in the presidential primary. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      The reason Mark joined law enforcement. 

·      Why Mark joined the United States Secret Service.

·      What it was like to be on his second day of training 9/11 to be a special agent with the secret service.

·      What was involved in investigating financial crimes?

·      What it is really like on the presidential protection detail. 

·      The importance of staying politically neutral. 

·      Favorite and not-so-favorite part of being on the presidential protection detail.

·      What are the common errors in movies / T.V. regarding the secret service? (To Live and Die in L.A. and In the Line of Fire)

·      How much fun is it to drive the presidential limo nicknamed the Beast?

·      Mark’s debut novel, Fence Jumper.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Check out Mark's debut novel Fence Jumper!
Have questions? Email Mark.

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

First things first. I have to thank Sgt. Steve Gould from the Things Police See Podcast for introducing me to today’s special guest. 

Today I have a special treat for you, my wonderful listeners. Welcome, and thank you for joining me for part one of my two-part interview with Bestselling Author, Television Personality, and retired Homicide Detective Lieutenant Joe Kenda.  

Joseph Patrick Kenda is a retired Colorado Springs Police Department detective lieutenant who was involved in 387 homicide cases over a 23-year career. He solved 356 cases, a closure rate of 92%. He was featured on the Investigation Discovery television show Homicide Hunter, where he recounted stories of cases he solved. Kenda hosts the Discovery+ show, American Detective With Lt. Joe Kenda. Lt. Kenda is also a bestselling author with four books under his gun belt.  

Please enjoy part one of my interview with the good lieutenant.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Lt. Kenda almost delivered a baby in a tank.

·      Lt. Kenda’s beginnings into law enforcement and how he was chosen for the homicide unit.

·      Knowing what he knows now, what advise he would give rookie cop Joe Kenda.

·      His surprising beginnings as a rookie cop and the ‘training’ he received.

·      Using a hand grenade for crowd control.

·      The personal toll of investigating 400 homicides and attending 500 autopsies.

·      Lt. Kenda’s secrets to a happy marriage.

·      Being the voice for the victims with no voice.

·      Attending parole hearings for those he put away for life.

·      Illegal drugs and their relationship to homicide and other violent crimes.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today’s show is for you writers out there! No matter if you are a bestselling author with a huge backlist or you are just kicking around the idea of writing a book, todays show will have huge value to you! I highly suggest you take notes for this episode. 

My guest on the show today is Bestselling Author and Expert Ghostwriter/Ghostpublisher, Joshua Lisec. 

Joshua Lisec is a #1 international and Wall Street Journal bestselling ghostwriter who has ghostwritten more than 90 books since 2011 on everything from metabolic health and internet marketing to political tell-alls and current events reporting that have been translated into several languages.

After having multiple novels published by an independent publishing house, Joshua turned his talents to helping others achieve their own literary dreams.

As a leading expert on author voice authenticity, Joshua has helped executives, coaches, inventors, multimillionaire and billionaire entrepreneurs, philanthropists, politicians, and religious leaders find the best way to say what’s on their minds and in their hearts.

The only Certified Ghostwriter (California State University, Long Beach) and Certified Hypnotist (National Guild of Hypnotists), Joshua teaches a masterclass on hypnowriting, a method of ghostwriting that uses the techniques of hypnosis to structure a draft and refine a book. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Joshua became a hypnotist, and the life-changing effects hypnosis can have.

·      Joshua’s bestselling book, So Good They Call You a Fake: Command Attention, Monetize Your Talent Stack, and Become the Uncontested Authority in Your Niche.

·      How Josh turns bad reviews on their heads and transmutes the lead of hate into the gold of praise. 

·      The psychology of book covers and how unique, obvious, and simplistic covers sell a book! 

·      How Joshua started his career in ghostwriting?

·      Role of ghost writer and what do you say to someone who says it’s “cheating?”

·      How a book can ruin your career.

·      Joshua explains how books are a form of hypnosis. 

·      Common mistakes writers make with their marketing or craft.

·      The role and future of Artificial intelligence in book publishing and writing.

Please visit Joshua's website packed with valuable information!

Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today on the show we are going to be talking with former Death Investigator Emily Speed about the little known occupation of death investigator. They are the ones who work either in a medical examiner's or coroner’s office that comes out to the scene of a dead body. Their responsibility is to determine the cause and manner of death of a decedent. 

Emily Speed is a former career death investigator with over 13 years of experience in the field.  She has a master’s degree in forensic science and a specialty in skeletal remains. She has been featured on shows such as Oxygen's "Snapped: Notorious" as well as Investigation Discovery's "Devil in Suburbia".  Emily's special interests include forensic anthropology, unidentified cold cases, and training professionals in the field. She is the creator and host of Death Calls Podcast where she talks about her experiences in the field and educates the public on postmortem procedures and forensic investigations.

Please enjoy as Emily unveils the mysteries of death investigations and what the ultimate price you can pay doing that job. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Emily found her way into the medical examiner’s office.

·      Emily explains what she did at the scene of a dead body and when was it required for her to respond. 

·      What special equipment did she bring to a call? 

·      The use of meat thermometers on a dead body.

·      Responding to her first call by herself.

·      How she dealt with all the trauma she observed.

·      How someone would prepare for a career as a death investigator.

·      Her popular, Death Calls Podcast!

Check out the Death Calls Podcast on Instagram!

Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Please enjoy my guest spot on the "This Week In Waukesha" radio show with host Don Brown! We chatted about my career with the Milwaukee Police Department and what I have been up to post-retirement, including this podcast and author career.

Note, I come on the show about 20 minutes into the show.

Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Welcome everyone to today’s show where I will be chatting with bestselling author and publicist, Deborah Levison.  Her bestselling first book, THE CRATE, won seven literary awards. Reviewers described it as "heart-wrenching," "harrowing," "lyrical," and "a brilliant story." Jerusalem Post said: "Exquisite. Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the JACK REACHER Series said, “THE CRATE is an impressive and important piece of work."

Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation that takes us to ThrillerFest, her writing, a murder that rocked her family to the core, and her experience as a child of holocaust survivors. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Debbie takes us on a guided tour of ThrillerFest.

·      Her award winning and bestselling book, The Crate! 

·      How she writes with such detail pulling her audience into the experience.

·      The heartbreaking family tree story of her youth.

·      Growing up as a child of immigrants and not fitting into her new culture.

·      The growing antisemitic rhetoric that is gaining steam.

·      Her writing process and her newest project.

·      The Crime Trio!

Please visit Deborah Levison's website to learn more about her and her books.

Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Welcome back everybody to the conclusion of my interview with with non-other than the host of the wildly popular podcast, Things Police See, Sergeant Steve Gould! If you love police stories, you are going to want to listen to my interviews with Steve!

Steve Gould has 17 years in law enforcement. Four years as a natural resource officer and thirteen as a police officer. Currently a sergeant in a small town in western Massachusetts and host of the Things Police See Podcast. Steve has a treasure trove of police stories he has accumulated from almost two hundred interviews with cops from all over the globe. 
 
In today’s episode we discuss:

·      War stories. Why is there such a fascination with them?

·      Steve’s favorite stories from his guests? 

·      Steve’s format of asking his guests for dramatic, funny, and heartwarming stories.

·      Steve’s first “hot call.”

·      Steve’s strangest or most bizarre call. 

·      Steve’s most intense call.

·      One of Steve’s most positive/heartwarming story.

·      Advice for new cops.

Check out Steve's website!

Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show