Cops and Writers Podcast

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Today on the show we are talking to retired NYPD Detective, Author, and Podcaster, 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 seven books published, and a host of his own podcast, NYPD Through The Looking Glass.  

In today’s episode we discuss:

· Vic tells us a true horse story.

How Vic got into police work and then later his writing career.

·      Why he started writing his NYPD series.

·      How Vic gets all of these stories straight and did he have any negative effects from reliving these events. 

·      Taking a peek into police subculture.

·      It’s a young man's game.

·      The love/hate relationship with the press.

·      How and why, he started his podcast. 

·      What he misses the most about the job.

·      What’s next for Vic!

Visit Vic Ferrari's Amazon Author Page to learn more about him and his books!

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

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Today on the show we have True Crime Television Producer Sonja Borgmann!  

Sonja is a producer for true crime documentaries for Tubi T.V. and A & E. Some cases she has highlighted are infamous killers like Ted Bundy and the Menedez brothers. She also produced the Killing Diana documentary, highlighting the life and death of the late Lady Diana.

Please enjoy this wide-ranging and enjoyable true crime discussion with Sonja Borgmann.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Sonja’s interest in investigative journalism and documentaries at an early age. 

• Her interest in foreign affairs that took her to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Berlin, and Lisbon, and how this molded her future career in documentaries.

·      How and when Sonja got interested in criminal justice, more specifically true crime cases?

·      What pulls Sonja towards infamous, true crime cases? 

·      The Killing Diana documentary profiling the life and death of Lady Diana.

·      Some of the fascinating cases Sonja has worked on, including murder-for-hire cases.

·      Why Sonja thinks we are so interested, sometimes obsessed with true crime.

·      What advice she would give to someone trying to break into the true crime business. 

·      How Sonja looks at people differently since she started covering stories of serial killers and other psychopaths.

·      Sonja’s top-secret project with me being a part of the show (not as the serial killer)!

Check out Sonja's website to learn more about her and her work!

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 have Author, Creative, Musician, and former Police Officer Jeff Bonilla. 
 Jeff was a police officer in two California departments, Burlingame PD and Daly City PD in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

He’s co-author of the groundbreaking book "So You Want To Be A Cop," this work has been recommended reading in multiple police academies, shedding light on the reality of life as a police officer. His current fiction novella "Terminal Hitman" is receiving great reviews.

Bonillo has ventured into Hollywood, creating alternative programming, and gaining unique insights into the entertainment industry. He had many of his projects optioned by top producers such as Ryan Seacrest, Merv Griffith, 3 Ball Productions, Jamie Kennedy Productions, and more. As an award-winning director, he has written and directed short films and directed commercials for such clients as Party City online.

Jeff is also a talented musician, with digital releases that have captivated audiences in over 40 different countries!

Please enjoy this wide-ranging discussion with Jeff Bonilla.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Jeff’s brush with Elvis. 

·      What impact did seeing Elvis have on him?

·      How and why, Jeff started his career in law enforcement?

·      What was it like being a police officer in the two different departments? 

·      Why he stopped being a cop?

·      Jeff tells us about the books he authored, So You Want To Be a Cop and Terminal Hitman.

·      Why he wrote these books. 

·      Jeff’s adventures in Hollywood, including writing, producing, and directing movies and commercials. 

·      Jeff’s music career.

Visit Jeff Bonilla's website to learn more about him and his work

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 a text

Today’s show is a special bonus episode of me being interviewed on the Creative Penn Podcast with the most excellent host, Joanna Penn! 

Joanna and I talk about writing realistic police stories, starting a second career as an author, networking, and the dangers of writing about real-life trauma. 

Please enjoy my chat with Joanna Penn.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Becoming a writer after a significant first career

·      Dos and don'ts of finding a mentor

·      Being of service and volunteering with purpose

·      Knowing when an author relationship clicks

·      Writing entertainment vs. writing for therapy

·      Managing different energies in an author conference

Check out Joanna's website!

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

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today on the show we are chatting with the director of Author Nation, Joe Solari!  

Joe and Author Nation are taking the helm from Craig Martelle and the 20 Books to 50K Vegas Conference. 20 Books Vegas was the largest indie author conference and now Joe Solari and Author Nation have the epic task of keeping this amazing conference going and growing. 

Please enjoy my chat with Joe Solari.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Will there be cookies as big as manhole covers at Author Nation?

·      How Joe blended an MBA and a Fine Arts Degree into success. 

·      What are some of the lessons learned and best practices that successful authors are now employing to maximize their author businesses? 

·      Common errors you see authors make at the different stages of their careers and how to avoid them.

·      How do we stand out in such a crowded market? Is this going to transfer over to the conferences? If so, how and what will be the emphasis?

·      Why Joe Solari accepted the challenge of running the Author Nation conference.

·      What are your goals for the Author Nation conference going forward?

learn more about Joe Solari and his work on his website.
Check out Author Nation Live!

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 have returning champ, my friend and Superstar Author and director of the world’s largest indie author conference, 20 Books Vegas, Craig Martelle. 
 
 It was my pleasure to attend the last 20 Books Vegas run by Craig. I have gone to all the Vegas 20 Books conferences and have seen the positive impact these conferences have had on authors. 

Please enjoy my chat with Craig Martelle.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Craig’s beginnings into writing after a career in the United States Marine Corps and being an attorney.

·      How he and Michael Anderle became fast friends and grew the 20 Books brand and conferences. 

·      Why did he undertake such a humongous responsibility and personal financial risk for a not-for-profit conference?

·      How this conference literally has changed hundreds of author's lives for the better.

·      When did he know it was time to step down and walk away from this conference?

·      Words of wisdom for Joe Solari and Author Nation who will run the conference next year. 

·      My personal gratitude to Craig and Michael for their friendship, partnership, and mentorship throughout the years.

Learn more about Craig and his books on his website!

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

A little while ago it was my honor to be a guest on Sara DiVello’s Mystery and Thriller Mavens show. Today’s podcast is a special rebroadcast of the interview. Please enjoy me being on the other side of the mic with Sara DiVello interviewing me. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      The fourth book in my Brew City Blues series, Honor and Valor.

·      My most memorable experience writing Honor and Valor. 

·      We discuss the importance and how to use cliffhangers in a thriller.

·      How writing these stories brought back my PTSD.

·      Adrenaline rushes on the job.

·      Where I got my inspiration to become a police officer. 

·      Since I retired, the items I have found that have brought back memories. 

·      How real-life police work compares to how it is portrayed on TV or in movies.

Check out Sara's website with links to her books, and YouTube Chanel!

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 we are going to do one of my favorites, the random show. I get some cops with a variety of law enforcement experience and some crime writers together and we chat about writing and try to answer some questions from my Cops and Writers Facebook group. These are usually a bunch of fun and I’m sure this won't disappoint.

On today’s show, we have returning champs, Crime Writers Jodi Burnett and Kathleen Donnelly, along with writers and crime fighters RJ Beam and Richard Rybicki. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      20 Books Vegas writer's conference.

·      Cop Camp 2024. 

·      Carrying your pistol off-duty.

·      Internal Affairs.

·      How critical incidents, including death in custody and in the line of duty shootings are investigated.

·      Different terms for police stations. 

·      How cops navigate the turbulent waters of dealing with ex-spouses and how that can spill over into a police station. 

·      Different terms or slang for street guns.

·      Resources for crime writers.

Check out Jodi Burnett's website!
Please visit Kathleen Donnelly's website.
Come on down to RJ Beam's website and Richard Rybiki'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

Today is the conclusion of a special two-part interview with “The Legend” Frank Shamrock. Frank grew up in an abusive household and turned to criminality to get out of that horrible situation. He was charged with over twenty felonies and spent most of his teen years in and out of jail and eventually wound up in prison for three and a half years. When he got out of prison, he decided it was time for him to turn his life around using martial arts as his catalyst.

Frank “The Legend” Shamrock was the 1st to hold the UFC Middleweight Championship and retired as the 4-time defending undefeated champion and the #1 ranked UFC fighter in the world during his reign. He was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 1990s & holds the world record for the fastest knockout (14 seconds).

A former criminal who became a champion, Frank Shamrock's journey and lessons can inspire anyone, whether you’re a fighter or not.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Learning process of plus, minus, equal.

·      How he got into the UFC and MMA. 

·      How Frank won every title in UFC!

·      The surprising way Frank prepared for a fight and how he uses this method now to prepare for important situations.

·      We talk about Mike Tyson’s quote, “Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the face.”

·      The incredible popularity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

·      The Warrior Code. 

·      Jeet Kune Do and how he used this martial art developed by the legendary Bruce Lee. 

·      Why as a society we are so fascinated with violence and pay to watch people fight?

Visit Frank's website!

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 I will be speaking with “The Legend” Frank Shamrock. Frank grew up in an abusive household and turned to criminality to get out of that horrible situation. He was charged with over twenty felonies and spent most of his teen years in and out of jail and eventually wound up in prison for three and a half years. When he got out of prison, he decided it was time for him to turn his life around using martial arts as his catalyst.

Frank “The Legend” Shamrock was the 1st to hold the UFC Middleweight Championship and retired as the 4-time defending undefeated champion and the #1 ranked UFC fighter in the world during his reign. He was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 1990s & holds the world record for the fastest knockout (14 seconds).

A former criminal who became a champion, Frank Shamrock's journey and lessons can inspire anyone, whether they're fighters or not.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Frank left his house at age eleven.

·      How Frank used crime as a tool to change his situation. 

·      Frank getting married and being a father at age sixteen!

·      Frank’s interactions with police officers.

·      Looking through his unique perspective, what can be done to deter crime?

·      His path to success and out of the criminal justice system through the martial arts.

·      What is a “Super Athlete” and why he was considered one?

Visit Frank's website!

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