Cops and Writers Podcast

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Today we are chatting with the author of Riding With Evil: Taking Down The Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang and ATF Special Agent, Ken Croke. 

Over 25 years, he took part in more than a thousand undercover operations, including gang, drug, and firearms trafficking cases. Married with three young daughters, he was a supervisor who seemed to cruise to a quiet suburban retirement.

But, when a tip about criminal motorcycle gangs came into the Boston ATF field office in 2008, the experienced Croke was brought in to check out sources and information. Then came a chance encounter with an associate of the Pagans. “One thing led to another,” and he was on the case.

Ken spent the next two years of his life in deep undercover where he became the first member of law enforcement to become a fully patched member of one of the most violent Outlaw Motorcycle gangs, the Pagans. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Ken’s path to becoming an ATF Special Agent.

·      How long it usually takes an ATF agent to work undercover.

·      The different types of undercover cases. 

·      Through a series of unusual circumstances, he was pulled into the Pagans.

·      Outlaw motorcycle gang vocabulary.

·      The popular television show, Sons of Anarchy. 

·      The heavy toll his undercover work took on him and his family.

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

Check out, Riding with Evil: Taking Down the Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

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

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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 we are chatting with best-selling author and true crime star, Kerrie Droban! 
 Kerrie Droban is an award-winning author and criminal & family attorney living in Arizona. With numerous appearances and interviews on national television and radio shows, she has established herself as an expert on the pathology of the criminal mind, motorcycle gangs, and a mentor to new and aspiring true crime writers.

Kerrie received a Masters's degree from The Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars and a Master of Fine Arts and Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona.

She has been a keynote speaker at gang task force conferences and a national speaker at various writing conferences across the country. She has also appeared on national television on CNBC’s “American Greed: A Widow’s Web,” A&E’s “Gangland: Behind Enemy Lines,” the American Heroes Channel’s “Codes and Conspiracies,” “Investigation ID,” and the Discovery Channel’s “Deadly Devotion.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How her fascination with true crime and killers began.

·      Kerrie’s unusual childhood. 

·      Her co-writing process that sometimes takes years.

·      How writing books like Aurora: The Psychiatrist Who Treated the Movie Theater Killer Tells Her Story, has changed her.

·      Her experiences and research with outlaw motorcycle clubs. 

·      Her opinions on the death penalty, insanity plea, and the Jeffrey Dahmer case.

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

Visit Kerrie Droban on her webiste!

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

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 traveling to Boston to chat with best-selling author and Yogi, Sara DiVello! 

Sara DiVello is a true crime novelist and the creator/host of Mystery and Thriller Mavens, a popular author series and interactive Facebook group. For her weekly Mystery and Thriller Mavens live events, she has interviewed more than 300 authors, ranging from the bestselling and world-renowned (Dean Koontz, Patricia Cornwell, Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver, Tamron Hall, Karin Slaughter, Ruth Ware, Lisa Unger, and many more) to the buzziest debuts. 

While creative and active on her own social media platforms, DiVello also serves as the director of social media strategy for the International Thriller Writers Association. Sara has appeared on CBS, ABC, and CNBC, as well as in the New York Times, Forbes, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more.

Her articles have been published in Marie Claire, Elle, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and Woman’s Day, among others. Her highly anticipated novel, Broadway Butterfly is launching on August 1st. 

Sara is passionate about all things books (especially mysteries and thrillers), the craft of writing, and connecting readers to their favorite authors, as well as introducing them to their new discoveries.                 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Best practices for authors using social media to boost their author brand and why they need to be active on the platforms.

·      What fifteen years as a PR director in a large corporation taught her about marketing and how this knowledge has transferred to book marketing. 

·      The benefits of promoting other author’s work.

·      Common mistakes authors make with social media and marketing.

·      Mystery Thriller Mavens. 

·      What inspired Sara to write Broadway Butterfly.

·      Her love of Yoga and the benefits of exercise for writers!

·      Her new podcast that is coming soon. Yes Sara, you need to create a podcast!

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

You can find out more about Sara and her books on her website!

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group
SPF Launchpad!

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

G’day mates! Today we are going to the land down under to speak with Oliver Laurence, who was a police sergeant in Australia! 

Oliver Laurence worked for the South Australian Police and the Queensland Police Service as a constable, senior constable, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant. 

During his career in law enforcement in Australia, he worked in a variety of positions and locations from the Gold Coast to the Outback. 

Upon retirement, he started his own security agency spanning from Asia to the UK. He is also the host of the popular Protect and Serve Podcast.                    

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Oliver got his start in law enforcement.

·      Where his interest in law enforcement came from. 

·      Police training and equipment in Australia.

·      Policing in the Outback and dealing with indigenous people who live there?

·      The types of crimes he investigated in the Outback.

·      Public order policing in Australia’s Gold Coast. 

·      Starting a private investigation company and some of the cases he has worked on.

·      His podcast, Protect and Serve!

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

Check out Oliver's Protect and Serve Podcast!
Come visit Oliver on his LinkedIn page.

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

Do you enjoy gritty, action-packed real-life police dramas to get your fill of blood, heartache, and cop humor, and maybe even a little romance?

I have partnered up with Michael Anderle and we have released a new crime fiction series called “Brew City Blues.” 

If you're a fan of Hill Street Blues, Southland, or Bosch you’re going to love Brew City Blues! 

Brew City Blues is now live! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLR7FX27

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

Welcome to a special solo bonus Cop Camp episode with Patrick O'Donnell

Cop camp will kick off with an informal get-together on May 31, 7:00 pm until we are done at The lobby bar located at the DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton Attendance is not mandatory, but I think it will be fun to get to get together and meet before classes start.

June 1: The bus to the academy will leave around 8:45 am to the Fox Valley Public Safety Training Center where we will spend the bulk of our days. The morning will be spent on hands-on police training followed by catered lunch that will be provided as part of your conference fees. This morning routine will be the norm for the 2nd and 3rd as well.

We will begin afternoon classes starting with our special guest, Honoree Corder.

Honoree Corder, a publishing strategist, TEDx & keynote speaker, and author of over 50 books, including You Must Write a Book and You Must Market Your Book.

We will end the day with Michael Anderle the founder of 20BooksTo50K®and LMBPN. 

June 2nd Our afternoon classes will start with Racine County Assistant District Attorney Sharon Reich. 

We will devote the rest of the afternoon to California Game Warden Lt. John Nores.. 

On June 3rd our first afternoon speaker will be Anne Schwartz! 

Our afternoon classes will end with my good friend, Det. Adam Richardson. 

June 4: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Optional) Debrief at the hotel. This will be your chance to ask questions and offer opinions of the conference.

Hotel: The hotel is the DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton, 150 Nicolet Road Appleton, WI. 54914. The special rate of $99.00 a night plus taxes and fees, is good through the conference. In order to secure that rate, you must reserve your room before May 8, 2023. If you need to get there early or stay late, call the hotel at 920-735-9955, and ask for that rate for your extended or early days. Tell them you are with the Cops and Writers Cop Camp, and they should be able to honor that rate. If there are problems with that, call me at 414-213-6449. 

Tuition and Fees: Tuition is only $325.00 for Cop Camp 2023! This includes our incredible guest speakers, hands on police training, transportation to and from the hotel to the academy, catered lunches June 1-3, and a whole lot of police fun! 

Here is the Link to sign up for cop camp and the hotel registration https://www.premeditatedfiction.com/copcamp2023

There is still a scholarship available for the tuition of $325.00. If you are interested in this opportunity, or if you have any other questions, email me at [email protected] 

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

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Today we are going to be talking about a nifty piece of writing software called Plottr with Roland Denzel and Troy Lambert. 

I have been using Plottr for the last two years and it has become one piece of my writing puzzle. This is not a paid advertisement, although I wouldn’t be opposed to that.

Roland Denzel is a health and fitness author, a 30-year printing and publishing specialist, and the Marketing Coordinator for Plottr.

Troy Lambert is a mystery author, book editor, and the Education Lead for Plottr. Troy is the author of over 31 novels and several works of nonfiction.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·  How Roland and Troy got their starts in the business of writing.

·   Roland and Troy’s careers in publishing and the changes they have seen. 

·   What marketing strategies do they find most useful in the ever-changing publishing landscape?

·   What is Plottr and who is it for?

·   Alternate uses for Plottr.

·   Best practices for using Plottr. 

·   The advantages of using Plottr with a collaborator.

·   The future of Plottr and new features that are in the works!

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

Come visit the Plottr website!
Visit Ronad Dezel and Troy Lambert!

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

It has been one year since I interviewed Jack Carr, so I thought I would rebroadcast my interview with Jack. Enjoy!!

I have a special treat for you guys today! It was my honor and privilege to interview New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and former Navy Seal Jack Carr. 

Jack Carr led special operations teams as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander, and Task Unit Commander. Over his 20 years in Naval Special Warfare, he transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper to a junior officer leading assault and sniper teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a platoon commander practicing counterinsurgency in the southern Philippines, to commanding a Special Operations Task Unit in the most Iranian influenced section of southern Iraq throughout the tumultuous drawdown of U.S. Forces. 

Jack is now a bestselling author, podcaster, and most importantly, a devoted husband and father. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Jack’s early influences in life steered him toward a career as a Navy SEAL, and later bestselling author. 

·      His training and preparation that was needed to successfully complete SEAL training.

 ·      Why and how Jack started his popular podcast and the value it has to his listeners, and himself.

·      The definition of “hero” and how it has changed through the years.

·      How Jack keeps his books as accurate as possible, without giving away military secrets.

·      His first book Terminal List, and how it will soon be launched on Amazon Prime as a T.V. series.

·      How Jack deals with negative book reviews.

·      Jack’s favorite books.

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

Listen to Jack's Danger Close Podcast!
Check out Jack Carr's books, gear, media, and blog on his website!

Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

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

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Thank you for joining me for the thought-provoking conclusion of this special two-part interview with Dr. Trevor Wilkins, also known as the Angry Viking Therapist. 

Dr. Trevor Wilkins is a psychotherapist in private practice at Thin Line Counseling, LLC in the Lexington, KY area and specializes in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Trauma, and High-Stress Careers.  Dr. Wilkins has an additional specialty of working with the members of public safety and the military that are dealing with stress and trauma-related disorders.  

Dr. Wilkins served 15-years in uniformed law enforcement, and the prior three years as a police dispatcher, firefighter, and emergency medical technician.  Dr. Wilkins now combines his doctorate-level education in professional counseling with his experience of dealing with traumatic scenes to provide counseling services to the members of public safety, the military, and the members of the public that deal with trauma.  

In today’s episode we discuss:

·   Some of the biggest stressors on members of law enforcement. These might shock you!

·   The pros and cons of peer support groups. 

·   Working with police chaplains.

·   Simple steps to better mental health.

·   The pros and cons of pharmaceuticals in treating patients with mental health issues and the danger of not treating the root cause of these mental health problems.

·   Who takes care of the Angry Viking Therapist? 

·   Alternative treatments for mental health issues, including the use of psychedelics.

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

Visit Dr. Wilkins on his website!
Chat with the good doctor on Instagram

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

Dr. Trevor Wilkins is a psychotherapist in private practice at Thin Line Counseling, LLC in the Lexington, KY area and specializes in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Trauma, and High-Stress Careers.  

Dr. Wilkins has an additional specialty of working with the members of public safety and the military that are dealing with stress and trauma-related disorders.  

Dr. Wilkins served 15 years in uniformed law enforcement. Dr. Wilkins now combines his doctorate-level education in professional counseling with his experience of dealing with traumatic scenes to provide counseling services to the members of public safety, the military, and the members of the public that deal with trauma. 

In today’s episode, we discuss:
·  Why he is known as the Angry Viking Therapist.

·  The reason why Trevor joined law enforcement. 

·   His fifteen years in law enforcement.

·   The traumatic event that changed his life forever.

·   The downward spiral that eventually caused the end of his fifteen year in law enforcement.

·   The road to becoming a psychotherapist. 

·   The biggest challenges or problems in being a rookie psychotherapist. 

·   Recognizing the signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and what can be done to treat it.

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

Visit Dr. Wilkins on his website!
Chat with the good doctor on Instagram

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

This is a bonus show from last year with Craig Martelle who runs the 20 Books Vegas conference. Almost everything is the same, but better!!

My guest on today’s show is best-selling author and coordinator of the world’s biggest and best indie author conference, 20 Books Vegas, Craig Martelle 

Craig is a fountain of knowledge as he breaks down the conference for us today that is happening November 6 - 10, 2023 at Bally's / Horseshoe Las Vegas. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How 20 Book Vegas started and has grown into a premier world-class indie author conference.

·      Why have the conference in Vegas?

·      Navigating the 20 Books Vegas Facebook group.

·      Best practices to enjoy the show.

·      Best safety tips when in Vegas. 

·      How to get to the hotel and other spots in Vegas. 

·      Future 20 Book Vegas conferences.

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

Check out the 20 Books Vegas Website!

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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