Cops and Writers Podcast

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On today’s show, I’m so happy to have Dr. Heather Kersten and Dr. Emily Jirikowic who are co-founders of First Responder's PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES.

The good doctors who are most commonly referred to as police psychologists provide debriefings, crisis intervention, and trauma treatment. They have realized the importance of psychoeducation and face-time with members to build trust and gain acceptance in a field requiring specialized skill and ability.

These doctors work on the front lines with first responders in the most trying of times and provide much-needed support. 

​In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Dr. Kersten and Dr. Jirikowic’s First Responders Psychological Services.

·      When a debriefing is appropriate and what one looks like.

·      Their role in crisis intervention with first responders.

·      What psycho evaluations are and when they are conducted.

·      Both doctors experience starting their careers working in the prison system with sex offenders.

·      Having police officers in their immediate family and the unique perspective that gives them.

·      What P.T.S.D. is and how it can be misunderstood.

·      How to prevent P.T.S.D. and lessen its effects. 

·      Suicide prevention and best practices dealing with suicidal subjects.

·      How do members deal or don’t deal with leaving police work and reintegrating into a “normal lifestyle.”

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

Visit Emily and Heather on their website!

Read Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER and
Tribe.
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
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Suidie hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Check out 053 Police Chaplain George Papachristou on the Cops and Writers Podcast

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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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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On today’s show, I’m honored to bring back Retired F.B.I Special Agent Jerri Williams!
 
 Jerri was my guest way back on April 11, 2021, episode #11, which is still one of the most popular episodes to date! 

Jerri Williams served 26 years as a Special Agent with the FBI. During her FBI career, Jerri investigated many crimes, including bank robberies, and later she specialized in cases targeting major economic crime and corruption. Her investigation of a $350 million Ponzi scheme perpetrated against unsuspecting nonprofit organizations, high-profiled philanthropists, and beneficiary donors resulted in a 12-year prison sentence and multiple forfeitures.
 
Toward the end of her federal law enforcement career, Jerri was appointed as the spokesperson for the Philadelphia Division of the FBI, taking on the responsibility of educating and informing the media and public about the Bureau.

On today’s show, Jerri does a thorough analysis of Thrillerfest, podcasting, and her author career. 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Jerri’s fiction and nonfiction books.

·      Her wildly successful podcast, F.B.I. Retried Case File Review, and her advice to new podcasters.

·      What Thrillerfest is and who attends it.

·      How Thrillerfest has changed her career.

·      Her experience giving a class and being on a panel with bestselling authors.

·      The costs of attending Thrillerfest.

·      The stigma that was attached to being an indie author and how that is changing.

·      Hoping that Jerri attends 20books Vegas.

·      The exciting projects Jerri is involved with.

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

Check out Jerri's website, which has links to her books, podcast, and much more!
Listen to episode #11 of the Cops and Writers Podcast with Jerri as my guest!
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.
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

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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On today’s show, I will interview Gavy Friedson. Gavy is a Global Ambassador to United Hatzalah Israel. These motorcycle ambulances can reach people in need in 90 seconds to 3 minutes. 

Gavriel Friedson has been saving lives since the age of fifteen. Over the course of nineteen years on the job, Friedson has distinguished himself through over 10,000 emergency calls. He has been the first medic on the scene at several terrorist attacks during his years as a first responder. 

Gavriel has been to several disasters to provide humanitarian aid, including hurricanes Harvey and Irma. In 2022, he assisted with medical rescue flights helping evacuate Ukrainian refugees to Israel.  

 In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      How he helped deliver his math teacher's baby at age fifteen.

·      School life in Israel, including their safety measures and having to learn a new language.

·      What life in a country that is in a constant state of war is really like. The answer may surprise you.

·      The many advantages of post-high school mandatory service.

·      The idea of using motorcycles, A.T.V.’s, and boats to respond to medical emergencies in 90 seconds to 3 minutes, compared to the traditional ambulances that could take 20 minutes to respond saving countless lives.

·      Why a country that is in a constant state of war has record low P.T.S.D. numbers in their soldiers and first responders.

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

Check out United Hatzalah's website!
Check out some YouTube videos with Gavy and United Hatzalah
More YouTube videos of Gavy and United Hatzalah in Ukraine
Even More YouTube videos
One more YouTube video!

My interview with Jack Carr on the Cops and Writers Podcast
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.
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

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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Welcome back to part two of my interview with former Operations Officer of the CIA, Ric Prado!

My guest on the show today is New York Times Bestselling Author and retired Operations Officer of the Central Intelligence Agency Enrique “Ric” Prado. Mr. Prado is a twenty-four-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency where he served as an Operations Officer in six overseas posts. 

Mr. Prado spent his first ten years at CIA as a paramilitary officer in Special Operations Group/Special Activities Division (SOG/SAD, Ground Branch), the CIA’s “special operations force.” His service included 36 months in Central American jungles as the first CIA officer living in the anti-Sandinista “Contra” camps. Subsequently running counterterrorism/insurgency operations in Latin America and in the Philippines.  

Cuban born and immigrating solo to the US at 10 - which landed him in an orphanage in Pueblo, Colorado - “Ric” inherited early on a “debt of honor” to the USA. Thus, he volunteered for military service at 20. Ric joined the US Air Force elite Pararescue Teams P.J.’s. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Tradecraft and situational awareness. How average citizens can stay safe following some basic concepts. 

·      Coopers Scale.

·      How to not get caught by the enemy, and what to do if you are.

·      Pre and post 9/11 and how it changed our nation and how the intelligence community conducted their business. 

·      Communication between the FBI and CIA.

·      Why Ric wrote the book Black Ops and how it has changed him and others. 

·      Why Ric’s book, Black Ops should be required reading for high school and college students today.

·      Our biggest threats to the United States today.

·      Why socialism is the mask of communism.

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

Check out Part One of my interview with Ric! 
Visit Ric Prado's website to learn more about him and his book, Black Ops.

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.
Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

If you are a new author and are wondering how to maximize sales or you are a published author who wants to elevate your author career, check out Self Publishing 101 and Mark Dawson's Ads for Authors! 

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

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My guest on today’s show was so interesting, his life story couldn’t fit in just one episode! So, look for episode two of this interview to go live on June 12, 2022. 

My guest on the show today is New York Times Bestselling Author and retired Operations Officer of the Central Intelligence Agency Enrique “Ric” Prado. Mr. Prado is a twenty-four-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency where he served as an Operations Officer in six overseas posts. 

Mr. Prado spent his first ten years at CIA as a paramilitary officer in Special Operations Group/Special Activities Division (SOG/SAD, Ground Branch), the CIA’s “special operations force.” His service included 36 months in Central American jungles as the first CIA officer living in the anti-Sandinista “Contra” camps. Subsequently running counterterrorism/insurgency operations in Latin America and in the Philippines.  

Cuban born and immigrating solo to the US at 10 - which landed him in an orphanage in Pueblo, Colorado - “Ric” inherited early on a “debt of honor” to the USA. Thus, he volunteered for military service at 20. Ric joined the US Air Force elite Pararescue Teams P.J.’s. 

 In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Why Ric carried the Walther PPK as a backup weapon, the iconic spy gun used by James Bond.

·      The false portrayal of the Central Intelligence Agency spun by Hollywood common in movies and television.

·      Common C.I.A. terms and vocabulary.

·      Ric’s early memories of Fidel Castro’s forces invading and occupying Cuba.

·      John F. Kennedy’s betrayal of the people of Cuba and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.

· What life in Castro’s Cuba was really like, including the government taking all your possessions, public lynchings, children encouraged to spy on their parents, and what a Castro neighborhood watch looked like. 

· Ric’s escape from communist Cuba to the United States at age ten without his parents and landing in an orphanage in Pueblo, Colorado.

· Ric’s path to becoming a member of the Air Force’s elite Pararescue Teams known as the P.J.’s, him being a firefighter/paramedic for Miami Dade Metro, and how those experiences helped him eventually become a C.I.A. Operations Officer. 

· Ric’s first job with the C.I.A. as a contractor helping the Contras fight the communist Sandinistas in the jungles of Honduras.

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

Visit Ric Prado's website to learn more about him and his book, Black Ops. 

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.
Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

If you are a new author and are wondering how to maximize sales or you are a published author who wants to elevate your author career, check out Self Publishing 101 and Mark Dawson's Ads for Authors! 

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/2U

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

Cops and Writers are taking you across the pond to the Emerald Isle with Paddy Finn!

Have you ever considered selling all your worldly possessions and embarking on a six-month trip across Europe, and maybe further? This sounds like something a young person just finishing high school or college might do. My guest on today’s show is at the start of this journey, but, with his wife, three small children ranging in age from one to seven, and mother-in-law. 

Paddy Finn is no stranger to new adventures. This entrepreneur left a lucrative career in what many would consider the prime of his employment life, to start his author's career. 

Today, Paddy Finn is the CEO of Starcane Press and Penny Dragon Games, Paddy Finn writes military science fiction, murder mysteries, and runs several tabletop roleplaying game Kickstarter campaigns each year.

 In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      How he and his family are going to travel Europe in an R.V. while managing his entrepreneurial career.

·      Why he is embarking on this adventure.

·      How the 20 Books London conference changed his life.

·      His path from a lucrative I.T. job to full-time writer, without a safety net!

·      Best book marketing advice.

·      The importance of 1,000 True Fans or Super Fans.

·      The life-changing effect in Paddy’s life with Kickstarter and who should start one.

·      Best, and worst, practices with Kickstarter.

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

Visit Paddy at Starcane Press, Penny Dragon Games, and Killian C. Carter.

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.
Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

If you are a new author and are wondering how to maximize sales or you are a published author who wants to elevate your author career, check out Self Publishing 101 and Mark Dawson's Ads for Authors! 
 

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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On today’s show, it is my pleasure to be joined once again by the writer of Cold War military aviation thrillers, The Final Flight and Dark Flight, James Blatch!

Many of you know James from the Self-Publishing Show Podcast that he co-hosts with Mark Dawson. He is also partnered up with Mark Dawson for the Self Publishing Formula (SPF) which includes free writer resources and guides and the wildly popular courses for writers, Self Publishing 101 and Mark Dawson’s Ads for Authors. 

James and I had a lot of fun with this interview! I hope you guys enjoy this episode.

 In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      How his mother and father were in the Royal Air Force and how it influenced him growing up and his writing. 

·      His first book, The Final Flight, and how it changed or didn’t change his life.

·      The power of emotion in your story and characters.

·      The challenges of writing his latest book, Dark Flight, and how he overcame them.

·      What works and doesn’t work in book marketing, including TikTok, and paid ads on Amazon and Facebook.

·      The importance of audiobooks.

·      What’s in the future for SPF and James Blatch.

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

Learn more about James Blatch and buy his books on his website!
Listen or watch the Self Publishing Show
 
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.
Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

If you are a new author and are wondering how to maximize sales or you are a published author who wants to elevate your author career, check out Self Publishing 101 and Mark Dawson's Ads for Authors!

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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Is there a doctor in the house? There is today on the Cops and Writers Podcast. It was my pleasure to interview Dr. Mark Rhyner.  

Dr. Rhyner earned his degree in medicine from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his residency at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee, where he served as co-chief resident. He is board certified in family medicine and was named a “top doctor” by Milwaukee Magazine, and he has been my family doctor for over twenty years.

For more than twenty years, I have trusted the good doctor with my family and my own health. He is one of the best in the business.  

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Dr. Rhyner’s path to becoming a doctor.

·      What education and training are required to become a doctor?

·      What medical school was really like.

·      The unique health problems and challenges police officers and other first responders have in common and how the good doctor treats them.

·      How Dr. Rhyner breaks bad news and how he deals with the eventual death of some of his patience.

·      The importance of preventative medicine.

·      Alternative medicine, such as chiropractic and acupuncture.

·      How you can be a better consumer and advocate for yourself when dealing with your healthcare.  

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

Check out Dr. Rhyner's favorite books; Thinking, Fast and Slow and Discourse on the Method


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.
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

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

For today’s episode, I will be chatting with Ryburn Dobbs. 

Ryburn taught biological anthropology and forensic anthropology at several colleges throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and spent ten years as a forensic anthropologist, working on dozens of death investigations.

In addition to his anthropological pursuits, Ryburn also worked as an investigative analyst, specializing in homicides and unsolved cases.

Ryburn is also an author who intertwines his experiences as a forensic anthropologist in his mystery, thriller, and suspense literary fiction. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      What was Ryburn’s path to biological and forensic anthropology? 

·      How did Ryburn get interested in death investigations?

·      What is forensic anthropology? What kind of training is required to become a forensic anthropologist?

·      How and why Ryburn worked with different law enforcement agencies on death investigations, including homicides.

·      How a forensic anthropologist processes a scene where bones are discovered and how they overcome certain obstacles that would make their job more difficult.

·      Common misconceptions regarding forensic anthropology.

·      Ryburn’s writing career! 

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

Discover more about Ryburn and his books 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

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

In today’s episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, I interview Michael Anderle and Craig Martelle. 

Michael Anderle started releasing books in November of 2015. Three in November, one in December, and one in January. By November of 2016, he was doing six figures a month in sales, and that December he started publishing others in collaboration with other authors. Over the last six years Michael’s publishing company, LMBPN has published about 1,500 titles, 250 audiobooks (by them) with another 600 or so licensed, and about 170 foreign language translations in 7 languages. They have sold over 5,000,000 books and continue to release stories in multiple genres including paranormal, action-adventure, urban fantasy, fantasy, military science fiction, and space opera. 

Michael is the founder of 20booksto50K® Facebook author group which has over 60,000 members.

Craig Martelle retired from the Marine Corps, spending time both as enlisted and as an officer. Then he went to law school and took his law degree in business consulting where he became a business diagnostics specialist and leadership coach. He retired from that at age 52 because he was away from home way too much. That is when Craig started his path to becoming a prolific bestselling author. Craig also runs the 20booksto50K® Facebook author group and the 20booksto50K® author conferences that are worldwide. The 20booksto50K® Vegas conference is the largest indie author conference in the world! 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Craig and Michael started their bestselling author careers. 

·      What “Outlaw Publishing” was and what their part was in it.

·      How and why Michael started 20booksto50K®.

·      The tips and tools they use to produce an extraordinary number of books each year.

·      How and why Michael started his very successful publishing company, LMBPN.

·      The future of 20booksto50K®.

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

Learn more about Michael Anderle and his books at LMBPN Publishing.
Check out the 20booksto50K® Facebook group.
Head on over to Craig Martelle's website to learn more about him and his awesome books!
Listen to Craig Martelle on the Cops and Writers episode #9
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
Are you not sure how to publish your first book, or do you want to make more money with your existing books? Check out Mark Dawson's Self Publishing 101 Course!

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