GOLD SHIELDS

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Award-winning investigative reporter and author Michele McPhee returns to GOLD SHIELDS for an in-depth conversation that takes us inside some of the most talked-about and controversial cases in the true-crime world.

We take a closer look at the mysterious death of Sandra Birchmore, the circumstances surrounding her death, and the alleged connection to a police detective that has brought national attention to this case.

We also dive into the headline-making murder of Tupac Shakur, along with other major investigations, breaking stories, and high-profile cases Michele has covered throughout her remarkable career.

THE HEADLINES ARE ONLY THE BEGINNING. THE REAL STORIES ARE INSIDE.

Watch, LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to GOLD SHIELDS for more incredible conversations with the people behind the headlines.

GOLD SHIELDS — TRUE STORIES WITH TRUE HEROES.

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Website: https://www.thegoldshieldshow.com

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:02 The Sandra Birchmore Case Overview
06:11 The Investigation and Allegations Against Matthew Farwell
08:50 The Relationship Dynamics and Legal Implications
11:49 Evidence and Investigation Failures
14:58 The Role of Law Enforcement and Internal Affairs
17:57 Trial Expectations and Broader Implications
21:09 Concluding Thoughts on Justice and Accountability
29:33 The Tragic Story of Sandra
30:39 Unraveling the Tupac Murder Case
31:30 The Role of Informants in Law Enforcement
35:14 The Consequences of Informant Protection
39:30 Calls for Accountability in Federal Law Enforcement
41:45 Michelle McPhee's Latest Work and Insights

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One conversation can save a life.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, GOLD SHIELDS brings you one of our most important episodes yet. Ashley Bendiksen survived years of domestic violence that began in high school and continued into college. Today, she has transformed unimaginable pain into a mission to protect others, becoming one of the nation's leading advocates, educators, and trainers helping victims, families, and law enforcement recognize the warning signs before it's too late.

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Ashley shares her personal journey, exposes the hidden tactics of abuse, including isolation, manipulation, and control, and explains what to do when you suspect someone you love may be trapped in a dangerous relationship.

This isn't just another interview. It's knowledge that can save lives. If it helps one person recognize the signs, trust their instincts, or find the courage to reach out, it can change a family's future forever.

Join us for an unforgettable episode of GOLD SHIELDS. 

Listen. Learn. Share it. You may help save someone's life.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Text: START to 88788

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Domestic Violence Awareness
03:09 Understanding Teen Dating Violence
05:53 Ashley Bendiksen's Personal Story
09:12 The Impact of Abuse on Identity
12:01 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships
14:48 The Cycle of Abuse and Isolation
17:47 Moments of Realization and Change
21:00 The Importance of Support and Resources
23:49 Empowering Young Minds: The Importance of Adult Intervention
24:18 Current Advocacy and Awareness Efforts
25:00 Understanding Domestic Violence: Insights for Law Enforcement
29:02 The Complexity of Victim Responses
31:47 Recognizing Warning Signs in Teen Relationships
33:41 Messages for Young People: Finding Support
35:10 Resources for Help: Hotlines and Support Services
37:01 Building Resilience: The Role of Community
39:30 A Kid's Book About Boundaries: Teaching Young Ones
42:22 Finding Healthy Relationships: A Message of Hope

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Some cases stay with you forever. This was THAT CASE.

In Episode 182 of GOLD SHIELDS, retired NYPD Detective Paul Morrison, best-selling author of Knock Knock, takes us deep into a chilling investigation that gripped the Bronx; 

a relentless manhunt for a serial rapist preying on innocent victims.

The attacks. The victims. The patterns. The investigation. The escapes. And the determination of Paul Morrison and his team to hunt down a predator before he could strike again.

Hear the story firsthand from the detective who lived it—the twists, the setbacks, the pursuit, and the eventual end of a terrifying chapter that no one involved would ever forget.

THIS WASN’T JUST AN INVESTIGATION. IT WAS A RACE TO STOP A MONSTER.

🎙️ Join the MANHUNT on GOLD SHIELDS — Episode 182.

True Stories. True Heroes. Unforgettable Cases.

Timestamps

00:00 - Tom Smith opens with the show’s mission and introduces Paul Morrison
00:57 - Why Paul Morrison was the detective everybody in the Bronx knew
02:25 - From Inwood and the Dykeman projects to the NYPD
03:12 - Four years on the GM assembly line and the decision to change paths
04:10 - Rookie police work in 1984 during the crack era
05:24 - Entering the 4-4, the busiest precinct in the city
06:30 - Why radio runs never really clear in a precinct like the 4-4
08:53 - Foot posts, midnight tours, and learning the job fast
10:04 - The Walton Avenue shooting and the moment Morrison thought they might have shot a cop
12:34 - The kidnapping twist that brought the same man back into the case
14:22 - Seeing detectives arrive at a homicide and deciding that was the job he wanted
18:17 - Why Special Victims demands a different kind of detective
19:19 - Moving from the 2-3 to the 2-8 and then into Special Victims
22:02 - Why child abuse cases were the hardest part of the assignment
23:34 - The first Citywide Pattern Six rape case in the Bronx
25:40 - The shampoo bottle, the DNA clue, and the first major break
26:45 - How older cases from different boroughs started to form a pattern
28:50 - A 13-year-old victim, a rear-door entry, and a high-speed chase through the Bronx
31:12 - The first radio car delay and why it mattered so much
32:20 - Joining the task force and realizing the case was spanning years
33:01 - Nineteen total cases and how many could be proven
35:04 - Using sketch posters across the neighborhood to pressure the suspect
38:22 - The suspect changes his MO and starts attacking through windows at night
40:02 - A mistaken suspect, a lineup, and being cleared by DNA
42:02 - The 13-year-old rape in the 5-2 and the suspect using a gun for the first time
44:10 - Undercover surveillance, the shoe-tying signal, and the street identification
45:10 - The foot chase, the denim jacket, and the arrest
46:09 - The interview room, the escape, and the panic that followed
48:53 - Searching the Bronx with a key to find the suspect’s building
51:06 - The fingerprint hit that finally identified Louis Acosta
53:07 - How Acosta hid in Brooklyn, called his wife, and tormented the investigation for months
55:19 - The Brooklyn arrest and the confession in the cell
57:22 - The sentencing: 232 years in the Bronx, plus additional pleas in Queens and Manhattan
59:56 - How the case turned into a lecture and eventually a book
61:41 - Writing Knock Knock after retirement and learning to tell the story like a story
62:40 - Where to find Knock Knock
63:26 - Final thoughts on the value of studying the case and learning from detectives
64:00 - Tom Smith closes with a salute to law enforcement, military vets, and the Gold Shields audience

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When a life hangs in the balance, a desperate voice calls 911. On the other end of that line is a hero who must remain calm while chaos unfolds, fear takes over, and every second counts.

In this powerful episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we take you inside the world of 911 operators and radio dispatchers, the unseen heroes of law enforcement who are often the first to hear a victim’s terror, the first to recognize the danger, and the critical link between someone in crisis and the officers racing to save them.

Joining us is Erica Roberts, a 20-year veteran of emergency communications, who pulls back the curtain on a profession that demands extraordinary composure under unimaginable pressure. From chilling emergency calls to the emotional weight of handling someone’s worst moment, Erica reveals the realities, the stresses, and the responsibility these dedicated professionals carry every single day.

This is more than an interview. It’s a look inside the nightmare, and a tribute to the heroes who answer the call when someone has nowhere else to turn.

Timestamp:
00:00 Introduction to the Unsung Heroes of 911 Dispatch
03:02 The Journey into 911 Dispatching
05:46 The First Call: A Telecommunicator's Experience
08:59 The Impact of Training and Experience
12:03 A Life-Saving Call: The Story of Deborah
14:58 The Weight of Responsibility in Emergency Calls
18:06 The Role of 911 Operators in Investigations
21:02 Teamwork in High-Stress Situations
23:51 The Complexity of Emergency Calls
27:01 Reflections on September 11th and Its Impact
30:05 The Realization of the Importance of the Job
31:49 Heartbreaking Calls: The 9/11 Operators' Experience
34:35 The Emotional Toll on Dispatchers
36:56 Understanding the Dispatcher-Responder Relationship
40:32 The Lighter Side of Dispatching
50:42 Elevating the Dispatcher Profession
56:55 A Call to Acknowledge Dispatchers' Roles

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What does it take to crack major criminal cases—and what happens when the investigation leaves more questions than answers?

This week on GOLD SHIELDS, retired FBI agent and respected media commentator Jennifer Coffindaffer us for an inside look at her remarkable career, the high-profile investigations she worked, and the experience behind her analysis of the cases making national headlines.

From the mysterious kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie to the disturbing case involving Lindsay Clancy, we break down the details, the unanswered questions, and the investigative challenges surrounding some of the most talked-about cases in America.

🔥 Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and join us for Episode 180. 

You won't want to miss this one!

Timestamps
00:00 - Opening and introduction to Jen Coffindaffer
03:14 - Jen joins the conversation and talks about her connection to law enforcement
03:54 - Why Jen pursued a career in the FBI
05:23 - Old-school Bureau culture and career progression
07:05 - Jen’s first FBI assignment in Houston
09:51 - The Los Tíos case and its scale
11:56 - Wiretaps, informants, and debriefs
13:27 - Houston’s role in cocaine distribution
14:58 - The case’s connections to Medellín and Cali
17:52 - How an informant became central to the investigation
21:25 - Interagency tensions during the case
27:37 - Jen’s analysis of the Lindsay Clancy trial
31:18 - Psychiatric testimony and public discussion of the case
36:31 - Premeditation, jury deliberations, and the holdout juror
41:12 - The role and responsibility of juries
43:36 - Jen’s perspective on the Nancy Guthrie case
49:47 - Surveillance leads and possible paths forward
54:38 - Jen’s theory about what may have happened in the Guthrie case
57:22 - Jen discusses Breaking the Case
58:44 - Her work with the series Furious
61:21 - Closing reflections and thanks to law enforcement and military families

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He was one of America’s most feared killers. Richard “The Iceman” Kuklinski lived a double life—family man on the surface, ruthless contract killer behind closed doors.

But eventually, someone had to get close enough to bring him down.

Enter ATF Undercover Agent Dominick Polifrone, who went deep undercover and came face-to-face with the Iceman.

What happened next is a story of deception, danger, and a deadly game of cat and mouse.

The truth behind the takedown—straight from the man who was there.

Timestamp:
00:00 Introduction to a Legend
02:59 Dominic Polifrone's Law Enforcement Journey
05:57 Undercover Operations and Learning the Ropes
08:59 Infiltrating Organized Crime Families
12:05 The Transition to Operation Iceman
14:57 Meeting Richard Kuklinski
18:13 The Dangerous World of Undercover Work
20:47 The Investigation Begins
24:00 Building Trust and Connections
27:05 The Encounter with Kuklinski
29:47 The Cyanide Connection
34:47 The Encounter with Kuklinski
40:03 The Investigation Unfolds
45:20 Undercover Operations and Risks
51:57 The Cyanide Delivery
56:41 Reflections on Undercover Work

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You can run from the crime scene—but you can’t run from your DNA.

On Episode 178 we sit down with Detective Lindsey Wade, a leading expert in DNA and cold case investigations and the bestselling author of My DNA.

Lindsey takes us inside the world of cold case investigations, DNA evidence, forensic science, and homicide investigations, explaining how Detectives painstakingly put the pieces of a case together, and why the relentless pursuit of justice never stops.

Some cases take years. Some take decades. But for the Detectives who refuse to give up, time doesn’t erase the evidence.

GOLD SHIELDS — True Crime. Real Detectives. Real Stories.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:03 Lindsay Wade's Journey into Law Enforcement
06:13 Transitioning to Detective Work
09:08 Challenges of Working in Sex Crimes
14:06 A Case That Haunts: The Abduction of a Child
19:54 The Reality of Cold Cases
24:11 The Impact of Cold Cases on Families
29:59 Genetic Genealogy and Solving Cold Cases
30:21 The Journey of Hope and New Beginnings
31:48 The Breakthrough: A Match in the Cold Case
34:39 The Emotional Impact of Delivering News
38:04 The Evolution of DNA Technology in Solving Cases
41:05 Advocating for Change: CODIS and Cold Cases
46:11 The Power of Storytelling: Writing 'In My DNA'
48:43 Child Abduction Response: Best Practices and Training
52:31 A Role Model for Future Generations

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25 YEARS LATER… HE REMEMBERS IT ALL.

On September 11, 2001, America was attacked, and New York City was at the center of it all.

For the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, GOLD SHIELDS presents a powerful and deeply personal interview with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Mayor Giuliani takes us inside the chaos of that unimaginable day, the fear, the confusion, the anger, the devastation, and the heartbreaking loss. But he also takes us inside the leadership that was required to help a wounded city stand back up.

Join GOLD SHIELDS for this unforgettable conversation with “America’s Mayor,” Rudy Giuliani.

NEVER FORGET.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction of Rudy Giuliani and opening praise for his leadership
01:10 - Giuliani is asked to recount the morning of September 11
02:01 - Breakfast plans, primary day, and the first warning from a detective
03:01 - Initial response to the World Trade Center fire and the decision to treat it as a terror attack
03:52 - Closing bridges and tunnels and mobilizing police and fire personnel
04:50 - Second plane hits and the attack is confirmed
05:14 - Why coordination between departments mattered immediately
05:44 - Watching the towers and realizing there was no plan for this scenario
06:41 - Father Judge, last rites, and the human scale of the disaster
07:11 - Questions about a helicopter and the limits of what could be done
08:03 - The fire department’s role and the priority of saving people below the fire
08:56 - Worry about additional attacks and protecting other targets
10:50 - Calling the White House and learning about other unaccounted-for planes
11:44 - The president is evacuated and Giuliani describes feeling alone
12:41 - Getting trapped in the building during another shock wave
13:37 - Being rescued and going to a firehouse in the West Village
15:52 - Putting city, state, and federal governments together in one command structure
16:48 - Why the first responders restored the spirit of the country
17:17 - The flag-raising image and what it meant nationally
18:26 - Dan and Tom reflect on calm leadership, unity, and volunteerism
20:22 - Giuliani on burying fear and making the best decision possible
22:18 - Realizing New Yorkers needed time before returning to normal
24:18 - How his perspective on security changed over time
25:46 - Concerns about terrorism, border security, and modern threats
26:46 - Why he sees 9/11 as a warning about enemies trying to destroy American civilization
27:38 - The hosts discuss FBI leadership and Giuliani’s confidence in the bureau
28:11 - Closing thanks, praise for first responders, and final remarks

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On this powerful and deeply personal episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with LJ Ruggiero for a journey into the devastating reality of addiction, and the extraordinary power of recovery.

Born into a prominent New York City family, LJ’s life took a dramatic turn as addiction pulled him into a world of Xanax, gambling, arrests, jail, deception, and devastating consequences. His story takes us into places few people are willing to talk about, and that includes his shocking knowledge of a murder and the dangerous world surrounding his addiction.

But this story doesn't end in darkness.

LJ shares how he fought his way out of addiction and experienced a remarkable recovery that transformed his life. Today, he is living a successful life, and using the lessons from his darkest days to help others understand the devastating grip of addiction.

This is not just an interview. It is an education.

This is a SPECIAL GOLD SHIELDS, an honest, raw and unforgettable conversation that every parent should hear.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:33 LJ's Family Background and Connection to New York News
05:53 LJ's Early Life and Struggles with Addiction
10:08 The Turning Point: From College to Addiction
14:51 Consequences of Addiction: Arrest and Reflection
19:18 The Impact of Family and Enabling Behavior
22:17 Facing Public Scrutiny and Personal Shame
25:22 The Murder Case and Its Aftermath
28:44 Rehabilitation and the Path to Recovery
33:46 Finding Stability and Long-Term Sobriety
37:11 The Power of Hope in Recovery
40:20 The Reality of Addiction and Recovery
44:37 Addiction: A Universal Struggle
47:31 Lessons for the Next Generation
52:36 The Journey of Healing and Growth
56:06 Building a Legacy: Podcast and Restaurant

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Leadership. It’s more than a title, a rank, or a position—it’s about responsibility, character, sacrifice, and taking care of the people who trust you.

In the newly released Episode I sat down with Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, USN (Ret.), a decorated Navy SEAL leader who served more than three decades in the U.S. military. His remarkable career included commanding SEAL Team 8, Naval Special Warfare Group 2, Special Operations Command Africa, and ultimately serving as Commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.

The conversation also explores his important work as President and CEO of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the children and families of fallen Special Operations personnel and Medal of Honor recipients through education and advocacy.

This is a powerful conversation about leadership, sacrifice, courage, and the responsibility we have to those who serve, and the families who stand behind them.

TIMESTAMPS

(0:00) - Gold Shields opens with Admiral Jamie Sands and why his career is a milestone guest appearance
(2:47) - Why Sands chose the Naval Academy and the harder path
(4:12) - How meeting SEALs in Virginia Beach changed everything
(5:49) - The myth of who can make it through BUDS
(8:09) - Why BUDS was brutally hard and why it mattered
(11:10) - First deployments in Hawaii and maritime interdiction before the wars
(14:41) - Where Sands was when 9/11 happened
(16:08) - How Naval Special Warfare shifted to squadron deployments before 9/11
(19:41) - Whether Al Qaeda and bin Laden were on his radar at the time
(22:08) - Intelligence, interagency coordination, and the growth of the force
(23:40) - Iraq versus Afghanistan and how tactics had to change
(26:21) - Hostage-rescue mindset, call-outs, and shifting risk in operations
(30:23) - Planning, contingencies, and honest after-action reviews
(31:55) - How Sands stayed connected to the fight through leadership
(34:57) - Leaders who shaped his career and the power of mentorship
(38:27) - Why so many special operators keep serving after retirement
(40:22) - The mission and origin of Special Operations Warrior Foundation
(42:48) - How the foundation supports kids from cradle to career
(45:06) - College, trade school, and transition support for students
(48:42) - Wounded, ill, and injured family assistance
(50:56) - Why Tom urges listeners to support the foundation
(53:03) - Closing prayers, subscription reminder, and final thanks

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