In this gripping episode, I sit down with Rashmi Airan, whose fall from grace exposed the quiet power of rationalization, cultural pressure, and the slow erosion of integrity. From the courtroom to a prison camp, Rashmi's story is a masterclass in how smart people can make devastating choices—and how redemption starts with radical honesty.

For law enforcement professionals, this isn't just a cautionary tale—it's a mirror.

We explore:

• The slippery slope of "just this once"

• How ethical drift sneaks into every profession

• Why accountability isn't about punishment—it's about prevention

• And what it really means to lead with values when no one's watching

If you think it can't happen to you... tune in.

Former CIA counterterrorism officer Michele Rigby Assad joins us to talk espionage, fear, intuition, and how to own your presence in the world's most dangerous places. This isn't Jason Bourne, because that's Hollywood. Michele lived that life without any safety nets. Often times she was alone and her only "weapons" were her abilities to read the situation and make the best decisions available; to get off the X and act.

You can find Michele here https://michelerigbyassad.com/

You can fund her book here https://www.amazon.com/s?k=get+off+the+x+book&adgrpid=1344705197077485&hvadid=84044349456447&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=48792&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-84045198700376%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22537_13494504&mcid=2777b98fad5c3c2ea27572c6945247d4&msclkid=0e7c973bfdb31a839009f0cc4539e9cc&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_2fznzhylmu_e

In this episode, Sgt Tom sits down with Professor, philosopher, and martial artist Barry Lam to unpack the hidden costs of rule-heavy systems in high-stakes professions like policing. Together, they explore why too many rules can actually undermine judgment, initiative, and moral reasoning on the front lines. From the ethics of discretion to the neuroscience of decision-making, this conversation challenges the idea that more policy equals better outcomes. What if better training in judgment—not more rules—is the key to better policing? Tune in for a conversation that bridges street-level experience with deep philosophical insight.

Find Barry here https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-lam-54ba0b15/

Find Barry's book here https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fewer+rules+better+people&crid=2DTXP9X3R0OP9&sprefix=fewer%2Caps%2C286&ref=nb_sb_ss_mvt-t9-ranker_1_5

Listen to Barry's podcast here https://hiphination.org/

In this we hear from a former FBI Cyber Special Agent who pulls back the curtain on how data can be a game-changer in the fight against crime—but also reveals the startling ways many police agencies are getting it wrong. Our conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of leveraging data for public safety. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a law enforcement professional, or just curious about the intersection of technology and justice, this episode will leave you with a new perspective on the power—and potential missteps—of data in modern policing.

Ret. Captain Christine Collins is a decorated veteran and trauma nurse during a pivotal deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. Stationed at Bagram Air Base, she found herself at the epicenter of the conflict, tirelessly working to save the lives of American troops, Afghan civilians caught in the crossfire, and even enemy fighters.

Through her raw and poignant memoir, Christine unveils the physical and emotional toll of war, not just on those fighting but also on the medical personnel tasked with picking up the pieces. Her amazing book titled Service Honor and Sacrifice can be found on Amazon, Audible, or wherever you purchase your books. Christine is a truly amazing woman and after spending some time with her I can tell you this - I am glad she is on our side! Tough, intelligent, and unstoppable.

I have been wrestling with the recent news reports about the historic plummeting of crime rates for some time. I am left thinking, "Don't believe your lying eyes." Depending on which news outlets you watch you might have a very different perspective on crime. The left tells you the drop in crime is historic - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/30/trump-crime-fbi-data-murder-statistics/73443631007/

Right-wing outlets tell you Blue States are basically hellscapes and it's Mad MAX everywhere. I want an honest conversation to find the truth and perhaps some nuance. I have reached out to Jeff Asher (with no luck) to come on the show and share his data. John Lott was more than willing to come on and share his. Enjoy and please let me know your thoughts.

Donovan Brit is a US Army Veteran, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, and the creator of the Las Vagas Combat Academy. https://lasvegascombatacademy.com/

Donovan shares his unique insights on police use of force, self-defense, and how to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Scott Savage is the founder of The Savage Training Group. A police training and education company committed to providing the highest quality police training and education. Scott recently retired from policing as a Lieutenant. During his time in law enforcement Scott worked a variety of units including SWAT. His unique experiences and perspectives coupled with his incredible skill-set makes him at the tip of the spear in modern police training and education.

Learn more about this company here - https://savagetraininggroup.com/about-us/

Read some of his work here - https://savagetraininggroup.com/officer-confuses-falling-acorn-gunshot/

Please let me know what you think . .

Peter J. Forcelli is a retired Deputy Assistant Director from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He served for 15 years with the N.Y.P.D., before retiring from the Bronx Homicide Task Force.

Mr. Forcelli is a survivor of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center, and the lung cancer that he later developed because of his work in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

Mr. Forcelli is also a WHISTLEBLOWER for Operation Fast and Furious.