The Cop & The Comic

In this hilarious and heartwarming episode of The Cop and the Comic, Kilo and their dad, a retired police officer, dive into the wild side of suburban life—literally. From unexpected run-ins with possums and raccoons to an unforgettable (and questionable) attempt to catch a bald eagle, this episode is packed with unbelievable animal antics. Plus, hear the surprising story of how Kilo’s dad handled a bear encounter and his thoughts on the curious phenomenon of cat ladies.

Tune in for a mix of laugh-out-loud moments, local wildlife chaos, and the unique charm of a father-son duo tackling life one animal encounter at a time.

Keeping Jets in the Air: Lucky Mendez on the High-Stakes World of Aircraft Routing

In Part 2 of our conversation with Lucky Mendez, we dive into the day-to-day reality of being an aircraft router for JetBlue, where he’s been keeping planes moving smoothly for the past seven years. Lucky explains how his small but mighty team juggles constant communication with pilots, mechanics, and ground crews to ensure operations stay on track—even in one of the world’s busiest hubs, the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area.

We also talk about the challenges of the job, including Lucky’s biggest mistake on the job and how he learned to keep calm under pressure. My dad chimes in with his own stories of high-stakes moments in aviation, highlighting that failure is just part of the journey. Lucky reflects on the responsibility that comes with the perks of flying and how this career has taught him resilience and focus.

This episode is a masterclass in adaptability, teamwork, and keeping a cool head when the stakes are sky-high. 🌍🛫💼

From Welding to Writing: Lucky Mendez’s Journey to Aircraft Routing

In this episode of The Cop and the Comic, we sit down with Lucky Mendez, a screenwriter and TV writer whose real-life experiences as an aircraft router have inspired his work. Lucky shares the story of how he got into this fascinating career, starting with an intense 8-month aviation mechanics program. He breaks down the highs and lows of training—welding was the toughest, while working with electronic boards came naturally—and explains how he approached job applications to enter the workforce without taking on debt.

We also talk about the perks of the job, including flying benefits, and Lucky reflects on the difference between an aircraft router and an air traffic controller. This is an inspiring look at hard work, strategy, and how real-life experiences can shape storytelling. ✈️📜🎬

Chew Your Food: Edibles, Choking Calls, and Thanksgiving Warrants

Happy holidays from The Cop and the Comic! In this festive episode, I sit down with my dad to dive into his wildest food-related calls during his time on the force. We’re talking about the guy who ate way too many edibles, went berserk, and tried to munch on a car seat (yes, really), and another edible incident that proves some brownies are just too potent.

Officer Martin also shares his experience handling choking emergencies and just in time for the Holidays, we hear about the surreal experience of serving warrants during a holiday feast.

This episode is the perfect holiday listen: funny, chaotic, and a good reminder to chew your food (and pace yourself with the edibles).

Fishing for Trouble: Water Enforcement, Overfishing, and the Wild Side of Wildlife Regulation

In this episode of we dive deep—literally—into the world of water-based law enforcement and wildlife regulation. Our retired cop host shares his experience working alongside Louisiana wardens, discussing everything from *Lobster Wars* with the Coast Guard to the real-life struggles of enforcing fishing regulations.

We tackle serious issues like overfishing in the Northeast, the impact on whales, cod, pollock, and halibut populations, and the sneaky tactics of rogue fishermen who think they can outsmart the law. With Chinese processing boats contributing to the problem and regulations on net sizes, the job isn’t as easy as it seems. From catching illegally armed hunters to busting poachers trying to smuggle bald eagles, it’s a wild ride—sometimes literally.

Join us as we chat about the fine line between regulation and enforcement, the fascinating world of water-based policing, and how these modern-day wardens work to protect our oceans and wildlife. It’s a serious topic with plenty of laughs and stories along the way!

Podcast Description:
What’s up, everybody? You’re tuning in to The Cop and The Comic! In this bonus episode, we’re taking a trip across the pond to dive into expat life with our special guest, Dr. Michelle Anjirbag. After leaving the U.S. for the UK, Dr. Anjirbag shares her journey and insights on the complexities of living abroad. Spoiler alert: the grass isn’t always greener, but the tea is definitely stronger!

Join us as we discuss her experiences navigating race and culture in a new country, the realities versus expectations of moving abroad, and the unique joys and challenges of expat life. If you’ve ever considered fleeing America for the land of tea and crumpets, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

Welcome back to The Cop and The Comic! In today’s episode, we’re switching gears from the serious world of law to the enchanting realm of fairy tales—where safety takes on a whole new meaning.

I’m excited to be joined by fantasy expert Dr. Michelle Anjirbag as we explore the stories that have shaped our childhoods and beyond. Ever wondered why Cinderella has so many versions? Or whether we should let Pocahontas slide in modern interpretations? We’ll dive into these questions and more, examining the vital role of representation in fairy tales and how these narratives influence our worldview.

Disney, take notes!

If you’re a fan of magic but appreciate a good reality check, this episode is for you. Stick around—it’s gonna be a fairy good time!

Key Points:

• Michelle’s journey into the world of fairy tales.
• The significance of diverse versions of classic stories like Cinderella.
• The impact of representation in fairy tales on our perceptions of reality.

Welcome back to The Cop and The Comic! In today’s episode, we explore the intricate layers of safety and history along the Connecticut Shoreline. Join us as we delve into a place characterized by colonial homes and the casual, often offensive comments we might hear at the local runner store.

We’re thrilled to have Dr. Michelle Anjirbag on the show! An esteemed English professor in the UK and a fantasy scholar, Michelle also has roots in journalism, having worked as a reporter covering local news in the Connecticut River Valley. We recorded this conversation just before her fall classes began.

In this episode, we tackle the overlooked narratives of Connecticut's past and challenge its reputation as a "rich white paradise," juxtaposed with the stark reality of three cities in the state holding the highest murder rates in the country. If that doesn’t scream, “Welcome to New England!” we’re not sure what does!

Key Points:

• Michelle's beginnings as a reporter in the Connecticut River Valley.
• The stories often left out of Connecticut's history.
• The legacy of Connecticut as both a picturesque and problematic space.

Listen in for an enlightening discussion that brings to light the complexities of our local histories and how they shape our present!