The Danny and Park Novels Good News Podcast

On today's episode, I interview Kimberly Drake, a patrol officer with the Richmond Police Department. Kim was a civilian for ten years and has been a sworn officer for thirteen years. She works Day shift in 4th Precinct and her beat covers the north side of Richmond, which includes Highland Park and the Gilpin Court community. Kim and I talk about the changes that she's seen over the years and the frustration she has over officers leaving the RPD. Listen to the interview and let me know what you think.

Welcome back to the podcast, I’m Jamie Baynes. In this episode, I interview Anthony Jackson, a lieutenant with the Richmond Police Department. I worked with Anthony when he was a detective with the Major Crimes Division in the department, then I worked FOR Anthony when he got promoted to sergeant, then to lieutenant. But today, I’m not talking to him about Richmond police stuff. Instead, we talk about a program called Frontline Writers. This is a completely free class offered to first responders that was created by bestselling author and VCU professor David L. Robbins. 

Check out their website at frontlinewriters.org

And they're having a Reader Slam at Legends Brewery on August 27th, 2021 from 7pm to 9:30pm. Legends is located at 321 W. 7th Street, Richmond, VA 23224

Today's guest is Laura, a model and motivational writer. Her energy is so fresh and positive, I asked her to be a guest on this episode as well as future episodes. Part of the podcast is completely in Spanish, so if you have a friend or relative who can translate for you, ask them to take a listen. The majority is in English, though and I think after listening  you'll agree that the world is a better place with Laura in it.

Today’s guest is Jon Burkett, also known as the Crime Insider on Richmond’s local CBS affiliate, WTVR. Jon’s been with WTVR for almost 21 years. He got his start in broadcasting while he was in the Navy, and worked briefly in Baltimore as a broadcaster. 

Jon was born in Chesterfield and considers the Richmond area his home. I met Jon while I was a Homicide detective in Richmond and we’ve remained in touch even after I retired. 

I asked Jon to come on the podcast because he talks to people in and around Richmond, and more importantly, people talk to him because they trust him. 

I’ve mentioned issues I have with the media in previous podcasts, but said not all media. I choose not to paint anyone, nor any profession with a broad brush. Jon represents the kind of media I think we all want and deserve: fair, impartial and trustworthy. 

Check out the book Jon co-authored, Bearing Witness to Evil. Its available on all the usual platforms, but Jon would PREFER you check it out at bearingwitnesstoevil.com

Before I begin the interview, I want to let you know that I recorded Jon while he was on the phone, so the audio quality of his voice SOUNDS like he’s on the phone while my voice sounds clearer, and his portion is NOT in stereo so that I can cut down on the background static. I’ll be experimenting with different programs, equipment etc as time goes by, so bear with me. I’ll also be doing in-person interviews in the future as well, so that will improve the audio quality. 


PLUS........an alarm sounds midway through the interview which was my timer to remember to call Jon! As I've mentioned, these aren't scripted and stuff happens. Roll with the rawness.

This episode's guest is Morgan, a woman who while at work one day got hit with a seizure, lost consciousness and woke up at Johnston Willis Hospital in Chesterfield, Virginia surrounded by her family and the medical staff. Morgan's story of survival and recovery is nothing short of amazing. I hope you enjoy the interview.

Today's guest is Sharmeen, an author I follow on Instagram. In addition to being an author, she's also a wife, mother, artist, poet and teacher. Did I mention she's multi-lingual as well? Originally from Pakistan, she now lives in Germany, by way of France and Canada. Take a listen to the interview and let me know what you think.

Today's episode is just me talking about hate and hope. From time to time, I'm going to do solo episodes. I like thinking of them as popcorn episodes, because every so often, a subject will pop into my head and I'll want to talk about something. There's a bit of throat clearing in this one and maybe a jumbled word or two. If I start doing multiple takes I'll get frustrated, so these episodes may sound a bit raw. As I get better, hopefully the rawness will dissipate. I hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening.

In this interview, I talk to Pam, an employee of the Richmond Police Department and the inspiration for one of my favorite characters in the Danny and Park series, Meredith. As I've mentioned on the website, after I write my characters, I look for people I know and ask them to be the model for each particular character. Once I saw Pam, it was a no-brainer that she would be my Meredith. Take a listen to the and let me know what you think. Oh, and despite the mention of a child's headstone, its a very upbeat conversation!

In this episode, I interview Taylor Harding-Jenkins, a transgender author I follow on Instagram. Taylor has been the subject of online bullying, so much so that she deleted all of her social media accounts and writes under a pseudonym. Despite this, she has a message of hope that she wants to share. I hope you enjoy the interview.

On this episode, I interview Gloria Miles, a mother, writer and Navy veteran. Gloria talks to me candidly about the death of her husband by suicide, the effects that its had on her and her children, and ways that we can recognize and help someone who may be contemplating suicide. You can follow Gloria on Instagram at: UNTITLED_BY_GLORIA or go to her Linkedin page (Gloria Miles, MBA). 

Also check out the following links for suicide awareness and prevention:

namivirginia.org

fullcirclegc.org

National Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

Text NAMI to 741-741