In this engaging conversation, Barry Black, a retired FBI special agent and bomb technician, shares his remarkable journey from being an accountant to serving in high-stakes bomb investigations. He reflects on significant events such as the Oklahoma City bombing and the Atlanta Olympic bombing, providing insights into the challenges faced by law enforcement during these crises. Barry discusses his experiences in undercover operations, the evolution of explosives, and the importance of teamwork in law enforcement. He also highlights his current role as a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he imparts his knowledge to the next generation of forensic scientists. Throughout the conversation, Barry emphasizes the value of seizing opportunities and maintaining professionalism in all situations.

The Book:
Hazardous Devices: Memoir of an FBI Bomb Technician, Accountant, and Sniper.

McFarland Books
https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/Hazardous-Devices/

Amazon
https://a.co/d/4oIwcNkChapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:09 Career Overview and Historical Events
05:47 The Role of an FBI Agent
08:58 Challenges in Financial Investigations
11:56 The Importance of Informants
14:45 Path to Becoming an FBI Agent
17:59 Transition to SWAT and Sniper Training
20:51 Involvement in Major Incidents
23:44 Reflections on the FBI Experience
26:03 The Reality of Crisis Management
29:27 Introduction to Bomb Technology
34:04 The Oklahoma City Bombing
43:35 Reflections on Tragedy and Loss
44:10 Transition to the Olympics and New Challenges
47:23 The Sooner Bomb Incident
54:32 Unlikely Scenarios: Bomb Threats and Arrests
57:32 Undercover Operations: Preventing a Major Attack
01:05:59 The Journey to Authorship: Writing a Memoir
01:11:30 Teaching the Next Generation: A New Chapter
01:18:07 Life Lessons: Seizing Opportunities and Being Remembered.

In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Charbonneau shares her journey from being a bomb technician and arson explosive detective to pursuing a PhD in forensic science. She discusses her early influences, the challenges she faced in law enforcement, and her passion for educating the next generation. Sarah highlights the importance of physical fitness, the impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on bomb technicians, and her goals for future research in this area. She emphasizes the need for baseline testing and the importance of mental health awareness in the field.

In this conversation, Lieutenant General Mark Weatherington shares his insights on the evolution of drone warfare, his journey through military service, and the importance of leadership and family. He discusses the impact of drone technology on modern combat, his experiences in the Air Force Academy, and the rigorous training required to become a pilot. Weatherington reflects on his combat missions in Afghanistan, the transition to flying the B-2 Spirit, and the meticulous planning behind Operation Midnight Hammer. He emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership and the need to maintain strong family connections amidst a demanding career.

In this conversation, Rob Brandt shares his experiences growing up in Tucson, Arizona, and his extensive career in law enforcement, including his time with the Tucson Police Department and the Boulder Crest Foundation. He reflects on the changes in policing over the years, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges faced by modern law enforcement officers. The discussion also touches on the significance of maintaining personal integrity and the role of police in ensuring public safety and peace.

In this segment, Rob Brandt shares his journey from transitioning to SWAT, where he learned valuable tactical lessons and faced critical incidents that shaped his leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of responsibility, trust, and humility in law enforcement. Rob discusses the creation of a wellness program within the Tucson Police Department, aimed at supporting officers' mental health and fostering a culture of connection and vulnerability. His experiences highlight the significance of post-traumatic growth and the need for proactive mental health support in the police force.

In this conversation, Rob Brandt discusses the challenges faced by law enforcement officers, the importance of respect in society, and the transition to retirement. He emphasizes the significance of mental wellness and the concept of post-traumatic growth, sharing insights from his experience in the Struggle Well program. Brandt also offers life advice centered on living in the moment and the power of kindness.

In this conversation, Frank Wintrich shares his journey from a background in collegiate athletics to becoming the Director of Health and Fitness at the National Defense University.

He discusses the importance of relationships in career progression, the significance of a holistic approach to health and fitness, and the challenges faced by first responders in maintaining their well-being.

Frank emphasizes the need for a warrior mindset, the role of purpose in preventing burnout, and the importance of self-care. He also shares insights on progressive athletic development and the integration of technology in training, while offering valuable advice for younger generations looking to pursue careers in military and law enforcement.

In this conversation, Retired FBI Special Agent Bomb Technician Tom Adams shares his unique career journey from growing up on a cattle ranch in Montana to becoming a retiring and working in the counter-UAS technology industry. He discusses his military background, education in biomechanics, and how these experiences shaped his path into law enforcement.

Tom reflects on his various roles within the FBI, including his work in healthcare fraud, bomb technician duties, and international operations. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and adaptability throughout his career, culminating in his current focus on counter-UAS technology.

In this conversation, Tom Adams shares his journey from being a certified drone pilot to working in counter-drone technology with the FBI. He discusses the evolution of drone detection and mitigation strategies, the challenges faced during early deployments, and the lessons learned from engaging with careless drone pilots. Tom emphasizes the growing complexity of airspace due to the increasing number of drone users and the importance of establishing standards for drone technology deployment. He reflects on his transition from the FBI to his current role at DroneShield, where he focuses on public safety and critical infrastructure.

Tom also addresses the legislative challenges surrounding drone technology and offers valuable advice for future generations entering law enforcement or military careers.

In this conversation, Retired FBI Special Agent Jeremy Rebmann shares his journey from a distinguished career in the FBI to civilian life, detailing his experiences in law enforcement, the challenges of retirement, and his passion for writing and community service. He reflects on the impact of his military background, his journey to becoming a pilot, and the significance of mentorship throughout his career. Jeremy also discusses the emotional aspects of transitioning from a high-stakes job to finding new purpose in life, emphasizing the importance of faith and service in his post-retirement endeavors.

In this conversation, Jeremy Rebmann shares his harrowing experiences as a SWAT Sniper and recounts the Glass Mountain incident, highlighting the complexities of law enforcement operations.

Jeremy emphasizes the importance of processing trauma, the power of vulnerability in building relationships, and the therapeutic nature of writing. He also shares insights into his journey of creating an audiobook, reflecting on the bonds formed within law enforcement and the unrecognized heroism in the field.

🎙️ Welcome to Under the Crab – Empowering the next generation of men and women in law enforcement and military service. Helping you WIN at life. A tribute to service, honor, and duty—this podcast shines a light on the calling that drives the brave men and women of law enforcement and the military to serve something greater than themselves. Join me as I explore the stories, struggles, and sacrifices behind the badge and the uniform, and honor the unwavering commitment of those who choose this path."

Join me as I sit down with retired state trooper and bomb technician Joe Davidson. We talk about his beginnings as a U.S. Marine, to Pennsylvania State Trooper to Bomb Technician. Joe's advice: Stay Goal Oriented. 🛡️ Because America still needs good men and women willing to stand the line.

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📩 Contact: [email protected]

🎤 Host: Jay Henze, Retired Law Enforcement | Trainer | Veteran