Mike’s story starts in North Bellmore, New York—an accountant chasing numbers until he realized his real calling was chasing justice. Trading spreadsheets for a badge, he joined the Atlanta Police Department in 1993, later serving nearly two decades with the Suffolk County Police Department. But after years in the trenches, Mike’s service came with unseen scars. Following his retirement, he faced anger, depression, and the heavy weight of PTSD. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, Mike opens up about the dark side of life after the job—and the unexpected path that led him to healing through plant-based medicine, specifically Ayahuasca. What began as a desperate search for peace became a mission: helping other veterans and first responders reclaim their lives from trauma. This is a story about breaking stigma, finding purpose, and discovering that sometimes the road to redemption runs through the jungle. Follow Mike and his journey at @theresilientwarrior5778 (https://www.instagram.com/theresilientwarrior5778?igsh=Mmx4c2pmNDhmaGh3). Timestamps:  04:00 – Mental Health   07:45 – Hockey Roots   13:10 – Atlanta Chaos   21:55 – Olympic Policing   27:15 – NY Transition   34:40 – Anti-Crime   41:35 – Off-Duty Life   48:00 – Breaking Point   52:35 – PTSD Realization   55:30 – Healing Journey  If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Silence protects the wrong people. I chose a different path. Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser. Officer Melissa Trump “Silence protects the wrong people. I chose a different path.” When her department tried to terminate her, Melissa refused to be silenced. With integrity, strength, and resilience, she defended her name, kept her badge, and proved that courage isn’t just worn on a uniform—it’s carried in the heart. A K-9 handler and fierce advocate for justice, Melissa and her Belgian Malinois, Tiko, were reunited and Melissa continues to serve their community with professionalism and purpose. Today, Melissa uses her voice—and her experience—to stand up for others who have been wronged. She believes in speaking the truth, challenging injustice, and doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. This episode goes beyond the badge and into the battle—where integrity was tested, courage took the lead, and justice had a name: Melissa Trump. 01:20 – Police Culture 03:15 – Early Life 04:20 – WNBA Dreams 05:52 – Choosing Policing 08:26 – Hiring Process 22:20 – K-9 Journey 32:03 – Targeting Begins 41:37 – Son’s Arrest 55:14 – Merit Hearing 59:49 – K-9 Returned If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode, Shelley shares the emotional story behind Project Never Broken, the nonprofit she created to honor her brother Greg — a dedicated law enforcement officer tragically killed in the line of duty. From Greg’s early career in undercover work to the deep impact of his loss, Shelley opens up about family, service, trauma, healing, and the mission to support first responders struggling with the unseen weight of the job. She also reveals the inspiration behind her upcoming Cruise With a Purpose, a first-of-its-kind retreat designed to help first responders and their spouses find connection, therapy, and hope. This conversation is raw, heartfelt, and filled with purpose — a reminder of the resilience that emerges after unimaginable loss. Timestamps:  04:00 Family Service 05:15 Shelley’s Career 07:05 Entrepreneur Drive 09:10 Learning & Growth 10:25 Greg’s Personality 13:45 Undercover Work 18:30 Sibling Bond 27:55 The Call 32:50 Trauma Impact 55:40 Cruise Mission If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five years on the streets of Colorado taught Jordan how to handle chaos—until one call changed everything. A highly publicized critical incident ripped through her life, leaving her battling severe PTSD and a storm she couldn’t outrun. She left the badge behind, moving to Florida to rebuild what was left of herself. Now, years later, Jordan’s story takes an unexpected turn. Working with dogs that help others heal, she’s found pieces of her own peace—and maybe, her way back to the profession that broke and built her all at once. On this episode of Beyond The Barrel, we dive into the silence after the gunfire, the fight for recovery, and the burning question every broken warrior faces: Can you ever truly come back? Timestamps:  01:26  Why Policing 07:40  Family Trauma 15:30  Career Start 23:00  Young Motherhood 33:56  Emotional Spiral 41:32  Rural Policing 50:29  Incident Begins 55:49  Train Impact 1:34:16  Aftermath & Recovery If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born into a legacy of law enforcement, Mike Maher carries the torch as a Lieutenant with the Daytona Beach Police Department — following in the footsteps of his father, a retired NYPD Detective Sergeant, and his grandfather, a retired NYPD Deputy Inspector. Hired at just 19 years old in 2008, Maher has spent his career serving on the front lines and behind the scenes. He currently commands the midnight shift in District-1, leading the west side of Daytona Beach and supervising the department’s K-9 Unit. His résumé reads like a masterclass in versatility — hostage negotiator, team leader, and commander, former FTO, property crimes detective, ICAC investigator, dignitary protection officer, CST member, and detective sergeant. National audiences know him from the hit TV series “On Patrol: Live,” where he’s been featured for three years alongside his brothers, Sergeant James Maher and Sergeant Chris Maher — a rare trio of siblings serving the same mission on camera and in real life. Off duty, Maher is a devoted husband and father of two, driven by faith, family, and service. A proud, unapologetic Catholic, he’s passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of officers — building not just better cops, but better men and women of integrity. Timestamps: 01:45 - Early Life & 9/11 Legacy   07:30 - National Unity After 9/11   11:00 - Why Law Enforcement   16:00 - Career Start & Daytona PD   19:45 - Evolution & Leadership   23:00 - Difficult Units & Mental Health   28:00 - Family & Balance   37:00 - Officer-Involved Shootings   54:00 - Advice & On Patrol Live If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Pittsburgh SWAT officer Tim Matson, who shares his powerful journey from a tough upbringing to surviving the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting. Tim opens up about resilience, loss, and mental health in law enforcement, breaking the stigma around vulnerability. He discusses growing up in McKees Rocks, finding discipline through football, joining SWAT, and the realities of modern policing. This raw, inspiring conversation highlights strength, brotherhood, and recovery after trauma. A must-listen for anyone interested in courage, service, and what it truly means to overcome adversity. 0:58 Tree of Life background   2:32 Growing up  6:20 Football and discipline   8:21 Early jobs before policing   19:12 Joining the SWAT team   30:03 Policing challenges in Pittsburgh   32:21 First officer-involved shooting   44:18 Tree of Life incident   1:02:00 Recovery and PTSD reflections If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From leading Infantry squads in Iraq and Syria to running HIMARS missions, contracting in Afghanistan, and working DEA intel on the southern border—our guest has lived the sharp edge of modern warfare. But on Beyond the Barrel, his mission looks different: breaking down the walls inside the veteran community. As the founder of Bunker Bros, he’s pushing for a space where veterans—no matter the era or operation—connect without division. From imagining emo nights at the VFW to building a brotherhood for the next generation, this episode pours truth straight, no chaser—diving into service, identity, and what it takes to reinvent the veteran experience. Timestamps: 2:05 Bunker Bros & app 3:55 Bachelor party story 9:10 Sports cards & family 17:05 9/11 & enlistment 19:30 Iraq & ISIS fights 23:20 Afghanistan & withdrawal 44:00 Analyst vs. military life 45:20 Syria & alliances 1:15:00 Closing reflections ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel we sit down with Peter J. Forcelli the author of “The Deadly Path: How Operation Fast and Furious and Bad Lawyers Armed Mexican Cartels.” A retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director and former NYPD homicide detective, he spent 35 years in law enforcement, rising from beat cop to federal agent. Forcelli specialized in complex gang and firearms investigations, making over 1,000 arrests and serving more than 300 search warrants. He’s been recognized as an expert witness in both federal and state courts and became a whistleblower during the “Operation Fast & Furious” congressional inquiry. Throughout his ATF career, he held leadership roles in Phoenix, Miami, Eastern Canada, and Headquarters—overseeing major cases including the Pulse Nightclub and Parkland shootings. A 9/11 survivor and lung cancer fighter, he now speaks regularly at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This episode is one of the most raw and honest conversations we’ve had — packed with stories, lessons, and history. 11:00 – Growing Up in the Bronx 22:00 – Life in the Homicide Unit 33:00 – From NYPD to ATF 44:00 – The Culture of ATF 55:00 – Robbery Crews & Major Cases 1:06:00 – 9/11: The Moment It Happened 1:17:00 – Running from the Tower Collapse 1:28:00 – Reflections & Lessons Learned 1:39:00 – Final Thoughts: The Cost of the Job If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Dobyns spent more than two decades living in the shadows as one of America’s most daring undercover federal agents. Over the course of 500+ missions, he infiltrated the world’s most violent criminal networks—gun runners, narcotics traffickers, murder-for-hire operations, and the infamous Hells Angels motorcycle gang. His work blurred the line between good and evil, pushing the limits of identity, loyalty, and survival. Once described by a criminal defense attorney as “a government-trained predator sent on seek-and-destroy missions in search of drugs, guns, and violence,” Jay’s story isn’t just about undercover operations—it’s about the psychological toll of living a double life and the price of justice. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we go deep into the darkness of deception, courage, and the cost of doing whatever it takes to protect a nation that often never knows your name. Timestamps:  2:10 — Childhood in Indiana 5:18 — Sports & family life 8:22 — College football & Miami Vice 13:14 — NFL Combine reality 22:17 — Joining ATF 27:19 — Cop mindset & violence 46:27 — Waco & Columbine impact 58:26 — Undercover life & brotherhood 1:04:14 — Hells Angels case If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Jerald M. Wurms, a man whose career defies expectations. Before leading SWAT operations, supervising airport security, and coordinating riot control units, Wurms was producing anti-drug PSAs with Nancy Reagan and managing Hollywood sets with stars like Dolph Lundgren. His journey from red carpets to narcotics investigations shows how leadership, adaptability, and service can take many forms. We dive into his experiences investigating drug trafficking, managing high-pressure police operations, and producing groundbreaking media projects like American Vice. Through every chapter, Wurms demonstrates how skills learned in law enforcement translate far beyond the badge. Whether he was tracking suspects with a K-9 unit, handling civil unrest, or creating content with Rodney Dangerfield, his story proves that one career can shape countless lives. This episode is a rare look at a path that blends public service and production. Timestamps: 1:12 – Early career in film5:48 – Anti-drug campaigns9:30 – Shift to law enforcement14:20 – First police experiences20:45 – SWAT leadership27:05 – Riot control work33:10 – Balancing career and life39:42 – Producing American Vice46:30 – Lessons and advice If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel we step inside the world of undercover operations with Lou Valoze, a former ATF agent who spent nearly two decades living in the shadows. From his first gun buy to deep infiltrations with cartels, gangs, and organized crime, Lou shares raw stories of risk, sacrifice, and survival. He opens up about the toll undercover work takes on family life, the dangers of building trust with violent criminals, and his most rewarding cases—including a chilling murder-for-hire sting. This conversation pulls back the curtain on undercover policing.  Timestamps:  07:30 Early life 12:20 DEA encounter 17:40 INS & L.A. gangs 23:45 First gun buy 30:00 Undercover style 45:15 Dream Team ops 55:00 Family toll 01:15:00 National cases 01:40:00 Murder-for-hire ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel Ian shares his journey from growing up in Connecticut and dreaming of joining the FBI, to running party promotions, facing Ponzi scheme charges, and serving time in federal prison. He opens up about the lessons learned behind bars, navigating criticism, and transforming his past into a successful podcast platform. This is a story of redemption, resilience, and turning setbacks into opportunities Timestamps:  1:00  Growing up 3:00  Early interests 5:00  Negative comments 9:00  FBI dreams 12:00  Party promotions 17:30  Arrest & charges 28:20  Prison stories 37:10  Building the podcast 46:15  Lessons & future ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we talk with Pete James—retired law enforcement veteran and founder of OfficerPrivacy.com. After 25 years of service, Pete turned his focus to protecting officers and families from online threats. OfficerPrivacy.com, staffed by current and former cops, has already helped thousands safeguard their information. In a world where digital exposure puts officers at risk, Pete’s mission is clear: privacy is protection. This episode explores the hidden dangers of online data - because your safety doesn’t end when the shift does. Timestamps: 2:26 Navy career & early intel 4:26 From Navy to law enforcement 7:01 Digital forensics & expert work 15:34 AI’s impact on privacy 22:16 Founding Officer Privacy 29:15 Free vs paid protection 37:05 John Mattingly’s story 44:04 Politicians, laws & loopholes 55:51 Top sites & how to protect yourself ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Pete’s way to provide as much as he can in order to help: Top sites based on web traffic:  WhitePages Spokeo TruePeopleSearch BeenVerified TruthFinder FastPeopleSearch 5 most commonly relisted:  SpyDialer Veripages NationalCellular VoterRecords InfoTracer 6 sites that offer immediate removal: Been Verified ClustrMaps SpyDialer That's Them VoterRecords National Cellular Voter Record Post from April 2024:  https://officerprivacy.com/apr-24 Perplexity AI prompt for OSINT:  You are an expert OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) investigator. Your task is to find as much publicly available information as possible about a person based only on their name. The name of the individual is: [ ] and their last address is in [ ] Background: You are permitted to use all public sources of data, including search engines, news archives, public records databases, social media platforms, academic publications, business listings, online forums, data broker information, and web-scraped directories. The objective is to collect publicly accessible information about them. Please gather and organize findings into the following categories: 1. Basic Identifiers (e.g., age, date of birth, aliases, nicknames, home address, phone number, email address, names of relatives). 2. Online Presence (social media accounts, blogs, personal websites, usernames) 3. Professional Information (employment history, LinkedIn profile, business affiliations) 4. News Mentions or Publicity (any media appearances, articles, interviews) 5. Education Background 6. Legal and Government Records (if publicly available — court cases, licenses, voter records, property ownership) 7. Other Notable Online Activity (forum posts, YouTube comments, GitHub, Reddit activity, etc.) If any areas return no results, indicate so. Prioritize recency and relevance. Provide source URLs for each piece of information retrieved. Ensure that all findings adhere strictly to ethical and legal standards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Matt Thomas, retired Chief Deputy of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office who recently became Chief of Police in Florence, Arizona. Over 32 years, Matt rose from Detention Officer to second-in-command, serving on SWAT for 18 years—five as commander—while leading narcotics and undercover operations against cartel activity. A graduate of the FBI National Academy and bestselling author of Interceptors, Matt shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and law enforcement culture. From 60 Days In to real-world missions, this is a powerful conversation on thriving when the mission never stops. Timestamps:  02:00  Writing Interceptor 10:00  Childhood & gangs 16:00  Small-town move 19:00  Starting law enforcement 26:00  Friends in prison 33:00  Patrol & SWAT 42:00  Family sacrifices 47:00  Narc Sergeant stories 55:00  Becoming Chief ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold. Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me. From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel. For over 11 years, Chance Cooper has worn the badge in the Kansas City Metro—serving on SWAT, working complex investigations, and tackling just about every role the job could throw at him. Now, he’s bringing that same tactical mindset to a new mission as Chief of Operations for Apollo. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we dig into the grit, the lessons, and the turning points that shaped his journey—from kicking in doors to leading at the highest level. It’s a raw look at the evolution from front-line operator to strategic leader, and the mindset it takes to thrive in both worlds. If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Preston Woodrum Battle of the Badges begins of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. A seven-year law enforcement veteran, Preston has served as patrol sergeant, SWAT leader, and firearms instructor. In 2022, he founded Battle of the Badges—a shooting competition uniting officers through marksmanship, accountability, and connection. What began locally is now expanding nationwide. From his roots as a competitive shooter to reshaping police training, Preston brings insight, discipline, and a challenge to tradition. This conversation explores legacy, culture, and the message: in this profession, you don’t just wear the badge—you earn it. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro & Preston’s story2:00 Childhood & basketball4:00 Books to Badges path7:00 First years on patrol10:30 Calls vs. proactivity16:00 Learning empathy23:00 Joining SWAT30:00 Night shift & crew bond44:00 SpongeBob tattoo story47:30 Battle of the Badges begins ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold. Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me. From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we pour truths straight—no chaser—with Jerald M. Wurms, a man who lived two lives that few could ever imagine. From walking the red carpets of Hollywood to leading narcotics investigations in Florida, Wurms’ story is anything but ordinary. Before commanding SWAT units and supervising airport security operations, he was managing film sets with Dolph Lundgren and producing anti-drug PSAs with Nancy Reagan. In this one-of-a-kind episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with a guest whose path defies every stereotype—blending decades of decorated service in Florida law enforcement with an early career in Hollywood’s entertainment industry. From coordinating riot control units at global summits to producing Geraldo Rivera’s “American Vice,” this episode dives into how one man’s journey spans red carpets and road patrols. Whether he was tracking narcotics with a K-9, leading a team through civil unrest, or producing featurettes with Rodney Dangerfield, he’s got a story for every scene—and every crime scene. You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes conversation about leadership, adaptability, and the wild, winding road of public service and production. If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold.Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me. From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel. Before Netflix dramatized his story for millions, Steve Murphy lived it. Raised in the small town of Princeton, West Virginia, Murphy began his career in local law enforcement before joining the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1978. His early years took him to the drug-saturated streets of Miami, chasing pushers and pot dealers during the height of the war on drugs. It was there he met his wife, Connie—thanks to a prank turned serendipitous love story. But Murphy’s legacy would be forged in Colombia. In 1991, he arrived in Bogotá—thrust into the bloody center of the hunt for the world’s most infamous narco, Pablo Escobar. From the chaos of cartel violence to the emotional toll of adopting a baby orphaned by Escobar’s brutality, Murphy’s journey was more than just tactical—it was deeply personal. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we go deeper than the Netflix script, unpacking the truths, tragedies, and moral gray zones that defined Murphy’s battle against the Medellín Cartel. It’s the raw, unfiltered account of one man who stood at the intersection of history, violence, and justice. If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold. Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me. From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel. In this special mini-series of Beyond the Barrel—The Art of Interdiction—we sit down with Michael Stewart, a man whose career spans the full spectrum of criminal justice. From interdiction traffic stops yielding millions in drug and cash seizures to commanding homicide investigations and arguing in court as a licensed attorney, Stewart’s story is the blueprint for modern law enforcement done right. As Chief of Detectives for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Stewart has led some of Indiana’s most complex cases. We unpack record-breaking drug busts, his role in drafting Indiana’s first Red Flag Law affidavit, and how one marijuana traffic stop led to the federal indictment of a major drug figure and the solving of a homicide. With a foot in the courtroom and one on the pavement, Stewart brings a rare dual perspective—combining legal precision, street-level grit, and deep investigative insight. Whether you’re a cop, prosecutor, or just someone who wants to understand how justice actually works, this episode delivers the raw, unfiltered truth. This is The Art of Interdiction—where sharp minds, relentless work, and tactical street smarts collide. And as always on Beyond the Barrel, we pour it straight. No chaser. If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold. Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me. From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Lieutenant Brian Hess, a seasoned law enforcement professional who began his career with the NYPD and has since carved out a unique path at the intersection of policing and technology. With deep roots in intelligence work, criminal investigations, and cyber security, Lt. Hess brings a rare blend of street experience and technical expertise to the conversation. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a specialization in Criminal Justice from John Jay College (CUNY), Brian shares how his early days with the NYPD shaped his mission to modernize the profession from within. That mission now includes a groundbreaking AI-powered report writing software—designed by a cop, for cops—to streamline paperwork and give officers back the one thing they never have enough of: time. We explore the evolution of tech in law enforcement, the urgent need for innovation, and how Lt. Hess is leading the charge to future-proof the profession without losing sight of its core purpose. Special thanks to Ian Bick for generously opening his studio for this powerful conversation. If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices