The Cop & The Comic

Pride, Patrol, and Pop Stars
It’s Pride Summer, so Kilo asks the hard-hitting questions—like “Who are your top gays?” Spoiler: Dad’s list includes George Michael, NPH, and Candace Parker. We get into LGBTQ+ visibility on the force, whether there was any actual training back in the day, and what he really thought about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Come for the rainbow, stay for the real talk (and the confused admiration for leather pants).

Cop-Blocking: Teen Rights and Summer Wrongs

In this episode of The Cop and The Comic, we dive into the wild world of teenage freedom—especially in the summertime. Should teens have more rights, or do they need a few more rules? Kilo argues for more trust, while Dad recalls the glory days of busting up parties, patrolling marshlands with a fake K9 unit, and unintentionally becoming the ultimate cop-blocker. From underage ragers to curfew debates, this one’s got laughs, laws, and a little father-son friction.

Thriving in Connecticut: A Conversation with Nordia Savage

This episode of The Cop and the Comic features the vibrant Nordia Savage, a Jamaican-born Hartford native and passionate social and policy worker. Together, we unpack the unique experience of being a young professional of color in Connecticut—a state with a progressive reputation but a strong undercurrent of conservatism and cultural silos.

Nordia shares her favorite spots to connect, including a must-visit Black-owned beer garden that’s redefining community in Hartford. We also dive into the challenges and joys of finding places to meet peop...

In this episode of The Cop and the Comic, Officer Martin shares his love for shoreline living, a way of life he’s known all his days. From pro tips on snagging the best property rates to his thoughts on why the East Coast is truly the "best coast," his advice might just have you dreaming of a sea breeze and a backyard with a view.

Meanwhile, Kilo chimes in with his unique perspective—reminiscing about a research trip to the Sargasso Sea and uncovering untold tales of the family boat he never quite made it aboard. 

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Into the Perfect Storm: Officer Martin's Harrowing Rescue Mission

In this gripping episode of The Cop and the Comic, Officer Martin takes us into the heart of the real-life events that inspired The Perfect Storm. Sharing his firsthand experience flying through a storm with towering 20-foot waves, he breaks down the strategies and teamwork that kept his crew steady in chaotic skies.

From the critical communications with the rescue team and the distressed boat to the chilling mystery of the diver who was never found, Officer Martin offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of...

My dad joins me to talk about something we don’t always think about—emergency preparedness. We dive into his experience working during Hurricane Katrina, where he had to help Haitian refugees and eventually return them to safety. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to stay alert and cautious in unpredictable situations, especially when there’s the potential for hostility.

We also get into how my dad prepared me for emergencies growing up. From fire drills at home to having a fire safety plan that was somehow already embedded in my subconscious, he made sur...

In this  episode of The Cop and the Comic, we tackle the recent LA fires that have shaken the city and left many of us on edge. My dad shares chilling stories of dealing with fires during his time on the force, including the unique and terrifying challenges of fighting blazes on boats—where water doesn't make things any less dangerous.
 
Being so close to the evacuation zone, I’ve felt the weight of collateral damage firsthand, and we unpack what that means for those of us who live at the edge of danger.

Building Bridges: Nordia Savage on Uplifting Communities in Connecticut (Part 1)

In Part 1 of our conversation with Nordia Savage, a Jamaican-born Hartford native and passionate advocate, we dive into her impactful work as a social worker and policy expert. Nordia shares her experiences with Public Allies and AmeriCorps, including her time in Dan O’Malley’s office, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives for Hartford youth. From history projects to job training and internship programs, she’s made a lasting difference in the lives of underserved communities.

But Nordia doesn’t shy away from addressi...

Sharpshooter Stories: Lessons from the Range

In this episode of The Cop and the Comic, Officer Martin takes us on a journey through his lifelong relationship with firearms, starting with the lessons he learned as a boy from his own father. From those first moments holding a gun under his father’s watchful eye to mastering the M16 and handguns at the academy, he shares the experiences that shaped him into a top marksman.

As an instructor, Officer Martin also breaks down what it takes to become a great sharpshooter—the patterns, discipline, and...

Survival Strokes: Officer Martin's Journey from Backyard Pools to Flight School

In this episode of The Cop and the Comic, Officer Martin dives into his swimming journey, starting with lessons from his grandfather and inspiration from Olympic greats like Mark Spitz. What began as a childhood pastime turned into a critical skill when he joined the Coast Guard Academy and faced a daunting challenge: swimming a mile in full flight gear and treading water for five minutes.

He shares how this wake-up call pushed him to practice extra hours, perfect his strokes, and...

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...

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 j...

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 deb...

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 he...

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 cont...

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...

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...

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 befo...