National Police Association Podcast

🔎 Episode Overview

In this compelling first installment, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with recently retired U.S. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, one of the most visible and outspoken leaders in modern border enforcement. Bovino reflects on his decades-long career, from humble beginnings to commanding high-profile operations across the country. The conversation explores the realities of illegal immigration, the operational and political challenges facing Border Patrol agents, and what it takes to achieve meaningful enforcement in the United States today.

🎧 Key Topics and Takeaways

🚔 A Career Inspired by Early Encounters

In this compelling episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with nationally recognized prosecutor, legal analyst, author, and speaker Wendy Patrick. With decades of courtroom experience and academic expertise in theology and human behavior, Patrick offers a unique perspective on crime, justice, and the psychological factors that shape both offenders and victims.

The conversation explores the evolving justice system, the importance of threat assessment, and the growing challenges facing law enforcement and prosecutors today.

🔍 Key Topics & Takeaways

In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Sgt. Jon Rappa—an active law enforcement officer and nationally recognized instructor in interview and interrogation techniques. Rappa shares how personal tragedy shaped his career, breaks down the realities behind police questioning, and explains why communication—not coercion—is the most powerful tool officers have.

Key Points

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with former NYPD sergeant and cold case expert Joseph Giacalone, an investigator who turned “retirement” into a second career in media, teaching, and true crime storytelling.

From leading Bronx cold case homicide investigations to educating the public on the realities behind crime, Giacalone shares hard-earned insights on solving decades-old murders, working with prosecutors, and the growing national fascination with true crime.

Giacalone describes cold cases as investigations where all viable leads have been exhausted—which can happen in weeks or years.

Unlike TV portrayals:

Detectives must c...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with veteran journalist, author, and law-enforcement communications expert Anne Schwartz. Their conversation covers Schwartz’s extraordinary career—from crime reporter to police public information officer—and her firsthand experience covering one of the most infamous criminal cases in modern history: the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer.

Schwartz shares what it was like as a young reporter arriving at the crime scene the night the Dahmer case broke in Milwaukee, how investigative journalism and police work intersect, and why building trust between reporters and law en...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Michael Letts, a longtime law enforcement officer, pastor, Army veteran, and national advocate for first responders.

Letts shares the remarkable journey that led him from ministry and national weightlifting competitions to decades of service in law enforcement. He also discusses the founding of InVest USA, a nonprofit dedicated to providing life-saving protective equipment such as bulletproof vests to police officers across the country.

The conversation explores the spiritual, emotional, and operational challenges facing law enforcement today—from officer safety an...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Chad Bianco, Sheriff of Riverside County, California—and current candidate for Governor of California.

Before the headlines and the statewide campaign, Sheriff Bianco spent 32 years in law enforcement serving the citizens of Southern California. In this wide-ranging conversation, he shares his unexpected path into policing, his leadership of one of the largest sheriff’s offices in the country, and why he believes California is ready for change.

Sheriff Bianco didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a cop. In fact...

In this powerful episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with retired former Orlando Police Department officer Todd Herb to discuss a game-changing concept: providing first responders with elite-level sports medicine care to dramatically reduce recovery time, cut taxpayer costs, and protect morale.

Todd shares how his post-law-enforcement journey led him to Ready Rebound, a company founded on one simple idea:

If professional athletes get immediate, specialized treatment to return to peak performance, why shouldn’t first responders?

When the public thinks about first responder injuries, they im...

In this powerful follow-up episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith reconnects with Deputy Sheriff Dustin Reichert, whose 2021 interview about surviving an officer-involved shooting deeply impacted listeners.

But as Dustin explains, that shooting was neither the beginning nor the end of his story.

It was part of something much bigger.

Topics:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

A powerful therapy that helps the brain reprocess unprocessed trauma — “defragging the hard drive,” as he puts it.

Brainspotting

A trauma-processing modality that access...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, a constitutional sheriff who has emerged as a national voice for courageous law-enforcement leadership in the face of unprecedented political pressure. Sheriff Swank explains how Washington State’s “sanctuary” laws and legislative overreach threaten not only public safety, but the very independence of the elected sheriff’s office. Drawing on his career with the Seattle Police Department and his historic election as Pierce County’s first sheriff elected from outside the sheriff’s office, Swank details the growing effort by st...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes back returning guest Henry “Hollywood” Morris, founder of Support Our Shields and a leading voice in independent media defending law enforcement, religious freedom, and American values.

Hollywood shares why he launched Support Our Shields at the height of the “defund the police” movement and reflects on traveling more than 80,000 miles across 33 states to honor over 75 fallen law enforcement officers. Together, Betsy and Hollywood examine the renewed attacks on police and federal agents, particularly ICE, and warn that America may be witnessing “Defund Police 2.0.”

The con...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Milwaukee Police Department veteran, bestselling author, and podcast host Patrick O’Donnell for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world policing, writing, and cultural honesty.

Patrick shares the story of why he became a cop, growing up in Chicago, witnessing a SWAT raid as a child, and falling in love with police work during the height of the crack epidemic in Milwaukee. He walks listeners through his law-enforcement career, from high-crime patrol assignments and midnight shifts to promotion as a sergeant and th...

Sgt. Betsy Smith welcomes back Chief Scott Hughes for a wide-ranging conversation on officer safety. Together, they unpack the risks that are rising (including ambushes) and why fundamentals like seatbelts, vests, and continuous training still matter, especially in an era of short staffing, reduced proactive policing, and heightened scrutiny of law enforcement.

What they cover

1) “Fundamentals win”: the basics that save lives

Chief Hughes and Sgt. Smith return to simple fundamentals:

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with firearms instructor and content creator Samantha Borgos, co-founder of Sovereign Self Defense.

Samantha has built a viral social media presence by blending “edutainment”—educational content wrapped in entertainment—with videos of herself legally open carrying in everyday places like Whole Foods, Sephora, and Starbucks. She and Betsy talk about how those videos started as a simple experiment after Florida’s open carry law changed, and how they’ve evolved into a powerful way to normalize responsible carry, especially for women.

They also...

Sgt. Betsy Smith sits down with longtime friend and law enforcement legend David Gonzales, whose 48-year career spans small-town patrol, Arizona DPS narcotics work, and over two decades as the presidentially appointed U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona. Gonzales shares how a 19‑year‑old kid from Flagstaff ended up patrolling one of the largest counties in America, chasing major drug traffickers, hunting fugitives around the world, and managing thousands of federal prisoners during the height of the immigration crisis.

He also gives an insider’s view of private prisons vs. county jails, the reality of human...

Host Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with police K9 handler Officer Tony Sanborn, president of the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA), for an in‑depth conversation about modern police K9 work.

Tony shares why he was “called” to the profession, how K9 units have become powerful ambassadors and recruitment tools for law enforcement, and what really goes into training, deploying, and caring for these highly skilled working dogs.

They dive into the Desert Dog Police Canine Trials and Public Safety Expo, how the event has evolved into one of the biggest K9 competitions and pu...

This week, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with retired NYPD detective Vic Ferrari—author, podcaster, and Bronx native—for a candid conversation about policing’s past and present in New York City. Ferrari traces his path from a car-obsessed kid to an NYPD detective specializing in auto crime, explains what Law & Order gets closer to right than most shows, and walks through how CompStat and stop‑question‑frisk were intended to work.

The discussion ranges across mayoral eras (Koch, Dinkins, Giuliani, Bloomberg, de Blasio, Eric Adams, and the mayor‑elect referenced in the conversation), internal culture and standard...

Episode Overview

In this powerful episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Dr. Josh McConkey, an Air Force Colonel, ER doctor, and author of The Weight Behind the Spear, to discuss leadership, service, and the future of our country. From the emergency room to the battlefield, from classrooms to campaign trails, Dr. McConkey shares how true leadership means empowering others, holding people accountable, and restoring American values of duty and patriotism.

Key Topics Covered

1. The Weight Behind the Spear

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with longtime LAPD Detective and union leader Jamie McBride for an unfiltered look at the challenges and changes in modern policing. With 35 years of experience, McBride discusses everything from his early days on the beat to the recruitment crisis, declining standards, and the aftermath of 2020’s anti-police movement. Together, Betsy and Jamie confront the myths about law enforcement, explore how politics and policy are shaping the next generation of officers, and share candid thoughts on professionalism, education, and what it truly takes to wear the ba...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with retired federal agent Peter J. Forcelli, whose 35-year law enforcement career spans street policing in the Bronx and federal investigations.

Forcelli recounts his path from a TV-inspired NYPD rookie to a respected federal agent who took on both violent criminals and a complacent justice system. The conversation offers a firsthand look at the failures of modern prosecution, the dangers of “woke” criminal justice policies, and why accountability — not leniency — is the key to public safety.

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) sits down with Antoine Thomas, a law enforcement veteran, podcaster, and Christian conservative, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of policing in today’s America. Antoine shares his journey into law enforcement as a personal calling, reflects on the highs and lows of his career, and explains how faith, resilience, and dedication kept him grounded in one of the toughest professions.

Together, they explore how politics, media narratives, and cultural shifts have impacted law enforcement in recent years and why, despite the obstacles, Antoine still believes policing is the best profession on ea...

In this gripping episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with former Marion County, Florida Deputy David Ur and his wife, Dr. Lana Krichevsky-Ur, to share their harrowing journey from public service to personal and professional devastation. What began as David’s midlife dream to serve in law enforcement turned into a nightmare of alleged retaliation, political interference, and career destruction after an arrest involving a politically connected suspect.

David details his path from crane operator and helicopter pilot to deputy sheriff, excelling in the academy and eager to serve. But af...

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (ret.) sits down with former police sergeant and investigative trailblazer Christine Burke to explore the groundbreaking world of forensic genetic genealogy. Christine shares her compelling personal journey from banking to law enforcement, her passion for solving complex investigations, and how a surprising DNA discovery changed the trajectory of her life and career.

Together, they delve into how this powerful tool is revolutionizing the investigation of cold cases, unidentified remains, and even new crimes—whether you're a seasoned detective or a civilian interested in joining the fight for justice.

  Key...

Episode Overview:
In this powerful and emotional episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Tim and Chelsea Putney, a courageous Texas couple whose life was forever changed when Tim, a police officer, suffered a catastrophic on-duty injury. What follows is a deeply personal conversation about trauma, resilience, family, and the life-saving importance of peer support in law enforcement.

Key Topics:

💥 The Call That Changed Everything
Tim recounts the harrowing 2017 incident where he responded alone to a violent domestic call involving a meth-fueled teen. The resulting injury to his spine changed the course of...

Guest: Jim (James) Walden – former federal prosecutor, private‑practice attorney, and 2025 independent candidate for Mayor of New York City.

Quick‑Listen Summary

Former U.S. prosecutor Jim Walden explains why New York City is “fighting for its life,” how political mismanagement and anti‑police rhetoric have undermined public safety, and the specific reforms he believes can rebuild the NYPD, protect vulnerable communities, and restore sanity to City Hall.

Five Takeaways

From barber‑shop beginnings in Brooklyn to presidential protection on the White House grounds, Rich Staropoli has lived the “E‑ticket” ride of elite law enforcement. In this candid conversation he and Sgt. Smith examine:

In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes Mike Fadden, CEO of Galls—the premier supplier of uniforms and gear for first responders across North America. As the son and grandson of police officers, Fadden brings a deeply personal passion to his leadership, which has helped transform Galls into one of the most law enforcement-supportive companies in the nation.

From reviving the iconic Galls catalog to pioneering women-specific uniform lines and supporting numerous pro-police charities, Fadden shares how his company is evolving with the needs of modern policing. He also discusses his leadership philosophy, Galls’ steadfast support duri...

A wide‑ranging, fast‑moving conversation between Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith and retired Mesa, AZ Police Lieutenant Daniel Byram,an officer, instructor, Homeland‑Security textbook author and prolific novelist. From patrolling hundreds of rural square miles as a 20‑year‑old deputy in 1970s Ohio to supervising an exploding police force in one of America’s fastest‑growing cities, Lt. Byram shares lessons on leadership, training, resilience, writing and the future of the profession.

Memorable Quotes

In this inspiring episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith speaks with Daniel Marquardt, Illinois businessman, father of ten, and founder of the nonprofit We Love Police. Born out of a deep sense of calling and faith, We Love Police was created in response to growing hostility toward law enforcement, particularly during the 2020 "defund the police" movement.

Dan shares the personal and spiritual journey that led him to launch the organization in 2021 and how it has since evolved into a multifaceted initiative uplifting officers nationwide. With services ranging from motivational banquets to nationwide 24/7...

Dr. Yates explains how Department of Justice consent decrees have cost cities hundreds of millions of dollars, depressed staffing, and, according to his independent review, were built on evidence that was mostly inaccurate or misleading. The conversation details the constitutional problems with federal oversight of local police, the political dynamics that drive which departments are targeted, and a state-level alternative now being shopped to Congress. 

Key Takeaways

In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D., a retired police chief turned author and trainer, to explore the human side of policing and the challenges officers face today. Drawing on decades of experience leading law enforcement agencies and writing extensively on topics ranging from compassion in policing to officer well-being, Chief Shults shares personal insights and actionable advice for both veteran and aspiring officers. 

Key Discussion Topics

*The Foundation of Compassion in Policing
*Rational Fear and Its Role in Officer Safety
*De-Escalation: Reality Versus E...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with congressional candidate Christian Maxwell—a straight-talking Chicago resident determined to revive her home city and state. From battling skyrocketing crime to defending the Second Amendment, Maxwell lays out a candid, data-driven plan to make Illinois safer for law-abiding citizens and more accountable to its taxpayers.

Memorable Points

* Crime Deterrence Requires Consequences – Maxwell argues that lenient prosecution and short-staffed police embolden repeat offenders.
* Second-Amendment Rights Matter – Allowing responsible citizens to carry legally could reduce carjackings, retail theft, and home i...

In this episode Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)—litigator, author, and host of Verdict with Ted Cruz—for a wide-ranging conversation on his lifelong mission to “fight to defend freedom,” Texas’s uniquely decentralized policing model, and the national battle against anti-police activism. From personal stories of his father’s fight against tyranny in Cuba to hard-hitting critiques of “rogue” prosecutors, Cruz explains why strong, constitutionally grounded policing is essential to public safety and liberty.

Key Topics

* Texas’s decentralized, “constitutional” model of policing
* Showing gratitude to o...

Join Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith as she speaks with Kate Klasen, founder of Bishop's Mission, and her remarkable Dalmatian companion, Bishop. Kate shares how her personal journey as a first responder led her to create an organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement and first responders through PTSD recognition and peer support, aided by specially trained service dogs.

Key Highlights:

In this compelling episode, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith speaks with Janeen Baggette, a former combat aerovac medic, veteran law enforcement officer, and expert canine handler. Janeen founded K9s for Freedom, an innovative organization utilizing highly-trained dogs to support first responders dealing with trauma, stress, and critical incidents.

Key Topics Discussed:

Episode Overview

Barbara Oldrati details the night her son, Corporal Sal Oldrati, responded to a 911 burglary-in-progress call on September 21, 2021—a volatile encounter that ended in a fatal, officer-involved shooting. Cleared internally and returned to duty within weeks, Sal was indicted 20 months later (May 23, 2023) for reckless manslaughter after New Jersey’s Office of Public Integrity & Accountability (OPIA) revisited the case under a new attorney general. Barbara explains why the family believes the prosecution is politically motivated, the toll it has taken on Sal’s career and young family, and what listeners can do to help.

Key Takeaw...

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Commander Dave Case—cop, author, and lifelong Midwesterner—to unpack four decades of frontline experience. From patrolling in the 1980s crack era to policing the vertical combat zone of Cabrini‑Green, Case explains how multigenerational gangs, heroin‑to‑fentanyl trafficking, and politicized prosecution reshaped public safety in America’s third‑largest city. He also reveals how those hard‑earned street lessons power his crime novels Out of Cabrini and the forthcoming sequel Chicago Justice.

Quotable Moments

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes longtime law enforcement professional and outspoken advocate Jim Hill—known on X as Mr. Thin Blue Line—to the National Police Association Podcast. With decades of experience from Maryland to Pennsylvania to Arizona, Hill brings an unfiltered, street-level perspective on gangs, policing standards, law enforcement leadership, and public safety policy.

From confronting violent gang culture in Scottsdale to calling out the failures of academia and politicized command staff, Hill shares why he became a cop, what law enforcement must do to survive and thrive in today’s climate, and how we can reclai...

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes longtime friend and special guest Dr. Trevor Wilkins, also known as The Angry Viking Therapist. Once a high-performing state officer, Dr. Wilkins shares his transformative journey from the front lines of law enforcement to becoming a nationally recognized mental health advocate and trauma therapist for first responders.

Dr. Wilkins opens up about the cumulative toll of police work, his battle with anger and isolation, and the career-ending mental health crisis that ultimately set him on a new path. Together, he and Sgt. Smith discuss:

In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith speaks with U.S. Representative Michael Cloud about pressing issues surrounding law enforcement, immigration policy, and border security. As a representative from a border state and a strong supporter of law enforcement, Rep. Cloud offers insight into legislation designed to help local police agencies work with federal immigration authorities—most notably, the 287(g) Program Protection Act. They dive into why cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE is critical for public safety, how the politicization of law enforcement has impacted communities, and what Congress is doing to reinforce officer safety, fight cartel cr...