National Police Association Podcast

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...

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Deputy Matt Swartz—an officer whose life story is a true testament to grit, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service. From growing up in a law enforcement family to surviving two devastating vehicle crashes—one of which left him a below-the-knee amputee—Matt shares how he fought his way back not just to life, but back into uniform.

Now serving with the Clay County Sheriff's Department in Florida after a career with the New York State Police and a stint...

Episode Overview: In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes Jess Flores, a former police officer who transformed her career-ending injury into a mission to help others transition out of law enforcement. Jess shares her personal journey, the challenges of leaving the profession, and how she found new purpose through fitness, community, and personal growth. She also discusses her work with Next Shift, a platform dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers in their post-career transition.

Key Topics Discussed:

Jess’s Journey into Law Enforcement
Inspired by her grandfather, a...

🔹 Episode Summary:
In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes investigative journalist and former Border Patrol agent Randy Clark from Breitbart News. With over 32 years of experience in border enforcement, Randy offers a frontline perspective on the evolution of the U.S. Border Patrol, the ongoing border crisis, and the impact of current immigration policies on national security.

🔹 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ Randy Clark’s journey from Border Patrol agent to investigative journalist
✅ The transformation of the Border Patrol since the Reagan administration
✅ The surge of illegal crossings and its implic...

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with one of law enforcement’s most renowned homicide experts—Vernon Geberth. Known as the “Godfather of Homicide,” Geberth has trained thousands of investigators, authored seminal works on homicide investigation, and played a key role in the advancement of forensic techniques, including the introduction of DNA evidence in criminal cases.

Key Topics Discussed:

In this compelling episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith speaks with retired detective Heidi Chance, a veteran investigator and expert in human trafficking awareness. Detective Chance shares her journey in law enforcement to undercover work in vice and human trafficking investigations, shedding light on the stark realities of sex trafficking, online predators, and the misconceptions surrounding "sex work."

Key Topics Discussed:

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Scott Lowry, a retired lieutenant from the Findlay, Ohio Police Department and an expert in active shooter response training. With a rich background in law enforcement and a passion for preparedness, Scott shares his journey from being inspired by his father’s police career to his current work in training first responders and communities to handle large-scale incidents effectively.

Key Topics Discussed:

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Bert Eyler, VP of the Police Officers Defense Coalition, to discuss critical issues impacting law enforcement across the country. Bert shares insights from his career in law enforcement and explains the legislative efforts his organization is leading to protect officers, including the push to codify qualified immunity into law.

The conversation covers:

Episode Title: Congressman Anthony D'Esposito: From First Responder to Political Trailblazer

Podcast Host: Betsy Smith
Guest: Congressman Anthony D'Esposito

Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, Betsy Smith sits down with Congressman Anthony D'Esposito to explore his journey from serving as a police officer and volunteer fire chief to entering the world of politics. The conversation covers his time in the NYPD, including groundbreaking work in gang takedowns and social media surveillance, his leadership during natural disasters as a fire chief, and how those experiences shaped his approach to public service and governance. D'Esposito...

Episode Title: The National Police Association Podcast with Guest, Amy Hawkins
Guest: Amy Hawkins, Chair of Police Week Michigan, Writer, and Speaker
Host: Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Duration: 28:32 minutes

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Amy Hawkins shares her journey from a background in communications and political advocacy to her passionate support for law enforcement. She discusses the importance of honoring those who serve, her role in organizing Police Week Michigan, and the challenges law enforcement faces in today's climate. The conversation highlights faith, family values, and grassroots activism in...

Episode Title: The National Police Association Podcast with Dr. Andrew Dennis
Guest: Dr. Andrew Dennis, Trauma Surgeon, SWAT Team Member, and Author
Host: Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Sgt. Smith speaks with Dr. Andrew Dennis about tactical medicine in law enforcement. They discuss the evolution of officer medical training, the importance of self-aid and buddy-aid, and how tactical medicine has saved lives. Dr. Dennis shares insights from his experiences and his efforts to enhance officer survival through better training and tools.

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith engages in a compelling conversation with retired Detective Kevin Davis, a renowned police use of force expert witness. They delve into the complexities of law enforcement, focusing on the challenges officers face regarding use of force decisions and the increasing scrutiny from the public and legal systems.

Key Discussion Points:

Here’s a brief summary of the podcast episode featuring retired detective Chip DeBlock, host of LEO Round Table. In the episode, Chip discusses his journey in law enforcement, starting at 21 with the Tampa Police Department, his experiences over 30 years, and the transition into media through his platform. He shares insights on policing, challenges, and how he turned his whistleblower experience into a successful media career. 

 In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Betsy Brantner Smith interviews retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Christopher W. Hinkle. They discuss Hinkle’s career journey, from his early inspiration to join law enforcement, his time in the Air Force, and his extensive work with the FBI in areas such as counterintelligence, cybercrime, and civil rights investigations. Hinkle shares insights from his experiences, including his role during 9/11 and his work in Baghdad. 

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Dorothy Bones McCoy—a former law enforcement officer, psychotherapist, and author. Dr. McCoy shares her unique journey from providing therapy to law enforcement personnel to becoming an officer herself, highlighting the challenges and insights gained from her dual roles.

Key Discussion Points:

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith engages in a compelling conversation with Lieutenant Brian Steel, a 23-year law enforcement veteran, Marine Corps alumnus, and current president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 9. They delve into topics ranging from personal motivations for joining the police force to broader discussions on law enforcement reform and the role of police unions.

Episode Highlights:

Episode Title: Strengthening Air Marshal Security with Sonja LaBosco
Host: Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith
Guest: Sonja LaBosco, Executive Director, Air Marshal National Council

Episode Overview:
In this episode, Sonja LaBosco shares insights into her journey from local law enforcement to the Federal Air Marshal Service. She discusses critical issues affecting the agency, including resource allocation challenges, training protocols, and the evolving threat landscape. LaBosco highlights concerns over government oversight and inefficiencies impacting national security operations.

Key Topics:

Guest: Jeff Simpson, Retired Law Enforcement Officer, Former President of FOP Lodge 9

Episode Highlights:

Guest: Zeek Arkham, Law Enforcement Officer & Social Media Influencer
Host: Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.)

In this episode, Sgt. Smith engages in a candid discussion with Zeek Arkham, a vocal advocate for law enforcement who has built a significant online presence. Zeek shares his personal experiences in law enforcement, the challenges of maintaining a public persona as a cop, and how social media has amplified his voice in defense of the profession. They delve into topics such as public perception of police, political pressures facing officers today, and the importance of integrity in the field. Zeek...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Betsy Brantner Smith engages in a compelling conversation with retired Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff David Miklos. They delve into David's unconventional journey into law enforcement, the significance of physical fitness in policing, and the evolving landscape of American law enforcement as we approach 2025.

Episode Highlights: