Cops and Writers Podcast-logo

Cops and Writers Podcast

True Crime

Cops and Writers is a podcast hosted by retired police sergeant and author, Patrick O'Donnell. The podcast provides valuable insights and humor for crime writers who want to create accurate and believable police stories. O'Donnell conducts in-depth interviews with members of law enforcement and civilian experts, discussing police procedures and culture. He also interviews crime fiction writers and writers from different genres, discussing what works in the ever-changing landscape of book sales and publishing. The podcast offers candid stories told with cop humor and technical details about the world of law enforcement.

Location:

United States

Genres:

True Crime

Description:

Cops and Writers is a podcast hosted by retired police sergeant and author, Patrick O'Donnell. The podcast provides valuable insights and humor for crime writers who want to create accurate and believable police stories. O'Donnell conducts in-depth interviews with members of law enforcement and civilian experts, discussing police procedures and culture. He also interviews crime fiction writers and writers from different genres, discussing what works in the ever-changing landscape of book sales and publishing. The podcast offers candid stories told with cop humor and technical details about the world of law enforcement.

Language:

English


Episodes

162 CSI Rebekah Strong: Bridging True Crime with Fictional Thrills in Her Novels. (Part One)

3/17/2024
Welcome everyone to part one of my interview with Crime Scene Investigator and Author Rebekah Strong. Rebekah Strong is serving as an active member of law enforcement for over twenty years in a major metropolitan police department. She started in patrol and is now serving as a Crime Scene Investigator in her department's forensics unit where she processes crimes from murders, robberies, burglaries, sexual assaults, and fatal vehicle crashes, to name a few. Rebekah Strong, writing under the pen name of R.J. Strong is a popular author that weaves her real-life experiences into her fiction. In today’s episode we discuss: · How she got interested in law enforcement at the tender age of nine. · Academy life as only one of four females in her academy class. · Equipment that was issued to her when she got out of the academy. · Her impressions of field training. · Her almost life ending on duty injury and how that shaped her life and career long after the incident. · PTSD and the effect it had on her professional and personal life. Please visit Becky's website to learn more about her and her books! Do you want to get your CSI facts straight? Check out Becky's Book, Write Like A CSI: A Forensic Reference for Crime Writers Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:50:36

Begorrah! It's A Special Bonus St. Patrick's Day Episode With Irish Police Officer (Garda) Marie O'Halloran

3/17/2024
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Here is a special rebroadcast of my interview with my favorite Irish Cop, Marie O'Halloran!! Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here is a rebroadcast from a few years ago with my favorite Irish Garda! In this special St. Parick's Day bonus episode, Marie O'Hlloran shares her experiences as a 22 year veteran of the Irish Polic Force, An Garda Síochána. Marie and I chat about everything from her training at Garda College, experiences on the job, and a treasure trove of other information about the Irish Police Force. She also reveals her struggles with the aftermath of a near-fatal squad accident she was severely injured in, and how she uses writing as a coping mechanism. Not only is Marie a Gard, but she also consults on various novels for best-selling writers and appears in the acknowledgments as Casey King, which is her pen name. Marie is a poet, playwright, and crime novel author. Check out Marie on Twitter at @letstalkcrime Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email. Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:01:30:38

161 Curiosity Unleashed! Exploring Writing, A.I., Podcasting, and Entrepreneurship, With NYT and USA Today Bestselling AuthorJoanna Penn

3/10/2024
Boy, do I have a treat for you guys! Along with my celebrity co-host Jodi Burnett, my extra special guest on the show today is none other than Award-Winning, Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, and Award-Winning Podcaster Joanna Penn!!!! Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller, dark fantasy, crime, and horror author as J.F. Penn. She’s also an award-winning podcaster as the host of the Creative Penn Podcast that, according to Listen Notes, is in the top 0.5% of three million of all global podcasts. She is also a creative entrepreneur and a highly sought after international professional speaker. In today’s episode we discuss: · Trigger warnings and the implications of using them. · Her newest book, “Writing The Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness into Words.” · The moment in time Joanna Penn quit her day job and took the plunge into being a full-time author entrepreneur. · Lessons learned from Joanna’s business accomplishments and missteps. · Keeping up with and benefiting from artificial intelligence and other fast-paced technology. · Keeping her business as fresh and fun as when she first started. · Giving away the farm. When is it appropriate and effective? · The impact and value of podcasting. Setting realistic goals and expectations. · Joanna’s favorite book she has written. Please visit Joanna Penn's website to learn more about her and her books! Please visit Jodi Burnett at her website to learn more about her and her books. Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:49:04

Bonus Episode! Verbal Judo and De-Escalation With Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell (Retired)

3/8/2024
Welcome to this bonus episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast. A little while ago, my good friend Kathleen Donnelley approached me asking if I would give a presentation to the Rocky Mountain Mystery Writers Association regarding Verbal Judo. How can I turn down a good friend and a chance to talk? One minor hitch. I'm not an instructor of Verbal Judo or some kind of Verbal Judo guru. After some self-reflection, I recalled the thousands of times myself or other cops on the street used Verbal Judo (or whatever they are calling it today) and I thought I could talk about that. Here are some of the talking points. -Flashbacks to being in the academy in 1995 and receiving Verbal Judo training. -Props to Dr. George J. Thompson who literally wrote the book, Verbal Judo, Updated Edition: The Gentle Art of Persuasion. -Attending an eight-hour class given by Dr. Thompson. -Sometimes you can say things the right way and say the right things, and the incident can go sideways in the blink of an eye. -People would rather be asked than be told. -People prefer options over threats. -The history of law enforcement and de-escalation. -Some quick and easy ways to avoid fights or confrontations. Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:01:14:23

#160 100 Hours, 34 Sessions With David Berkowitz, The Son of Sam (Part Two)

3/3/2024
Dr. Michael Caparrelli spent 100 hours, 34 Sessions With David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam. Welcome back everyone to the conclusion of my interview with Bestselling Author and Psychologist, Dr. Michael Caparrelli. Dr. Caparrelli holds a PhD in Behavioral Science with an emphasis on Addiction Psychology. Dr. Caparrelli spent 100 hours, over 34 sessions with one of the most feared murderers in America’s history, David Berkowitz aka The Son of Sam. Dr. Caparrelli wrote an amazing book titled, MONSTER MIRROR: 100 HOURS with DAVID BERKOWITZ, ONCE KNOW AS THE SON OF SAM that chronicles his time with David Berkowitz. Dr. Caparrelli shares valuable insights into his time with one of our nation’s most notorious serial killers in history that are relevant to the times we are living in today. As a special treat to everyone, I brought in my friend and colleague, Podcaster, Author, and Retired NYPD Detective Vic Ferrari. Vic spent most of his life in New York and shares his perspective of the case from the point of view of an NYPD Detective and resident of New York. In today’s episode we discuss: · Criminal profiling and where David Berkowitz fits? · David was also a serial arsonist. What, if anything, did this have to do with him being a mass murderer? · Did any of his victims or relatives of victims ever attend David’s parole hearings? · Similarities between David and more recent serial or mass-killers? · Did Dr. Caparrelli meet with any of the victims or their families before or after this project? Why or why not? · David claiming demonic possession as a defense during questioning. Please visit Dr. Caparrelli on his website! Check out Vic Ferrari's Amazon Author Page and Podcast Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:51:25

#159 100 Hours, 34 Sessions With David Berkowitz, The Son of Sam (Part One)

2/25/2024
Dr. Michael Caparrelli spent 100 hours, 34 Sessions With David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam. Welcome everyone to part one of my interview with Bestselling Author and Psychologist, Dr. Michael Caparrelli. Dr. Caparrelli holds a PhD in Behavioral Science with an emphasis on Addiction Psychology. Dr. Caparrelli spent 100 hours, over 34 sessions with one of the most feared murderers in America’s history, David Berkowitz aka The Son of Sam. Dr. Caparrelli wrote an amazing book titled, MONSTER MIRROR: 100 HOURS with DAVID BERKOWITZ, ONCE KNOW AS the SON OF SAM that chronicles his time with David Berkowitz. Dr. Caparrelli shares valuable insights into his time with one of our nation’s most notorious serial killers in history that are relevant to the times we are living in today. As a special treat to everyone, I brought in my friend and colleague, Podcaster, Author, and Retired NYPD Detective Vic Ferrari. Vic spent most of his life in New York and shares his perspective of the case from the point of view of an NYPD Detective and resident of New York. In today’s episode we discuss: · Overview of New York in the late 70’s. City was BK, crime was out of control, mob (blackout). · Rumors of the NYPD asking the mob for help in catching the Son of Sam. · Quick recap of the SOS murders and when they started. · How would the NYPD coordinate such a huge task like capturing SOS? · How a parking ticket broke the case wide open. · How soon after David met his birth mom and sister did he start killing and what influence did that have on his homicidal rampage? · Why Dr. Caparrelli wrote the book, Monster Mirror. Please visit Dr. Caparrelli on his website! Check out Vic Ferrari's Amazon Author Page and Podcast Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:50:47

158 Bestselling and Award Winning Author Nick Petrie Tells us to 'Just Write A Bad Book.'

2/18/2024
Today’s show will be especially helpful for you writers out there. On the show today we have award-winning and bestselling author, Nick Petrie. His first novel, The Drifter, won the ITW Thriller and Barry Awards and was nominated for the Edgar, Anthony, and Hammett Awards. He won the 2016 Literary Award from the Wisconsin Library Association and was named one of Apple’s 10 Writers to Read in 2017. Light It Up was named the Best Thriller of 2018 by Apple Books. Both Light it Up and The Wild One were shortlisted for the Barry Award. Nick is the quintessential blue-collar author. He has an impeccable work ethic forged with years of working as a carpenter and other trades that have paved his way to becoming a full-time bestselling author. In today’s episode, we discuss: · Luck finds people who show up to work every day. We make our own luck.· Nick’s definition of success. · Write a ‘bad book.’ · Writing a main character who is a former Marine with PTSD and keeping this authentic, even though he is not a veteran. · His former professions in the trades and how that has helped him in his writing career. His advice to rookie thriller writers.Visit Nick's website to learn more about him and his books. Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:59:42

157 I Love a Cop With Bestselling Author and Police Psychologist, The 'Cop Doc' Dr. Ellen Kirschman (Part Two)

2/11/2024
Welcome back everybody to the conclusion of my interview with the “Cop Doc” Dr. Ellen Kirschman. For over four decades, Dr. Ellen Kirschman's specialty has been treating first responders, cops, firefighters, and their families who are suffering with work-related traumatic stress. Dr. Kirschman is also an award-winning and best-selling author of fiction and non-fiction. She is best known for the gold standard book for cops and their families, “I Love a Cop: What Police Families Need to Know” along with “Counseling Cops: What Clinicians Need to Know” and “I Love a Fire Fighter: What the Family Needs to Know.” Dr. Kirschman is also the author of her very successful crime series, The Dot Meyerhoff Mystery Series, where she blends her real-life stories with cops into fiction. In today’s episode we discuss: · Dr. Kirschman winning over a room full of cops. The book “I Love a Cop” and the solutions it offers to real life cop problems.· Soul woundings. · PTSD and can it be ‘cured?’ · How cops can smell a phony a mile away. · Organizational stress and what can be done about it. · Police suicide and what to look for in a cop on the edge to get them help. · Retirement, it’s now ‘Safe to Fall Down.’ Visit Dr. Kirschman's website to learn more about her and her books! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:53:55

156 I Love a Cop With Bestselling Author and Police Psychologist, The 'Cop Doc' Dr. Ellen Kirschman (Part One)

2/4/2024
Welcome everybody, today’s show will be especially valuable for those of you who are first responders and maybe more important, for their families to listen to. Or, if you are curious about what goes on behind closed doors in a police family. There is so much good information here, I had to split this up into two episodes. My guest on today’s show is known as the ‘Cop Doc’, Dr. Ellen Kirschman. For over four decades, Dr. Ellen Kirschman's specialty has been treating first responders, cops, firefighters, and their families who are suffering from work-related traumatic stress. Today’s episode is going to lean more on the cop side of the house but can be easily translated to other first responders. Dr. Kirschman is also an award-winning and best-selling author of fiction and non-fiction. She is best known for the gold standard book for cops and their families, “I Love a Cop: What Police Families Need to Know” along with “Counseling Cops: What Clinicians Need to Know” and “I Love a Fire Fighter: What the Family Needs to Know.” Dr. Kirschman is also the author of her very successful crime series, The Dot Meyerhoff Mystery Series, where she blends her real-life stories with cops into fiction. In today’s episode we discuss: · Has Dr. Kirschman ever loved a cop? Her work as a police psychologist with the Palo Alto Police Department.· My own, and other cop’s recollections of her book, I Love a Cop. · How Dr. Kirschman got into the business of helping cops through trauma. · The divorce rate among cops, the numbers might surprise you. · The different phases of a law enforcement career. · When should a cop leave the job? · When and how should a cop talk to their families about what they are going through at work? Visit Dr. Kirschman's website to learn more about her and her books! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:51:07

155ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli Reveals Government Cover-Up and Corruption Surrounding Operation Fast And Furious (Part Two)

1/28/2024
Welcome back everybody to the conclusion of my interview with my special guest, Retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director, former NYPD homicide detective, and author of the bestselling book, The Deadly Path: How Operation Fast & Furious and Bad Lawyers Armed Mexican Cartels, Peter Forcelli. If you like heroes, homicide, government corruption at the highest levels, a government whistle blower, and good old fashioned police work, you’re going to love this episode. Peter was a "whistleblower," who came forward and testified in the congressional inquiry into the "Operation Fast & Furious" scandal, following the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. Over the span of his career, Peter Forcelli served in leadership positions within ATF in Phoenix, Arizona; Eastern Canada; Miami, Florida and in ATF Headquarters. While serving as the Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Division, he oversaw ATF’s response to several mass shootings, including those at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland Florida. He also oversaw ATF’s investigation into Omar Mateen and his acquisition of the firearms that were used in the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Peter Forcelli has also been involved in the exoneration of eight people who were wrongfully arrested and convicted in the Bronx, New York, for murders that they did not commit. Peter is a survivor of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center, and the lung cancer that he later developed because of his work in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. He is a recurring guest speaker at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Like any cop, sometimes we need backup. So, my good friend, Retired DEA Special Agent Steve Murphy of the Game of Crimes podcast and DEA Narcos, joined me for this interview. Steve is no stranger to Cartels because he and his partner, Javier Pena’s work, bringing down Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel. In today’s episode we discuss: · More government coverups and corruption involving Operation Fast and Furious. The ongoing catastrophe at our southern border and what can be done about it.· The personal and professional damage caused to Peter, and his family, by him being a whistleblower. · Red flags that point to dysfunction in law enforcement agencies – resulting in larger issues for leadership – and how to resolve them? · Mass shootings in the United States and what should have been done to prevent them, and how we can prevent more of them happening. · How some federal prosecutors continue to not charge criminals for violating federal firearms laws – and other crimes – and what can be done to remedy the problem. · Are ‘tough gun laws’ actually solving any problems? Visit Peter on his website! Check out DEA Narcos with Steve Murphy Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:01:02:44

154 ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli Reveals Government Cover-Up and Corruption Surrounding Operation Fast And Furious (Part One)

1/21/2024
Welcome everybody to part one of this very special show with my guest, Retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director, former NYPD homicide detective, and author of the bestselling book, The Deadly Path: How Operation Fast & Furious and Bad Lawyers Armed Mexican Cartels, Peter Forcelli. If you like heroes, homicide, government corruption at the highest levels, a government whistle blower, and good old fashioned police work, you’re going to love this episode. Peter was a "whistleblower," who came forward and testified in the congressional inquiry into the "Operation Fast & Furious" scandal, following the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. Over the span of his career, Peter Forcelli served in leadership positions within ATF in Phoenix, Arizona; Eastern Canada; Miami, Florida and in ATF Headquarters. While serving as the Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Division, he oversaw ATF’s response to several mass shootings, including those at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland Florida. He also oversaw ATF’s investigation into Omar Mateen and his acquisition of the firearms that were used in the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Peter Forcelli has also been involved in the exoneration of eight people who were wrongfully arrested and convicted in the Bronx, New York, for murders that they did not commit. Peter is a survivor of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center, and the lung cancer that he later developed because of his work in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. He is a recurring guest speaker at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Like any cop, sometimes we need backup. So, my good friend, Retired DEA Special Agent Steve Murphy of the Game of Crimes podcast and DEA Narcos, joined me for this interview. Steve is no stranger to Cartels because he and his partner, Javier Pena work, bringing down Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel. In today’s episode we discuss: · Peter’s early years in the NYPD and the Housing Police. What it was like testifying before Congress.· His part in the investigations that led to the acquittal of 8 people who were wrongfully convicted of murder. · Peter being at the Towers on 9/11 and his part in the rescue/recovery and the cancer he endured later that cost him a lung. · The conspiracies surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attack. · Why Peter joined the ATF after fifteen years with the NYPD? · Operation Fast and Furious. · The coverups and corruption involved with Operation Fast and Furious and Peter doing the right thing, and the fallout he faced due to him being a whistleblower. Visit Peter on his website! Check out DEA Narcos with Steve Murphy Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:57:16

153 Master Con Man Matthew Cox Was The Shark Swimming in The Housing Pool. (Part Two)

1/14/2024
Welcome back everybody to the conclusion of this very special show with my guest Matthew Cox. Dateline NBC called Matthew, "A gifted forger and silver-tongued liar." If you’re a true crime junkie, you’re going to love this show! Matthew’s captivating story has been featured in Playboy, Rolling Stone, Dateline NBC, and numerous other news publications. Matthew Cox, one of the most ingenious con men in history—bilked America’s biggest banks out of millions. Despite numerous encounters with bank security, state and federal authorities, Cox narrowly avoided capture for years. During his run Matt assumed over fifty identities and held twenty-six different valid driver's licenses. Eventually, the law caught up with Matt and he was convicted of multiple counts of Bank, mortgage, wire, and passport fraud and identity theft. Matt was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison. Matt is now a successful author, consultant, and podcaster and were lucky he has agreed to tell us his story. Like any cop, sometimes we need backup. So, my good friend, Retired FBI Special Agent Jerri Williams of the FBI Case File Review podcast, joined me for this interview. Jerri specialized in high level cons, scams, and Ponzi schemes when she was with the FBI and offers her expertise with this interview and I’m lucky she agreed to be on the show. I also wanted to express my thanks to Vic Ferrari of the NYPD Thorough The Looking Glass podcast, for making the intros that made this episode possible. In today’s episode we discuss: · The perception that Matthew Cox conned vulnerable women as accomplices and what Matt has to say about that. · When Matthew was on the run, how many states did he live in and how many plastic surgeries did he get? · How different federal agencies worked together to capture Matthew Cox. · The personality traits of a successful con man. · The first meal Matthew got when he got out of prison. · What we can all do to protect ourselves from identity theft and scams. · Matthew Coxs’ successful author and podcast career! Go visit Matt's website, Amazon Author Page, and podcast! Visit Jerri Williams on her website! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:01:30:41

152 Master Con Man Matthew Cox Was The Shark Swimming in The Housing Pool. (Part One)

1/7/2024
Welcome everybody to part one of this very special show with my guest Matthew Cox. Dateline NBC called Matthew, "A gifted forger and silver-tongued liar." If you’re a true crime junkie, you’re going to love this show! Matthew’s captivating story has been featured in Playboy, Rolling Stone, Dateline NBC, and numerous other news outlets. Matthew Cox, one of the most ingenious con men in history—bilked America’s biggest banks out of millions. Despite numerous encounters with bank security, state and federal authorities, Cox narrowly avoided capture for years. During his run, Matt assumed over fifty identities and held twenty-six different valid driver's licenses. Eventually, the law caught up with Matt and he was convicted of multiple counts of Bank, mortgage, wire, and passport fraud and identity theft. Matt was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison. Like any cop, sometimes we need back up. So, my good friend Retired FBI Special Agent Jerri Williams of the FBI Case File Review podcast, joined me for this interview. Jerri specialized in high level cons, scams, and Ponzi schemes when she was with the FBI and offers her expertise with this interview and I’m lucky she agreed to be on the show. I also wanted to express my thanks to Vic Ferrari of the NYPD Thorough The Looking Glass podcast, for making the intros that made this episode possible. In today’s episode we discuss: · How many years Matt served in prison what prison life was actually like and common misconceptions regarding prison, including the common ‘Club Fed’ persona. · Matt’s tough relationship with his alcoholic father, his learning disability, and how these things contributed to his criminality. · How small cons or frauds led to multi-million-dollar fraud. · What he was feeling when he was at the top of his game, committing multiple felonies and making millions of dollars. · How Matt ran these cons and frauds. · How cocky and proud was Matt when he was at the top of his game? · Who, and how many, were the different co-conspirators that were in on Matt’s frauds? · The Secret Service, FBI, and US Marshalls were hot on Matt’s trail for years. What were some of the near misses and close calls you had with the feds? Go visit Matt's website, Amazon Author Page, and podcast! Visit Jerri Williams on her website! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:01:26:47

151 Special Guest Appearance on the 'Wish I'd Known Then' Podcast with Sara Rosett and Jamie Albright

12/31/2023
Happy New Year everybody! I wish you all a happy and healthy 2024. Today we're going to do something a little bit different. Back on November 22nd, I sat down virtually with Sarah Rosett and Jamie Albright on their fantastic podcast wish I’d known then. We talked about common errors writers make when it comes to crafting their police stories and how to improve their thrillers or mysteries. Check out the Wish I'd Known Then Podcast with Jamie Albright and Sara Rosett! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:56:18

150 Finding The Strength To Write After Tragedy And Grief With USA Today Bestselling Author Melinda Colt.

12/24/2023
Today on the show we are traveling to Romania speaking to USA Today Bestselling Author Melinda Colt. Melinda Colt is an award-winning and bestselling author of thrillers, suspense, and mystery novels. While she’s a Juris Doctor and professional target shooter, she worked as a journalist before she became a full-time author and owns a graphic design business. Melinda indulges her romantic side by writing romance novels under the pen name Melinda De Ross. In today’s episode we discuss: · Melinda’s wide variety of interests, including having a law degree, being a journalist, a professional target shooter, and owning her own graphic design studio. What it was like living in Romania under communism.· Her interesting childhood and being immersed in many endeavors. · What Melinda’s influences were growing up that molded her author career. · Her beginnings as a journalist and how that helped her later as an author. · Melinda being a former target shooting champion and how that has influenced her writing. · Her writing in two different genres, crime fiction, and romance, and how she blends the two. · How Melinda earned the title, “USA Today Bestselling Author.” · How Melinda overcame personal tragedy and profound grief not writing for almost two years, to finishing her next novel. · Her advice to anyone getting back to writing after a personal tragedy. Please visit the Melinda Colt website. Come on over to the Melinda De Ross website. Need a book cover? Melinda has you covered:-) Check out her graphic design website. Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Avenging Adam Audiobook by Jodi Burnett Get 50% off Avenging Adam audiobook with this link! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:03:39

149 NYPD Laughing In The Line Of Duty With Author, Podcaster, and Detective, Vic Ferrari!

12/17/2023
Today on the show we are talking to retired NYPD Detective, Author, and Podcaster, Vic Ferrari. Vic worked a distinguished twenty-year career with the NYPD as a patrol officer and later moved up to the organized crime unit working in the auto theft squad as a detective. Vic is now an author with seven books published, and a host of his own podcast, NYPD Through The Looking Glass. In today’s episode we discuss: · Vic tells us a true horse story. How Vic got into police work and then later his writing career. · Why he started writing his NYPD series. · How Vic gets all of these stories straight and did he have any negative effects from reliving these events. · Taking a peek into police subculture. · It’s a young man's game. · The love/hate relationship with the press. · How and why, he started his podcast. · What he misses the most about the job. · What’s next for Vic! Visit Vic Ferrari's Amazon Author Page to learn more about him and his books! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Avenging Adam Audiobook by Jodi Burnett Get 50% off Avenging Adam audiobook with this link! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:25:20

148 Serial Killers And Captivating Criminals With True Crime Television Producer Sonja Borgmann!

12/10/2023
Today on the show we have True Crime Television Producer Sonja Borgmann! Sonja is a producer for true crime documentaries for Tubi T.V. and A & E. Some cases she has highlighted are infamous killers like Ted Bundy and the Menedez brothers. She also produced the Killing Diana documentary, highlighting the life and death of the late Lady Diana. Please enjoy this wide-ranging and enjoyable true crime discussion with Sonja Borgmann. In today’s episode we discuss: · Sonja’s interest in investigative journalism and documentaries at an early age. Her interest in foreign affairs that took her to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Berlin, and Lisbon, and how this molded her future career in documentaries.· How and when Sonja got interested in criminal justice, more specifically true crime cases? · What pulls Sonja towards infamous, true crime cases? · The Killing Diana documentary profiling the life and death of Lady Diana. · Some of the fascinating cases Sonja has worked on, including murder-for-hire cases. · Why Sonja thinks we are so interested, sometimes obsessed with true crime. · What advice she would give to someone trying to break into the true crime business. · How Sonja looks at people differently since she started covering stories of serial killers and other psychopaths. · Sonja’s top-secret project with me being a part of the show (not as the serial killer)! Check out Sonja's website to learn more about her and her work! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Avenging Adam Audiobook by Jodi Burnett Get 50% off Avenging Adam audiobook with this link! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:05:40

147 Elvis, Police Work, Kevin Costner, Val Kilmer, And More With The Muti-Talented Police Officer Jeff Bonilla!

12/3/2023
Today on the show we have Author, Creative, Musician, and former Police Officer Jeff Bonilla. Jeff was a police officer in two California departments, Burlingame PD and Daly City PD in the San Francisco Bay Area. He’s co-author of the groundbreaking book "So You Want To Be A Cop," this work has been recommended reading in multiple police academies, shedding light on the reality of life as a police officer. His current fiction novella "Terminal Hitman" is receiving great reviews. Bonillo has ventured into Hollywood, creating alternative programming, and gaining unique insights into the entertainment industry. He had many of his projects optioned by top producers such as Ryan Seacrest, Merv Griffith, 3 Ball Productions, Jamie Kennedy Productions, and more. As an award-winning director, he has written and directed short films and directed commercials for such clients as Party City online. Jeff is also a talented musician, with digital releases that have captivated audiences in over 40 different countries! Please enjoy this wide-ranging discussion with Jeff Bonilla. In today’s episode we discuss: · Jeff’s brush with Elvis. · What impact did seeing Elvis have on him? · How and why, Jeff started his career in law enforcement? · What was it like being a police officer in the two different departments? · Why he stopped being a cop? · Jeff tells us about the books he authored, So You Want To Be a Cop and Terminal Hitman. · Why he wrote these books. · Jeff’s adventures in Hollywood, including writing, producing, and directing movies and commercials. · Jeff’s music career. Visit Jeff Bonilla's website to learn more about him and his work Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:01:07:50

Bonus Episode With Me Being Interviewed On The Creative Penn Podcast With Joanna Penn!

11/28/2023
Today’s show is a special bonus episode of me being interviewed on the Creative Penn Podcast with the most excellent host, Joanna Penn! Joanna and I talk about writing realistic police stories, starting a second career as an author, networking, and the dangers of writing about real-life trauma. Please enjoy my chat with Joanna Penn. In today’s episode, we discuss: · Becoming a writer after a significant first career · Dos and don'ts of finding a mentor · Being of service and volunteering with purpose · Knowing when an author relationship clicks · Writing entertainment vs. writing for therapy · Managing different energies in an author conference Check out Joanna's website! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Support the show

Duration:00:41:44

146 Joe Solari Helping Indie Authors Maximize Profits and Giving Us The Inside Scoop On Author Nation Live!

11/26/2023
Today on the show we are chatting with the director of Author Nation, Joe Solari! Joe and Author Nation are taking the helm from Craig Martelle and the 20 Books to 50K Vegas Conference. 20 Books Vegas was the largest indie author conference and now Joe Solari and Author Nation have the epic task of keeping this amazing conference going and growing. Please enjoy my chat with Joe Solari. In today’s episode we discuss: · Will there be cookies as big as manhole covers at Author Nation? · How Joe blended an MBA and a Fine Arts Degree into success. · What are some of the lessons learned and best practices that successful authors are now employing to maximize their author businesses? · Common errors you see authors make at the different stages of their careers and how to avoid them. · How do we stand out in such a crowded market? Is this going to transfer over to the conferences? If so, how and what will be the emphasis? · Why Joe Solari accepted the challenge of running the Author Nation conference. · What are your goals for the Author Nation conference going forward? learn more about Joe Solari and his work on his website. Check out Author Nation Live! Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website. Only for Cops and Writers Podcast listeners! Get 50% off the audiobook version of the F.B.I. K-9 thriller, Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett. Use code, https://jodi-burnett.com/copsandwriters/ Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:18:14