PHIT PD

In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Vigil, former Chief of International Operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration, for an in-depth conversation about the reported death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — better known as “El Mencho” — and the wave of violence that followed. As the longtime head of global operations for the DEA, Mike managed offices around the world and...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with a Sheriff’s Lieutenant and Army National Guard Sergeant Major whose career spans the Marine Corps, military leadership at the highest levels, and modern law enforcement command. This is a raw, no-nonsense conversation about what it truly takes to survive, lead, and grow in today’s profession. We dive deep into officer safety and why being proactive—not re...

Today’s episode takes us behind the badge and into a story that few are willing to tell. Our guest is a young peace officer who, within just his first two years on the job, was involved in three officer-involved shootings—experiences that would profoundly shape his life both on and off duty. Like many officers, the trauma didn’t stay at work. It followed him home, manifesting as PTSD, emotional is...

In this raw, unfiltered episode, a former Marine Cobra pilot-now a Sheriff's deputy-takes us inside the mindset forged in combat and tested in life after war.  From earning his wings after early failure to flying gunships and executing missions in zero visibility along the Iraqi border, he shares the brutal truth behind compartmentalization as both a survival tool and a hidden threat.  He ope...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with a police chief who brings raw honesty, frontline experience, and deep insight into what truly shapes today's law enforcement professionals.  He opens up about peer accountability-why it's not just a leadership philosophy but a life line that fuels officer well being, trust and long-term support within the ranks. You'll hear the incredible s...

In this episode, we sit down with a former San Diego-based, Emmy-winning news anchor whose career has come full circle-from reporting on law enforcement stories to becoming part of the law enforcement family herself.  After years of delivering breaking news and community stories for local San Diego channels, she transitioned into a new chapter as the Public Information Officer for the San Diego Co...

In this gripping episode, we sit down with a former police captain whose decades-long career placed him on the front lines of some of the most dangerous and transformative eras in American law enforcement.  He takes us deep into the genesis of the Mexican Mafia, revealing how early prison-born networks evolved into powerful criminal enterprises-and how they later intertwined with drug cartels and...

In this episode, we sit down with two seasoned peace officers and defensive tactics trainers who are not afraid to be honest about their own journey.  One of them openly admits that early in his career he was tool dependent-relying too quickly on weapons instead of skill.  Together, we dive into the uncomfortable truth behind overreacting to physical aggression and why some officers escalate to us...

Two weekds before police academy graduation, tragedy struck - her apartment went up in flames, taking everything she owned with it.  yet, instead of letting it difine her, she stood tall replaced her uniforms and crossed that stage to earn her badge. Before joining the force, she worked at Starbucks and in theater, with no experience in defensive tactics or fighting.  But that didn't stop her...

A 15 year law enforcement veteran joins us to talk about the mental and physical injuries after getting shot in the line of duty.  She now serves as a lieutenant-a leader, mentor, and inspiration to those around her.  Beyond the badge, she's a mother of two young daughters, a proud college graduate and a 2007 Women's Volleyball Hall of Fame inductee. However, her journey hasn't been...

In this powerful season recap of Line Up with phitPD, we revisit the unforgettable voices that shaped Season One - stories of sacrifice, resilience, and the human spirit behind the badge.  From a police sergeant's miraculous recovery after being shot in the head to a professional fighter's belief that stronger training builds stronger trust, every guest shared raw truth and purpose. We r...

He is a decorated United States Marine and a recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in during war time in Anbar Province, Iraq, where he risked his life to support another squad under attack and was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).   Refusing to let his service end with the Marine Corps, he continued his mission of protecting others by joining the police department in 2...

In this eye-opening conversation, we dig into the real survival skills every cop needs-on and off the street. Our guest-former enforcer and kidnapper for a family-breaks down life-saving self-defense techniques and why training for reality not routine, can mean the difference between life and death.  We tackle the silent battles too: PTSD, addiction, and the physical toll of avoiding help.  From t...

From college basketball stardom to serving his country and stepping into the squared circle of the World Wrestling Federation, this guest's journey is nothing short of legendary,  A former All-State basketball standout, Navy veteran, police officer and professional wrestler who once faced icons like The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan, he now shares powerful lessons from every chapter of his life....

In this compelling episode, we sit down with a former police chief as she shares lessons learned from decades on the front lines.  From the life-saving importance of watching a suspect's hands to mastering the "art of verbal judo," she discusses how communication and empathy can prevent violence and protect officers.  The conversation also explores the physical and emotional demands...

On this powerful and emotional episode, a police sergeant and his wife recount the night their world changed forever-the night he was shot in the head.  From the trauma table, still fighting for his life, he pulled out his phone and used the Ring camera to speak to his fellow officers as they approached their home, determined to break the news to his wife with care.  She describes the chilling mom...

In this powerful episode, a police officer's wife shares the emotional journey of loving someone who wears the badge.  From her early fears about her husband becoming a cop to a memorable ride-along that brought both laughter and perspective, she opens up about the balancing act of family life-especially during the holidays-while facing the unpredictable nature of the job.  She recalls the ni...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr/Agent/Minister Greg Amundson whose resume speaks for itself: former DEA agent, county sheriff deputy, ordained minister, doctorate holder, Krav Maga black belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, published author, and one of the original athletes of CrossFit.  He shares his powerful near-death experience while on patrol and how it shaped his lifelong commitment t...

In this powerful episode, we take an unfiltered look at the realities of life behind the badge-the struggles that too often go unspoken.  From coping with loss and the hidden toll of PTSD, to the shocking truths of working patrol, we dive deep into how trauma, stress and sleep deprivation shape the lives of first responders.  We explore how fight-or-flight mode impacts decision-making, why nutriti...

MMA fighter, police officer and defensive tactics instructor, joins me to discuss undertrained police officers and the need for stronger police training.  Calls to "defund the police" often overlook a deeper issue-our officers are undertrained for the realities of the job.  In this episode, we explore why reducing resources isn't the answer, and why raising minimum training standard...

In this powerful episode, Sergeant Tony shares his unbelievable journey from being shot in the head in the line of duty to walking again—when doctors said he’d leave the hospital in a wheelchair. What does it take to survive a life-altering injury, rebuild your brain and body, and still show up as a father, husband, and leader? For Tony, the answer lies in mindset, physical fitness, and the unbrea...