National Police Association Podcast

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,...

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...

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, Se...

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 traffick...

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,...

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...

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 peopl...

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. T...

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. T...

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...

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 retali...

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. Tog...

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...

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, protec...

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: Why passion—not quotas—makes or breaks a police recruit The Secret Service’s unforgiving firearms & scenario training (and how “woke” shortcuts dilute it) Walking the West Win...

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 Gal...

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 lesso...

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....

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...

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 perso...

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 accoun...

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-hi...

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: Mee...

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: Janeen's Background: Janeen sh...

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 &...