MCNEW Podcast

In this episode of the McNew Podcast, I break down the Minnesota shooting involving ICE agents through a professional law-enforcement lens. This is a non-political, objective analysis focused on tactics, decision-making under stress, and the legal and practical standards governing the use of deadly force. I discuss how officers evaluate threats in real time, the role of vehicles as potential deadl...

A recent viral body-camera video from the Canton Police Department shows how a routine shoplifting call can become lethal in seconds. In this episode of the MCNEW Podcast, I break down what is actually happening inside the Walmart loss-prevention room, why officers treat so-called “low-level” calls seriously, and the tactical realities of searching, positioning, and decision-making under sudden th...

A recent Washington State Patrol incident is a hard reminder that violence does not care about rank, assignment, or time on the job. In this episode of the McNew Podcast , I address the importance of maintaining tactical sharpness, physical fitness, and a street-cop mindset throughout an entire law enforcement career. Promotion does not eliminate risk, and leadership does not replace readiness. Th...

Season 2 starts here. It’s been nine months. They are fair questions. Where have you been? Where’s the beard? Did the title change? Is that an overhead camera? In this episode, I explain the break, the reset, and what’s different moving forward. Same foundation—discipline, service, grit—delivered with me in here talking to myself or with guests when possible. Welcome back to MCNEW. Season 2 begins...

Sergeant Watson returns to MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds. to break down the hard-hitting strategies that have delivered significant victories in the fight against rising lawlessness fueled by unchecked drug use and homelessness. Like many communities across the country, we’ve seen firsthand the consequences of lax policies—public spaces overrun, crime on the rise, and hardworking citizens paying the p...

In this sequel to our last episode, we dive into the generational shifts happening in law enforcement as Baby Boomers retire and new generations step into policing. Sgt. Tim Watson and Felicia McNew join MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds. to explore how GenX, Millennials, and newer recruits are adjusting to work together, bridging the gaps between different work styles and expectations. We talk about how...

Hiring new police officers has become an uphill battle, and Washington State is feeling the strain. Sgt. Tim Watson joins MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds. to discuss the growing difficulties law enforcement agencies face when it comes to recruiting, from societal challenges to the changing perceptions of the profession. Washington currently ranks 50th in the nation for officers per capita, and we explor...

In this episode, my wife and I dive into the world of cycling, endurance, and pushing limits—both on the road and in life. We share the story of one particularly grueling ride where exhaustion, cold, and frustration set in, and for once, I was the one struggling. As my patience wore thin and the temperature dropped, she took the lead, encouraging me to push through when I wanted to quit. It was a...

My wife’s first ride in a patrol car was anything but routine. What started as a ride-along quickly became a police chase across two states, ending in a PIT maneuver and a crash on a dark country road. But the night didn’t end there—while I was inside a nearby house on our next call, my wife waited alone in my locked patrol car parked on the street. A gang member approached and tried to get into t...

In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds. , we dive into a memorable ride-along experience that perfectly captures a wonderful experience I shared with my grandpa. From responding to two active shootings, a car chase, and physical altercations in a single shift, it was a whirlwind day that left both of us with stories to tell for a lifetime. It was also a day that highlighted his pride in the...

Life has a way of starting in the most unexpected places. In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds. , we travel through time with stories of resilience, beginning with my ancestors born under remarkable circumstances—a cave deep in the wilderness, a covered wagon on the frontier, and a kitchen turned makeshift delivery room. These moments reflect the grit and determination that shaped generati...

In this episode, I sit down with my son, Finnegan, for a lighthearted chat about the evolution of entertainment—comparing today’s video games to the realities of life in the 1900s. We also touch on the importance of firearm safety and enjoy a candid father-and-son moment filled with laughter and insights. Join us for a fun conversation bridging generations.

In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., we begin by exploring how new police officers are shaped through rigorous training, cultural adaptation, and real-world experiences that build their confidence and effectiveness on the streets. Over time, these lessons become second nature—especially the reliance on tools, tactics, and teamwork. But what happens when you step into a role where those r...

In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds. , I read the 1899 essay "A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard, a timeless piece on responsibility, initiative, and the power of effort. A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard is a short but powerful essay first published in 1899. It tells the story of Rowan, a man tasked with delivering a critical message to General Garcia during the Spanish-American...

This episode begins with the story of a new police officer struggling to pass the rigorous Field Training Program. Discouraged and falling behind, his attitude towards training and his colleagues began to deteriorate. With his career on the line, a crucial pep talk about work ethic, attitude, and building trust through hard work helped him turn things around in just a few weeks. This transformatio...

In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds, I discuss the story behind establishing the SWAT medic program for our regional team. Back in 2012, I was approached to help develop a solution to bridge the gap when our team lost firefighter/paramedics as tactical medics. As a police officer trained in emergency medical skills and certified as an EMT, as well as some advanced firearms and tactics tra...

In Episode 10 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., we dive into the journey of raising teen drivers and the challenges and lessons that come with it. We’ll explore the balance between privilege and responsibility behind the wheel, emphasizing how young drivers benefit from understanding that driving is earned, not given. With practical advice for parents from parents, we’ll discuss how teens working to...

In Episode 9 of McNew: Duty. Grit. Grinds., we dive into failure. From an unplanned encounter with killer bees to a near-fatal mistake with spike strips, I share stories of setbacks that shaped my grit and resilience. I'll talk about my early days as a newspaper delivery boy, quitting McDonald's, and a humbling reality check on the first day of the police academy. These experiences remind us that...

Tackling a crisis: When drug abuse, mental health, and homelessness collide. A multi-faceted approach. In Episode 8 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds, I sit down with Sergeant Watson to discuss the development and impact of our jurisdiction's co-responder mental health crisis response team. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a growing intersection of homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse, all...

In episode 7 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., I sit down with SGT Tim Watson to break down the hiring process to become a police officer. Whether you're applying in Washington State or elsewhere, this episode offers valuable insights on how to prepare for a career in law enforcement. We discuss every stage of the process—preparing yourself mentally and physically, the physical agility test, tips for...

Episode 6 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds. Today, we’re talking about grit—pushing through pain and setbacks. I grew up with a simple motto: "put it to bed." This was dad's version of "rub some dirt in it." It wasn’t just about physical pain; it was a mindset. When you got knocked down, you got back up. No excuses. I weave through this subject with stories about breaking my arm in second grade, losin...

Episode 5 of MCNEW: Duty Grit Grinds dives into a canon event from my youth when a stranger in a Subway restaurant questioned my worth as a 17-year-old, unknowingly fanning the flames of a lifelong commitment to proving myself through hard work and perseverance. This challenge was a stepping stone towards a mindset that has carried me through some of the most challenging moments in life. The episo...

Episode 4 introduces one of the many connections coffee has in my life and career stories. The episode introduces Deputy Fred, a stud of a law enforcement officer and a true professional. The episode walks through a tragic traffic stop, a brave leap into an attic after an armed suspect, and sipping coffee while receiving incoming gunfire. The episode ends with ideas about future episodes and where...

In Episode 3 of McNew: Duty. Grit. Grinds I discuss how I was going to school to be a history teacher and working at Sears mixing paint and selling tools. As fate would have it, I move into a job with Sears loss prevention, which led to meeting some cops, being recruited, locking myself out of my apartment on test day, climbing three stories up a drain pipe to get my keys, and ends with me hiring...

Episode 2 of McNew: Duty. Grit. Grinds tells a story about the time I was trying to arrest a lady who tried to chew off my arm. The episode weaves into a story about breaking my hand and the awkward conversation with a nurse that sees my previous chart "bit by a hooker" before she puts on my cast. The episode ends with another encounter with the lady who tried to eat me.