STREET TALES

Street Tales Trailer! This podcast is dedicated to exploring the diverse stories within the law enforcement community, fostering open and honest discussions about the realities of policing from both sides of the law. You can reach us for all content, books, bookings for speaking engagements or as a podcast guest at www.streettalesnetwork.com

In this episode U.S. Army Sgt. First Class (retired) Tony McFarland opens up about growing up in Ohio, joining the Army, being at the Pentagon on 9/11, multiple deployments, and the long road through grief, PTSD, and recovery. Tony shares raw stories about family, near-suicide after his mother’s death, and how counseling, love, and honesty helped rebuild relationships and find purpose. To contact...

Street Tales Network presents a unique podcast-based book, Street Tales Volume 1, that highlights real-life stories from both sides of the law. Each chapter features a conversationally edited account of a person’s journey and includes a QR code to listen to the original podcast episode. Volume One shares transformative stories—addiction, crime, recovery, and what led each person into law enforceme...

Retired NYPD detective Jason (retired) Palamara recounts his fast rise from academy recruit pulled into the 9/11 response to a career investigating homicides and cold cases. He discusses the emotional toll on officers and families, the challenges of prosecution, and his path to recovery through faith, peer support, equine therapy, and advocacy. Palamara also shares his post‑retirement work — the b...

Host interviews USF PD Assistant Chief (retired) Meg Ross about her multi-decade law enforcement career — from records clerk to assistant chief — covering patrol work, academy training, digital transitions, accreditation struggles, and mentorship. The episode also focuses on first-responder mental health and the Hope Line support service, Meg’s retirement transition, and takeaways on leadership, r...

Retired Paterson Police Sergeant Vic Martinez recounts his journey from growing up in Paterson to 25 years in law enforcement — serving as a patrolman, ERT/SWAT operator, K9 handler and breacher. He shares training, teamwork, and vivid on-the-job stories. The episode also covers personal challenges and transitions: battles with cancer, his wife’s diagnosis, the strain of duty on family life, and t...

A raw, moving interview with Lisa Plumb, a licensed marriage and family therapist who shares her experiences of childhood sexual abuse, encounters with law enforcement, and the long path to healing. Lisa discusses identifying as a victim and survivor, the dangers of toxic positivity, the importance of trauma-informed care, how physical health and therapies like martial arts helped her recover, and...

A raw, moving interview with Lisa Plumb, a licensed marriage and family therapist who shares her experiences of childhood sexual abuse, encounters with law enforcement, and the long path to healing. Lisa discusses identifying as a victim and survivor, the dangers of toxic positivity, the importance of trauma-informed care, how physical health and therapies like martial arts helped her recover, and...

Former corporate manager Maureen Redmond describes her journey into teaching and how she built a legal studies program at a regional vocational high school that offered students real-world exposure to law, transferable college credits, and hands-on connections with judges, prosecutors, and federal agents. The episode covers the program’s impact on students, why it was ultimately cut, concerns abou...

Join us as we explore Jessi’s incredible journey from her small-town roots in Lower Alabama to her impactful career in federal law enforcement. Starting as a correctional officer in an all-male prison, Jessi shares her experiences and challenges in a male-dominated environment. Her story continues as she transitions to a county deputy role and eventually takes on the prestigious position of a Secr...

Join us in this captivating episode as we sit down with Chief Lowe from Bangor Fire, who shares his intriguing journey from a young firefighter to a seasoned leader. Delving into his career, Chief Lowe opens up about the unique challenges faced by firefighters and how leadership is constantly evolving to meet the demands of new generations. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, detailing...

Join us in this insightful episode where we explore the critical importance of social connectivity in combating loneliness and enhancing emotional resilience. We sit down with Dr. Rahul Mehra, a distinguished psychiatrist and founder of Emotional Vaccines, who shares his journey from personal experiences to innovative solutions in mental health. Dr. Mehra introduces the concept of the "Trifecta Ru...

Join us in a captivating conversation with Maine State Police Sergeant Tyler Harrington, a charismatic law enforcer with a fascinating journey from a small-town background to becoming a respected sergeant. In this episode, Harrington shares his inspiring story, his passion for law enforcement and training, and the lessons learned along the way. Hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs face...

In this episode, we reconnect with BJ, a long-time friend, and delve into his journey from football fields to the police force. BJ shares how his upbringing in Tampa shaped his career path, his experiences in college sports, and the unexpected transition into law enforcement. He reveals the challenges and triumphs of working as a police officer, discussing both the professional demands and persona...

In this heart-to-heart episode, host Tyler reconnects with his college friend Monte Duncan, as they reminisce about their memorable days at Tennessee State University, where they met as football teammates and forged a brotherhood that has lasted over two decades. Monte opens up about his upbringing in Atlanta, sharing personal stories of struggle, survival, and the profound impact of his mother, w...

Join us in this insightful episode as we welcome Francois Bargel, Commissaire Divisionnaire DIPN Adjoint de L’Herault, Montpellier, France, and our first international guest. Francois shares his role overseeing various police departments across major French cities, including Montpellier, Sète, Agde, and Béziers. He provides a fascinating look into the French policing structure, contrasting the nat...

In this gripping episode, we delve into the harrowing experience of a sheriff deputy confronted with a life-altering and heart-stopping situation. He recounts the suspense and intensity of responding to a chaotic scene where quick thinking and decisive action were crucial. As the episode unfolds, we gain insights into the unpredictable nature of patrol duty, the emotional and psychological toll it...

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Lisa Wobbe-Veit, a seasoned social worker and educator who has paved an impactful path through diverse roles and unforeseen challenges. Lisa shares her journey from humble beginnings in a small Missouri town to becoming a pivotal force in trauma-informed social work, especially in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting. Join us as Lisa o...

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Mariela Podolski, a distinguished psychiatrist with a holistic approach to mental health. In this episode, we explore her transition from a ballerina in Costa Rica to a renowned psychiatrist, unraveling her unique journey and approach. Dr. P shares her insights on combining traditional psychiatric treatments with integrative methods, emphasizing the importance of nu...

Join us as we delve into the experiences and insights of a seasoned Marine veteran, where dry practice training transforms young Marines into an exceptional force. Discover how Sergeant Major Dave Devaney applied unorthodox leadership and initiative-based tactics to prepare Marines for combat, instilling the philosophy that in the chaos of battle, whoever is in front takes charge. From the sands o...

In this gripping episode of "Street Tales," host Mac and Tyler welcome the renowned Sergeant Major Dave Devaney, a retired Marine Corps sniper, to share his exhilarating journey from street brawls in New York to the heights of military excellence. Devaney, a revered figure in the Marine Corps, embodies the spirit of a true warrior, emphasizing autonomy and responsibility among Marines and elevatin...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Chief Robert "Bob" MacKenzie of the Kennebunk Police Department in Maine as he shares his remarkable journey from a young firefighter medic to becoming the police chief. With 37 years in law enforcement, Chief Mackenzie discusses his early influences, including his childhood idols, his unexpected path into police work, and the critical learnings from his...

In this episode, we delve into the recent controversial incident involving Senator Alex Padilla and Secretary Kristi Noem at a private press briefing. The episode seeks to clarify what transpired when Senator Padilla interrupted Secretary Noem, sparking debate over security protocol and political decorum. We explore the Secret Service's response to the unexpected intrusion, discussing the challeng...

In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of school security with a focus on the experiences and insights of Principal Michelle Kefford from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As a leader who took charge a year after the tragic shooting at her school, Principal Kefford shares her journey of leading recovery efforts while implementing enhanced security measures. Throughout the conversati...

In this episode, join us for an in-depth exploration of the investigation into the Lewiston mass shooting, also known as the Lewiston 18. Former Maine State Police detective Chris shares his insights and experiences from the days following the tragic event. He discusses the extensive coordination among countless agencies, the challenges of identifying the suspect, and the steps taken to protect th...