Choir Practice Podcast

Brian Parker
  • 4.9 (43)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Weekly

First Responders, and Public Servants, share the most extraordinary experiences from their careers. Here on Choir Practice our mission is to preserve our guests personal legacies for friends and family, sharing their stories for anyone who might be curious or interested in a career in public service.

  1. 1d ago

    Dr. Kevin Gilmartin (Pima County Sheriff's Department, Author of "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement')

    Send us Fan Mail Initially this entire podcast was going to be about cops, reminiscing about the glory days and the excitement this career holds for us along the way. Over time, especially recent months, it has taken on a deeper meaning for me because several of our Squad members have passed away. I'm honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with them for a few hours and let them recount their tales, in their own words and on their terms. Men and women have come on here and have been vulnerable, authentic and shared the ways (Good, bad, or indifferent) they tried to cope with the job-related stress. For today's episode, we are dipping into the vault to bring back one of the most impactful conversations of this show. Originally hitting the airwaves on January 17, 2024, as our 110th installment, we were honored to host a man whose work is known globally by first responders: Dr. Kevin Gilmartin. As a Pima County Sheriff, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Gilmartin literally wrote the book on staying whole in this profession. His landmark book, Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, has saved countless careers and marriages. Whether you missed it the first time around or need a critical refresher on keeping yourself emotionally anchored in a high-stress career, this conversation is timeless. So pull up a chair, and let's dive into this classic episode with Dr. Kevin Gilmartin. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94  or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

    Dr. Kevin Gilmartin (Pima County Sheriff's Department, Author of "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement')

  2. Aug 12

    Gary Youngling (1st ever guest on Choir Practice, Ep. 1)

    Send us Fan Mail Here's another "Best of" and the guy who helped me get this show off the ground! Retired Fairfax County Detective Gary Youngling! Published author, in retirement he worked training the National Police Force in Haiti, trained security personnel for the '96 Olympic Games in Atlanta and he deployed as a civilian contractor to the Middle East! He's had quite the life and continues to write and travel. If you haven't caught it already, take a listen because he had quite the career! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94  or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

    Gary Youngling (1st ever guest on Choir Practice, Ep. 1)

  3. Aug 5

    Ben Frie (Current Lieutenant Tucson Police, SWAT, USMC)

    Send us Fan Mail Ben agreed to be on the show before I realized he was NOT retired! At the time, he was a Sergeant, but in true Ben Frie fashion he just didn't care. He's a "wordsmith," he's never had much of a filter and you can always count on Ben to just say what's on his mind. It made working the downtown district with him very interesting to say the least! But, as you'll hear in this "Best Of" episode is that Ben started out his working life as a Marine, then joined the City of Tucson where he has continued to move up the department while having some very significant police experiences along the way... Turn him up so you don't miss any of his tales and enjoy the show! I appreciate you all for tuning in. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94  or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

    Ben Frie (Current Lieutenant Tucson Police, SWAT, USMC)

  4. Jul 29

    Lillian George [Episode 10] (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective)

    Send us Fan Mail Maybe it's the summertime heat? Vacation schedules? I'm still on the hunt for new victims to be on the show... If you know someone retired from Law Enforcement, dispatch, firefighting, EMT, doctor, nurse, or the military who is in Arizona or is AZ adjacent, willing to travel and has a few good stories to share...send them my way!  With the exception of a few die hard fans, I don't honestly believe everyone listens to every single episode I release!!! There has been a lot of content over 4.5 years! So this week, I've reached back to the first year of the show to grab this "best of." This guest right here? Certifiable badass! And I know she'll give me grief for saying so, but Lillian George made an impression on me and I was honored to have had the opportunity to work with her. Even more so to consider her a friend and sister in law enforcement! So, if you are one of the listeners who has not listened to this episode yet...she'll make you proud to know she wore the badge, carried the gun, and distinguished herself in a career field that rarely takes it easy on those who choose this profession. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94  or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

    Lillian George [Episode 10] (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective)

  5. Jul 22

    Maxie Ridgeway (Retired Tucson Police Detective, USAF)

    Send us Fan Mail Max and I worked in Special Investigations from 2001-2002. Our squad did the undercover deals and his squad did the Detective work on the prosecution of our cases. He's a genuine nice guy so, if you check out his pictures on FB or Instagram it's kind of hard to believe he did some UC work himself throughout his career. Take a listen, I think you're going to enjoy getting to know Max. He now holds the record for the longest travel to be on the show...he came from Florida to visit friends and hang out for a few hours. Give him a warm welcome and let me know what you thought of his stories!  Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94  or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

    Maxie Ridgeway (Retired Tucson Police Detective, USAF)

  6. Jul 15

    Joe Knipp redux (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sgt, Retired San Diego PD Motor, USMC)

    Send us Fan Mail As I stated before, I've been traveling quite a bit for work, so I tried to grab some of the more popular episodes, craziest characters, and entertaining story tellers. If you have listened to this podcast for any length of time, you know there is no bigger "character" than Joe Knipp. This here is his first of many interviews. I appreciate his company, his sense of humor and the "Plethora" (he'll love that I used that word) of stories he collected over the many years. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94  or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

    Joe Knipp redux (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sgt, Retired San Diego PD Motor, USMC)

  7. Jul 8

    Ari Sloane (Tucson Police, Undercover, Hostage Negotiator, Corporate Security for local Power company and Bouldercrest Guide)

    Send us Fan Mail As I said last week, I'm still traveling for work... Occasionally, we like to be introspective about our introspection and bring back an oldie but a goodie! Ari is one of the kindest dude's I know, musically talented and he still serves the first responder/ Veteran community now working as a PATHH guide for Bouldercrest. If I must share a member of my coveted Squad, it's hard to find a better guy!!! Please enjoy the show and give Ari some love this week! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94  or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

    Ari Sloane (Tucson Police, Undercover, Hostage Negotiator, Corporate Security for local Power company and Bouldercrest Guide)

  8. Jul 1

    Jason Bentley (Tucson Police Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT operator, Bouldercrest Foundation Guide)

    Send us Fan Mail Jason and I grew up on the same department, but never crossed paths until Bouldercrest Foundation's Warrior PATTH 150. He recently retired and I knew I wanted him on the show. It's no surprise that he joined with Bouldercrest and continues to serve even after his career with the police department is done. I appreciated his perspective about his career, the cool stories along the way, and the moves he made to continue to grow. Show him some love and enjoy the ride... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94  or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

    Jason Bentley (Tucson Police Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT operator, Bouldercrest Foundation Guide)
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4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

First Responders, and Public Servants, share the most extraordinary experiences from their careers. Here on Choir Practice our mission is to preserve our guests personal legacies for friends and family, sharing their stories for anyone who might be curious or interested in a career in public service.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Parker
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Choir Practice Podcast
  • Show Website
    Choir Practice Podcast

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