New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered Podcast

John D. Macari Jr. & Eric S. Dym, Bleav
  • 4.6 (137)
  • Politics
  • Weekly

A podcast that explores the “Greatest Show on Earth” everyday life & politics of NYC and the NYPD. Explore the life & careers of our guests. Hear real unfiltered views & opinions from those who at one time policed the streets of NYC. Hear True Crime Stories like you never heard them before! THE FINEST UNFILTERED PODCAST

  1. 2d ago

    Central Park R*PE Crimes Double The 20 Year Average Is NYC Really Safer?

    New Yorkers are repeatedly being told that NYC is experiencing “historic lows” in crime and that “Precision Policing” is keeping the city safe. But does the full picture match the victory lap? Central Park has averaged approximately 2.5 reported rapes per year over the previous 20 years. In 2026, five rapes have already been reported — DOUBLE that 20-year annual average. On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we break down the Central Park numbers and ask the questions that should be asked: What does “historic lows” actually mean? Are certain crime categories being overshadowed by historically low murder and shooting numbers? Is the NYPD really staffed at the levels necessary to provide the proactive police presence New Yorkers expect? And is “Precision Policing” working — or has the definition of success changed? Then at 8:30 AM ET, we’ll be joined by Pamela Michos, Republican and Conservative candidate for New York State Senate District 11, to discuss her campaign, public safety, the direction of New York State and what she believes needs to change in Albany. Learn more about Pamela Michos: https://www.pamelafornys.com/ Join the LIVE chat at 8:05 AM ET. Sponsored by Kalshi. Download the Kalshi app and use code FINEST to get $25 when you trade $25. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST Subscribe to The Finest Unfiltered for independent commentary and analysis on the NYPD, NYC politics and the policies affecting public safety. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Central Park R*PE Crimes Double The 20 Year Average Is NYC Really Safer?

  2. 3d ago

    Are NYPD Unions Helping Socialists Take Over New York ?

    Are New York’s police unions helping the very politicians pushing policies that make it harder to police New York? On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we take a hard look at the NYPD PBA’s political endorsements and the union’s decision to back Democrats in key State Senate and Assembly races — including races where Republican incumbents are seeking reelection. We’ll follow the endorsements, examine the candidates receiving PBA support, and ask a bigger question: Could these endorsements help Democrats — including the party’s growing socialist/progressive wing — solidify enough power in Albany to achieve veto-proof supermajorities in both the State Senate and Assembly? For a union representing thousands of New York City police officers, these endorsements deserve scrutiny. What do the endorsed candidates actually believe about policing, criminal justice, immigration, public safety and the laws NYPD officers are expected to enforce? And why would the PBA support some of these candidates over Republicans who have publicly positioned themselves as pro-law enforcement? AT 8:30 AM ET: We’ll be joined by New York State Senator Steven Chan, a retired NYPD Sergeant who served more than two decades in law enforcement. Despite his NYPD background and strong support for law enforcement, Senator Chan did not receive the endorsement of the NYPD PBA. We’ll ask him about the PBA’s endorsement decisions, the political battle for control of Albany, the future of public safety legislation in New York, and what a veto-proof Democratic majority could mean for police officers and New Yorkers. Are NYPD unions protecting their members or helping build a political majority that could ultimately work against them? Join us LIVE and sound off in the comments. Sponsored by Kalshi Trade on what happens next with Kalshi. Use code FINEST to get $25 when you trade $25. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST #NYPD #PBA #NewYorkPolitics #NYPolitics #Albany #StevenChan #Police #LawEnforcement #NYC #TheFinestUnfiltered Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Are NYPD Unions Helping Socialists Take Over New York ?

  3. 6d ago

    Acquitted, Cleared… Then Charged Again? NYPD’s Decade Long Wayne Isaacs Case

    More than a decade after an off-duty encounter ended with the fatal shooting of Delrawn Small, NYPD Officer Wayne Isaacs is still fighting for his career. Isaacs was criminally charged with murder and manslaughter following the 2016 shooting, but a Brooklyn jury acquitted him in 2017 after he testified that he acted in self-defense. The NYPD’s own review also reportedly found the shooting within departmental guidelines. So why, nearly TEN YEARS later, is Isaacs still facing an NYPD disciplinary trial? We break down the shooting, the criminal case, the surveillance video, Isaacs’ acquittal, the CCRB’s years-later investigation, and the extraordinary jurisdictional battle over whether the CCRB should have been able to pursue this case in the first place. An NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Trials recommended dismissing the disciplinary case on jurisdictional grounds — only for Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to reverse that decision and allow the case to move forward. Is this legitimate police accountability, or has the disciplinary process become punishment in itself? And what does the Wayne Isaacs case mean for every NYPD officer who believes that once a shooting has been investigated, reviewed and adjudicated, the case is finally over? Then at 8:30 AM, we shift to national politics as we’re joined by Adam Brandon, Political Independent Strategist, for a conversation about the 2026 midterms and the growing role of independent candidates. With voters increasingly frustrated with the traditional two-party system, can independent candidates actually disrupt congressional races? We’ll discuss where independents could have an impact, what obstacles they face, what voters are looking for heading into the midterms, and whether the political landscape is opening up for candidates outside the Republican and Democratic establishments. Join the crew for another episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered. Sponsored by Kalshi Use code FINEST to get $25 when you trade $25. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Acquitted, Cleared… Then Charged Again? NYPD’s Decade Long Wayne Isaacs Case

  4. Oct 22

    Shot, Paralyzed & Kept Hunting Terrorists: NYPD Detective Terry McGhee’s Incredible Story

    What does it take to get shot in the line of duty, survive a devastating spinal cord injury, and still refuse to walk away from the fight? On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered we sit down with retired NYPD First Grade Detective Terry McGhee for an incredible story of policing, survival, resilience and counterterrorism. McGhee served 36 years with the NYPD, including more than two decades assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force. His career took him from the streets of New York City to some of the most consequential terrorism investigations of the post-9/11 era. In 1990, McGhee was shot in the line of duty. Years later, his life changed again after suffering a devastating C6 spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. For many people, that would have ended the career. Not Terry McGhee. He returned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force in a wheelchair and continued investigating terrorists threatening the United States. Among the cases he worked was the investigation of Sulaiman Abu Ghayth, Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law and an al-Qaeda spokesman, who was ultimately convicted in federal court on terrorism-related charges. We take Terry through the entire journey: his early life, boxing and Army background, becoming a New York City police officer, being shot in the line of duty, investigative work, 9/11 and the JTTF, the injury that left him paralyzed, his extraordinary decision to return to work, and the terrorism cases that followed. This isn't just an NYPD story. It's a story about what happens when circumstances take away almost everything but can't take away your mission. Shot. Paralyzed. Still hunting terrorists. This is the incredible story of NYPD Detective Terry McGhee. Subscribe to The Finest Unfiltered for unfiltered conversations about policing, public safety, New York City and the men and women who did the job. SPONSOR — KALSHI Use code FINEST to get $25 when you trade $25. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Shot, Paralyzed & Kept Hunting Terrorists: NYPD Detective Terry McGhee’s Incredible Story

  5. Oct 20

    EUROPE IS BURNING: Is NYC Prepared for the Next Mass Riot ?

    Cities across Europe are confronting massive demonstrations, violent clashes, fires and civil unrest. On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we ask a question New York City’s leaders should be considering: Could it happen here — and is NYC prepared if it does? As scenes of unrest overseas demonstrate how quickly large demonstrations can deteriorate into violence and disorder, NYC Council Member Chi Ossé says supporters of the CURB Act have secured enough votes to pass the legislation. The CURB Act would significantly restrict the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group (SRG) by prohibiting its deployment at First Amendment events and generally preventing the unit from being used for crowd-control purposes. Supporters argue these restrictions are necessary to protect peaceful protesters and prevent police misconduct. But we ask the other side of that question: What happens when a peaceful protest becomes a riot? We break down the role of the SRG, why specialized training and coordinated crowd-control capabilities matter, and whether NYC is restricting the NYPD’s ability to respond at the exact moment events around the world are demonstrating how quickly civil unrest can spiral out of control. We’ll also examine the political movement to abolish ICE, NYC’s sanctuary policies and what eliminating or severely restricting federal immigration enforcement could mean for border security, illegal immigration and New York City. Could reduced immigration enforcement encourage additional illegal immigration? And could another mass influx place additional pressure on housing, schools, policing and other public services while creating greater challenges surrounding assimilation and integration? SPECIAL GUEST — 8:30 AM ET At 8:30 AM, we’ll be joined by retired NYPD Lieutenant Commander Joseph Cardinale, the Republican and Conservative candidate for New York State Assembly District 11. Cardinale brings decades of law-enforcement and leadership experience to his campaign and is also a small-business owner. His campaign is centered around what he calls “Common Sense over Chaos,” with a focus on public safety, affordability, government accountability and protecting Long Island communities. Cardinale for Assembly We’ll talk to Joe about his race for the State Assembly, the direction of New York, support for law enforcement, bail and criminal-justice policies, illegal immigration and his position that New York needs stronger immigration enforcement and border security. Cardinale for Assembly We’ll also discuss the attacks being leveled against Cardinale over his conservative positions and support for ICE—and give Joe the opportunity to respond directly. Learn more about Joe Cardinale and his campaign: Cardinale for Assembly — Official Campaign Website https://www.cardinaleforassembly.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com From the streets of Europe to the streets of New York City, the question is: Are NYC’s leaders preparing the NYPD for the next major crisis—or taking away the very tools officers may need to control it? Sponsored by Kalshi Use code FINEST to get $25 when you trade $25. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered Real cops. Real experience. Unfiltered conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    EUROPE IS BURNING: Is NYC Prepared for the Next Mass Riot ?

  6. Oct 16

    NYPD Officer Put on Decertification List After Justified Shooting

    On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we break down the latest developments surrounding former NYPD Officer Salvatore Alongi and the controversial 2024 police shooting of Win Rozario. We examine the recent reporting from THE CITY regarding Alongi being placed into New York State's police decertification process following his retirement from the NYPD, and what that could mean for his ability to work as a police officer elsewhere in New York. We’ll also discuss NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s call for a review of the department’s use-of-force guidelines and the growing political pressure surrounding the Rozario shooting. We go back to the actual encounter and examine the officers’ actions, the body-camera footage, the deployment of Tasers, Rozario advancing while armed with scissors, and the ultimate decision to use deadly physical force. Were the officers’ actions consistent with the realities of a rapidly evolving deadly-force encounter? What exactly does the Mamdani administration want changed in NYPD use-of-force policy? And could new restrictions cause officers to hesitate when their lives—or the lives of others—are in immediate danger? THEN AT 8:30 AM — ALINA BONSELL JOINS US We’re joined by Alina Bonsell, Republican nominee and independent candidate for New York State Senate District 28, which includes much of Manhattan's East Side and Roosevelt Island. Bonsell is challenging longtime incumbent State Senator Liz Krueger and is campaigning on public safety, affordability, mental-health reform and support for law enforcement. Alina for NY Senate We’ll talk with Alina about her campaign, the direction of New York City and Albany, public safety, the NYPD, Mayor Mamdani and why she believes District 28 needs new representation. FOLLOW ALINA BONSELL Campaign: AlinaBonsell.com X: @AlinaBonsell Instagram: @alinab.nyc Facebook: Alina for NY TikTok: @alinabonsell podme.com SPONSORED BY KALSHI Use code FINEST to get $25 when you trade $25. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    NYPD Officer Put on Decertification List After Justified Shooting

  7. Oct 15

    How Politics Is Fueling Civil Unrest & Financial Instability with Former VP Candidate

    Are politics putting your pension, your financial future, and the stability of the country at risk? On this episode of The Finest Unfiltered, we sit down with Dr. Mike ter Maat former White House Office of Management and Budget financial economist, former police officer, and the Libertarian Party’s 2024 nominee for Vice President of the United States. Mike Ter Maat brings a rare perspective to the conversation. He has worked inside the federal government as an economist, spent more than two decades working in economics and public policy, taught economics, and later served more than 11 years as a police officer in Broward County, Florida. We discuss how politics is increasingly intersecting with economics, policing, public pensions and financial markets and whether those political decisions are contributing to civil unrest and long-term financial instability. We get into: Public pensions and retirement security Political influence over pension investments Government spending, debt and inflation How economic policy affects cops, retirees and working families The relationship between economic instability and civil unrest What happens when investment decisions become political decisions Whether America's political system is creating risks that most people aren't paying attention to Mike's experience running on the 2024 Libertarian presidential ticket His perspective as both an economist and former police officer For cops, firefighters, teachers, municipal workers and retirees, this isn't simply an economics debate. Billions of dollars in retirement assets and the financial security people spent their careers earning can be affected by decisions being made today. Is your pension really safe? And what happens when politics becomes more important than economics? Sponsored by Kalshi: Use code FINEST to get $25 when you trade $25. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST The Finest Unfiltered :Police. Politics. Unfiltered. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How Politics Is Fueling Civil Unrest & Financial Instability with Former VP Candidate

  8. Oct 13

    NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch Under Fire by Mamdani's Socialist Allies

    The pressure on Mamdani to Fire NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch is escalating. On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we break down the growing demands from the Democratic Socialists of America and activists for Mayor Zohran Mamdani to fire Commissioner Jessica Tisch and dismantle two specialized NYPD units, the Strategic Response Group (SRG) and Community Response Team (CRT). The DSA’s latest statement explicitly demands: Fire Tisch. Disband the SRG. Disband the CRT. The organization has accused the specialized units of being used to suppress dissent and is pushing the Mamdani administration to fundamentally change how the NYPD handles protests and public disorder. We examine what eliminating these units would actually mean operationally for New York City, whether Tisch can continue balancing the demands of the mayor’s political coalition with the realities of running the nation’s largest police department, and whether this fight is becoming a defining test for the Mamdani administration. Also in the show: We discuss the growing outrage surrounding former NYPD Officer Salvatore Alongi, one of the officers involved in the 2024 fatal shooting of 19-year-old Win Rozario. Alongi was permitted to retire on an accidental disability pension in May 2026 while disciplinary proceedings were still pending. The NYPD failed to notify the CCRB before his pension was considered, preventing the board from taking whatever action it deemed appropriate before his retirement. Commissioner Tisch has acknowledged the department's failure, calling it the result of “human error” and apologizing. The NYPD says the civilian employee responsible was demoted and reassigned and that procedures have since been changed. CBS News We’ll break down the shooting, the CCRB case, Alongi’s retirement, Tisch’s response, and the political fallout now surrounding the commissioner. Are Jessica Tisch days numbered ? How long can this political arrangement last? Sponsored by Kalshi Trade on what happens next with Kalshi. Use code FINEST to get $25 when you trade $25. https://kalshi.com/r/FINEST Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch Under Fire by Mamdani's Socialist Allies
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4.6
out of 5
137 Ratings

About

A podcast that explores the “Greatest Show on Earth” everyday life & politics of NYC and the NYPD. Explore the life & careers of our guests. Hear real unfiltered views & opinions from those who at one time policed the streets of NYC. Hear True Crime Stories like you never heard them before! THE FINEST UNFILTERED PODCAST

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