Beyond The Barrel Podcast

Beyond The Barrel Podcast
  • 5.0 (12)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold. Go Beyond the Barrel with us to uncover the stories that truly define our Nation's finest. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the podcast, or any organizations, agencies, or entities affiliated with the host.

  1. Ep 60: Building The Future Of Police Training and Culture with Badge Ops

    4D AGO

    Ep 60: Building The Future Of Police Training and Culture with Badge Ops

    Most people in law enforcement training only see the instructor on stage. They don’t see the late-night emails, scheduling issues, travel logistics, contract negotiations, host agency communication, marketing, payment tracking, or the nonstop work happening behind the scenes. On this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Teresa, founder of BadgeOps, to discuss the side of the law enforcement training industry most people never hear about. Raised in a law enforcement family and later marrying into another police family, Teresa grew up around the realities of the profession. Her path into the training world began in 2017 by helping with marketing emails while seeing the challenges instructors faced behind the curtain. What started small eventually turned into years spent managing operations for a nationally recognized training company handling logistics, scheduling, sales, social media, and instructor support. Now partnered with LEO Network founder Matt Butler, Teresa is helping improve how instructors and agencies connect through communication, transparency, and operational support built specifically for the law enforcement training world. This episode goes beyond the stage and into the business, stress, politics, and realities of building something from the ground up.Because behind every successful class, somebody is carrying the weight nobody sees. “Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths—straight, no chaser.” Timestamps: 02:04 – Badge Ops 05:22 – DC Sniper 10:39 – Career Goals 13:11 – Finance Background 17:08 – Conference Culture 22:07 – Instructor Contracts 28:06 – Biggest Challenges 39:14 – Transparency Talk 47:21 – Future Expansion 01:01:22 – Training Evolution If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
  2. 59: Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Policing: The Overwatch Collective Story

    MAY 8

    59: Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Policing: The Overwatch Collective Story

    Who’s Saving the Ones Who Serve?  In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Greg Grogan a law enforcement officer who’s lived the job on both coasts, from the streets of Northern California to the front lines in Louisiana. But Greg’s story doesn’t stop at policing. A United States Marine. A current member of the Coast Guard Reserves. A man who’s seen what this life can take and decided to fight back for those still in it. After years in the profession, Greg recognized a problem most ignore: when cops and military members need help, they don’t trust the system built to support them. So he helped build something better. We dive into The Overwatch Collective a mission driven platform connecting first responders and military personnel with vetted, competent therapists across the country… while protecting what matters most: confidentiality, trust, and access when it’s needed most. This is a real conversation about service, identity, and what happens when the mission becomes taking care of your own. Because the truth is  we’re damn good at running toward chaos… but terrible at asking for help when it’s over. Off duty. Off script.  This is Beyond the Barrel. Timestamps:  08:00 — Career path 16:00 — SWAT life 24:00 — Burnout reality 26:30 — Overwatch origin 40:00 — Therapy access 48:00 — Trauma impact 56:00 — Culture shift 1:04:00 — Suicide causes 1:12:00 — Final insights If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 21m
  3. Ep 58: From Gary to Sheriff’s Race: Deputy Chief Edward Jenkins on Leadership, Legacy & Lake County

    MAY 1

    Ep 58: From Gary to Sheriff’s Race: Deputy Chief Edward Jenkins on Leadership, Legacy & Lake County

    Beyond the badge… there’s a mission that never shuts off. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Deputy Chief Edward Jenkins has spent nearly 30 years in the fight—working his way from the Corrections Division to the front lines of homicide investigations in one of the toughest environments in the country. In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Jenkins as he breaks down a career built in the trenches—patrol, CSI, investigations, and time spent with the Gary Homicide Unit and Metro Homicide Task Force. This isn’t theory… this is real-world policing shaped by decades of violence, loss, and leadership under pressure. Now serving as Deputy Chief under Oscar Martinez since 2017, Jenkins is stepping into a new arena—running for Sheriff of Lake County. But this isn’t just about politics… it’s about vision, accountability, and what it really takes to lead from the front in today’s climate. This is a raw, no-BS conversation about experience, responsibility, and the kind of leadership the job demands—on the street and at the top. Because the job doesn’t end when you promote… it just gets heavier. Timestamps:  08:00 – Pension talk 15:00 – Jail struggles 22:00 – Work ethic 29:00 – Leadership style 36:00 – Homicide reality 43:00 – Missing cases 50:00 – Truth matters 57:00 – Police culture 1:06:00 – Final thoughts If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 15m
  4. Ep 57: Talking People Off the Edge: Crisis Negotiation, Leadership Pressure & the Future of Policing

    APR 22

    Ep 57: Talking People Off the Edge: Crisis Negotiation, Leadership Pressure & the Future of Policing

    What does it actually take to talk someone off the edge… and make the right call when everything is on the line? In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Captain Khaliqa Wheatley, a 17-year law enforcement veteran, Crisis Negotiations Commander, and one of the most forward-thinking leaders in policing today, to break down the reality behind high-stakes decisions most people will never understand. Her story didn’t start with a badge—it started with adversity. Emancipated at just 15 after her mother struggled with mental health, and without a stable father figure, she had every reason to fall behind. Instead, she turned that hardship into fuel, building a life and career rooted in resilience, discipline, and purpose. From major crimes and human trafficking to narcotics, patrol, and leadership, she’s worked every side of the job. But she’s not just operating in the chaos—she’s studying it. As a doctoral student in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she’s focused on fixing the hidden problems within law enforcement before they cost lives. This conversation dives into crisis negotiation, communication under pressure, mental health, and the future of policing. Off duty. Off script. And beyond the barrel. Timestamps:  02:00 – On Patrol Live 04:00 – Childhood Struggles 06:40 – Emancipation Story 10:00 – Survival Mindset 15:20 – Career Motivation 18:20 – Community Impact 24:20 – Family Reflection 34:15 – Personal Tragedy 45:30 – Mental Health Work 55:00 – Coping & Support 01:05:00 – Policing Differences 01:20:00 – System Challenges If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 37m
  5. Ep 56: The Hidden Trauma of Police Work | Joseph Gray on Officer Mental Health, Critical Incidents & “Ghost Blood”

    APR 15

    Ep 56: The Hidden Trauma of Police Work | Joseph Gray on Officer Mental Health, Critical Incidents & “Ghost Blood”

    What does the job really do to the men and women behind the badge? In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Joseph Gray—a 25+ year law enforcement veteran, critical incident responder, human trafficking investigator, and officer wellness advocate—to discuss the hidden trauma of police work and the mental health toll carried by first responders long after critical incidents end. Joseph shares firsthand experience helping officers and families navigate the aftermath of officer-involved shootings, line-of-duty deaths, suicides, homicides, mass casualty events, and cumulative trauma. We also break down his work connecting first responders to trusted clinicians, chaplains, and support resources—and the message behind his powerful article, “Ghost Blood: Confronting the Hidden Wounds of Law Enforcement.” If you’re in law enforcement, first response, military, or simply want to understand the unseen cost of service—this conversation is one you need to hear. Topics Covered:     •    Police mental health     •    Officer trauma and PTSD     •    Critical incident response     •    Officer-involved shootings     •    Suicide and cumulative trauma in law enforcement     •    Building trusted support networks Time stamps:  0:00 — Introduction 12:30 — Police Passion 25:00 — Mental Health 37:00 — Career Beginnings 50:00 — Traumatic Loss 1:02:00 — Coping Struggles 1:15:00 — Rock Bottom 1:28:00 — Sobriety Journey 1:45:00 — Wellness Programs 2:00:00 — Final Reflections If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 12m
  6. Ep 55: From Battlefield to Backroads: Building Legacy Beyond the Badge and the Barrel

    APR 8

    Ep 55: From Battlefield to Backroads: Building Legacy Beyond the Badge and the Barrel

    What happens when a life of service doesn’t stop at retirement—but evolves into something bigger? In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with a man who’s lived multiple lifetimes in one—Army veteran, K-9 deputy, entrepreneur, and mentor. From serving as an Infantryman to working in Intelligence and Anti-Terrorism, his military career spanned over two decades and four MOS roles, shaping a mindset built on discipline, adaptability, and mission-first leadership. But the story doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. While transitioning out of the military, he didn’t slow down—he accelerated. Patenting designs and launching Warrior Rack, stepping into law enforcement as a K-9 Deputy, FTO, and Instructor, and simultaneously building multiple successful businesses—from emergency vehicle upfitting to agriculture and maple production. Now, he’s pouring that experience into the next generation as an Army JROTC Instructor—continuing to lead, teach, and shape future leaders. This episode goes beyond the resume. It’s about identity after service, building legacy through leadership, and proving that purpose doesn’t retire. Off duty. Off script. Beyond the Barrel. Timestamps:  5:30  Turning point 10:00  Suspicious stop 15:00  Breaking point 20:00  Life-changing ride 25:00  Mental health 30:00  Communication skills 35:00  Career reflection 40:00  What could’ve happened 48:00  Mentorship & bond 56:00  Bigger meaning 1:04:00  Final message If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 11m
  7. Ep 54: What Makes a Real Cop? Crime, K-9s, and the Bay Area Grind

    APR 1

    Ep 54: What Makes a Real Cop? Crime, K-9s, and the Bay Area Grind

    In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Nick, a former officer from the Daly City Police Department who spent nine years policing the streets of the San Francisco Bay Area. Working in one of the most demanding environments in the country, Nick’s career was shaped by high-crime neighborhoods and a department culture that expected cops to work hard, stay proactive, and take bad people to jail. Nick’s path in policing took him through crime suppression assignments, gang task force operations, and multiple plain-clothes roles focused on surveillance and street enforcement. Ultimately, he reached one of his career goals becoming a K-9 handler while gaining experience in investigations that ranged from petty theft all the way to homicide. This conversation goes beyond the badge and into the mindset it takes to thrive in high pressure policing. We talk about proactive police work, the decision-making that happens in split seconds, and the culture that shapes the kind of cop you become. Because Beyond the Barrel is where we pour truths straight, no chaser. Timestamps:  2:00 – Nick Background 10:00 – Proactive Policing 20:00 – Leadership Culture 30:00 – Job Reality 40:00 – Hiring Issues 50:00 – Early Life 1:00:00 – Career Path 1:15:00 – Street Experience 1:30:00 – Lessons Learned If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 19m
  8. Ep: 53 Inside Unsolved Murders w/ a Crime TV Producer & Investigator

    MAR 22

    Ep: 53 Inside Unsolved Murders w/ a Crime TV Producer & Investigator

    Who Tells the Victim’s Story? The Woman Helping Police Bring Justice to the Forgotten In this episode, we sit down with Ms. Guillen, a media producer, advocate, and law enforcement ally dedicated to solving violent crimes and keeping victims’ stories alive. In 2012, she launched Case Files: Chicago, a groundbreaking series designed to assist law enforcement in solving homicide cases and bringing justice to families. Airing for six seasons on The CW, the show earned strong ratings and an Emmy nomination in 2018. Her mission extends beyond television. From producing true-crime documentaries like Porter—recognized by TIME Magazine—to leading The Whole Truth Project, she has built bridges between media, investigators, and families seeking answers. Her work has helped keep unsolved cases in the spotlight, organize press conferences, and create art exhibits honoring victims. Along the way, she has built trusted relationships with law enforcement agencies nationwide. Recognized for her impact, Ms. Guillen received the FBI Director’s Leadership Award and continues supporting law enforcement through training initiatives and advocacy programs. This conversation dives into the intersection of media, justice, and advocacy—and the powerful role storytelling plays in keeping victims from being forgotten. Off duty. Off script. This is Beyond the Barrel. Timestamps:  0:31 — Crisis Role 3:30 — Early Life 6:45 — Life-Changing Attack 9:30 — Crime Show Start 12:00 — First Case 16:00 — K9 Breakthrough 20:00 — Viral Collab 24:00 — Police Impact 30:00 — Emotional Toll 34:00 — Mental Health If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold. Go Beyond the Barrel with us to uncover the stories that truly define our Nation's finest. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the podcast, or any organizations, agencies, or entities affiliated with the host.

Information

  • Creator
    Beyond The Barrel Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Beyond The Barrel Podcast
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Barrel Podcast

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