Holding The Line

Jason Johnson and Sean Kennedy

Holding the Line is a podcast from the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund sharing firsthand stories and expert insights into what it really means to serve and protect in America today.

  1. MAY 7

    Who Pays the Price for the War on Cops?

    We're crossing the finish line on our first season of Holding the Line and are so grateful to all our new listeners for the community and support you've grown to be—and to all our incredible guests for sharing their stories, insights, and experiences. From Dennis Spaulding exposing the Obama DOJ's war on cops, Rob Quick offering resources for struggling first responders, Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman and former prosecutor Patrick Kenneally shedding light on the dysfunctions in the criminal justice system that have flourished under anti-cop policies—and so, so many more - we hope you've enjoyed this season and have changed your perspective on law enforcement in America. We'll see you soon with Season Two - in the mean time please make sure you leave us a 5 star review wherever you get your podcasts and make sure you're following LELDF across social platforms so you never miss an update from us!

    28 min

  2. APR 30

    Harbor of Grace: How First Responders Can Get Help—Before It’s Too Late

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Rob Quick, Executive Vice President and COO of Harbor of Grace Recovery Center, to talk about the hidden mental health crisis facing first responders. With over two decades in law enforcement, Rob shares his own journey—from a high-performing police officer struggling with alcohol and cumulative stress, to becoming a leader in recovery and advocacy for others walking the same path. Together, we unpack the realities behind the badge: the trauma, the burnout, the stigma, and the quiet ways it all adds up over time. What We Cover:Why mental health challenges are more prevalent among first respondersThe cumulative impact of trauma—“stones in a backpack” that eventually break the strapHow substance use, PTSD, burnout, and grief are often deeply connectedThe cultural stigma that keeps officers from asking for help—and how that’s changingWhy peer-based treatment environments are uniquely effectiveWhat accessible, insurance-covered care actually looks likeHow departments can support officers before crisis hitsRob’s Story: From Officer to AdvocateRob opens up about his own experience seeking treatment after years in a “work hard, play hard” law enforcement culture. His recovery didn’t end his career—it reshaped it. Now, he helps first responders across the country find healing, connection, and a path forward. First responders are often seen as strong, resilient, even invincible—but the reality is far more complex. The weight they carry doesn’t disappear when the shift ends.Resources & SupportIf you or someone you know is struggling, you can learn more or get help through: Harbor of Grace Recovery Center 🌐 https://harborofgracerecovery.com 📞 24/7 support is available—make the call: 443-502-8606

    43 min

  3. APR 23

    Rafael Mangual: The Cost of Getting Crime Wrong

    Rafael Mangual knows crime.  As a criminal justice policy analyst, legal commentator, and author, he has become a household name for his work on policing, public safety, and crime policy. He is the Nick Ohnell Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, where his research focuses on crime trends, prosecution, bail reform, and the broader impacts of criminal justice policies on communities. His commentary and analysis have also appeared in major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The New York Times, and he is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs. His book Criminal (In)Justice blows apart common narratives about mass incarceration, policing, and systemic bias in the U.S. criminal justice system. We’re honored to have Rafael join us on Holding the Line for a discussion of recent crime trends, law enforcement strategies, and the impact of policy changes on public safety—including insights into hyperlocal crime phenomena, the effects of drug legalization, and the importance of proactive policing. Episode Links: Get Rafael’s book: https://manhattan.institute/book/criminal-injustice New York Post: https://nypost.com/author/rafael-a-mangual/ Manhattan Institute: https://manhattan.institute/person/rafael-a-mangual Read some of his latest op-eds on criminal justice and policing: New York’s Self-Induced Repeat Offender Problem https://www.city-journal.org/article/new-york-criminal-history-prior-arrests (NYT Gift Link!) The Left Keeps Getting It Wrong on Crime https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/opinion/crime-police-progressive-policy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dFA.aDkA.uP9o20DVaYRM&smid=url-share What possible justification do Dems have for not letting ICE deport a sex offender? https://nypost.com/2026/02/02/opinion/what-possible-justification-do-dems-have-for-not-letting-ice-deport-a-sex-offender --- If you’re enjoying this first season of Holding the Line, please be sure to subscribe and leave us a 5 star review on the podcast platform of your choice. And if you haven’t already subscribed to our Substack—what are you waiting for? Sign up now: https://substack.com/@leldf

    24 min

  4. APR 15

    Reality Check: Police Almost NEVER Use Deadly Force

    How often do law enforcement officers actually use force? After digging into the data, it turns out violent encounters are incredibly rare.  Over a million 911 calls, only 0.1% involve ANY use of force. This episode debunks common myths about police use of force, highlighting the gap between public perception and reality. Sean and Jason analyze survey data, media reports, and real-world cases to clarify misconceptions and discuss the impact on law enforcement and community trust. And just for fun, Sean obliterates the Washington Post “fatal force” database.

    26 min

  5. APR 10

    Former Prosecutor Patrick Kenneally: Mugged By Reality

    This week Sean sat down with his old friend Patrick Kenneally, former states attorney for a county outside Chicago who, as he says, was “mugged by reality” by his wild experiences with the criminal justice system and the radical policies and practices he saw up close - and their deadly outcomes. This was a highly entertaining episode - Patrick is a great storyteller and we know you'll really enjoy this one. He discusses the importance of accountability, challenging traditional views on addiction as a disease—and proved that strict enforcement of drug laws saves lives.

    46 min

  6. APR 1

    Consent Decrees, Demystified: What Everyone Needs to Know

    Consent decrees: what are they, when did they start—and what has the impact been on law enforcement and crime?  Our guest, Bob Scales breaks down the political, financial, and social ramifications of these agreements and discusses why they often fail to achieve meaningful reform. Key Topics: The history and legal background of consent decrees, starting from Rodney King and the 1994 pattern of practice law How the Obama administration dramatically increased the use of consent decrees and the shift towards monetization and extended enforcement The political dynamics influencing which police departments are targeted and how investigations are often predetermined The impact of consent decrees on police morale, costs, and crime rates, supported by city-specific examples like Seattle and Phoenix The role of activists, attorneys, and political actors in shaping and perpetuating consent decree processes Case studies of cities like Baltimore, Phoenix, and Memphis that challenged or resisted federal intervention The pitfalls of relying on consent decrees for police reform versus internal improvements and voluntary change

    42 min

  7. MAR 25

    The Lawyer Taking On José Garza and the Wren Collective

    Doug O'Connell is a former special forces officer and retired Army Colonel (Jason apologizes for mistaking him for a former JAG officer) with a passion for defending innocent military members and law enforcement officers. Based in Austin, Texas, Doug and his team have gone toe to toe with the radical Soros-backed DA in Travis County many times in defense of wrongfully-charged law enforcement officers—and they just keep winning. Doug even got the court to sanction Garza's office after catching them withholding exculpatory evidence at trial in 2022... and he's doing it again! Doug has filed a Motion to Dismiss the criminal case pending against LELDF supported officer Chance Bretches—alleging the Travis County District Attorney’s Office purposefully withheld exculpatory evidence during discovery. Jose Garza is one of the 40+ prosecutors nationwide whose offices are controlled by the Wren Collective. Dig into our report on the Wren Collective: https://www.policedefense.org/outsourcing-justice/ Don't forget to hit subscribe—and leave us a five star rating and review!

    27 min

  8. MAR 17

    Aftermath of Obama's War on Cops: The East Haven Four (Part Two)

    Part 2: After the Verdict This is the second part of our in depth interview with former East Haven police officer Dennis Spaulding—one of four officers indicted by the Obama DOJ in 2012 after he and his team uncovered a massive illegal immigrant fraud network using illegal license plates and insisted on doing their jobs—enforcing the law—in their small Connecticut town. Last week the first part of this interview clearly struck a nerve. We heard from so many of you—predominantly new listeners who were shocked by the story, who had never heard of the case... and who want to know what happened next! This conversation has been one of our most anticipated follow-ups yet. Today in part two we pick up where that story left off: The activist priest who interfered with his duties, the trial... and Dennis takes us inside his time in federal prison—what he experienced, how he endured it, and the personal toll it took on him and his family. He reflects on what it’s like to go from serving your community as a police officer to serving time as a federal inmate—when his youngest daughter was a newborn. We also explore the aftermath of the case: what happened to the East Haven Police Department—and how this prosecution continues to impact him and his fellow officers to this day. Finally, we zoom out to the bigger picture: What a pardon by President Trump would mean for these men and their families.

    19 min
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Holding the Line is a podcast from the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund sharing firsthand stories and expert insights into what it really means to serve and protect in America today.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Johnson and Sean Kennedy
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jason Johnson and Sean Kennedy

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