GOLD SHIELDS

Tom Smith/Dan Murphy
  • 4.8 (62)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Weekly

GOLD SHIELDS: TRUE CRIMES, TRUE STORIES, TRUE HEROES Welcome to Gold Shields, your ultimate source for true crime stories, real-life heroism, and military and law enforcement adventures. Hosted by the brave men and women who lived through these incredible moments, our channel takes you behind the scenes of dangerous missions, high-stakes investigations, and real-life stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat. We bring you exclusive, first-hand accounts from law enforcement officers and military veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting others.  Our channel offers you a unique "Back Stage Pass" to crime investigations, military operations, and the true grit it takes to bring justice to the world. Whether you’re a fan of true crime documentaries, military missions, or heroic stories, Gold Shields will deliver gripping tales of courage, dedication, and the heroes who risk everything to protect and serve. Tune in every week for new episodes, in-depth interviews, and exclusive content that highlights the incredible work of real-life heroes.

  1. 17h ago

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 177: 9/11 25 Years Later — Rudy Giuliani Reveals What Happened That Day

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. 25 YEARS LATER… HE REMEMBERS IT ALL. On September 11, 2001, America was attacked, and New York City was at the center of it all. For the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, GOLD SHIELDS presents a powerful and deeply personal interview with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Mayor Giuliani takes us inside the chaos of that unimaginable day, the fear, the confusion, the anger, the devastation, and the heartbreaking loss. But he also takes us inside the leadership that was required to help a wounded city stand back up. Join GOLD SHIELDS for this unforgettable conversation with “America’s Mayor,” Rudy Giuliani. NEVER FORGET. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction of Rudy Giuliani and opening praise for his leadership 01:10 - Giuliani is asked to recount the morning of September 11 02:01 - Breakfast plans, primary day, and the first warning from a detective 03:01 - Initial response to the World Trade Center fire and the decision to treat it as a terror attack 03:52 - Closing bridges and tunnels and mobilizing police and fire personnel 04:50 - Second plane hits and the attack is confirmed 05:14 - Why coordination between departments mattered immediately 05:44 - Watching the towers and realizing there was no plan for this scenario 06:41 - Father Judge, last rites, and the human scale of the disaster 07:11 - Questions about a helicopter and the limits of what could be done 08:03 - The fire department’s role and the priority of saving people below the fire 08:56 - Worry about additional attacks and protecting other targets 10:50 - Calling the White House and learning about other unaccounted-for planes 11:44 - The president is evacuated and Giuliani describes feeling alone 12:41 - Getting trapped in the building during another shock wave 13:37 - Being rescued and going to a firehouse in the West Village 15:52 - Putting city, state, and federal governments together in one command structure 16:48 - Why the first responders restored the spirit of the country 17:17 - The flag-raising image and what it meant nationally 18:26 - Dan and Tom reflect on calm leadership, unity, and volunteerism 20:22 - Giuliani on burying fear and making the best decision possible 22:18 - Realizing New Yorkers needed time before returning to normal 24:18 - How his perspective on security changed over time 25:46 - Concerns about terrorism, border security, and modern threats 26:46 - Why he sees 9/11 as a warning about enemies trying to destroy American civilization 27:38 - The hosts discuss FBI leadership and Giuliani’s confidence in the bureau 28:11 - Closing thanks, praise for first responders, and final remarks SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/ https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/ linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

  2. Sep 1

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 176: ADDICTION’S DARK SHADOW: Xanax, Gambling, Jail & Recovery | LJ Ruggiero

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. On this powerful and deeply personal episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with LJ Ruggiero for a journey into the devastating reality of addiction, and the extraordinary power of recovery. Born into a prominent New York City family, LJ’s life took a dramatic turn as addiction pulled him into a world of Xanax, gambling, arrests, jail, deception, and devastating consequences. His story takes us into places few people are willing to talk about, and that includes his shocking knowledge of a murder and the dangerous world surrounding his addiction. But this story doesn't end in darkness. LJ shares how he fought his way out of addiction and experienced a remarkable recovery that transformed his life. Today, he is living a successful life, and using the lessons from his darkest days to help others understand the devastating grip of addiction. This is not just an interview. It is an education. This is a SPECIAL GOLD SHIELDS, an honest, raw and unforgettable conversation that every parent should hear. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:33 LJ's Family Background and Connection to New York News 05:53 LJ's Early Life and Struggles with Addiction 10:08 The Turning Point: From College to Addiction 14:51 Consequences of Addiction: Arrest and Reflection 19:18 The Impact of Family and Enabling Behavior 22:17 Facing Public Scrutiny and Personal Shame 25:22 The Murder Case and Its Aftermath 28:44 Rehabilitation and the Path to Recovery 33:46 Finding Stability and Long-Term Sobriety 37:11 The Power of Hope in Recovery 40:20 The Reality of Addiction and Recovery 44:37 Addiction: A Universal Struggle 47:31 Lessons for the Next Generation 52:36 The Journey of Healing and Growth 56:06 Building a Legacy: Podcast and Restaurant SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/ https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/ linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

  3. Aug 25

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 175: NAVY SEAL LEADERSHIP: The Mindset of Elite Warriors | Admiral Jamie Sands

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. Leadership. It’s more than a title, a rank, or a position—it’s about responsibility, character, sacrifice, and taking care of the people who trust you. In the newly released Episode I sat down with Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, USN (Ret.), a decorated Navy SEAL leader who served more than three decades in the U.S. military. His remarkable career included commanding SEAL Team 8, Naval Special Warfare Group 2, Special Operations Command Africa, and ultimately serving as Commander of Naval Special Warfare Command. The conversation also explores his important work as President and CEO of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the children and families of fallen Special Operations personnel and Medal of Honor recipients through education and advocacy. This is a powerful conversation about leadership, sacrifice, courage, and the responsibility we have to those who serve, and the families who stand behind them. TIMESTAMPS (0:00) - Gold Shields opens with Admiral Jamie Sands and why his career is a milestone guest appearance (2:47) - Why Sands chose the Naval Academy and the harder path (4:12) - How meeting SEALs in Virginia Beach changed everything (5:49) - The myth of who can make it through BUDS (8:09) - Why BUDS was brutally hard and why it mattered (11:10) - First deployments in Hawaii and maritime interdiction before the wars (14:41) - Where Sands was when 9/11 happened (16:08) - How Naval Special Warfare shifted to squadron deployments before 9/11 (19:41) - Whether Al Qaeda and bin Laden were on his radar at the time (22:08) - Intelligence, interagency coordination, and the growth of the force (23:40) - Iraq versus Afghanistan and how tactics had to change (26:21) - Hostage-rescue mindset, call-outs, and shifting risk in operations (30:23) - Planning, contingencies, and honest after-action reviews (31:55) - How Sands stayed connected to the fight through leadership (34:57) - Leaders who shaped his career and the power of mentorship (38:27) - Why so many special operators keep serving after retirement (40:22) - The mission and origin of Special Operations Warrior Foundation (42:48) - How the foundation supports kids from cradle to career (45:06) - College, trade school, and transition support for students (48:42) - Wounded, ill, and injured family assistance (50:56) - Why Tom urges listeners to support the foundation (53:03) - Closing prayers, subscription reminder, and final thanks SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/ https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/ linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

  4. Aug 18

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 174: CHASING THE ZOMBIE HUNTER: How Detectives Cracked a 20-Year-Old Cold Case

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. ZOMBIE HUNTER. COLD CASE. MURDER. JUSTICE. For more than 20 years, a brutal double murder remained unsolved, until Sergeant Troy Hillman and his team reopened the investigation and began the relentless hunt for the killer. In his book Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter, Troy takes you inside one of the most chilling and bizarre cold-case investigations imaginable. Two women were brutally murdered, the trail went cold, and the killer believed he had escaped justice. But detectives never stopped looking. Then came the breakthrough. In this explosive episode of GOLD SHIELDS, Troy Hillman takes us behind the scenes of the Zombie Hunter case—the investigation, the dead ends, the evidence, the DNA breakthroughs, and the relentless detective work that ultimately identified the man responsible. 🔥 WATCH THIS EPISODE OF GOLD SHIELDS AND ENTER THE HUNT FOR THE ZOMBIE HUNTER. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cold Case Homicides 02:46 Transitioning from CPA to Law Enforcement 06:10 Understanding Cold Cases 09:00 The First Victim: A Gruesome Discovery 12:13 The Second Victim: Patterns and Connections 15:08 The Investigation: Challenges and Breakthroughs 17:45 The Role of Genetic Genealogy 21:05 The Search for the Killer 23:58 The Breakthrough: Identifying the Suspect 26:56 Conclusion and Reflections 30:38 Uncovering the Files 32:29 The Emergency Squad Meeting 34:03 The Ruse for DNA 37:54 The DNA Results 40:16 The Arrest of the Zombie Hunter 42:59 Notifying the Families 45:22 The Aftermath of the Arrest 49:28 Writing the Book 52:46 The Impact of Cold Cases 53:01 Attributing Other Homicides SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/ https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/ linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

  5. Aug 10

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 173: JILL WAGNER GOES DEEP INSIDE LIONESS & THE ROLE OF BOBBY

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. Jill Wagner, the powerhouse actress who brings BOBBY to life in Paramount+’s hit series LIONESS, joins GOLD SHIELDS for an unforgettable conversation that takes you BEHIND THE ROLE, BEHIND THE CHARACTER, AND BEHIND THE SCENES of one of television’s most intense and talked-about shows. On LIONESS, Jill Wagner portrays Bobby, a tough, battle-tested member of the Lioness team who operates in an unforgiving world where courage, loyalty, leadership, and sacrifice are everything. Jill opens up about LIONESS, Bobby, Season 3, working inside Taylor Sheridan’s universe, the intensity and authenticity of the series, and what it takes to portray characters connected to the world of Special Operations. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Lioness 01:15 Season Three Teasers and Themes 04:01 Realism in Military Portrayal 06:21 Training and Preparation for Roles 10:11 Working with Taylor Sheridan 13:00 Character Development and Casting Choices 16:09 Bobby's Character and Female Representation 20:45 The Real Lioness Program 22:54 Insights from Special Operations Community 26:28 Patriotic Pick and Community Involvement 33:15 Behind the Scenes of War Scenes 37:50 The Realism of Military Portrayals 40:10 Transitioning Between Roles 42:06 Future Projects and Aspirations 46:08 Reflections on Co-Stars and Influences 49:10 Honoring Military Families SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/ https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/ linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

  6. Aug 3

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 172: ALL IN THE FAMILY: Inside a Real Jewel Thief's Criminal Empire | Bryan Sobolewski

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. What if crime wasn't just a choice...it was the family business? On this extraordinary episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with former professional jewel thief Bryan Sobolewski for an unforgettable conversation that is equal parts shocking, fascinating, and surprisingly hilarious. This truly is "All In The Family." Bryan grew up in a family that made its living committing high-stakes jewelry heists throughout the Boston area. Robberies weren't just discussed around the dinner table, they were the family business. In this exclusive interview, Bryan pulls back the curtain on the real world of professional jewel thieves, sharing incredible stories of meticulously planned robberies, close calls, life on the run, arrests, prison, and ultimately redemption. Based on his acclaimed book, Family Jewels, Bryan delivers a rare insider's perspective into the criminal underworld with an unexpected comic twist that only someone who lived this unbelievable life could tell. Join us for this unforgettable episode of GOLD SHIELDS and step inside a world where loyalty, family, and crime were all part of the same business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Banter 01:01 The Family Legacy of Jewel Thievery 06:49 Planning and Execution of Heists 11:13 The Appeal of Jewelry Theft 17:11 The Role of Fear and Weapons in Robberies 19:55 Humor in Crime: Duct Tape and Victims 24:59 The Downfall: Betrayal and Arrests 29:59 Life Behind Bars: The Prison Experience 36:30 Navigating Parole and Probation 38:43 From Inmate to Influencer: The Journey Continues 45:38 Finding Humor in Trauma: A Unique Perspective SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/ https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/ linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

  7. Jul 24

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 171: CIA SPY REVEALS HOW THE CIA HUNTS TERRORISTS | BOB DOUGHERTY

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. The shadows are where wars are won... and where heroes are rarely recognized. For more than 25 years, CIA Operations Officer Bob Dougherty served on the front lines of America's hidden war, operating in some of the world's most dangerous countries. While the headlines focused on military operations, Bob was working deep inside the shadows, recruiting spies, developing high-value human intelligence (HUMINT) sources, penetrating terrorist networks, and preventing attacks before they could happen. This is the world very few people ever get to see. On this gripping episode of GOLD SHIELDS, Bob takes you behind the curtain of the Central Intelligence Agency, revealing how CIA case officers identify, recruit, and manage the human sources who provide the critical intelligence needed to stop terrorists, dismantle extremist organizations, and protect American lives across the globe. Discover what it takes to convince someone to risk everything to become a spy, the incredible psychological skills required to build trust with complete strangers, and the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between mission success and death. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Uncovering the CIA's true mission 02:30 - What motivated Bob Dougherty to join the CIA in the 1980s 04:45 - The role of patriotism in public service careers 07:10 - Differentiating signal intelligence and human intelligence 09:50 - Why human intelligence remains vital despite technological advances 12:30 - Developing sources: Building trust and relationships 15:20 - The operational dance: Approaching and recruiting human sources 18:05 - vetting and validating sources to ensure reliability 21:30 - Success stories: From Peru to counterterrorism efforts post-9/11 24:45 - The evolution of terrorism and challenges in modern intelligence 28:00 - Critical moments and the importance of intuition in field operation 31:30 - The dangers of solo operations and operational security 34:00 - The global landscape: China, Russia, Iran, and the rise of new threats 37:10 - Leadership impact on intelligence effectiveness 39:55 - Emerging technological threats: AI, drones, synthetic biology 43:05 - The importance of proactive intelligence in preventing catastrophe 46:15 - Current gaps and challenges in U.S. intelligence capabilities 49:05 - The rarity and value of freedom: A reminder of American exceptionalism 52:00 - Closing thoughts: Protecting the American Dream and national security SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/ https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/ linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

  8. Jul 17

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 170: SEAL TEAM SIX TEAM LEADER REVEALS THE BIN LADEN RAID | ALEX WEST

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. OPERATION NEPTUNE SPEAR | The SEAL Team Six Raid That Killed Usama Bin Laden On May 2, 2011, one of the most daring and historic military operations in modern history unfolded deep inside Abbottabad, Pakistan. Operation Neptune Spear ended the decade-long manhunt for the world's most wanted terrorist—the leader of Al-Qaeda, Usama Bin Laden. In this exclusive GOLD SHIELDS interview, former SEAL Team Six Team Leader Alex West takes you inside the mission that changed history forever. Hear the untold story from the man who led one of the assault teams during the raid, revealing what it was like to fly into hostile territory, breach the compound, confront the unknown, and execute one of the most dangerous missions ever carried out by U.S. Special Operations. This is far more than the story of one raid. Alex shares the extraordinary teamwork, leadership, split-second decision-making, and unwavering commitment that defined the operators who answered America's call on one unforgettable night. But the mission didn't end when the helicopters left Pakistan. Alex also speaks candidly about the hidden battle that many Special Operations warriors continue to fight long after combat ends. He discusses the devastating effects of PTSD and moral injury, the mental health challenges facing elite operators every day, and the promising breakthrough treatment with ibogaine that many veterans believe is changing—and saving—lives. Despite its growing success overseas, American veterans are still forced to leave the United States to receive this treatment as advocates continue pushing for its approval at home. This is an unforgettable conversation about courage, sacrifice, brotherhood, resilience, and hope.  The mission. The manhunt. The aftermath. The healing.          TIMESTAMPS:      (00:00) - Introduction and current updates in New York sports and personal  life (01:08) - The historic Osama bin Laden raid: origins and Alex West’s role(02:23) - The significance of the operation in military history(03:20) - How the mission came into focus after initial deployment in Afghanistan(04:42) - Building confidence and the risks of flying into Abbottabad(07:11) - Training and preparation for the precise raid(08:29) - The three-week planning process and contingency planning(09:52) - Handling unpredictable scenarios, such as helicopter crashes(12:36) - Flight in, emotional state, and the pressure of performance(16:37) - The psychological toll and the rush of executing the mission(18:15) - Reflection on the collective effort and the sense of payback(20:09) - The moment of victory and the decision to take bin Laden’s body(23:38) - Navigating the chaos of extraction and escape(27:44) - The intense firefight and clearing the target(28:13) - Debrief and verification of the target's death ('Geronimo call sign')(30:15) - Recognizing the team effort beyond individual heroism(34:29) - Returning home, relief, and the historic victory celebration(38:36) - The impact of the operation on the American psyche(43:26) - Alex West’s journey through mental health struggles and recovery(44:23) - Founding One More Wave to aid veterans through adaptive surfing(45:50) - Transition into mental health advocacy and therapeutic innovations(50:18) - The critical need for breakthrough treatments like Ibogaine(52:13) - Breaking societal stigma around mental health in high-stress professions(58:19) - Honoring service members and advocating for ongoing mental health support SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/ https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/ linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

See All (180)

4.8
out of 5
62 Ratings

About

GOLD SHIELDS: TRUE CRIMES, TRUE STORIES, TRUE HEROES Welcome to Gold Shields, your ultimate source for true crime stories, real-life heroism, and military and law enforcement adventures. Hosted by the brave men and women who lived through these incredible moments, our channel takes you behind the scenes of dangerous missions, high-stakes investigations, and real-life stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat. We bring you exclusive, first-hand accounts from law enforcement officers and military veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting others.  Our channel offers you a unique "Back Stage Pass" to crime investigations, military operations, and the true grit it takes to bring justice to the world. Whether you’re a fan of true crime documentaries, military missions, or heroic stories, Gold Shields will deliver gripping tales of courage, dedication, and the heroes who risk everything to protect and serve. Tune in every week for new episodes, in-depth interviews, and exclusive content that highlights the incredible work of real-life heroes.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Smith/Dan Murphy
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GOLD SHIELDS
  • Show Website
    GOLD SHIELDS

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