GOLD SHIELDS

Tom Smith/Dan Murphy

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. 2d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 10

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE169: FACELESS: The Last Hope for the Unidentified

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. What happens when a victim has no name... no identity... and no one left searching? In this unforgettable episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with Lisa Bailey, former FBI Forensic Artist, forensic facial approximation specialist, and bestselling author of Clay & Bones.  For decades, Lisa worked at the intersection of art, science, and criminal investigation, reconstructing the faces of unidentified victims from nothing more than skulls and skeletal remains. Every face she recreated represented more than a work of art—it was a chance to restore a name, reunite families with their loved ones, and breathe new life into investigations that had gone cold. Some victims lose their lives. Others lose their names. Lisa Bailey dedicated her career to giving them both a voice and an identity. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Forensic Art 03:04 The Journey from Art to Forensic Science 05:48 The Science of Facial Reconstruction 08:52 Empathy in Forensic Art 11:56 Memorable Cases and Their Impact 14:47 The Role of Forensic Art in Solving Crimes 18:02 Challenges and Triumphs in the FBI 20:49 Unsolved Cases and Ongoing Mysteries 27:47 Confronting Workplace Harassment 29:48 Navigating Organizational Politics 31:37 The Breaking Point: Filing an EEO Case 34:22 The Impact of Leadership on Workplace Culture 36:41 The EEO Process: Challenges and Realities 38:07 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book 44:43 A New Identification: Closure for Victims 50:10 Inspiring Future Forensic Artists 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 3

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 168: ANGEL IN THE SKY | AC-130 Gunner Mary Howe’s Incredible Combat Story

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. This week on GOLD SHIELDS, we take you into the heart of modern aerial warfare with an unforgettable interview featuring Mary Howe, a former U.S. Air Force AC-130 Gunner whose courage, precision, and leadership helped protect American troops in some of the world’s most dangerous combat zones. Born into a family with a deep and legendary tradition of military service, Mary Howe answered the call to serve with honor, carrying forward a legacy of sacrifice, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to country. As an elite gunner aboard the feared AC-130 gunship, Mary operated one of the most powerful close-air-support aircraft ever built—providing devastating firepower and lifesaving protection for troops on the ground. Mary and her crew became a lifeline for soldiers under fire, delivering precision strikes when seconds meant the difference between life and death.  This is a powerful conversation about heroism, combat, military aviation, patriotism, and the warriors who defend freedom from above. Don’t miss this incredible episode of GOLD SHIELDS—where real heroes tell their true stories. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Gold Shields and Guest Background 01:22 Mary Howe's Military Family Legacy 03:11 Choosing the Air Force: A Personal Journey 05:41 The AC-130U Gunship: Capabilities and Operations 09:54 First Mission Experience: A Life-Changing Moment 14:22 Subsequent Missions: Learning and Adapting 16:04 Decompression After Missions: Coping Mechanisms 17:15 Deployment Insights: Duration and Frequency 21:16 Life After Deployment: Balancing Work and Personal Life 22:14 Diverse Combat Experiences: Afghanistan vs. Iraq 25:04 Transitioning from Military to Nursing 27:12 Challenges in Nursing: From NICU to Aesthetics 30:33 Personal Growth and Resilience 32:39 Current Role: Supporting Veterans 34:57 The Impact of Service on Personal Life 38:38 Faith and Self-Worth: A Journey of Healing 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. Jun 23

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 167: WHICH WIRE DO YOU CUT?! | NAVY EOD EXPERT ON TICKING TIME BOMBS

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. This week on GOLD SHIELDS, prepare for an edge-of-your-seat interview with Trevor Fortner, a U.S. Navy veteran and elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) expert who spent years confronting some of the deadliest ticking time bombs in combat zones around the world. When every second matters… how do you decide which wire to cut? What goes through your mind when one wrong move could mean instant death? How do bomb technicians stay calm while facing unimaginable pressure? Trevor takes us deep inside the terrifying reality of bomb disposal, IED detection, military special operations, and the life-or-death decisions that few people on Earth will ever understand.  But this conversation goes far beyond explosives. Trevor also delivers powerful insight into the importance of leadership and why great leaders change lives, why leadership matters in every profession, and how strong leadership can shape teams, families, and personal success.  You do not want to miss Episode 167 of GOLD SHIELDS. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to EOD and Special Ops Mindset 03:11 The Journey to EOD: Personal Experiences and Inspirations 05:58 Training and Challenges in EOD School 08:59 First Experiences and Lessons Learned in the Field 12:00 Understanding Bomb Makers and Their Signatures 15:12 The Reality of Bomb Disposal: Insights from the Field 18:04 Hollywood vs. Reality: The Hurt Locker Discussion 29:25 Decompressing After High-Stakes Missions 35:23 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 36:25 Everyday Spy: Bridging Skills for Decision Making 42:51 Leadership Challenges in Modern Environments 49:20 Honoring Service and Sacrifice 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

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4.8
out of 5
61 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
    177
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GOLD SHIELDS
  • Show Website
    GOLD SHIELDS