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. 4d ago

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 166: HOW TO ROB A BANK, THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. Netflix captivated audiences with How To Rob A Bank, the unbelievable true story of Scott Scurlock, better known as "Hollywood," the mastermind behind a string of high-profile bank robberies that stunned law enforcement and fascinated the public. In Episode #166 of GOLD SHIELDS, Tom and Dan bring together two of the most important people connected to this extraordinary case. Shawn Johnson, the retired FBI Special Agent who led the hunt for Hollywood and his crew, and Steve Meyers, one of Hollywood's accomplices during the robbery spree. This unique conversation explores the investigation from both sides—law enforcement and criminal. Shawn shares the challenges of tracking one of the country's most elusive bank robbers, while Steve provides a rare inside look into the mindset, planning, and reality of life inside a notorious bank robbery crew. From the headlines and Hollywood-style disguises to the relentless FBI manhunt that ultimately brought the case to an end, this episode offers an unforgettable look into one of America's most fascinating true-crime stories. Don't miss this exclusive conversation with the people who lived it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to a Unique Collaboration 02:47 The Evolution of Bank Robberies 05:54 The First Encounter: A Cop and a Robber 09:06 The Planning Behind the Heists 11:49 The Role of Media in Criminal Investigations 15:07 Understanding the Criminal Mind 17:57 The Mechanics of a Bank Heist 21:04 The Dynamics of Criminal Partnerships 24:03 The Aftermath and Reflections 27:02 Conclusion: Lessons Learned 30:50 The Boldness of Bank Robberies 32:01 Technological Evolution in Banking Security 34:00 The Role of Surveillance and Public Involvement 34:53 The Mindset of Investigators 36:04 The Hollywood Moniker and Its Impact 36:46 The Progression of Robberies 39:01 Challenges in New Locations 41:04 The Final Robbery and Its Consequences 53:18 The Hasty Decision: A Turning Point 56:18 The Chaos of the Getaway 01:00:39 Tracking the Criminals: Technology in Action 01:02:56 The Search for Scott: Uncovering the Truth 01:08:27 The Final Confrontation: A Tragic End 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

    1h 19m
  2. Jun 8

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 165: WHAT THE CRIMINAL BRAIN ACTUALLY DOES

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. A psychiatric nurse gets punched on shift and goes back the next day. That's the world Julie and Laurie live in — and it's the same world that produced every case Dan and Tom ever worked. Two psychiatric nurses from Night Shift: Darkness Diagnosed sit down with Gold Shields and get into the questions the criminal justice system has never fully answered: Are killers born or made? Does the brain of a serial killer actually know what it's doing? Why does a man walk calmly away from a crime scene while another runs? And are there people who are simply beyond rehabilitation? Clinical, direct, and nothing like what you've seen on television. This is the conversation detectives and psychiatric nurses have when no one's performing for a camera. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Mind of Killers 02:27 Nature vs. Nurture: Are Killers Born or Made? 09:30 Understanding the Consciousness of Killers 19:16 The Legal Perspective on Insanity 22:31 Debunking the Myth of Split Personality 27:29 Understanding Flat Responses in Crisis Situations 30:10 The Complexity of Mental Health and Crime 31:36 Choosing Cases for Discussion 34:16 Accountability in Mental Health Care 39:05 The Challenge of Proving Criminal Insanity 43:05 The Debate on Rehabilitation vs. Punishment 46:37 Favorite Episodes and Insights 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

    46 min
  3. Jun 2

    Special GOLD SHIELDS Episode: THE SON OF SAM — NEW YORK'S SUMMER OF FEAR

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. Step back into the tense and turbulent streets of New York City in 1977, when an elusive serial killer turned everyday life into a nightmare. In this special episode, we explore the terrifying case of David Berkowitz, the man who became infamous as the "Son of Sam." Over the course of more than a year, Berkowitz carried out a series of random shootings that left six people dead and seven others wounded. His attacks, often targeting young couples sitting in parked cars, spread fear across the city and dominated newspaper headlines. Taunting letters sent to police and the media fueled public panic, earning him the nickname "Son of Sam" after claims that a neighbor's dog was possessed and commanding him to kill. This episode examines the investigation that gripped New York, the massive manhunt that followed, and the eventual arrest of Berkowitz in August 1977. We also explore the social atmosphere of a city already struggling with crime, economic hardship, and the infamous blackout of 1977, all of which amplified the fear surrounding the case. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Son of Sam Case 03:05 The Context of New York City in the 1970s 05:54 David Berkowitz: The Man Behind the Murders 08:59 The First Victims and Initial Reactions 11:50 The Media Frenzy and Public Panic 15:05 The Investigation and Challenges Faced 17:57 Eyewitness Accounts and Their Impact 21:02 The Task Force and Ongoing Search 24:02 Conclusion and Reflections on the Case 29:12 The Breakthrough Clue 32:40 The Capture of the Son of Sam 36:38 Lessons from the Case 40:53 The Impact of the 1977 Blackout 45:00 Reflections on a Dark Time 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

    45 min
  4. May 18

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 164: THEN I GO HOME TO MARIO KART-PROSECUTOR JARRETT FERENTINO

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. He prosecuted a serial killer who escaped on bedsheets and turned himself back in. He took the Brittanee Drexel case from 600 miles away with no law license and no jurisdiction, because Dawn Drexel made one phone call and you don't say no twice. He stood over a dead baby on Christmas Eve morning and sat next to his daughter in church that night. Jarrett Ferentino spent 20 years as a prosecutor in northeastern Pennsylvania. This is what that actually looks like — the homicide scenes where the trial starts before anyone is arrested, the Hugo Zelensky case that lasted 15 years, the child cases nobody talks about, and the question every prosecutor eventually has to answer: if you stop caring, how do you get anyone else to? GOLD SHIELDS. Two former NYPD Detectives. The guests who go deeper because of who's asking. 0:00 — Introduction 0:23 — Welcome to Gold Shields  3:20 — How Farentino Got Here  4:48 — The Trial Starts Outside  5:52 — First Scene, First Case  8:04 — Speaking for the Dead  9:38 — The New Guy at the Scene  12:19 — Reading the Room  13:31 — When Defense Attorneys Burn You  17:13 — The Case That Lasted Fifteen Years  19:24 — What Zelensky Left Behind  20:18 — Three DAs and a Corrupt Courthouse  22:32 — Something Happens to My Family  23:10 — Inside the Zelensky Case  26:45 — The Cases No One Talks About  28:51 — Christmas Eve  31:50 — Mothers, Murders and Motivation  34:15 — The Brittany Drexel Case  37:22 — What Really Happened  39:08 — When You Encounter True Evil  40:30 — The Last Line of Defense  42:40 — High-Profile Cases and Bad Crime Scenes  47:36 — Pride Gets in the Way  48:25 — Where to Find Jarrett  50:20 — Rapid Fire  53:27 — Best Advice for Young Lawyers  54:07 — Closing 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

    57 min
  5. May 7

    GOLD SHIEDS EPISODE 163: MARSOC to Mental Health | Steve Bunting

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. This week on the GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with elite warrior Steve Bunting , former MARSOC Operator, U.S. Navy Veteran, Combat Medic, and now one of the nation’s leading performance and mindset coaches at Sharp Performance. From the battlefield to the frontlines of veteran mental health, Steve Bunting’s mission never ended when the uniform came off. In this powerful and deeply insightful interview, Steve shares what it truly means to answer the call to serve at the highest level — through combat, sacrifice, leadership, and now through helping veterans and first responders overcome trauma, mental health struggles, and life after service 🎧 Listen and watch another elite warrior who continues to serve Steve Bunting, only on GOLD SHIELDS. 👇 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews with America’s elite warriors, law enforcement heroes, military operators, and leaders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sports Banter 01:03 Introducing Steve Bunting: A Veteran's Journey 02:00 Steve's Path to MARSOC: From Navy to Recon 06:02 The Unique Challenges of Special Operations 09:50 The Reality of Maritime Operations 11:57 The Pressure of Being a Medic in Combat 15:54 Coping with Trauma: Disassociation and Resilience 20:01 Facing Personal Loss and Mental Health Challenges 21:48 Turning Experiences into Action: Sharp Performance 24:02 Andrew's Journey: From Soldier to Resilience Coach 27:20 Bridging Military and Civilian Experiences 30:00 Understanding Operator Syndrome 33:55 The Impact of High-Stress Professions 38:02 Sharp Performance: A New Approach to Mental Health 39:56 Rapid Fire: Fun Insights with Steve Bunting 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

    50 min
  6. GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 162: "WE DIDN'T LOSE AFGHANISTAN"

    May 2

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 162: "WE DIDN'T LOSE AFGHANISTAN"

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. Step inside the world of elite special operations with former Delta Force Operator and host of the hit podcast Tier One, Brent Tucker. In this powerful and deeply personal interview, Brent reveals what it truly takes to become a member of the United States Military’s most Elite Units, even after being told he wouldn’t make it. Fueled by the life-changing events of September 11, 2001, Brent made the decision to serve his country, setting him on a relentless path toward becoming a Green Beret and ultimately a Delta Force Operator. His story is one of grit, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of doubt. Brent dives into his experiences during the Afghanistan War, sharing raw insights from the front lines and the realities of modern warfare. He also reflects on the legacy, history, and profound honor of wearing the Green Beret, one of the most respected symbols in military service. This conversation goes beyond combat, exploring mindset, perseverance, leadership, and the sacrifices required to operate at the highest level. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Brent Tucker 03:00 Brent Tucker's Military Journey and 9/11 Impact 05:47 The Path to Special Forces Selection 09:00 Training and the Green Beret Experience 11:58 Deployment Experiences and First Impressions 14:53 Understanding the Role of Green Berets 17:52 Combat Deployment and Lessons Learned 20:55 The Nature of War in Afghanistan 23:57 Reflections on Military Strategy and Nation Building 32:56 The Complexity of War and Relationships 33:57 Iran: A Longstanding Challenge 37:40 The Journey to Delta Force 44:32 The Reality of Selection and Training 49:03 The Pride of American Military Operations 55:57 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 01:02:25 Giving Back: First Responder Coffee Company 01:03:22 The Heart Behind the Business 01:05:04 The Birth of the Tier One Podcast 01:08:04 The Power of Podcasting 01:11:17 Community Impact and Storytelling 01:12:13 Rapid Fire Round: Fun Insights 01:18:39 Gratitude and Reflection 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

    1h 23m
  7. Apr 24

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 161: INSIDE LULLABY:THE FEAR PODCAST

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. This newly released episode of GOLD SHIELDS features award-winning podcast host Ashley Lanna of Lullaby: The Fear Podcast in a must-listen conversation for True Crime fans. Ashley takes you behind the scenes of her hit show, sharing its origins and her fascination with True Crime, horror films, and the criminal mind.  The episode dives into serial killers and the “how” behind their crimes, while also exploring Ashley’s obsession with the Titanic tragedy. This episode is a True Crime lover’s dream, packed with insight, psychology, and dark storytelling.  Don’t miss Ashley on GOLD SHIELDS, and be sure to listen to Lullaby: The Fear Podcast on all platforms and follow @Lullabythefearpodcast on Instagram. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Gold Shields Podcast and Guest Introduction 03:08 Ashley Lanna's Unique Podcast Approach 05:51 Psychological Insights in True Crime 09:11 The Role of Sound in Podcasting 11:56 Notorious Canadian Serial Killers 14:59 The Impact of Crime on Society 17:57 The Process of Researching True Crime 21:01 Awards and Recognition in Podcasting 23:54 The Importance of Humility and Confidence 27:05 The Details Behind True Crime Stories 30:39 The Impact of Media on Notorious Criminals 33:18 Exploring the Titanic: A Fascination with History 40:11 The Doomed Voyage: Factors Leading to the Titanic Disaster 46:19 Promoting Lullaby the Fear Podcast 52:25 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights into Ashley's Life 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

    1 hr
  8. Apr 17

    GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 160: NAVY SEAL HELL WEEK TO SAVING VETERANS LIVES | CHRIS SHEA HERO TO HERO STORY

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. This episode features an inspiring and powerful conversation with former U.S. Navy SEAL and founder of Hero to Hero, Chris Shea. This episode dives deep into the elite world of the Navy SEALs, one of the most highly trained and disciplined special operations forces in the world where teamwork, mental toughness, and the relentless will to survive are not just values, but a way of life. Beyond the battlefield, Shea opens up about his transition to civilian life and the challenges many veterans face, including PTSD, loss of identity, and the search for purpose after service. That journey led him to found Hero to Hero, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting veterans with a renewed sense of mission, faith, and community by assisting them into First Responder careers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guest and Show Dynamics 03:00 Chris Shea's Journey to Becoming a Navy SEAL 06:08 Challenges and Experiences During SEAL Training 10:55 The Importance of Teamwork in SEAL Operations 15:04 Deployment Experiences and Assignments 17:50 Involvement in High-Stakes Operations 22:04 Reflections on the Extortion 17 Tragedy 25:53 Collecting Intel and Apprehending War Criminals 30:36 Caffeine and Situational Awareness 32:06 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 34:51 Hero to Hero Organization: Bridging the Gap 39:05 The Importance of Experience in First Responders 39:56 Running for Congress: A New Challenge 45:58 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts 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

    57 min
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.

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