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. 18h ago

    “FUND that sh**!” - A Criminologist's Unfiltered Take on Policing, Crime, & Victims

    On this episode of Holding the Line, Sean Kennedy sits down with Professor Laura Huey of the University of Western Ontario, a criminologist and policing researcher whose path into the field began not through law enforcement, but through personal experience with victimization and growing up in a family where police were frequently called. Huey has spent decades studying policing and victimization in marginalized communities, including extensive work in Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Skid Row. She brings a perspective that challenges some of the conventional assumptions about crime, policing and criminal justice. Please enjoy this episode and admire Sean’s restraint not making too many Canadian jokes. FOLLOW Dr. Huey on X: https://x.com/ProfLauraHuey Her book The Wicked Problems of Police Reform in Canada: https://a.co/d/0dFBJ107 Her book Evidence Based Policing: An Introduction: https://www.amazon.com/Evidence-based-policing-Ren%C3%A9e-Mitchell-ebook/dp/B07KY1R91F?ref_=ast_author_mpb The conversation explores: Why some of the people most vulnerable to violent victimization are also the least likely to report crimes.What Laura learned from working in Skid Row and other marginalized communities.The impossible demands placed on police in communities struggling with addiction, mental illness, homelessness and crime.Whether diversion programs and other alternative approaches to policing actually work—and why Huey is skeptical of poorly designed evaluations.How governments can create incentives for organizations to evaluate their own programs.The difference between funding temporary programs and investing in permanent solutions to problems like addiction and mental illness.The complicated relationship between homelessness, mental illness, addiction and victimization.Why “compassion” without meaningful intervention can sometimes leave vulnerable people trapped in cycles of addiction, crime and victimization.Why victims don't report crimes—and what happens when people lose confidence that the justice system will protect them.How underfunding police, courts and other parts of the criminal justice system ultimately affects victims.The differences between the Canadian and American approaches to criminal justice. Huey's answer to that final question is straightforward: FUND the criminal justice system—and fund independent research to make sure we're actually getting what we're paying for. This is a wide-ranging conversation about policing, public safety, victims and the difficult problems that governments often prefer not to confront. For a Holding the Line first, we're marking this episode EXPLICIT since Dr. Huey has an admittedly filthy mouth. Listener discretion is advised.

    “FUND that sh**!” - A Criminologist's Unfiltered Take on Policing, Crime, & Victims

  2. Aug 6

    Don't Be Fooled: The Soros DA Movement isn't Losing—It's Adapting

    It feels like the era of "Soros DAs" is coming to an end... High-profile recalls, election defeats, and growing public backlash have fueled the perception that the progressive prosecutor movement is losing momentum. But is it? This week, Sean Kennedy is joined by Parker Thayer, investigative reporter and researcher at the Capital Research Center, to examine how the movement has changed over the past decade.  Rather than disappearing, Parker argues that the organizations, donor networks, and nonprofit infrastructure behind progressive prosecutors have adapted—becoming more sophisticated, more decentralized, and in many cases, harder to track. Together, they explore how billionaire-funded nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and political action committees continue to shape criminal justice policy long after Election Day—and why understanding this ecosystem is just as important as understanding the prosecutors themselves. Parker estimates roughly $1 billion invested over two decades into prosecutor campaigns and related nonprofits. If you want to understand how criminal justice policy is really shaped, this episode lays it out. This episode covers:  • How George Soros built the modern prosecutor movement • Why nonprofit organizations—not campaigns—now drive criminal justice policy • The billion-dollar ecosystem supporting progressive prosecutors • Why donors are becoming increasingly secretive • How these organizations control over 50 DAs offices nationwide If you enjoyed this episode following the money behind America's progressive prosecutor movement, follow Parker and dig into the outstanding work of the Capital Research Center: https://x.com/ParkerThayer https://x.com/capitalresearch https://capitalresearch.org/ https://www.influencewatch.org/

    Don't Be Fooled: The Soros DA Movement isn't Losing—It's Adapting

  3. Jul 30

    Julie Parker: What Every Police Chief Needs to Know BEFORE a Critical Incident

    When a critical incident happens, the facts aren't the only thing moving fast—misinformation is too. Award-winning journalist and law enforcement communications strategist Julie Parker joins Jason Johnson to discuss why effective communication has become one of the most important responsibilities of modern policing. After spending years as an investigative reporter before leading communications for two major police departments, Julie shares what she learned from both sides of the camera. The conversation explores why police agencies must educate the public long before a crisis occurs, how delayed communication allows false narratives to spread, why body-worn cameras are among the strongest tools for protecting officers, and what every police chief should do BEFORE the next critical incident happens. Whether you're a law enforcement leader, officer, journalist, or simply interested in how public narratives are shaped, this episode offers practical lessons on transparency, trust, and getting the facts out—before someone else tells the story for you. Learn more about Julie's work and connect with her: https://www.julieparkerco.com/ Subscribe to Holding the Line so you never miss an episode

    Julie Parker: What Every Police Chief Needs to Know BEFORE a Critical Incident

  4. Jul 23

    Brady Lists: How States Are Denying Cops’ Due-Process Rights

    Across the country, law enforcement officers are unjustly tarred with a career-killing scarlet letter that precludes them from participating in most police work... and no opportunity to appeal or often even find out HOW they were put on the list to begin with. Today Sean and Jason lay out what most people don't know about these lists - and why states should pass legislation giving officers a clear explanation for their inclusion on these lists and a meaningful opportunity to appeal. Stay tuned for our upcoming report - and learn more about Cory Novick: https://www.city-journal.org/article/brady-v-maryland-police-officers-due-process Thanks for listening to Holding the Line - follow @LELDF to stay up to date on all our latest cases - and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

  5. 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!

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 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
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jason Johnson and Sean Kennedy

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