
Things Police See: Firsthand Accounts
by Steven Gould: Police Officer, Background Investigator
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Total monthly reach
Estimated from 1 chart position in 1 market.
By chart position
- 🇲🇾MY · True Crime#180500 to 3K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
150 to 900🎙 Daily cadence·298 episodes·Last published 3d ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
500 to 3K🇲🇾100% - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
200 to 1.2K
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 11 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
29 Years in Chicago Policing Chaos: Undercover Stings & Bizarre Calls | Betsy Smith Interview
Jun 17, 2026
Unknown duration
I Trained Keanu Reeves for John Wick... But My NYPD Special Ops Stories Are Wilder | George Sichler
Jun 3, 2026
Unknown duration
LAPD Gang Unit Veteran Secrets: Trauma, Resilience, And The Truth About South LA Streets
May 27, 2026
Unknown duration
Homicide & Heartbreak: Detective Kevin Grogan on the Toll of Policing
May 13, 2026
Unknown duration
New York State Police High-Stakes SWAT Operations & Survival Stories with Captain Scott Brown
May 6, 2026
1h 18m 29s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/17/26 | ![]() 29 Years in Chicago Policing Chaos: Undercover Stings & Bizarre Calls | Betsy Smith Interview | Dive into the intense, bizarre, and unfiltered world of law enforcement with host Steve Gould on Things Police See. In this episode, Steve sits down with retired Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith, who spent 29 years policing the relentless Chicago metro area. As one of the pioneering female officers of the early 1980s, Betsy shares the raw reality of breaking into a male-dominated field, navigating systemic hazing, and turning her perspective into a tactical advantage. From the psychological adrenaline dump of her very first rookie homicide scene to a mind-boggling, bizarre medical emergency, Betsy tells it all. She also takes us deep undercover into a high-stakes 1980s cocaine sting where quick, life-or-death thinking was the only thing that saved her and her partner. Now a spokesmen for the National Police Association, Betsy discusses the current state of law enforcement staffing shortages, the flaws in modern recruitment initiatives, and why finding a community that backs the blue is crucial for the next generation of officers. Support the National Police Association https://nationalpolice.org/ Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve | — | ||||||
| 6/3/26 | ![]() I Trained Keanu Reeves for John Wick... But My NYPD Special Ops Stories Are Wilder | George Sichler | In this episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould sits down with retired NYPD veteran George Sichler for an unforgettable look into the world of elite law enforcement special operations. Serving 20 years with the nation's largest police force, George transitioned from the intense "meat grinder" patrol blocks of NYC to the high-stakes NYPD Harbor and Scuba teams. George shares incredible firsthand accounts of what it's like to drop from helicopters into pitch-black waters, executive life-or-death maritime rescues miles offshore, and navigate zero-visibility "black water" recovery missions. He also reveals a fascinating look at his post-career opportunities, including his time in Hollywood training Keanu Reeves for John Wick (and the true story behind the famous "Wick flick"). From surviving the chaos of New York City patrol to his current role in emergency preparedness with Mira Safety, George's insights offer masterclass advice on career longevity, the power of professional networking, and never-ending training. Mira Safety - www.mirasafety.com DISCOUNT CODE "TPS10" George's Book - www.georgesichler.com Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 | — | ||||||
| 5/27/26 | ![]() LAPD Gang Unit Veteran Secrets: Trauma, Resilience, And The Truth About South LA Streets | In this powerful episode, hosts Steve and Ken Roybal sit down with Andrew Gonzalez, a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who spent the majority of his career working the intense 77th Street Division and specialized gang units. Andrew pulls back the curtain on the evolution of modern street gangs, revealing how social media and encrypted applications have shifted criminal enterprises into highly sophisticated, clandestine corporate-style structures. He drops hard-hitting truths about the daily realities of policing in South Central, what it feels like to face a loaded gun in a split-second shootout, and the harrowing side of responding to violent crime scenes. Beyond the tactical talk, this interview explores the heavy mental health toll of law enforcement. Andrew opens up about his personal battles with PTSD, depression, and human suffering, sparking an important conversation with Ken (himself a retired LAPD veteran) on the critical importance of modern police resiliency programs, mental health resources, and catching trauma before it overflows. Tune in to hear an authentic, raw perspective on the human being behind the badge, the undeniable power of a strong family unit, and how Andrew is now giving back through his first-responder business, Battle Cry Gear. Check out Andrew's high-quality first responder EDC gear: https://battlecrygear.com Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve | — | ||||||
| 5/13/26 | ![]() Homicide & Heartbreak: Detective Kevin Grogan on the Toll of Policing | In this episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould sits down with former detective and author Kevin Grogan. From his early days at Westfield State to his high-stakes career with the Savannah-Chatham Metro PD, Kevin shares firsthand accounts of the "greatest show on earth." Kevin discusses his time on the ATF Task Force, Narcotics, and his deeply personal journey through Homicide investigations. He opens up about the adrenaline of solving murders and the heavy emotional weight that led him to write his trilogy, including his latest book: No Greater Honor, No Bigger Failure. Kevin's Latest Book - https://a.co/d/06I8SFZV Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve | — | ||||||
| 5/6/26 | ![]() New York State Police High-Stakes SWAT Operations & Survival Stories with Captain Scott Brown✨ | SWAT operationslaw enforcement+3 | Captain Scott Brown | — | New York StateNewberg-Beacon Bridge+1 | SWATNew York State Police+3 | — | 1h 18m 29s | |
| 4/29/26 | ![]() Lt. Joe Kenda: Homicide Hunter on Solving 387 Murders, Human Nature, and The Mission✨ | homicide investigationlaw enforcement+4 | Lt. Joe Kenda | American DetectiveID Channel+1 | — | homicidecriminal investigation+5 | — | 1h 09m 50s | |
| 4/22/26 | ![]() 17 Years of Oregon & Montana Law Enforcement | Adam Miller✨ | law enforcementmental health+3 | Adam Miller | tourniquetsQuickClot+1 | OregonMontana | law enforcementOregon+6 | — | 1h 17m 24s | |
| 4/15/26 | ![]() Joe Kenda: The Homicide Hunter on Real Murders, Hollywood, and "Killer Triggers"✨ | homicide investigationpsychological toll+3 | Joe Kenda | Investigation DiscoveryKiller Triggers | — | homicidemurder cases+3 | — | 1h 08m 27s | |
| 4/8/26 | ![]() Rookie Years in Milwaukee PD: Jeffery Dahmer, Riots, Worst Districts✨ | policingMilwaukee PD+5 | Patrick O'Donnell | Things Police SeeReasons We Serve Podcast+2 | — | Milwaukee PDPatrick O'Donnell+6 | — | 1h 04m 38s | |
| 4/1/26 | ![]() 51 Years as Cop & Sheriff: Everglades Voodoo, Bear Attack & Riot Chaos✨ | law enforcementtrue crime+4 | Thomas Loughren | New York State Commission of CorrectionsWhen Crisis Meets Courage | Florida EvergladesChenango County+2 | law enforcementEverglades+6 | — | 1h 14m 14s | |
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| 3/25/26 | ![]() British Detective's Wildest Cases: Scotland Yard, Hostage Negotiations & First Murders✨ | homicide investigationScotland Yard+5 | Bob Lessemun | Scotland Yard | EnglandTurks & Caicos Islands+2 | homicideScotland Yard+5 | — | 1h 13m 17s | |
| 3/18/26 | ![]() Indicted by the FBI: A Pomona SWAT Officer's Fight for the Truth | Chad Jensen✨ | law enforcementFBI indictment+4 | Chad Jensen | Pomona Police DepartmentFBI+2 | — | Pomona PoliceSWAT+5 | — | 56m 26s | |
| 3/11/26 | ![]() Sheriff Robert Hardwick: 32 Years Policing, Murders & Florida Justice✨ | law enforcementhomicide+4 | Robert Hardwick | St. Johns County Sheriff's Office | — | law enforcementhomicide+5 | — | 51m 13s | |
| 3/4/26 | ![]() Sheriff Ross Teeple: Unlocked Jail Experiment, Border Threats & Cop War Stories✨ | law enforcementcorrections system+4 | Ross Teeple | NetflixPinal County Sheriff's Office | Tohono O'odham NationSuperstition Mountains | Sheriff Ross TeepleUnlocked: A Jail Experiment+6 | — | 56m 23s | |
| 2/25/26 | ![]() 27 Years in Law Enforcement: TBI, PTSD, Survival — Jeff Casselman✨ | traumatic brain injuryPTSD+5 | Jeff Casselman | Survival GuideSentinel Neuro Awareness Institute | Lorain OhioWild West | TBIPTSD+8 | — | 1h 01m 29s | |
| 2/18/26 | ![]() Canadian Peace Officer Explains Policing in Alberta & On‑Duty Stories | What's it really like to work as a Peace Officer in Alberta, Canada? In this episode, Steve sits down with Brad Larsen, a veteran CPO who has served since 2014, to break down the major differences between Canadian policing and U.S. policing — from authority levels to training, to why peace officers aren't armed, and how they work alongside the RCMP. Brad shares unfiltered stories from the road, including bizarre bylaw calls, intense foot chases, dangerous encounters, and the time suspects stole his patrol truck during a fight outside a hockey arena. He also talks about animal enforcement, impaired driving laws, provincial authority, and what it's like policing vast rural areas in Alberta. If you're curious about Canadian law enforcement, the Peace Officer Act, or the realities of rural policing, this episode delivers a rare inside look at a profession most people outside Canada have never heard of. Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve - @TheSergeantSteve https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw | — | ||||||
| 2/11/26 | ![]() 30 Years on the San Antonio PD: Ernie Stevens' Wildest Calls, Crisis Cops & Mental Health Reform | Step inside the world of frontline policing with retired San Antonio Police Officer Ernie Stevens, co‑author, crisis‑response pioneer, and star of HBO's Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops. In this powerful interview, Ernie shares raw, unfiltered stories from 30 years on the job — from adrenaline‑pumping pursuits to heartbreaking death notifications, bizarre calls, and the creation of one of the nation's most respected police mental‑health units. Host Steve Gould of Things Police See dives deep into Ernie's early days as a young officer, his most intense and terrifying moments, and the emotional toll that comes with serving a major city like San Antonio. Ernie also opens up about responding to officers in crisis, the evolution of de‑escalation, and what policing really looks like behind the scenes. If you're interested in law enforcement, mental health, crisis intervention, or real‑world police stories told without filters, this episode delivers. Ernie and Scott's Book https://a.co/d/1ZnX4BO Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve - @TheSergeantSteve https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve | — | ||||||
| 2/4/26 | ![]() Boston Marathon Bombing: SWAT - Full Account of the Manhunt | Retired Waltham Police Sergeant and NEMLEC SWAT operator Jim Vaglica returns to Things Police See to deliver a full, unfiltered account of his response to the Boston Marathon bombing and the massive manhunt that followed. Jim walks listeners through the moment the bombs detonated, the chaos of deploying into Boston, the tense overnight searches in Watertown, and the dramatic final standoff where the second bomber was captured. His firsthand perspective reveals what really happened behind the scenes — the communication breakdowns, the tactical challenges, the danger of unexploded IEDs, and the sheer exhaustion of operators working more than 24 hours straight. This episode is a rare, detailed look at SWAT operations during one of the most significant domestic terrorism events in U.S. history. If you're interested in law enforcement, tactical operations, crisis response, or the Boston Marathon bombing, this interview is essential listening. Follow Jim on X - https://x.com/JimVaglica Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve | — | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | ![]() FBI Agent Barry Black: Waco Sniper, OKC Bombing, Ground Zero Responder | Former FBI agent Barry Black joins Things Police See to share gripping firsthand accounts from his 31‑year career. Barry served as a sniper at Waco, responded to the Oklahoma City bombing, worked the Atlanta Olympic bombing, and deployed to Ground Zero after 9/11. He also trained military and law‑enforcement personnel around the world and recently released his memoir Hazardous Devices. In this interview, Barry breaks down what really happened at Waco, describes the chaos of Oklahoma City, explains the evolution of bomb‑tech work, and shares unbelievable stories from financial‑crime investigations to international terrorism cases. This episode offers rare insight into the realities of federal law enforcement, high‑risk operations, and the human side of policing. If you're interested in FBI operations, SWAT, bomb disposal, true crime, or behind‑the‑scenes law‑enforcement stories, this is an episode you won't forget. Barry's Book - https://a.co/d/dJf7WQJ Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve - Bodycam breakdowns https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw | — | ||||||
| 1/21/26 | ![]() Montana Narcotics Agent: Wild Undercover Ops & Other Intense Police Stories | Dive into gripping real-life stories from the front lines of law enforcement in this powerful episode of Things Police See Podcast with host Steve Gould (Ole Gingerface). Guest Cameron Pavlicek, an active Montana narcotics investigator, Afghanistan war veteran, former president of the Montana Narcotics Officers Association, and founder of Yellowstone Narcotics training company, shares intense, bizarre, and eye-opening experiences. Hear about a chilling first homicide call in freezing Montana conditions, using a baby as collateral in a meth deal gone wild, a 36-hour armed standoff ending in tragedy, creative undercover social media operations catfishing drug dealers online (posing as women to bust perps), bizarre encounters with a schizophrenic man carrying a stolen 100-pound welded California sculpture, and much more. Perfect for fans of true police stories, narcotics investigations, undercover ops, body cam breakdowns, and rural policing in the American West. Don't miss these raw, unfiltered cop tales from the Big Sky State! Yellowstone Narcotics https://yellowstonenarcotics.com/ Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve - Bodycam Breakdowns https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw | — | ||||||
| 1/14/26 | ![]() 30-Year Minneapolis Cop Tells INSANE Stories + George Floyd Case Insights | Listen to raw, unfiltered police stories from a 30-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department! Retired Lieutenant Scott Zierden shares his firsthand accounts of bizarre calls, intense fights, terrifying moments, and heartwarming rescues during his career in patrol, training, criminal investigations, and internal affairs. Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 | — | ||||||
| 1/7/26 | ![]() Retired Waltham Cop's Insider Stories: Boston Bomber Hunt, SWAT Raids & Bizarre Calls | In this gripping episode, retired Waltham, Massachusetts police sergeant Jim Vaglica shares raw, firsthand accounts from his 32-year career. With 16 years on the NEMLEC regional SWAT team, Jim was on the ground during the intense manhunt and capture of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in Watertown — including the chaotic boat standoff, massive gunfire, and negotiations. He reveals behind-the-scenes details on the 2013 events (inspired by films like Patriots Day), bizarre scenes (like intact brains ejected from shotgun wounds), heart-pounding SWAT entries against armed barricaded suspects, early adrenaline-fueled calls, and the unsolved Waltham triple murder linked to the older Tsarnaev brother. Jim also discusses recruiting new cops, school resource officers, his time on reality TV shows, and why policing remains an honorable profession. A must-watch for true crime fans, law enforcement stories, and Boston Marathon bombing insights. Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Follow Jim on X - https://x.com/JimVaglica | — | ||||||
| 12/31/25 | ![]() Retired LAPD Lt. Rick Dedmon: 35+ Years of Wild Police Stories | Things Police See | Retired LAPD Lieutenant Rick Dedmon joins the show to share over 50 years of intense, bizarre, and sometimes humorous police stories from his career with LAPD, Casper PD, and Natrona County Sheriff's Office. From high-speed pursuits and armed suspects in the 1970s "Jungle" to a tragic training accident that shook Hollywood Division, Rick pulls no punches. He also discusses his current volunteer work with Copline, helping officers and their families through PTSD, trauma, and crisis. Copline www.copline.org Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 | — | ||||||
| 12/24/25 | ![]() Die Hard - A Christmas Movie? | Merry Christmas everyone! In this episode Kerry and I discuss whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Just wanted to give you guys an episode over the holiday. Police interviews are back next week! God bless and Merry Christmas! Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 | — | ||||||
| 12/17/25 | ![]() Things Police See Year-End Review 2025: Stats, Stories with Steve & Kerry | Dive into the 2025 year-end review of the popular law enforcement podcast "Things Police See: Firsthand Accounts" hosted by Steve Gould! In this special episode, Steve is joined by his lovely wife Kerry for a fun, candid conversation covering podcast stats from Spotify Wrapped, growth challenges, top episodes (including the ATF task force standout), listener demographics across 52 countries, and surprising fan favorites in music and books. Get behind-the-scenes insights on balancing police life, family Christmas chaos, the rise of the Sergeant Steve YouTube channel, short-form content struggles, and heartwarming stories from police holiday parties and academies. If you love intense, bizarre, and humorous police stories from active and retired officers, subscribe for weekly episodes! Share with a cop in your life – guest suggestions welcome. Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.

























