Episodes

  • GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 137; UNDERCOVER IN SIN CITY: THE REAL DANGER WITH JENN BENJAMINS
    Sep 26 2025

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

    💥 Las Vegas. Sex. Drugs. Rock & Roll. And one badass undercover operator in the middle of it all. 💥

    In this explosive episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with elite undercover operator Jenn Benjamins, who worked deep inside some of the most dangerous criminal networks on the Las Vegas Strip. From infiltrating drug rings to dismantling human trafficking operations, Jenn opens up about the high-stakes world of undercover police work—where one wrong move can mean never coming home.

    Jenn is also giving back with her training of the next generation of female undercover operatives through her company: CovertBlueLLC.com

    👩‍✈️ Jenn Benjamins is not just surviving in a man's world—she’s reshaping it. As one of the most effective female undercover officers in Law Enforcement, she now leads real-world training programs for women entering the field of covert operations.

    TimeStamps:
    00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest
    01:10 Jen Benjamins: A Unique Perspective on Undercover Work
    02:06 Journey to Law Enforcement: Jen's Background
    06:01 Transitioning to Undercover Work: The Call to Vice
    09:48 First Experiences in Undercover Operations
    16:07 The Changing Landscape of Prostitution and Vice
    19:59 The Role of Informants in Undercover Work
    24:57 Expanding Roles: From Vice to Narcotics Operations
    30:03 The Relationship with Risk in Undercover Work
    30:13 The Risks of Undercover Work
    33:51 Deep Undercover Operations
    35:13 Pucker Moments in the Field
    48:47 The Mental Toll of Undercover Work
    53:57 Creating a Legacy: Covert Blue LLC

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    Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com
    SOCIAL MEDIA:
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    https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/
    linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 136: ALEX VILLANUEVA ON L.A. GANG WARS, RISING CRIME IN LOS ANGELES & 2025 SHERIFF ELECTION
    Sep 19 2025

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

    🔥 INSIDE THE GANG WARS AND CRIME OF LOS ANGELES 🔥

    Step into the gritty streets of L.A. with former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva as he pulls back the curtain on the violent world of gangs, the ruthless crime wave, and the real-life dangers that come with wearing the badge in one of America’s most notorious cities.

    In this explosive episode of GOLD SHIELDS, you'll hear:

    📍 First-hand accounts of surviving the deadly gang wars in L.A.

    📍 The shocking truth about crime in Los Angeles and its deep impact on residents.

    📍 Sheriff Villanueva’s bold take on public safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice reform.

    👉 WATCH NOW and subscribe for more True Crime, Police Stories, and real-world insights from those who lived it.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction to Law Enforcement Leadership
    03:07 Alex Villanueva's Journey in Law Enforcement
    05:45 Gang Violence in Los Angeles
    09:02 High-Profile Cases and Media Attention
    12:02 Handling Riots and Public Safety
    14:58 Challenges of Leadership in Law Enforcement
    18:00 Debunking Myths of Gang Culture in the Sheriff's Office
    20:54 Political Challenges and Public Safety
    23:47 Current State of Crime and Quality of Life in LA
    27:01 Reflections on Leadership and Future Plans
    29:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

    SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields
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    Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com
    SOCIAL MEDIA:
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    linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

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    51 mins
  • GOLD SHIELDS Special 9/11 Memorial Show EPISODE 135; THE MAN IN THE RED BANDANA; 9/11 HERO WELLES CROWTHER’S STORY 🇺🇸
    Sep 11 2025

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

    🕯️ Featuring Alison Crowther, Mother of 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther

    In this Unforgettable 9/11 Tribute Episode, GOLD SHIELDS has the profound honor of speaking with Alison Crowther, the mother of Welles Crowther — a True American Hero known around the world as "The Man in the Red Bandana".

    On September 11th, 2001, Welles, a 24-year-old equities trader and former volunteer firefighter, made the ultimate sacrifice. Wearing a red bandana — a signature from childhood, Welles navigated the smoke-filled chaos of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, saving over a dozen lives. Then, instead of fleeing to safety, he ran back up the stairs — again and again — to rescue others.

    This episode will move you. It will inspire you. It will make you remember what heroism really looks like.

    🔥 WATCH this powerful conversation as Alison Crowther shares her son’s legacy — a story of courage, sacrifice, and the red bandana that became a symbol of hope and bravery.

    🛑 Do not miss this powerful 9/11 Memorial show.

    ✅ Subscribe, Like, and Share to honor Welles Crowther and all the heroes of 9/11.

    TimeStamps:
    00:00 Introduction to a Hero's Story
    03:10 Wells Crowther: A Life of Courage and Compassion
    06:11 The Red Bandana: A Symbol of Identity
    08:56 The Day of 9/11: Wells' Actions in the South Tower
    11:49 The Impact of Wells' Heroism
    14:50 The Search for Answers: Discovering Wells' Legacy
    17:53 Connecting with Survivors: The Lives Wells Saved
    25:16 Reflecting on Wells' Last Days
    29:38 Premonitions and Spiritual Insights
    33:00 The Burden of Responsibility
    39:31 The Red Bandana Project
    42:48 Legacy of Heroism and Faith


    SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields
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    Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com
    SOCIAL MEDIA:
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    https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/
    linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

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    55 mins
  • GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 134: ONE CALL. ONE NOTE. ONE COP'S BREAKING POINT | POLICE TRAUMA & SURVIVAL STORY
    Sep 5 2025

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

    "When the Call Breaks You"

    In this raw and emotional episode of GOLD SHIELDS, former undercover police officer, Navy rescue diver, and best-selling author Matt Griffin shares the unfiltered truth behind one of the darkest nights of his life.

    🚨 Hear the harrowing details of a traumatic call that pushed him beyond the edge — one so horrific, it led him to write his own suicide note. But what happened next is a story of strength, survival, and the hidden cost of wearing the badge.

    🎧 This episode pulls back the curtain on what cops really face every night — the psychological trauma, the emotional weight, and the moments that never leave them.

    If you care about mental health in law enforcement, veteran PTSD, and the resilience of first responders, you cannot miss this powerful conversation.

    🔥 Key Topics Covered:

    A life or death call no cop ever wants to face

    Writing a suicide note as an end

    The emotional intersection between duty and personal traumaThe healing power of storytelling and purpose

    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
    02:02 Matt Griffin's Early Life and Navy Career
    09:53 Challenges in Navy Rescue School
    13:57 Transitioning to Law Enforcement
    23:58 First Experiences as a Police Officer
    29:56 The Impact of a Tragic Incident
    37:38 Coping with Trauma and Moving Forward
    40:55 The Journey of Faith and Doubt
    43:38 Transitioning to Law Enforcement
    44:35 The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic
    48:26 Struggles of Identity and Work-Life Balance
    51:33 The Cost of Law Enforcement on Personal Life
    56:31 The Dark Side of Service: Coping with Trauma
    59:27 A Turning Point: The Call That Saved a Life
    01:16:05 Finding Purpose After Pain

    SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields
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    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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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 133: ENTER THE MINDS OF MONSTERS: PHIL CHALMERS REVEALS SERIAL KILLER SECRETS
    Aug 29 2025

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

    💀 ENTER THE MINDS OF MONSTERS.

    In this chilling, heart-pounding, and unforgettable episode, Phil Chalmers, bestselling author of "Speaking Truth to Evil" and host of the viral Serial Killer Experience takes us deep into the twisted psyches of the world’s most infamous murderers.

    From Charles Manson to Son of Sam, BTK, and beyond... Phil has looked these killers in the eyes and asked the questions no one else dared.

    🧠 What makes a serial killer tick?

    🩸 How do cold-blooded murderers justify the unthinkable?

    🚨 What warning signs do they all share?

    This is not just a true crime podcast—this is a descent into darkness with the man who’s interviewed more real-life killers than anyone alive.

    🔪 True crime. Serial killers. Real interviews. Raw evil.

    Don’t miss this explosive and terrifying new episode.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction to the World of Serial Killers
    03:02 Myths and Misconceptions about Serial Killers
    05:51 Identifying Early Signs of Serial Killers
    08:51 Understanding Signature and Modus Operandi
    11:46 The Psychology Behind Staging Crime Scenes
    14:59 The Prevalence of Serial Killers Today
    17:51 Media Bias and Underreported Cases
    21:01 The Normality of Serial Killers
    23:58 Interviews with Notorious Killers
    27:00 The Future of True Crime and Education
    27:30 Exploring the Dark Side of Evil
    28:09 Confronting the Most Horrific Crimes
    29:59 Understanding the Mind of a Killer
    31:48 Training Law Enforcement on Serial Killers
    35:07 Identifying Warning Signs in School Shooters
    39:03 The Role of Leakage in Preventing Violence
    40:56 Crime Prevention Strategies and Insights
    42:57 Upcoming Projects and the True Crime Museum


    SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields
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    Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com
    SOCIAL MEDIA:
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    linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 132: DEA LEGEND CHRIS FEISTL — THE REAL NARCOS: TAKING DOWN THE CALI CARTEL
    Aug 22 2025

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

    🎙️ NOW STREAMING: GOLD SHIELDS Episode 132 features an exclusive, edge-of-your-seat interview with Retired DEA Special Agent Chris Feistl, one of the elite agents who brought down the Cali Cartel — the most powerful and sophisticated drug trafficking organization in history.

    🔥 If you’ve seen Netflix’s hit series NARCOS: Season 3, you’ve seen Chris Feistl's story. Now, hear the REAL TRUTH — straight from the source. Chris and his partner Dave Mitchell were handpicked for the most dangerous mission on Earth: infiltrate the Cali Cartel in the heart of Cali, Colombia, a city ruled by fear, corruption, and unimaginable violence.

    💣 Kidnappings, car bombs, death threats, and deep undercover operations — this episode dives into the high-stakes world of international drug enforcement like never before.

    📚 Chris also discusses his book, "After Escobar" giving rare insight into the psychological and emotional toll of hunting narco-terrorists while risking everything to dismantle a global empire built on blood and billions.

    TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest
    00:56 The Dangerous Drug Trade in Colombia
    02:57 Chris Feistl's Journey to the DEA
    06:09 Miami: The Epicenter of Drug Trade in the 80s
    09:01 Transitioning to Colombia and the Cali Cartel
    12:08 Operating in a Hostile Environment
    15:00 The Challenges of Corruption in Colombia
    18:03 The Role of the Cali Cartel in Drug Trade
    21:01 Navigating Dangerous Operations
    24:08 The Impact of Corruption on Investigations
    26:51 Developing Key Informants
    30:07 The Story of Jorge Salcedo
    34:22 The Mercenary Plan Against Escobar
    36:20 Salcedo's Reluctant Involvement with the Cartel
    37:00 The Sequel: Bombing Pablo's Prison
    38:55 The Perfect Storm: Collaboration with Salcedo
    41:15 The Risks of Meeting a Cartel Insider
    43:27 Challenges of Arresting Cartel Leaders
    46:18 The Scale of the Cali Cartel's Operations
    49:33 The Arrests of the Cali Cartel Leaders
    52:06 The Aftermath of Arrests and Extradition
    54:14 The Real Heroes: Colombian Forces
    55:38 The Book: After Escobar
    01:01:15 The Unbelievable Stories Behind the Case

    SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields
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    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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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • GOLD SHIELDS GOES LIVE! EPISODE 131: TRUE CRIME AND PIZZA
    Aug 17 2025

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

    We just dropped the first-ever LIVE episode of GOLD SHIELDS — and it’s one you do not want to miss!

    📍 We had an incredible night at Brother Bruno’s Pizzeria in Washingtonville, NY, recording in front of an amazing live audience. Huge thanks to Vinny and the whole team for the warm welcome and amazing food! 🍕

    🎤 Special Guest Lauren Conlin — host of The Outlier, expert on The Nancy Grace Show, and star of PopCrime TV — brought unfiltered courtroom insight from the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, the Karen Read case, the Idaho College Murders, and more. Her raw, behind-the-scenes commentary had the entire audience hooked.

    💥 This episode features:

    ✅ True Crime Insights from a courtroom insider

    ✅ A deep dive into celebrity criminal cases

    ✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from high-profile trials

    ✅ Live audience Q&A

    ✅ Real talk, real cases, real cops – just like GOLD SHIELDS always delivers

    📲 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Share to help us reach more listeners who love True Crime, Justice, and real stories from Behind The Shields.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 Welcome to Gold Shields Live
    05:46 The Importance of Community and Family
    11:37 The Impact of Youth Crime and Legal System
    20:24 High-Profile Cases and Their Implications
    30:11 Citizen Sleuths and Their Role in Crime Solving
    36:17 Unforgettable Cases: The Kansas Moms Case
    42:20 Understanding Evil: Encounters with Criminal Minds
    50:50 Reflections on High-Profile Cases
    56:30 The Importance of Law Enforcement Support

    SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields
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    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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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 130: "Fridays With Frank” Star Frank Sloup EXCLUSIVE Interview | Viral Police Stories & Behind-the-Scenes Moments
    Aug 8 2025

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

    Discover the latest GOLD SHIELDS episode featuring viral Law Enforcement star Frank Sloup, the renowned Pinal County Deputy Sheriff behind the hit YouTube series Fridays With Frank. Join us for a lighthearted, fun, and entertaining interview as Frank shares behind-the-scenes stories and police adventures that have made him a sensation with millions of views.

    Watch the exclusive interview with one of Arizona’s most-watched officers.

    Get insider access to Frank’s viral moments and real police encounters.

    Perfect for fans of Police vlogs, Law Enforcement, and True Crime content.

    Don’t miss out—Subscribe, Watch, and share to be part of the law enforcement community buzz!

    Timestamp:
    00:00 Introduction to Gold Shields and Guest Introduction
    01:26 Fridays with Frank: The Concept and Creation
    03:51 The Dichotomy of Frank's YouTube Presence
    06:37 The Evolution of Fridays with Frank
    08:54 The Unpredictability of Traffic Stops
    10:44 Approaching Cars: Safety and Tactics
    12:04 The 'Know Your Rights' Phenomenon
    13:32 Dangerous Situations and SWAT Experiences
    16:38 Humor in Police Work: Bizarre Encounters
    21:39 The Importance of Emotional Control
    23:22 Discretion in Law Enforcement: Writing Tickets
    26:52 Maintaining Humanity in Policing
    27:23 Humanizing Law Enforcement
    30:02 The Current State of Policing
    33:18 Reflections on Leadership in Policing
    39:30 Transitioning from NYPD to Arizona
    42:00 Impact of Border Policies on Law Enforcement
    43:46 Engaging with the Community
    48:30 Where to Find Frank Sloup

    SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields
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    Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com
    SOCIAL MEDIA:
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    linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b

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    1 hr and 6 mins