Game of Crimes

Murph welcomes back Pete Charette, a former law enforcement officer with a rich history in undercover operations. Pete details his experiences in various undercover operations, including the pivotal roles he played in the real French Connection, and the infamous Southern Comfort operation, one of the largest cocaine conspiracy cases in U.S. history. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the drug war and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking.

Murph welcomes back Pete Charette, a former law enforcement officer with a rich history in undercover operations. Pete details his experiences in various undercover operations, including the pivotal roles he played in the real French Connection, and the infamous Southern Comfort operation, one of the largest cocaine conspiracy cases in U.S. history. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the drug war and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking.

Murph interviews Nick Koumalatsos, a former combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Raiders, and now a successful entrepreneur and personal coach. Nick talks about his life as a gang member at a young age, how he overcame that attraction, and what led him to the USMC. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the importance of personal responsibility and development, as well as the power of belief in oneself to overcome adversity and achieve success. Nick emphasizes the need for men to reclaim their roles in society and the significance of health and wellness.

Murph interviews Nick Koumalatsos, a former combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Raiders, and now a successful entrepreneur and personal coach. Nick talks about his life as a gang member at a young age, how he overcame that attraction, and what led him to the USMC. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the importance of personal responsibility and development, as well as the power of belief in oneself to overcome adversity and achieve success. Nick emphasizes the need for men to reclaim their roles in society and the significance of health and wellness.

Murph brings in his old friend Matt Addington, a retired DEA agent who was a college soccer star. They share humorous and outrageous stories, and highlight the challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement, the importance of teamwork, and the impact of DEA's operations on drug cartels worldwide. Matt discusses his DEA career in multiple locations, including south FL, Op. Snow Cap, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, other locales, and with the CIA. Going into his life-after-DEA, Matt offers valuable advice for those in government service transitioning into the corporate world, along with the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the value of experience gained in government service.

Murph brings in his old friend Matt Addington, a retired DEA agent who was a college soccer star. They share humorous and outrageous stories, and highlight the challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement, the importance of teamwork, and the impact of DEA's operations on drug cartels worldwide. Matt discusses his DEA career in multiple locations, including south FL, Op. Snow Cap, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, other locales, and with the CIA. Going into his life-after-DEA, Matt offers valuable advice for those in government service transitioning into the corporate world, along with the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the value of experience gained in government service.

Murph welcomes Steve Kramer, a retired FBI attorney with a rich background in law enforcement and legal practice. They discuss Kramer's journey into law, the significance of DNA in criminal investigations, and the evolution of genetic genealogy as an investigative tool. Steve Kramer discusses the intricate details of the Golden State Killer case, highlighting the evolution of the killer's crimes, the role of DNA and genetic genealogy in solving cold cases, and the emotional impact on victims and their families. He shares insights into the investigative process that led to the identification and arrest of Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer. Kramer talks about working in retirement to continue supporting genetic genealogy as a forensic investigative tool.

Murph welcomes Steve Kramer, a retired FBI attorney with a rich background in law enforcement and legal practice. They discuss Kramer's journey into law, the significance of DNA in criminal investigations, and the evolution of genetic genealogy as an investigative tool. Steve Kramer discusses the intricate details of the Golden State Killer case, highlighting the evolution of the killer's crimes, the role of DNA and genetic genealogy in solving cold cases, and the emotional impact on victims and their families. He shares insights into the investigative process that led to the identification and arrest of Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer. Kramer talks about working in retirement to continue supporting genetic genealogy as a forensic investigative tool.

Murph interviews Jamie McBride, a 34-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. They discuss Jamie's background growing up in a troubled family, his career in law enforcement, some of the challenges and highlights of working in different Divisions, and his involvement in officer-involved shootings. They talk about the importance of unions in supporting police officers and the need for professionalism in law enforcement. Jamie also tells how he became involved in the TV and movie industry, some of the actors and actresses he’s worked with, and reveals the truth about being the half-brother to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Murph interviews Jamie McBride, a 34-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. They discuss Jamie's background growing up in a troubled family, his career in law enforcement, some of the challenges and highlights of working in different Divisions, and his involvement in officer-involved shootings. They talk about the importance of unions in supporting police officers and the need for professionalism in law enforcement. Jamie also tells how he became involved in the TV and movie industry, some of the actors and actresses he’s worked with, and reveals the truth about being the half-brother to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Murph interviews Giovanni Rocco, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement in Hudson County, New Jersey. Rocco shares stories from his time working undercover with the DEA and FBI, and discusses his book “Giovanni's Ring: My Life Inside the Real Sopranos.” Rocco was able to infiltrate the DeCavalcante mafia family. Some believe the TV series “The Sopranos” was based on this crime family. Rocco describes the emotional challenges of developing relationships with criminals while maintaining his loyalty to law enforcement, and he recounts the challenges and dangers he faced. Rocco discusses the importance of trust and loyalty in the mafia world, and how he navigated the complex dynamics between different factions. But Rocco also reflects on the toll that undercover work takes on personal relationships and mental health, and the work he’s doing now in the field of addiction recovery and mental health for first responders.

Murph interviews Giovanni Rocco, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement in Hudson County, New Jersey. Rocco shares stories from his time working undercover with the DEA and FBI, and discusses his book “Giovanni's Ring: My Life Inside the Real Sopranos.” Rocco was able to infiltrate the DeCavalcante mafia family. Some believe the TV series “The Sopranos” was based on this crime family. Rocco describes the emotional challenges of developing relationships with criminals while maintaining his loyalty to law enforcement, and he recounts the challenges and dangers he faced. Rocco discusses the importance of trust and loyalty in the mafia world, and how he navigated the complex dynamics between different factions. But Rocco also reflects on the toll that undercover work takes on personal relationships and mental health, and the work he’s doing now in the field of addiction recovery and mental health for first responders.

Murph interviews Javier Mackey, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret combat veteran. They discuss who and what influenced Javier’s life, his enlisting in the U.S. Army, and becoming a member of Special Forces. Having spent multiple deployments in Afghanistan and other countries, Javier talks about being shot several times while in combat. He also describes the terrible day when his close friend and brother in arms, Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller, was killed in action while drawing enemy fire so others could move to a position of cover. For his actions, Staff Sgt Miller received the Congressional Medal of Honor, and Javier was awarded a Bronze Star with V. Murph and Javier cover the toll his military career took on his family, how Javier dealt with PTSD, his plans to help other veterans when they return home, and his creation of a new podcast, “Looking Over Strange Terrain.”

Murph interviews Javier Mackey, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret combat veteran. They discuss who and what influenced Javier’s life, his enlisting in the U.S. Army, and becoming a member of Special Forces. Having spent multiple deployments in Afghanistan and other countries, Javier talks about being shot several times while in combat. He also describes the terrible day when his close friend and brother in arms, Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller, was killed in action while drawing enemy fire so others could move to a position of cover. For his actions, Staff Sgt Miller received the Congressional Medal of Honor, and Javier was awarded a Bronze Star with V. Murph and Javier cover the toll his military career took on his family, how Javier dealt with PTSD, his plans to help other veterans when they return home, and his creation of a new podcast, “Looking Over Strange Terrain.”

Murph interviews Javier Mackey, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret combat veteran. They discuss who and what influenced Javier’s life, his enlisting in the U.S. Army, and becoming a member of Special Forces. Having spent multiple deployments in Afghanistan and other countries, Javier talks about being shot several times while in combat. He also describes the terrible day when his close friend and brother in arms, Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller, was killed in action while drawing enemy fire so others could move to a position of cover. For his actions, Staff Sgt Miller received the Congressional Medal of Honor, and Javier was awarded a Bronze Star with V. Murph and Javier cover the toll his military career took on his family, how Javier dealt with PTSD, his plans to help other veterans when they return home, and his creation of a new podcast, “Looking Over Strange Terrain.”

Murph talks with retired Miami Dade homicide Detective Ramesh Nyberg about his 27-year career in law enforcement, with 22 of those years as a homicide Detective. Ramesh discusses how he became interested in homicide cases, the rigors and requirements of that position, and how it impacted his personal life. He shares his experience working on drug-related homicides and violence in Miami, the infamous FBI bank robbery shootout, working a murder connected to Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger, and moving into the Cold Case Squad. Ramesh also shares the horrible experience of losing his daughter at a young age, and what he’s doing now to continue serving the public.

Murph talks with retired Miami Dade homicide Detective Ramesh Nyberg about his 27-year career in law enforcement, with 22 of those years as a homicide Detective. Ramesh discusses how he became interested in homicide cases, the rigors and requirements of that position, and how it impacted his personal life. He shares his experience working on drug-related homicides and violence in Miami, the infamous FBI bank robbery shootout, working a murder connected to Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger, and moving into the Cold Case Squad. Ramesh also shares the horrible experience of losing his daughter at a young age, and what he’s doing now to continue serving the public.

Murph interviews his old friend and colleague, Tom Golden. The briefly talk about Tommy’s time in the Uniform Division of the US Secret Service, and his transition to becoming a DEA Special Agent. Tom and Murph worked together as young Agents in Miami in the late 1980s, and they have some great adventures together, especially the one when Tom and another agent hid in the FL Everglades for hours waiting for a clandestine load of 400 kilograms of cocaine to arrive. After 30 years of being a federal Agent, Tom continued his public service as a Police Chief, a Municipal Court Judge, and now a member of the Civil Service Commission.

Murph interviews his old friend and colleague, Tom Golden. The briefly talk about Tommy’s time in the Uniform Division of the US Secret Service, and his transition to becoming a DEA Special Agent. Tom and Murph worked together as young Agents in Miami in the late 1980s, and they have some great adventures together, especially the one when Tom and another agent hid in the FL Everglades for hours waiting for a clandestine load of 400 kilograms of cocaine to arrive. After 30 years of being a federal Agent, Tom continued his public service as a Police Chief, a Municipal Court Judge, and now a member of the Civil Service Commission.

Murph interviews Eddie Diaz, a former US Navy corpsman and retired Orlando Police Officer. They discuss Eddie’s lifesaving efforts while in combat under enemy fire. Eddie’s transition back home led to him earning a college degree and becoming an Orlando Police Officer. During an early morning traffic stop, Eddie was shot 8 times and Officer George DeSalvia was murdered by a cowardly gang member. Eddie talks about his story of survival, resilience, beating the odds, never giving up, and the power of forgiveness. This episode is dedicated to the memory of OPD Officer George DeSalvia, End of Watch: February 3rd, 2000. Rest in peace brother…

Murph interviews Eddie Diaz, a former US Navy corpsman and retired Orlando Police Officer. They discuss Eddie’s lifesaving efforts while in combat under enemy fire. Eddie’s transition back home led to him earning a college degree and becoming an Orlando Police Officer. During an early morning traffic stop, Eddie was shot 8 times and Officer George DeSalvia was murdered by a cowardly gang member. Eddie talks about his story of survival, resilience, beating the odds, never giving up, and the power of forgiveness. This episode is dedicated to the memory of OPD Officer George DeSalvia, End of Watch: February 3rd, 2000. Rest in peace brother…

Murph interviews Dana Ridenour, a retired FBI agent, about her experiences working long-term undercover. Dana discusses the challenges, risks, and psychological toll of undercover work, what it means to “build relationships to betray relationships,” and the risks and sacrifices involved. Considering the toll that undercover work can take on mental health, Ridenour emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care for law enforcement officers. She also talks about her transition to writing and the inspiration behind her books.

Murph interviews Dana Ridenour, a retired FBI agent, about her experiences working long-term undercover. Dana discusses the challenges, risks, and psychological toll of undercover work, what it means to “build relationships to betray relationships,” and the risks and sacrifices involved. Considering the toll that undercover work can take on mental health, Dana emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care for law enforcement officers. She also talks about her transition to writing and the inspiration behind her books.

Murph interviews retired Halton, Ontario, Sgt. Steve Metelsky about crime and criminals in Canada. They discuss the Medellin Cartel, the Sinaloa Cartel, the Hell’s Angels outlaw motorcycle gang, the Wolfpack Alliance, Asian gangs, and how Canadian law enforcement takes on these challenges. Steve now teaches at the University level, writes articles for various media outlets, and is an author.

Murph interviews retired Halton, Ontario, Sgt. Steve Metelsky about crime and criminals in Canada. They discuss the Medellin Cartel, the Sinaloa Cartel, the Hell’s Angels outlaw motorcycle gang, the Wolfpack Alliance, Asian gangs, and how Canadian law enforcement takes on these challenges. Steve now teaches at the University level, writes articles for various media outlets, and is an author.

Murph interviews Tyler Schwab, the head of Libertas International, a nonprofit organization that helps victims of human trafficking. They discuss the work of providing support, education, and justice for survivors, as well as the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and arrest predators. Tyler describes the prevalence of modern-day slavery and shares his encounters with victims of human trafficking and the impact it had on him.

Murph interviews Tyler Schwab, the head of Libertas International, a nonprofit organization that helps victims of human trafficking. They discuss the work of providing support, education, and justice for survivors, as well as the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and arrest predators. Tyler describes the prevalence of modern-day slavery and shares his encounters with victims of human trafficking and the impact it had on him.

ATF Special Agent Billy Queen worked undercover for almost 20 years infiltrating white supremacist groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and became the only law enforcement professional to become a full-patch member of the Mongols OMG, arguably the most violent motorcycle gang in the US.

ATF Special Agent Billy Queen worked undercover for almost 20 years infiltrating white supremacist groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and became the only law enforcement professional to become a full-patch member of the Mongols OMG, arguably the most violent motorcycle gang in the US.

Murph interviews retired Detective Vic Ferrari, a 20-year veteran of the NYPD. Growing up in the Bronx, Vic thought he knew everything about his borough. But once he put on that uniform, he learned things he never knew about the Big Apple. Vic takes us on a humorous tour of his police career, dealing with the inner workings of the NYPD, and handling crime and criminals on the street of New York City.

Murph interviews retired Detective Vic Ferrari, a 20-year veteran of the NYPD. Growing up in the Bronx, Vic thought he knew everything about his borough. But once he put on that uniform, he learned things he never knew about the Big Apple. Vic takes us on a humorous tour of his police career, dealing with the inner workings of the NYPD, and handling crime and criminals on the street of New York City.

Murph interviews his friend and former police officer, Kevin Grogan. They discuss Kevin's military service and transition into law enforcement in the Savanah, GA area. While working in the Savannah area, Kevin describes how pro-active policing, working together as a team, and having the backing of leadership in their departments, the city and county governments, and the prosecutors at the federal and state level, resulted in successfully addressing gang violence and removing guns from the streets.

Murph interviews his friend and former police officer, Kevin Grogan. They discuss Kevin's military service and transition into law enforcement in the Savannah, GA area. While working in the Savannah area, Kevin describes how proactive policing, working together as a team, and having the backing of leadership in their departments, the city and county governments, and the prosecutors at the federal and state levels, resulted in successfully addressing gang violence and removing guns from the streets.

Murph interviews “Iron Mike” Thompson, a man who spent 45 years in the California Prison System for a double homicide he says he didn’t commit. Mike was involved in numerous physical altercations in prison, was shot and stabbed repeatedly by guards and inmates, then joined and later renounced the Aryan Brotherhood. Now, Mike shares his journey to redemption, and his work with Ramon “Mundo” Mendoza to educate and deter young people from entering a life of crime.

Murph interviews “Iron Mike” Thompson, a man who spent 45 years in the California Prison System for a double homicide he says he didn’t commit. Mike was involved in numerous physical altercations in prison, was shot and stabbed repeatedly by guards and inmates, then joined and later renounced the Aryan Brotherhood. Now, Mike shares his journey to redemption, and his work with Ramon “Mundo” Mendoza to educate and deter young people from entering a life of crime.

Murph gets together with John Mattingly (Ep. 79), Mike Collazo (Ep. 127), John Nores (Ep. 108), and Mike Martinez (Ep. 124) to pick their brains about their lives since their initial interviews. We’ll find out that none of them are sitting back and letting grass grow under their feet. All are still fighting the good fight!!

Murph gets together with John Mattingly (Ep. 79), Mike Collazo (Ep. 127), John Nores (Ep. 108), and Mike Martinez (Ep. 124) to pick their brains about their lives since their initial interviews. We’ll find out that none of them are sitting back and letting grass grow under their feet. All are still fighting the good fight!!

Murph interviews retired Chicago police officer Richard Rybicki who shares his experiences as an officer and Detective in patrol, gang crimes, and as a homicide investigator and Commander. As Rick moves up the ladder in rank, they discuss the changes and challenges in law enforcement, the benefits and rewards of working in different units, and Rick’s transition to becoming a successful self-published author after retiring from 29 years with the Chicago PD.

Murph interviews retired Chicago police officer Richard Rybicki who shares his experiences as an officer and Detective in patrol, gang crimes, and as a homicide investigator and Commander. As Rick moves up the ladder in rank, they discuss the changes and challenges in law enforcement, the benefits and rewards of working in different units, and Rick’s transition to becoming a successful self-published author after retiring from 29 years with the Chicago PD.

Murph interviews Peter Lapp, former local police officer in PA, and retired FBI special agent. Pete discusses his military time, his decision to pursue a law enforcement career, and the importance of serving the community and his country. While in the FBI, they talk about Pete’s assignment to counter intelligence, and go into detail about the unveiling, arrest, and conviction of Ana Montes, a 17-year spy for Cuba and Fidel Castro. This includes Montes’ personality and motivations for spying against her own country, the emotional aspect of her espionage activities, and the challenges of interviewing her.

Murph interviews Peter Lapp, former local police officer in PA, and retired FBI special agent. Pete discusses his military time, his decision to pursue a law enforcement career, and the importance of serving the community and his country. While in the FBI, they talk about Pete’s assignment to counter intelligence, and go into detail about the unveiling, arrest, and conviction of Ana Montes, a 17-year spy for Cuba and Fidel Castro. This includes Montes’ personality and motivations for spying against her own country, the emotional aspect of her espionage activities, and the challenges of interviewing her.

Murph talks with retired Phoenix Police Office Heidi Chance about her background and career in law enforcement. Heidi also talks about her work in human trafficking and the difficulties of investigating these crimes. She discusses the shift from viewing prostitutes as suspects to recognizing them as victims. Heidi provides insight into the dangers of the internet and social media in the context of human trafficking, and pitfalls to be aware of. She also talks about her book, 'Talk to Them: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Youth in the Digital Age,' which provides guidance on how to have conversations with children about the dangers of trafficking. Additionally, Heidi offers training and consulting services to law enforcement agencies and community organizations to combat trafficking.

Murph talks with retired Phoenix Police Office Heidi Chance about her background and career in law enforcement. Heidi also talks about her work in human trafficking and the difficulties of investigating these crimes. She discusses the shift from viewing prostitutes as suspects to recognizing them as victims. Heidi provides insight into the dangers of the internet and social media in the context of human trafficking, and pitfalls to be aware of. She also talks about her book, 'Talk to Them: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Youth in the Digital Age,' which provides guidance on how to have conversations with children about the dangers of trafficking. Additionally, Heidi offers training and consulting services to law enforcement agencies and community organizations to combat trafficking.

Murph and Seth Griffith discuss his background, experiences in the military, including his time as a Tech P in the Air Force, and his deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He reflects on the stressors of military and first responder careers and how they can affect families. Seth discusses his journey to finding faith and the importance of seeking help and counseling. They go into the work of Aerial Recovery, a Nashville-based nonprofit organization that focuses on disaster relief, anti-human trafficking, and healing veterans and first responders. Seth emphasizes the need for awareness and support in these areas and encourages listeners to get involved.

Murph and Seth Griffith discuss his background, experiences in the military, including his time as a Tech P in the Air Force, and his deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He reflects on the stressors of military and first responder careers and how they can affect families. Seth discusses his journey to finding faith and the importance of seeking help and counseling. They go into the work of Aerial Recovery, a Nashville-based nonprofit organization that focuses on disaster relief, anti-human trafficking, and healing veterans and first responders. Seth emphasizes the need for awareness and support in these areas and encourages listeners to get involved.

Murph interviews Jenna Griffith, a military spouse and advocate for the unsung heroes of military and first responder families. They discuss Jenna's background, her rebellious teenage years, her journey into motherhood, marriage, addiction, divorce, and finding love again. Jenna shares her experiences as a military spouse, the challenges she faced while her husband was deployed, and the impact it has on relationships. She shares her personal journey of healing and finding happiness, and the work she does in helping others through providing support to military and first responder spouses.

Murph interviews Jenna Griffith, a military and first responder spouse, and advocate for the unsung heroes of military and first responder families. They discuss Jenna's background, her rebellious teenage years, her journey into motherhood, marriage, addiction, divorce, and finding love again. Jenna shares her experiences as a military spouse, the challenges she faced while her husband was deployed, and the impact it has on relationships. She shares her personal journey of healing and finding happiness, and the work she does in helping others through providing support to military and first responder spouses.

Murph interviews retired DEA Special Agent Mike Chavarria. They discuss Mike's background, his career in law enforcement, and his experiences in the field working as a “border rat” and his overseas experiences in Mexico, Bolivia, and Costa Rica. They also touch on topics such as martial arts, the challenges of being a federal agent, and the importance of mental health in law enforcement. And they discuss corruption in Mexico and their experiences with 'mordida' or bribery.

Murph interviews retired DEA Special Agent Mike Chavarria. They discuss Mike's background, his career in law enforcement, and his experiences in the field working as a “border rat,” along with his overseas experiences in Mexico, Bolivia, and Costa Rica. They also touch on topics such as martial arts, the challenges of being a federal agent, and the importance of mental health in law enforcement. And they discuss corruption in Mexico and their experiences with 'mordida' or bribery.

In this episode, Morgan and Murph announce some changes to the podcast. Morgan shares that he will be leaving the show to focus on personal and professional commitments, including a new opportunity with a cybersecurity company and a potential TV show. Murph will continue hosting the podcast and plans to bring on more fantastic guests. They also discuss their recent trip to search for the lost clipper in Chuuk, Micronesia, where they found concrete with chicken wire and other artifacts.