Badass in Heels

What does it take to step inside a violent extremist movement — and live to tell the story? Scott Payne, a former FBI undercover agent who infiltrated white supremacist networks from the inside talks about his book Code Name: Pale Horse. Not from a distance. Not from theory. But by living among them, earning trust, and exposing how radicalization really works.We talk about what extremism looks like from the inside.This is a raw, eye-opening conversation about ideology, danger, and the cost of going undercover to protect others.Let’s get into it.

Do you have a personal safety plan? Listen to retired FBI Special Agent, Rob Chadwick, former head of the FBI's Tactical Training Program, who joined me to talk about his book "The Practical Guide to Personal Security : Become a Competent and Confident Stakeholder in Your Own Safety." We discuss situational awareness, instinct, use of force, the importance of "what if scenarios" and having a plan. Law enforcement will not always be there or respond swiftly, so you might need to save yourself. #personalsafety #fbi #situationalawareness #trustyourgut

Exploring female serial killers, research, and the fearless women who bring crime fiction to life with #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner.Lisa is known for her razor-sharp psychological thrillers rooted in real-world law enforcement and FBI research. A self-described “research junkie,” she’s shadowed cadaver-dog teams, toured the FBI Academy, and studied serial-killer psychology to bring authenticity to every page.Her acclaimed Frankie Elkin series follows an ordinary woman on an extraordinary mission — finding missing people the world has forgotten — while her beloved characters like Detective D.D. Warren and FBI agent Kimberly Quincy showcase the strength and resilience of women who refuse to break.Gardner’s work blends procedural precision, forensic realism, and emotional depth — making her one of the most compelling voices in modern crime fiction.#LisaGardner #BadassInHeelsPodcast #TrueCrimePodcast #ThrillerAuthor #CrimeFiction #serial killers

Lisa Bailey, former FBI Forensic Artist and author of Clay and Bones, joined me talk about her 18 years in the Bureau. Lisa brought faces back to life—working scenes from 9/11 to looking for skulls at the Body Farm, giving names to the unidentified, and dignity to the forgotten. She is the expert on skull-rendering and through her work she solved numerous crimes, to include a double-homicide. Her story is haunting, human, and unforgettable. #truecrime #fbi #womenwhoinspire #skullsandbones #forensic 

This unique episode dives deep into one of the most shocking espionage cases in U.S. history. Retired FBI Special Agent Pete Lapp and journalist and author Kelly Kennedy join me to discuss their gripping book, The Queen of Cuba — the true story of Ana Montes, a senior DIA analyst who secretly spied for Cuba for 17 years. #spies #counterintelligence #books #truecrime #fbi #womenspies #anamontes

Secrets, danger & deception. Get ready for a fascinating journey into the undercover world with retired FBI Special Agent Dana Ridenour. Dana worked UC work for 13 years, several times working under deep cover. Dana shares her FBI journey and her three books Behind The Mask, Beyond The Cabin, and Below The Radar. Listen to the podcast, then read her badass stories!#undercover #deepcover #secrets #deception #fiction #truecrime #books #fbi

What was it like to join the FBI in the 1970s? Rosemary Dew joined as the 96th female Special Agent and became the 7th female Supervisory Special Agent--a true pioneer. She dedicated 13 years to the Bureau, where she experienced numerous challenges, but also great laughs. Rosemary authored No Back UP taking us through a fantastic journey, where some stories are quite unbelievable, funny, jaw dropping, heartbreaking and heart-felt. Rosemary is a true badass, full of courage and resilience, who after resigning from the FBI, joined the DIA where in her 60s she found herself traveling to Afghanistan and even being arrested at Heathrow airport. Rosemary also shares a little a bit about her other books, her trip to Mother Teresa's house in Calcutta and her newest book on FBI whistleblowers. Get ready for mind blowing stories! #fbi #pioneer #newbook #fbiwoman #lawenforcement #inspiration #truecrime

Retired Special Agent Jeremy Rebmann unveils his captivating journey in his memoir, Send Me, Chronicles of an FBI Sniper. From his early days as a case agent to the rigorous selection process, and ultimately becoming a sniper tasked with hunting down terrorists and criminals, Jeremy offers an exclusive glimpse into the intense world of FBI SWAT. This riveting account is a must-read for anyone curious about the life of an FBI SWAT operator and sniper! #fbiswat #sniper #newepisode #newbook

Katherine Schweit is an accomplished author, attorney, andformer FBI special agent. With a background in journalism and law, she served as a Chicago prosecutor before joining the FBI, where she investigated major crimes and worked closely on mass casualty and active shooter cases. Schweit is the author of "Stop the Killing: How to End theMass Shooting Crisis," "How to Talk About Guns with Anyone," and Women Who Talk to the Dead. Get ready to listen to true crime, the story of 200 forgotten murder victims and the relentess pursuit of justice by an FBI Agent and a Detroit police detective. #fbi #police #truecrime #unsolvedmurders #newbook #detroit

Jerri Williams, kicks off Authors' Row, a series that highlights FBI and non-FBI authors that write about the FBI! Jerri is a former FBI special agent with 26 years of experience, who dedicated her career to exposing the schemes of con artists and corrupt officials. Leveraging her expertise, she writes crime fiction and hosts the popular FBI Case File Review podcast, featuring interviews with retired agents about high-profile cases. Her work aims to dispel media myths about the FBI, as showcased in her book FBI Myths and Misconceptions. She also authored crime novels centered on FBI agent Kari Wheeler, exploring themes of fraud and corruption. Recognized for her contributions, Jerri was honored as a G-Man Honors Distinguished Service Honoree by the FBI Agents Association in 2021, highlighting her ongoing support for the FBI community. #fbi #author #podcaster #bestseller #fiction

In this episode of Badass in Heels, Hannah, a remarkable woman who has made her mark in the world of shooting and extreme sports shares her journey from growing up on a ranch in Colorado to becoming a professional mountain biker and breaking barriers as a female athlete. She discusses the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, her experiences with relationships and motherhood, and the impact of infidelity on her life. Throughout the conversation, Hannah emphasizes the importance of resilience, determination, and staying true to oneself. In this conversation, Hannah shares her transformative journey through multiple marriages, personal struggles, and the discovery of self-compassion. She discusses the challenges of being a single mother, her awakening to her passion for firearms, and how she integrates her femininity into her training.  Hannah discusses her mission to empower women through firearms training and self-defense awareness; and, she emphasizes the importance of responsible gun ownership, continuous learning, and situational awareness. Hannah shares her unique approach to training, including her Mocktails and Mace events, which combine self-defense education with a fun and engaging atmosphere. Our conversation highlights the need for women to take their safety seriously and to be prepared for any situation they may encounter. **Listener discretion is advised, content includes explicit words and discussions about suicide.**

Captain Julie Rodriguez stands as a beacon of dedicationand resilience, boasting an impressive 28 years of unwavering service with the Los Angeles Police Department. Her journey is a tapestry woven with rich experiences, spanning over two decades in pivotal supervisory roles. Beginning her illustrious career in 1996, she embraced various positions, from a vigilantpolice officer to an agile bicycle officer, a dedicated field training officer, and an undercover vice officer. Her relentless pursuit of excellence propelled her to the esteemed rank of Detective, where she played a crucial role in theelite Robbery Homicide Division and the Rape Special Section, tackling numeroushigh-profile sexual assault cases with tenacity and skill. In 2005, her exemplary performance earned her a promotion to Sergeant, where she took on themantle of a patrol supervisor and mobile field force squad leader, navigating significant events across the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles.In 2012, Julie's ascent continued as she embraced therole of Lieutenant Watch Commander, skillfully overseeing a formidable team of 75 officers and six sergeants. Her leadership journey has been marked by her tenure as the Officer-in-Charge of a Gang Impact Team, where she adeptlymanaged a uniformed gang unit, a narcotics unit, and a vice unit, demonstrating her multifaceted expertise. Furthermore, she has served as Adjutant to the Chief of Staff, working closely with the Chief of Police, and commanded the West Valley Detectives, supervising a dynamic team of 50 detectives and five professional staff, including three insightful Crime Analysts. In December 2023, Julie reached a new pinnacle in her career, being promoted to Captain and entrusted with the leadership of the Wilshire Division, where she currently oversees a robust team of 275 police officers, 30 field sergeants, and fourlieutenants, embodying the spirit of service and commitment to her community.

Hey there! Ever wondered what it's like to get an inside look at the FBI without actually becoming an employee? Meet Alicia Wadas, a remarkable civilian leader who shares her leadership journey to becoming the President of the FBI’s National Citizens Academy Alumni Association. She's all about building bridges between communities and the FBI. And guess what? In 2023, she earned a one of a kind award from the FBI director. Get inspired by her story!

Suzanna Hasnay is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent with over 20 years of law enforcement experience and is now the President of Fredericksburg, Virginia-based PoliceSpirit, LLC, where she trains on mindfulness-based strategies for human performance, leadership and well-being primarily for law enforcement and public safety professionals. After retiring from the Bureau, she became the first mindfulness and yoga coach for its Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and is a mindfulness trainer for HRT’s New Operator Training School (NOTS) and specialized FBI bomb technicians. Suzanna gets real and shares her origin story, challenges, successes, and self-discovery journey- a journey that led her to the FBI and eventually to finding mindfulness. She also shares with us her amazing trip to Nepal and tips on how to find mindfulness at the end of your day. Tune in today!   

In this episode, Doris Garcia-Smith shares her unique journey from having a passion to ballet and the arts to joining the NYPD and the FBI. While at the NYPD she worked patrol, responded to emergency calls, worked an 8-month assignment in support of 911, worked in the press office, and worked in a vice/undercover unit. A New Yorker at heart, she calls the NYPD her first passion. After 12 years of service at the NYPD, she joined the FBI as a Staff Operations Specialist (SOS), where she was embedded with Counterintelligence squads in NYC and later supported the Agency as an Intelligence Analyst in Washington, D.C. Doris' passion to serve continues today as she works as a background investigator. To learn more about her, tune in today or visit badassinheels.com.

Ready to be inspired? The last episode of 2024 brings you an enthralling conversation with retired Supervisory Special Agent Sarah Draper, who takes us through her journey from West Point to the FBI! Sarah served in the Army for 8 years, was stationed in Germany and South Korea and served during the Kosovo war as an officer in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps. She then joined the Bureau, where she did amazing criminal, cyber-terrorism, and espionage work for 20 years. Her final assignment with the FBI was as an instructor at the FBI National Academy, where she realized the need for leaders to discuss wellness. She is now the owner of Leading Well Strategies and if you are in dire need of coaching or a wellness talk, Sarah is your gal. If you have been wondering how to be more present, Sarah shares some tips with us. 

Special Agent Alex Montilla has been with the FBI for almost 30 years and she is unstoppable. She has worked violent crimes against children, counterintelligence matters, and over 300 kidnappings. In this episode Alex candidly shares her personal story and some of her cases, such as the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Natalee Holloway. She has been in the Miami's extraterritorial squad for 18 years and for the longest time she was the only woman in the squad defying stereotypes. Her frequent deployments to hotspots around the globe, including Haiti, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, and Belize, are part of her commitment to confronting injustice. Alex is a trailblazer who received the prestigious Attorney General Award and the FBI Director’s Award for excellence in casework.

Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Debbie Michaels shares with us her 37-year journey with the Bureau. Debbie was recruited while in high school and went to do extraordinary work, from being a founding member of the FBI's first national initiative against online child exploitation to working narcotics and violent crimes. She ascended the ladder and led command posts, provided active shooter training to law enforcement officers nationwide and ended her career at Quantico as the counselor of the National Academy class session 284. For her extraordinary efforts, Debbie was recognized by WIFLE as female federal law enforcement officer in 2019! But it's not all about work--Debbie gets real and shares with us her personal story and also provides valuable advice to aspiring female Special Agents. Tune in today to listen to Debbie's badass story.

Canadian author Steve Urszenyi kicks off season 4 and lets us in the world of FBI Special Agent Alex Martel. Steve's second novel "Out in the Cold" comes out this November (2024) and Alex comes back as the main character. Alex is a sharpshooter, a kickass fighter, and a great investigator. More than that, she’s fiercely loyal and determined to mete out justice on her terms, even if she pushes boundaries when doing so. Out in the Cold is an enthralling, can't-put-down fiction book, full of high-energy and badasserie, but Alex is not all fiction, she embodies the skills many FBI and law enforcement women have! Get ready to embark into a world where you have to wonder "is this real or fiction!!"

Have you heard of the 30x30 initiative? Tanya Meisenholder, Maureen McGough and Yvonne Roman, the fabulous ladies from 30x30, joined me to chat about this amazing initiative. An initiative that is making waves as it changes the world for policewomen. If you've ever wondered what the 30x30 is and what it is not, this episode is for you!  If you are a law enforcement organization and still have not signed the pledge, what are you waiting for?! Listen to this episode and join these amazing ladies and the hundreds of federal, state, and even foreign law enforcement organizations that have joined. To learn more about the 30x30, please visit their site https://30x30initiative.org. 

Police woman Kelsey Serck, a warrior who battled stage IV cancer at the young age of 16, has joined me to share her journey. Before her law enforcement career, Kelsey interned with the Children’s Miracle Network, giving back to families facing cancer. Now serving at the Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department, she supports veterans with empathy. She and I talked about how important our veterans are and how significant it is to have compassionate officers, who can take a holistic approach when responding to a call of a veteran in crisis--after all they are the reason for our freedom and why you and I can live the American dream. Previously, Kelsey worked as an Adult Protective Specialist for the State of South Dakota, as a 911 Dispatcher, and as a Law Enforcement Officer. #veterans #veteranspolice #policewoman #policeofficer #leadwithcompassion #cancerwarrior #truestories #careers #lawenforcement

Imagine being the first American police woman to train with Scotland Yard, to go on an executive mission to Haiti, and to be asked to create the first police academy in Kosovo, and then learning years later that a female law enforcement trainee, became the president of Kosovo! Lynn Holland, who was over 30 plus years of domestic and internationally law enforcement experience, joined me to talk about her journey in law enforcement. From her family background, to attending three different police academies, from being teased and borderline bullied during her initial years, to receiving awards and becoming the first at many things! Lynn is a trailblazer that despite the obstacles presented to her for being a police woman in the 1980s and 1990s, did extraordinary things.Lynn was unstoppable! Lynn inspires with her resilience and determination, and her passion for what she did and continues to do today as a Senior Advisor for the Department of Justice is tangible and empowering. Tune in today and listen to her riveting story and the self-development tips she gives us! #policewoman #truestories #crime #empowerment #women

Nicole Romero, retired police officer from the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), joined me to share her journey, from going through both the #MDPD and the Miami Fire and Rescue application process, to medically retiring after 12 years of service. Nicole opens up about what it was like to go through the MDPD Academy as a single mom and the tragic accident that ended her career. Nicole and I talk about her first assignment and how being in a high-crime area really means ”hit the ground running” and truly learning how to investigate shootings, gangs, and dealing with crime scenes.  We also talked about challenges women in law enforcement face--challenges not in leadership or ascending the ladder, but ones that can keep you alive--like staying in shape, weapon retention, and having presence. Tune in today to listen to her inspiring story! #MiamiDadePD #womeninlawenforcement #truestories #womenempowerment

Detective Michelle McAllister has been with the Prince William County Police Department, Virginia for almost 19 years. Detective McAllister takes us through an inspiring and riveting story of her journey into law enforcement. Inspired by her father, who was in the Secret Service, she decided to pursue her own path in the PD., working narcotics, crimes against children, gangs, and even working undercover while pregnant, and while being embedded with various task forces to include the FBI, certainly earns her the badass badge. Detective McAllister shares with us personal anecdotes of challenging times, and how she knew when it was time to move on to other squads. We also discuss the stigma that "women can't be cops," something fellow male officers still hold onto still in 2024.  She is close to retirement, but it's definitely leaving a footprint. She has established and is running a mentoring program within her department, a program that aims to educate, inspire, and empower other police women. Tune in today to listen to another extraordinary police woman! This episode contains conversations about crimes against children, suicide, and material that some might find sensitive or offensive, discretion is advised.

This new episode is a bit different! Law enforcement is not for everyone and Jessica Flores, a transition coach and former police woman, opens up and tells her story. She shares stories from her 9 1/2 years in law enforcement, from her initial journey at the age of 21, the challenges she experienced at her department, to include being shot at and suffering a hand-injury, all which became factors in her decision to leave the force. She and I also talk about domestic violence (DV) and how being in an abusive relationship affected her perceptions when responding to DV calls. Years later, Jess has reinvented herself and now helps current and retired law enforcement officers, who are on the fence and pondering ”should I stay or should I go?” She is also the host Next Shift Podcast, Life After Law Enforcement, the platform she uses to help those who are struggling with transitioning into the civilian world.  *Episode contains a few words that might be offensive to some, discretion is advised. #domestic violence #lawenforcement #police #career #lifeafterlawenforcement #women

This is a short narration of my blog entry on the October 7th massacre. In December of 2023, I was invited to the Israeli embassy for a private screening of video footage depicting part of the attack. I saw approximately 140 people get killed, and many taken hostages. This episode contains details that are graphic and upsetting, discretion is advised. #hamasisraelwar #october7massacre

Heidi Chance, retired Detective from the Phoenix Police Department, has 27 years of law enforcement experience, 13 of those years working deep undercover in the dark sex trafficking world. Heidi shares her journey, from being inspired by her father, a retired police officer, who also served in the Phoenix P.D. for 26 years, to  joining law enforcement at age 18 and becoming the first female cadet! In this cadet program, Heidi was assigned badge #2! She then takes us through her career and talks to us about her role as an undercover and putting away monsters for life. Heidi shares with us cases that will expose you to monsters, to victims, and to people like Heidi and her team, who work to protect our tweens and teenagers. This is an episode you don’t want to miss! *Disclaimer: This episode contains language that might be offensive to some. Discretion is advised.

Sarah Shendy, Ohio’s first Egyptian-Muslim female police sergeant, takes us on a journey from Cairo to Ohio, talking to us about her life in Egypt, immigrating to the US, challenges she faced in school, and her amazing 16-year law enforcement career. Sarah tells us about the challenges she faced at a young age, which exposed her to the DARE program, a program that changed her life. Sarah herself later on gave back and ran her own DARE, which was on steroids! Sarah has been doing amazing policing work building a bridge between the Arab community and law enforcement. She was recently named an Arab-America Foundation 40/40 honoree! Listen to Sarah, who is an amazing human, woman, and police officer! #policewoman #police #womanempowerment #badasspodcast

In this episode, Lindsay shares her fascinating life story, and opens up with many personal anecdotes: from her childhood to losing her father at age 17, to experiencing post-partum depression, to tragically and senselessly losing a colleague at her police department. She also recounts the day she was shot, ,how it not only impacted her but her family as well, and how she made the tough decision to medically retire after almost 17 years of service. Today, Lindsay is a keynote speaker at many events where she shares her story and talks about challenges, resilience, and survival. Today, listen to Lindsay’s inspiring story and gain a new perspective on the challenges faced by law enforcement officers! #podcast #lawenforcement #policewomen #careers #bi #womenempowerment #crime #resilience #trauma #inspirationalstory

Kristen Ziman kicks off Season 3, a special Season dedicated to our women in Blue!  Kristen broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman Chief of Police of the Aurora Police Department in Illinois. She had an extraordinary 30-year career and in this riveting episode she shares her personal and professional stories. A journey into the law enforcement world that is full of emotions, learning, challenges and successes! From the people who inspired her, to chasing a bad guy, to realizing words are powerful, to letting criticism become fuel, she has a real conversation about what it was like to be a woman in the police world! Listen now to learn all about Kristen!

Jennifer Cormack closes season 2 with her extraordinary story! From wanting to be a photographer, to joining the army to then becoming a badass FBI Special Agent, Jen shares her journey with us. Jen talks to us about why she joined the army, her role as a hazmat member in the 2009 crash of Continental Express flight 3407, which led to her receiving an Impact Award, how she earned a QSI (quality step increase) later in Las Vegas, and her roles as LNO (liaison officer) for CENTCOM and SOCCENT. Jen and I also discuss her post-retirement life and her role in ICITAP EMPoWER, Skull Games and her own private eye! For a retired agent, Jen surely stays busy!

This episode concludes my EMPoWER micro series! Grace Mason from the Department of State and Sugi Gomathinayagam from the Department of Justice close out this mighty episode. Sugi shares her personal story and talks to us about her journey in the Peace Corps in Ukraine, the amazing work she did in the Balkans, and her current role as Acting Deputy Assistant Director for the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistant Program (ICITAP) Europe and Eurasia Region. Grace talks to us about the importance of the USG’ Women in Peace and Security program and Lynn Holland surprises me with a shout-out near the end!

In this episode, Lynn Holland and Vanessa DuBoulay, two amazing women from the Department of Justice ICITAP EMPoWER, the International Criminal Investigative Assistance Program, Engaging Multinational Police Women in Equality and Rights, share with us their personal stories and journey into the EMPoWER world. Learn about Lynn and her phenomenal 33 career in law enforcement as she talks to us about becoming the first U.S. female peacekeeper to be sent to Haiti and working high-profile cases in Kosovo during the Kosovo war.  Tune in to listen to  Vanessa, who has had a passion for international affairs since she was a teenager, and who is now making waves elevating the policewomen in Jordan and Kenya.

In honor of International Women’s Day, five extraordinary women from the Department of State and the Department of Justice joined me to talk about the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program, Engaging Multinational Police Women in Equality and Rights, ICITAP EMPoWER. This part 1 of the EMPoWER micro-series.  In today’s segment you will hear from Grace Mason, Program Manager for the U.S. Department of State, Counterterrorism Bureau Programs Office;  and, from Ivana Brennan,  Deputy Assistant Director for the ICITAP Global Programs and Women, Peace, & Security (WPS) Unit. Grace and Ivana share with us the importance of EMPoWER, whose mission is to increase the number of women in counterterrorism efforts around the world and develop them professionally by providing top-notch training and resources, and connecting them across regions. But like every Badass in Heels episode, Grace and Ivana  share their story letting us in their world. For more on Grace, Ivana, #ICITAP, and #EMPOWER visit my website.

Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Stacy Arruda shows us a glimpse into the cyber world at the FBI! She served in the FBI for 22 years and worked cyber most of her career, becoming a sought out subject matter expert. In this episode, Stacy shares her story, from working for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to to hunting down online sex predators via the first FBI’s online undercover operation. She talks to us about tracking state-sponsor hackers and investigating computer intrusion attacks, and she talks to us about the biggest cyber threats for people like you and I. This episode will surely keep you wired! Listen to Stacy’s story today to learn more about her phenomenal career and what she is up to now!

In this episode, retired Supervisory Special Agent Grace O'Neill takes us through her 24-year law enforcement career journey. From working as a police woman in the Chula Vista Police Department to her fabulous 21 year career in the Bureau in the Santa Ana Resident Agency, now known as Orange County RA, where she worked narcotics, white collar, and counterterrorism. Just as many of us law enforcement women, Grace struggled from the beginning of her career with finding the perfect suit! The little things that matter when you have to carry a weapon, creds, handcuffs, and are a woman! After retirement, she created Fit For Duty Clothier, which specializes in suits for law enforcement women- how spectacular is this! Tune in today to listen to her story, about her amazing work with the Bureau, and to listen more about FFD Clothier.

In this episode, retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Stephanie Yanta talks to us about her life and journey in law enforcement and in the military. From joining the Indiana University ROTC to becoming the first female Commander for a newly formed 638th Military Intelligence Battalion in Indiana, to joining the Bureau and kicking butt! Stephanie served in the FBI for 25 years, where she investigated cold homicide cases, narcotics, cyber, and terrorism. During her FBI tenure, Stephanie was the case agent of the largest drug seizure in the history of the D.C. area and was a member of the Hazardous Materials Response Team. Stephanie operated in overseas environments having deployed to the Middle East, Afghanistan three times, Europe and Africa. She earned the highest award within the Department of Justice, the Attorney General’s Award, for her efforts during the May 2010 Times Square attempted bombing. Stephanie retired as an FBI profiler from the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Tune in today to listen to her amazing story! #FBI #womeninlawenforcement #leadership #women

Retired Supervisory Special Agent Lou Ann Sandstrom served in the FBI for 28 years. In this episode, she takes us to the world of SWAT, having become the first female operator in the Oklahoma City Division. She shares with us her career from working narcotics, organized crime, terrorism, running and gunning in the reactive unit, becoming a crisis negotiator, and a polygrapher!

Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Beth O'Brien served in the FBI for 28 years! She worked civil rights and environmental violations and espionage at Oak Ridge, Knoxville. Are you thinking Oppenheimer? While in Norfolk, she racked up about 72 convictions and saved a man's life! She became the first SSA at the Knoxville office, where she also acted as Special Agent in Charge (SAC) and Acting Special Agent in Charge (ASAC), while still covering her SSA desk! Beth shares with us the challenges of being at the Academy and a new mom at HQ. Tune in now to listen to her amazing story-- from attorney to badass Special Agent!

Special Agent Amber Mann from the Omaha Field Office lets us in her journey in the world of the ATF and FBI. In her short tenure with the Bureau, Amber has worked white collar crime and human trafficking. She now leads the Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) task force, where she does extraordinary work saving children, teenagers and young adults from predators. Amber shares with us stories of "Runaway Girls," who perhaps had hope for a better life, but instead, fell pray to pimps and the on-line prostitution world. Listener discretion is advised.

Sasha Taylor medically retired from the FBI after serving for 11 years as an Intelligence Analyst. Sasha supported several portfolios at FBI Headquarters from counterterrorism to counterproliferation. In this episode, Sasha starts by talking to us about her early years, a very challenging episode of her life, in which she was forced into marriage as a child. Sasha shares her story, how she came out a survivor, and how she made it to the Bureau. She talks to us about what it was like to work at HQ, in different units and with different people. Sasha also shares how difficult it was to prematurely part ways with the Bureau. Sasha concludes by talking to us about how she is now an advocate against child marriage and violence against women, an effort that she effects through her consultant company Reality of a Desi Girl. Sasha's story is that of pain, of gender inequality and loss of rights, of traditions that have made their way to the United States, of suffering in silence, but most importantly of resilience and survival. This is an emotional charging episode, one that I hope educates you on the matter, and hopefully, it helps someone in need.

In the second part of episode 11, retired Supervisory Special Agent Rhonda Glover Reese talks to us about leadership. She tells us about the challenges of ascending the ladder into Senior Executive Service (SES) positions and how those challenges put her on the path of true leadership! She also shares with us about her many accolades, her decisions to start mentoring and coaching others, and her company the Rhonda M. Glover Group LLC.

Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese is a retired Supervisory Special Agent who served in the FBI for 34 years. She held various leadership roles from Program Manager/Program Coordinator, Supervisory Special Agent to Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC). She also had temporary duty assignments within the Senior Executive Service at FBIHQ. In part 1 of episode 11, Dr. Reese talks to us about her mother, a hidden figure! Yes, she was a mathematician for NASA! and how her mother was her inspiration. Dr. Reese talks to us about her journey into the Bureau, beginnings, progressions, her work as an Undercover Agent and leading narcotic investigations, and we begin our conversation about her leadership journey!

Larissa Knapp is the current Executive Assistant Director (EAD) of the FBI's National Security Branch. EAD Knapp is the highest-ranking FBI Special Agent and the first Asian American woman to achieve such branch. Talk about breaking the glass ceiling! EAD Knapp and I engage in a candid conversation about her life and career. Tune it to hear how a girl raised in New York climbed to the top and how she leads the FBI with excellence!

Special Guest Bob Dougherty, a retired CIA Operations Officer, with 26 years of Agency experience, 23 of which he spent undercover working terrorism matters, and I have a conversation about the Israel-Hamas war. We have a candid discussion and provide our thoughts on the war, perspectives based on working the Hamas threat and potential impact on the homeland, and talk about how to stay vigilant during these heightened state of security.

This is a Special Edition episode recorded in Spanish.  Retired SSA Doris Beaton has 27 years of federal government experience, 25 of those dedicated to the FBI. Doris started her career in the FBI in 1997 as a Clerk at the HIDTA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, then was promoted to FOIPA PA Paralegal Specialist. In the year 2000, she attended Quantico and became a Special Agent. During her career, Doris worked in San Juan, Puerto Rico and at HQ in Washington, DC. Doris worked investigations related to crimes against children, domestic and international terrorism, and, counterintelligence and espionage. She was the SSA for the domestic terrorism squad, HUMINT squad, and was a CHS Coordinator for the entire SJ office. Doris led counterintelligence efforts under the oversight of the White Office and she and her team received accolades and citations for their extraordinary work. Doris was also a firearms instructor, providing instruction for 15 years in the San Juan and in the Jacksonville, FL offices. Doris retired after 25 years from the Jacksonville office.

Retired FBI Special Agent Ida D'Antonio Hangen shares with us her journey into the law enforcement world and talks to us about her 22-year career in the Bureau. Ida who had a remarkable 28 year career in law enforcement, worked against human trafficking, crimes against children, and Indian Country Crime. From heart-wrenching cases to tips that can save our children and teenagers, this episode is not to be missed! Listener discretion is advised as there is sensitive content related to violence, sexual abuse, and suicide.

Retired FBI Special Agent Ida D'Antonio Hangen shares with us her journey into the law enforcement world and talks to us about her 22-year career in the Bureau. Ida worked against human trafficking, crimes against children, and Indian Country Crime. In this episode we learn about Ida and what motivated her to join law enforcement, from becoming a probation officer, to a cross-trained firefighter and police officer, to joining the FBI! A true Badass! She then talks to us about human trafficking. From heart-wrenching cases to tips that can save our children and teenagers, this episode is not to be missed! Listener discretion is advised.

This episode is dedicated to everyone who was affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to all of those who lost their lives that day, to their families, to everyone who responded from civilians to first responders, and to all of those whose lives were taken post 9/11 due to cancer and other health issues that arose from being at ground zero. Retired Special Agent Amy Loughney-Bytof, who had just joined the Bureau in 1998, and who was loving life in the Big Apple, joined me on the 22nd Anniversary of the attacks to speak about what it was like to be in the city that morning. Full of emotions, good and terrible memories from that tragic day, Amy reminisced about that morning. She is one of the many heroes nobody knows about. Amy put on her invisible cape and ran towards the epicenter to assist, not giving it a second thought; and, even as the towers were engulfed in flames, she searched for personal belongings and body parts at ground zero and at Fresh Kills landfill.  Luckily, she survived and was able to share with us her experience. She reminds us to never forget. God Bless America.

Let's immerse ourselves in the world of retired Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) Debra LaPrevotte. SSA LaPrevotte is an expert in Kleptocracy! In her 20-year career with the FBI, she seized over one billion dollars from foreign corrupt officials. But, she did not just sit at a desk examining boxes and following the money trail, she also did some badass work for the Evidence Response Team (ERT) processing crime scenes and disaster scenes. From bank robberies to identifying corpses! Since her retirement, SSA LaPrevotte has continued to work against human injustice, atrocities, and corruption in the most corrupt areas of the world! She has done this by being a Senior Investigator for the Sentry, which is owned by George Clooney and John Pendergast! How badass is she!