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Cops and Writers Podcast

Patrick O'Donnell
Law Enforcement
Mental Health
FBI
ATF
Homicide
Police Procedures
Undercover Operations
Milwaukee
Human Trafficking
Domestic Violence
Hells Angels
PTSD
True Crime
Venezuela
Miami
DEA
Death Investigation
NYPD
COPS
U.S. Secret Service

Cops and Writers is a podcast hosted by retired police sergeant and author, Patrick O'Donnell. The podcast provides valuable insights and humor for crime writers who want to create accurate and believable police stories. O'Donnell conducts in-depth interviews with members of law enforcement and civilian experts, discussing police procedures and culture. He also interviews crime fiction writers and... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes329Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeComedy

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Artwork for Cops and Writers Podcast

Latest Episodes

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In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reads Chapter 5, A Good Judge of Character, from his upcoming book:

Police Stories: Street Cop to Sergeant — True Crime, Chaos, & ... more

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What the Flock is going on? Thanks for joining me and my partner in crime for today's show: retired 20-year NYPD detective, podcaster, and author Marique Bartoldus! On today's show, Marique (Monz) will break down the hysteria, misin... more

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reads Chapter 4, Not the Villages, from his upcoming book:

Police Stories: Street Cop to Sergeant — True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a... more

YouTube

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I wanted to start today’s episode with a warning. Today’s episode went down some very dark roads and the subject matter is sensitive. We discussed the vicious murders of Cora, Dawson, and Callan Clancy at the hands of their mother, ... more

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Recent Guests

George Sichler
Author, instructor, film consultant, public speaker, and NYPD Detective
New York Police Department (retired)
Episode: NYPD Special Ops Detective George Sichler. Scuba Unit, Gang Crimes, & Training Keanu Reeves For John Wick (Part One)
Kevin Grogan
Former Savannah Police Department Homicide Detective, Army Combat Veteran, screenwriter, producer, and author
Savannah Police Department
Episode: Savannah Homicide Detective Kevin Grogan: No Greater Honor, No Bigger Failure (Part Two)
Mark Lamb
Sheriff, former 24th Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona
Former Sheriff of Pinal County; Congressional candidate
Episode: One Ride Along Changed Everything-America's Sheriff Mark Lamb (Part 1)
Owen Hanson
Entrepreneur, former international betting operator and cartel associate, subject of Cocaine Quarterback documentary
Independent entrepreneur (California Kid / California Ice Protein)
Episode: The California Kid: Owen Hanson's Journey from Cartel Kingpin to Frozen Protein Bars. Prison, Power, & Purpose!
J. Todd Scott
Former DEA special agent, author, producer, and writer for Dutton Ranch
DEA (former), Author, Producer
Episode: DEA Agent J. Todd Scott: From Busting International Drug Dealers to Writing and Producing Dutton Ranch (Part Two)
J Todd Scott
DEA agent turned writer and producer; author of crime novels; involved in TV/film projects including Dutton Ranch
Former DEA Special Agent
Episode: DEA Agent J. Todd Scott: From Busting International Drug Dealers to Writing and Producing Dutton Ranch (Part One)
Michael Martinez
Police Officer, San Diego Police Department; OIS survivor and Wellness Unit member
San Diego Police Department
Episode: Police Officer Mike Martinez: Surviving 3 Life and Death Incidents in His First 18 Months as a Cop (Part Two)
Mike Martinez
Police Officer, San Diego Police Department, OIS survivor and wellness advocate
San Diego Police Department
Episode: Police Officer Mike Martinez: Surviving 3 Life and Death Incidents in His First 18 Months as a Cop (Part One)
Jennifer Clark Eskew
Former Virginia State Trooper, retired ATF Senior Special Agent, undercover operations expert
ATF, Virginia State Police
Episode: Undercover Trooper & ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew. Becoming Fire! (Part Two)

Host

Patrick O'Donnell
Host with a background as a police sergeant and crime writer, known for interviewing law-enforcement professionals and crime authors.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 95 ratings
  • Great, good and funny

    Super interesting stories

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Annapannatje
    Netherlands9 months ago
  • Very entertaining

    A must listen if you enjoy good cop stories. My favorite ones are the NYPD interviews.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    John Hager
    United Statesa year ago
  • Highly Interesting/Engaging Show

    Patrick is a fantastic interviewer, and his guests bring fascinating insight on all things law enforcement, criminal activity, and true crime mentality. You won’t be disappointed in giving this show a listen. High quality production!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Scottie Lindsay
    United Statesa year ago
  • I love this show!

    I absolutely love this show. The creator interviews the most interesting guests (both law enforcement AND criminals/reformed criminals). I follow the Facebook group, too, and although I don’t post often, I do once in a while and have gained a TON of knowledge from the community.

    I’ve been following this podcast on Spotify for a while. When I realized my MacBook comes with Apple Podcasts I decided to follow here, too. Looking forward to more excellent interviews to come!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KayEm777
    United Statesa year ago
  • Cops and Writers is a great podcast

    Patrick is an awesome host. Very knowledgeable, great question and insight. I enjoyed being in the show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Caliman1995
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Shows strong interview quality and high production value with engaging discussions.
Listeners appreciate the host's inside perspective on policing and the guests' diverse expertise.
Audience notes authenticity and actionable insights for crime writing and policing.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

DEA Agent J. Todd Scott: From Busting International Drug Dealers to Writing and Producing Dutton Ranch (Part Two)
Q: What was the big break or epiphany in your writing career?
The epiphany was recognizing that writing is work—breaking it down into manageable daily output—rather than waiting for inspiration. This shift made it possible to move from patient, incremental progress to selling a first major book and eventually transitioning into screenwriting.
Undercover Trooper & ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew. Becoming Fire! (Part Two)
Q: What was the most memorable assignment you had with the ATF? What sticks in your head the best, or worst, depending on how you look at it?
The guest recalls the Pentagon response after 9/11, describing rapid deployment, the coordination with RT, the intense search and recovery work, and the enduring impact on agents' health and careers, including the experience of 9/11–related illnesses and the ongoing health programs that followed.
30 Years. 50 Banks. How FBI Agent Ray Carr Caught the Most Prolific Bank Robber in History. (Part 2)
Q: How did you first connect the many bank robberies to a single suspect?
Carr explains building a profile from hundreds of files and bunkers, cross-referencing locations and habits, and connecting clues like the woods-based egress and the high-level education that suggested a unique, deliberate criminal.
Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, Resilience Under Fire: The Early Years of a Female Cop Who Refused to Quit. (Part One)
Q: What were the biggest obstacles you faced as the only woman in your academy class?
She recounts harassment, aggressive hazing, physical demands, and a culture of misconduct in the academy, which she confronted by staying focused, excelling in fitness and academics, and later influencing policy and training reforms.
Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, Resilience Under Fire: The Early Years of a Female Cop Who Refused to Quit. (Part One)
Q: What was the path from dispatcher to becoming a police officer like for you?
She explains starting as a school dispatcher during high school, then moving to Naperville after testing in the early 1980s, attending a Cook County Sheriff's Police Academy, and facing intense, often biased training that shaped her approach to policing and leadership.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cops and Writers Podcast

What is Cops and Writers Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A crime-focused interview show that blends inside looks at law enforcement with craft and publishing advice. Guests range from seasoned officers and federal agents to crime writers and forensic professionals, discussing procedures, leadership, wellness, and the realities of policing, often with a storytelling angle for writers and readers who crave authentic detail. Noteworthy traits include a retired-law-enforcement host's firsthand perspective, a willingness to cover controversial topics (immigration policy, gun laws, accountability), and a steady emphasis on accuracy for those writing crime fiction or seeking deeper understanding of policing culture.

Where can I find podcast stats for Cops and Writers Podcast?

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How many listeners does Cops and Writers Podcast get?

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How many subscribers and views does Cops and Writers Podcast have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Cops and Writers Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Cops and Writers Podcast:

1. Game of Crimes
2. Things Police See: Firsthand Accounts
3. Mike Drop
4. Locked In with Ian Bick
5. FBI Case File Review

How many episodes of Cops and Writers Podcast are there?

Cops and Writers Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 329 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Cops and Writers Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on Cops and Writers Podcast?

Recent guests on Cops and Writers Podcast include:

1. George Sichler
2. Kevin Grogan
3. Mark Lamb
4. Owen Hanson
5. J. Todd Scott
6. J Todd Scott
7. Michael Martinez
8. Mike Martinez

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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