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

This week on GOLD SHIELDS, we take you into the heart of modern aerial warfare with an unforgettable interview featuring Mary Howe, a former U.S. Air Force AC-130 Gunner whose courage, precision, and leadership helped protect American troops in some of the world’s most dangerous combat zones.

Born into a family with a deep and legendary tradition of military service, Mary Howe answered the call to serve with honor, carrying forward a legacy of sacrifice, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to country. As an elite gunner aboard the feared AC-130 gunship, Mary operated one of the most powerful close-air-support aircraft ever built—providing devastating firepower and lifesaving protection for troops on the ground.

Mary and her crew became a lifeline for soldiers under fire, delivering precision strikes when seconds meant the difference between life and death.

This is a powerful conversation about heroism, combat, military aviation, patriotism, and the warriors who defend freedom from above.

Don’t miss this incredible episode of GOLD SHIELDS—where real heroes tell their true stories.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Gold Shields and Guest Background
01:22 Mary Howe's Military Family Legacy
03:11 Choosing the Air Force: A Personal Journey
05:41 The AC-130U Gunship: Capabilities and Operations
09:54 First Mission Experience: A Life-Changing Moment
14:22 Subsequent Missions: Learning and Adapting
16:04 Decompression After Missions: Coping Mechanisms
17:15 Deployment Insights: Duration and Frequency
21:16 Life After Deployment: Balancing Work and Personal Life
22:14 Diverse Combat Experiences: Afghanistan vs. Iraq
25:04 Transitioning from Military to Nursing
27:12 Challenges in Nursing: From NICU to Aesthetics
30:33 Personal Growth and Resilience
32:39 Current Role: Supporting Veterans
34:57 The Impact of Service on Personal Life
38:38 Faith and Self-Worth: A Journey of Healing

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This week on GOLD SHIELDS, prepare for an edge-of-your-seat interview with Trevor Fortner, a U.S. Navy veteran and elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) expert who spent years confronting some of the deadliest ticking time bombs in combat zones around the world.

When every second matters… how do you decide which wire to cut?

What goes through your mind when one wrong move could mean instant death? How do bomb technicians stay calm while facing unimaginable pressure?

Trevor takes us deep inside the terrifying reality of bomb disposal, IED detection, military special operations, and the life-or-death decisions that few people on Earth will ever understand.

But this conversation goes far beyond explosives.

Trevor also delivers powerful insight into the importance of leadership and why great leaders change lives, why leadership matters in every profession, and how strong leadership can shape teams, families, and personal success.

You do not want to miss Episode 167 of GOLD SHIELDS.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to EOD and Special Ops Mindset
03:11 The Journey to EOD: Personal Experiences and Inspirations
05:58 Training and Challenges in EOD School
08:59 First Experiences and Lessons Learned in the Field
12:00 Understanding Bomb Makers and Their Signatures
15:12 The Reality of Bomb Disposal: Insights from the Field
18:04 Hollywood vs. Reality: The Hurt Locker Discussion
29:25 Decompressing After High-Stakes Missions
35:23 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
36:25 Everyday Spy: Bridging Skills for Decision Making
42:51 Leadership Challenges in Modern Environments
49:20 Honoring Service and Sacrifice

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Netflix captivated audiences with How To Rob A Bank, the unbelievable true story of Scott Scurlock, better known as "Hollywood," the mastermind behind a string of high-profile bank robberies that stunned law enforcement and fascinated the public.

In Episode #166 of GOLD SHIELDS, Tom and Dan bring together two of the most important people connected to this extraordinary case. Shawn Johnson, the retired FBI Special Agent who led the hunt for Hollywood and his crew, and Steve Meyers, one of Hollywood's accomplices during the robbery spree.

This unique conversation explores the investigation from both sides—law enforcement and criminal. Shawn shares the challenges of tracking one of the country's most elusive bank robbers, while Steve provides a rare inside look into the mindset, planning, and reality of life inside a notorious bank robbery crew.

From the headlines and Hollywood-style disguises to the relentless FBI manhunt that ultimately brought the case to an end, this episode offers an unforgettable look into one of America's most fascinating true-crime stories.

Don't miss this exclusive conversation with the people who lived it.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Unique Collaboration
02:47 The Evolution of Bank Robberies
05:54 The First Encounter: A Cop and a Robber
09:06 The Planning Behind the Heists
11:49 The Role of Media in Criminal Investigations
15:07 Understanding the Criminal Mind
17:57 The Mechanics of a Bank Heist
21:04 The Dynamics of Criminal Partnerships
24:03 The Aftermath and Reflections
27:02 Conclusion: Lessons Learned
30:50 The Boldness of Bank Robberies
32:01 Technological Evolution in Banking Security
34:00 The Role of Surveillance and Public Involvement
34:53 The Mindset of Investigators
36:04 The Hollywood Moniker and Its Impact
36:46 The Progression of Robberies
39:01 Challenges in New Locations
41:04 The Final Robbery and Its Consequences
53:18 The Hasty Decision: A Turning Point
56:18 The Chaos of the Getaway
01:00:39 Tracking the Criminals: Technology in Action
01:02:56 The Search for Scott: Uncovering the Truth
01:08:27 The Final Confrontation: A Tragic End

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