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On this powerful and deeply personal episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with LJ Ruggiero for a journey into the devastating reality of addiction, and the extraordinary power of recovery.

Born into a prominent New York City family, LJ’s life took a dramatic turn as addiction pulled him into a world of Xanax, gambling, arrests, jail, deception, and devastating consequences. His story takes us into places few people are willing to talk about, and that includes his shocking knowledge of a murder and the dangerous world surrounding his addiction.

But this story doesn't end in darkness.

LJ shares how he fought his way out of addiction and experienced a remarkable recovery that transformed his life. Today, he is living a successful life, and using the lessons from his darkest days to help others understand the devastating grip of addiction.

This is not just an interview. It is an education.

This is a SPECIAL GOLD SHIELDS, an honest, raw and unforgettable conversation that every parent should hear.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:33 LJ's Family Background and Connection to New York News
05:53 LJ's Early Life and Struggles with Addiction
10:08 The Turning Point: From College to Addiction
14:51 Consequences of Addiction: Arrest and Reflection
19:18 The Impact of Family and Enabling Behavior
22:17 Facing Public Scrutiny and Personal Shame
25:22 The Murder Case and Its Aftermath
28:44 Rehabilitation and the Path to Recovery
33:46 Finding Stability and Long-Term Sobriety
37:11 The Power of Hope in Recovery
40:20 The Reality of Addiction and Recovery
44:37 Addiction: A Universal Struggle
47:31 Lessons for the Next Generation
52:36 The Journey of Healing and Growth
56:06 Building a Legacy: Podcast and Restaurant

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Leadership. It’s more than a title, a rank, or a position—it’s about responsibility, character, sacrifice, and taking care of the people who trust you.

In the newly released Episode I sat down with Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, USN (Ret.), a decorated Navy SEAL leader who served more than three decades in the U.S. military. His remarkable career included commanding SEAL Team 8, Naval Special Warfare Group 2, Special Operations Command Africa, and ultimately serving as Commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.

The conversation also explores his important work as President and CEO of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the children and families of fallen Special Operations personnel and Medal of Honor recipients through education and advocacy.

This is a powerful conversation about leadership, sacrifice, courage, and the responsibility we have to those who serve, and the families who stand behind them.

TIMESTAMPS

(0:00) - Gold Shields opens with Admiral Jamie Sands and why his career is a milestone guest appearance
(2:47) - Why Sands chose the Naval Academy and the harder path
(4:12) - How meeting SEALs in Virginia Beach changed everything
(5:49) - The myth of who can make it through BUDS
(8:09) - Why BUDS was brutally hard and why it mattered
(11:10) - First deployments in Hawaii and maritime interdiction before the wars
(14:41) - Where Sands was when 9/11 happened
(16:08) - How Naval Special Warfare shifted to squadron deployments before 9/11
(19:41) - Whether Al Qaeda and bin Laden were on his radar at the time
(22:08) - Intelligence, interagency coordination, and the growth of the force
(23:40) - Iraq versus Afghanistan and how tactics had to change
(26:21) - Hostage-rescue mindset, call-outs, and shifting risk in operations
(30:23) - Planning, contingencies, and honest after-action reviews
(31:55) - How Sands stayed connected to the fight through leadership
(34:57) - Leaders who shaped his career and the power of mentorship
(38:27) - Why so many special operators keep serving after retirement
(40:22) - The mission and origin of Special Operations Warrior Foundation
(42:48) - How the foundation supports kids from cradle to career
(45:06) - College, trade school, and transition support for students
(48:42) - Wounded, ill, and injured family assistance
(50:56) - Why Tom urges listeners to support the foundation
(53:03) - Closing prayers, subscription reminder, and final thanks

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ZOMBIE HUNTER. COLD CASE. MURDER. JUSTICE.

For more than 20 years, a brutal double murder remained unsolved, until Sergeant Troy Hillman and his team reopened the investigation and began the relentless hunt for the killer.

In his book Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter, Troy takes you inside one of the most chilling and bizarre cold-case investigations imaginable. Two women were brutally murdered, the trail went cold, and the killer believed he had escaped justice.

But detectives never stopped looking.

Then came the breakthrough.

In this explosive episode of GOLD SHIELDS, Troy Hillman takes us behind the scenes of the Zombie Hunter case—the investigation, the dead ends, the evidence, the DNA breakthroughs, and the relentless detective work that ultimately identified the man responsible.

🔥 WATCH THIS EPISODE OF GOLD SHIELDS AND ENTER THE HUNT FOR THE ZOMBIE HUNTER.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cold Case Homicides
02:46 Transitioning from CPA to Law Enforcement
06:10 Understanding Cold Cases
09:00 The First Victim: A Gruesome Discovery
12:13 The Second Victim: Patterns and Connections
15:08 The Investigation: Challenges and Breakthroughs
17:45 The Role of Genetic Genealogy
21:05 The Search for the Killer
23:58 The Breakthrough: Identifying the Suspect
26:56 Conclusion and Reflections
30:38 Uncovering the Files
32:29 The Emergency Squad Meeting
34:03 The Ruse for DNA
37:54 The DNA Results
40:16 The Arrest of the Zombie Hunter
42:59 Notifying the Families
45:22 The Aftermath of the Arrest
49:28 Writing the Book
52:46 The Impact of Cold Cases
53:01 Attributing Other Homicides

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Jill Wagner, the powerhouse actress who brings BOBBY to life in Paramount+’s hit series LIONESS, joins GOLD SHIELDS for an unforgettable conversation that takes you BEHIND THE ROLE, BEHIND THE CHARACTER, AND BEHIND THE SCENES of one of television’s most intense and talked-about shows.

On LIONESS, Jill Wagner portrays Bobby, a tough, battle-tested member of the Lioness team who operates in an unforgiving world where courage, loyalty, leadership, and sacrifice are everything.

Jill opens up about LIONESS, Bobby, Season 3, working inside Taylor Sheridan’s universe, the intensity and authenticity of the series, and what it takes to portray characters connected to the world of Special Operations.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Lioness
01:15 Season Three Teasers and Themes
04:01 Realism in Military Portrayal
06:21 Training and Preparation for Roles
10:11 Working with Taylor Sheridan
13:00 Character Development and Casting Choices
16:09 Bobby's Character and Female Representation
20:45 The Real Lioness Program
22:54 Insights from Special Operations Community
26:28 Patriotic Pick and Community Involvement
33:15 Behind the Scenes of War Scenes
37:50 The Realism of Military Portrayals
40:10 Transitioning Between Roles
42:06 Future Projects and Aspirations
46:08 Reflections on Co-Stars and Influences
49:10 Honoring Military Families

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What if crime wasn't just a choice...it was the family business?

On this extraordinary episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with former professional jewel thief Bryan Sobolewski for an unforgettable conversation that is equal parts shocking, fascinating, and surprisingly hilarious.

This truly is "All In The Family."

Bryan grew up in a family that made its living committing high-stakes jewelry heists throughout the Boston area. Robberies weren't just discussed around the dinner table, they were the family business. In this exclusive interview, Bryan pulls back the curtain on the real world of professional jewel thieves, sharing incredible stories of meticulously planned robberies, close calls, life on the run, arrests, prison, and ultimately redemption.

Based on his acclaimed book, Family Jewels, Bryan delivers a rare insider's perspective into the criminal underworld with an unexpected comic twist that only someone who lived this unbelievable life could tell.

Join us for this unforgettable episode of GOLD SHIELDS and step inside a world where loyalty, family, and crime were all part of the same business.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Weather Banter
01:01 The Family Legacy of Jewel Thievery
06:49 Planning and Execution of Heists
11:13 The Appeal of Jewelry Theft
17:11 The Role of Fear and Weapons in Robberies
19:55 Humor in Crime: Duct Tape and Victims
24:59 The Downfall: Betrayal and Arrests
29:59 Life Behind Bars: The Prison Experience
36:30 Navigating Parole and Probation
38:43 From Inmate to Influencer: The Journey Continues
45:38 Finding Humor in Trauma: A Unique Perspective

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The shadows are where wars are won... and where heroes are rarely recognized.

For more than 25 years, CIA Operations Officer Bob Dougherty served on the front lines of America's hidden war, operating in some of the world's most dangerous countries. While the headlines focused on military operations, Bob was working deep inside the shadows, recruiting spies, developing high-value human intelligence (HUMINT) sources, penetrating terrorist networks, and preventing attacks before they could happen.

This is the world very few people ever get to see.

On this gripping episode of GOLD SHIELDS, Bob takes you behind the curtain of the Central Intelligence Agency, revealing how CIA case officers identify, recruit, and manage the human sources who provide the critical intelligence needed to stop terrorists, dismantle extremist organizations, and protect American lives across the globe.

Discover what it takes to convince someone to risk everything to become a spy, the incredible psychological skills required to build trust with complete strangers, and the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between mission success and death.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Uncovering the CIA's true mission
02:30 - What motivated Bob Dougherty to join the CIA in the 1980s
04:45 - The role of patriotism in public service careers
07:10 - Differentiating signal intelligence and human intelligence
09:50 - Why human intelligence remains vital despite technological advances
12:30 - Developing sources: Building trust and relationships
15:20 - The operational dance: Approaching and recruiting human sources
18:05 - vetting and validating sources to ensure reliability
21:30 - Success stories: From Peru to counterterrorism efforts post-9/11
24:45 - The evolution of terrorism and challenges in modern intelligence
28:00 - Critical moments and the importance of intuition in field operation
31:30 - The dangers of solo operations and operational security
34:00 - The global landscape: China, Russia, Iran, and the rise of new threats
37:10 - Leadership impact on intelligence effectiveness
39:55 - Emerging technological threats: AI, drones, synthetic biology
43:05 - The importance of proactive intelligence in preventing catastrophe
46:15 - Current gaps and challenges in U.S. intelligence capabilities
49:05 - The rarity and value of freedom: A reminder of American exceptionalism
52:00 - Closing thoughts: Protecting the American Dream and national security

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On May 2, 2011, one of the most daring and historic military operations in modern history unfolded deep inside Abbottabad, Pakistan. Operation Neptune Spear ended the decade-long manhunt for the world's most wanted terrorist—the leader of Al-Qaeda, Usama Bin Laden.

In this exclusive GOLD SHIELDS interview, former SEAL Team Six Team Leader Alex West takes you inside the mission that changed history forever. Hear the untold story from the man who led one of the assault teams during the raid, revealing what it was like to fly into hostile territory, breach the compound, confront the unknown, and execute one of the most dangerous missions ever carried out by U.S. Special Operations.

This is far more than the story of one raid. Alex shares the extraordinary teamwork, leadership, split-second decision-making, and unwavering commitment that defined the operators who answered America's call on one unforgettable night.

But the mission didn't end when the helicopters left Pakistan.

Alex also speaks candidly about the hidden battle that many Special Operations warriors continue to fight long after combat ends. He discusses the devastating effects of PTSD and moral injury, the mental health challenges facing elite operators every day, and the promising breakthrough treatment with ibogaine that many veterans believe is changing—and saving—lives. Despite its growing success overseas, American veterans are still forced to leave the United States to receive this treatment as advocates continue pushing for its approval at home.

This is an unforgettable conversation about courage, sacrifice, brotherhood, resilience, and hope.

The mission. The manhunt. The aftermath. The healing.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Introduction and current updates in New York sports and personal life

• (01:08) - The historic Osama bin Laden raid: origins and Alex West’s role
• (02:23) - The significance of the operation in military history
• (03:20) - How the mission came into focus after initial deployment in Afghanistan
• (04:42) - Building confidence and the risks of flying into Abbottabad
• (07:11) - Training and preparation for the precise raid
• (08:29) - The three-week planning process and contingency planning
• (09:52) - Handling unpredictable scenarios, such as helicopter crashes
• (12:36) - Flight in, emotional state, and the pressure of performance
• (16:37) - The psychological toll and the rush of executing the mission
• (18:15) - Reflection on the collective effort and the sense of payback
• (20:09) - The moment of victory and the decision to take bin Laden’s body
• (23:38) - Navigating the chaos of extraction and escape
• (27:44) - The intense firefight and clearing the target
• (28:13) - Debrief and verification of the target's death ('Geronimo call sign')
• (30:15) - Recognizing the team effort beyond individual heroism
• (34:29) - Returning home, relief, and the historic victory celebration
• (38:36) - The impact of the operation on the American psyche
• (43:26) - Alex West’s journey through mental health struggles and recovery
• (44:23) - Founding One More Wave to aid veterans through adaptive surfing
• (45:50) - Transition into mental health advocacy and therapeutic innovations
• (50:18) - The critical need for breakthrough treatments like Ibogaine
• (52:13) - Breaking societal stigma around mental health in high-stress professions
• (58:19) - Honoring service members and advocating for ongoing mental health support

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What happens when a victim has no name... no identity... and no one left searching?

In this unforgettable episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with Lisa Bailey, former FBI Forensic Artist, forensic facial approximation specialist, and bestselling author of Clay & Bones.

For decades, Lisa worked at the intersection of art, science, and criminal investigation, reconstructing the faces of unidentified victims from nothing more than skulls and skeletal remains.

Every face she recreated represented more than a work of art—it was a chance to restore a name, reunite families with their loved ones, and breathe new life into investigations that had gone cold.

Some victims lose their lives. Others lose their names. Lisa Bailey dedicated her career to giving them both a voice and an identity.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Forensic Art
03:04 The Journey from Art to Forensic Science
05:48 The Science of Facial Reconstruction
08:52 Empathy in Forensic Art
11:56 Memorable Cases and Their Impact
14:47 The Role of Forensic Art in Solving Crimes
18:02 Challenges and Triumphs in the FBI
20:49 Unsolved Cases and Ongoing Mysteries
27:47 Confronting Workplace Harassment
29:48 Navigating Organizational Politics
31:37 The Breaking Point: Filing an EEO Case
34:22 The Impact of Leadership on Workplace Culture
36:41 The EEO Process: Challenges and Realities
38:07 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book
44:43 A New Identification: Closure for Victims
50:10 Inspiring Future Forensic Artists

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