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In Episode 138, we sit down with retired FBI Special Agent Mark Sewell, the man who led one of the largest Mafia investigations in U.S. history—the explosive takedown of The Gold Club in Atlanta.

💥 The Gold Club Case wasn't just about a strip club—it was a multimillion-dollar criminal empire involving organized crime, public corruption, money laundering, sex trafficking, and celebrity clients. From mobsters and athletes to powerful businessmen, The Gold Club was a front for decades of illegal operations—until Mark Sewell and the FBI shut it down.

🔎 In this high-impact true crime episode, Agent Sewell reveals exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, from wiretaps to undercover ops, exposing how sex, money, and power created a criminal dynasty—one that collapsed under the FBI’s pressure.

🎖️ PLUS: Don’t miss his insights on Stolen Valor cases, where fake heroes are exposed and justice is served.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:00 Mark Sewell's Background and Transition to the FBI
06:01 The Formation of the Organized Crime Squad in Atlanta
09:03 The Gambino Crime Family and the Gold Club Case
12:01 The Unique Landscape of Atlanta's Strip Clubs
15:00 Criminal Activities at the Gold Club
17:54 Credit Card Fraud and Other Crimes
20:54 Prostitution and High-Profile Clients
25:53 The Gold Club Investigation Begins
28:01 Money Flow and Organized Crime Connections
30:39 Informants and Trial Strategies
34:30 Marketing Tactics of the Gold Club
35:02 Drug Use and Management's Negligence
36:16 Deciding When to Take Down the Case
39:02 The Grand Jury Process and Arrests
41:08 Defense Strategies and Legal Challenges
44:01 Credibility and Testimony in Court
47:51 The Rise of Stolen Valor Cases
54:54 Investigating Military Impersonation
01:01:10 The Impact of Stolen Valor on Society
01:05:55 Mark Sewell's Journey and Insights

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💥 Las Vegas. Sex. Drugs. Rock & Roll. And one badass undercover operator in the middle of it all. 💥

In this explosive episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with elite undercover operator Jenn Benjamins, who worked deep inside some of the most dangerous criminal networks on the Las Vegas Strip. From infiltrating drug rings to dismantling human trafficking operations, Jenn opens up about the high-stakes world of undercover police work—where one wrong move can mean never coming home.

Jenn is also giving back with her training of the next generation of female undercover operatives through her company: CovertBlueLLC.com

👩‍✈️ Jenn Benjamins is not just surviving in a man's world—she’s reshaping it. As one of the most effective female undercover officers in Law Enforcement, she now leads real-world training programs for women entering the field of covert operations.

TimeStamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest
01:10 Jen Benjamins: A Unique Perspective on Undercover Work
02:06 Journey to Law Enforcement: Jen's Background
06:01 Transitioning to Undercover Work: The Call to Vice
09:48 First Experiences in Undercover Operations
16:07 The Changing Landscape of Prostitution and Vice
19:59 The Role of Informants in Undercover Work
24:57 Expanding Roles: From Vice to Narcotics Operations
30:03 The Relationship with Risk in Undercover Work
30:13 The Risks of Undercover Work
33:51 Deep Undercover Operations
35:13 Pucker Moments in the Field
48:47 The Mental Toll of Undercover Work
53:57 Creating a Legacy: Covert Blue LLC

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🔥 INSIDE THE GANG WARS AND CRIME OF LOS ANGELES 🔥

Step into the gritty streets of L.A. with former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva as he pulls back the curtain on the violent world of gangs, the ruthless crime wave, and the real-life dangers that come with wearing the badge in one of America’s most notorious cities.

In this explosive episode of GOLD SHIELDS, you'll hear:

📍 First-hand accounts of surviving the deadly gang wars in L.A.

📍 The shocking truth about crime in Los Angeles and its deep impact on residents.

📍 Sheriff Villanueva’s bold take on public safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice reform.

👉 WATCH NOW and subscribe for more True Crime, Police Stories, and real-world insights from those who lived it.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Law Enforcement Leadership
03:07 Alex Villanueva's Journey in Law Enforcement
05:45 Gang Violence in Los Angeles
09:02 High-Profile Cases and Media Attention
12:02 Handling Riots and Public Safety
14:58 Challenges of Leadership in Law Enforcement
18:00 Debunking Myths of Gang Culture in the Sheriff's Office
20:54 Political Challenges and Public Safety
23:47 Current State of Crime and Quality of Life in LA
27:01 Reflections on Leadership and Future Plans
29:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

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🕯️ Featuring Alison Crowther, Mother of 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther

In this Unforgettable 9/11 Tribute Episode, GOLD SHIELDS has the profound honor of speaking with Alison Crowther, the mother of Welles Crowther — a True American Hero known around the world as "The Man in the Red Bandana".

On September 11th, 2001, Welles, a 24-year-old equities trader and former volunteer firefighter, made the ultimate sacrifice. Wearing a red bandana — a signature from childhood, Welles navigated the smoke-filled chaos of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, saving over a dozen lives. Then, instead of fleeing to safety, he ran back up the stairs — again and again — to rescue others.

This episode will move you. It will inspire you. It will make you remember what heroism really looks like.

🔥 WATCH this powerful conversation as Alison Crowther shares her son’s legacy — a story of courage, sacrifice, and the red bandana that became a symbol of hope and bravery.

🛑 Do not miss this powerful 9/11 Memorial show.

✅ Subscribe, Like, and Share to honor Welles Crowther and all the heroes of 9/11.

TimeStamps:
00:00 Introduction to a Hero's Story
03:10 Wells Crowther: A Life of Courage and Compassion
06:11 The Red Bandana: A Symbol of Identity
08:56 The Day of 9/11: Wells' Actions in the South Tower
11:49 The Impact of Wells' Heroism
14:50 The Search for Answers: Discovering Wells' Legacy
17:53 Connecting with Survivors: The Lives Wells Saved
25:16 Reflecting on Wells' Last Days
29:38 Premonitions and Spiritual Insights
33:00 The Burden of Responsibility
39:31 The Red Bandana Project
42:48 Legacy of Heroism and Faith

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"When the Call Breaks You"

In this raw and emotional episode of GOLD SHIELDS, former undercover police officer, Navy rescue diver, and best-selling author Matt Griffin shares the unfiltered truth behind one of the darkest nights of his life.

🚨 Hear the harrowing details of a traumatic call that pushed him beyond the edge — one so horrific, it led him to write his own suicide note. But what happened next is a story of strength, survival, and the hidden cost of wearing the badge.

🎧 This episode pulls back the curtain on what cops really face every night — the psychological trauma, the emotional weight, and the moments that never leave them.

If you care about mental health in law enforcement, veteran PTSD, and the resilience of first responders, you cannot miss this powerful conversation.

🔥 Key Topics Covered:

A life or death call no cop ever wants to face

Writing a suicide note as an end

The emotional intersection between duty and personal traumaThe healing power of storytelling and purpose

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:02 Matt Griffin's Early Life and Navy Career
09:53 Challenges in Navy Rescue School
13:57 Transitioning to Law Enforcement
23:58 First Experiences as a Police Officer
29:56 The Impact of a Tragic Incident
37:38 Coping with Trauma and Moving Forward
40:55 The Journey of Faith and Doubt
43:38 Transitioning to Law Enforcement
44:35 The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic
48:26 Struggles of Identity and Work-Life Balance
51:33 The Cost of Law Enforcement on Personal Life
56:31 The Dark Side of Service: Coping with Trauma
59:27 A Turning Point: The Call That Saved a Life
01:16:05 Finding Purpose After Pain

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💀 ENTER THE MINDS OF MONSTERS.

In this chilling, heart-pounding, and unforgettable episode, Phil Chalmers, bestselling author of "Speaking Truth to Evil" and host of the viral Serial Killer Experience takes us deep into the twisted psyches of the world’s most infamous murderers.

From Charles Manson to Son of Sam, BTK, and beyond... Phil has looked these killers in the eyes and asked the questions no one else dared.

🧠 What makes a serial killer tick?

🩸 How do cold-blooded murderers justify the unthinkable?

🚨 What warning signs do they all share?

This is not just a true crime podcast—this is a descent into darkness with the man who’s interviewed more real-life killers than anyone alive.

🔪 True crime. Serial killers. Real interviews. Raw evil.

Don’t miss this explosive and terrifying new episode.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the World of Serial Killers
03:02 Myths and Misconceptions about Serial Killers
05:51 Identifying Early Signs of Serial Killers
08:51 Understanding Signature and Modus Operandi
11:46 The Psychology Behind Staging Crime Scenes
14:59 The Prevalence of Serial Killers Today
17:51 Media Bias and Underreported Cases
21:01 The Normality of Serial Killers
23:58 Interviews with Notorious Killers
27:00 The Future of True Crime and Education
27:30 Exploring the Dark Side of Evil
28:09 Confronting the Most Horrific Crimes
29:59 Understanding the Mind of a Killer
31:48 Training Law Enforcement on Serial Killers
35:07 Identifying Warning Signs in School Shooters
39:03 The Role of Leakage in Preventing Violence
40:56 Crime Prevention Strategies and Insights
42:57 Upcoming Projects and the True Crime Museum

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🎙️ NOW STREAMING: GOLD SHIELDS Episode 132 features an exclusive, edge-of-your-seat interview with Retired DEA Special Agent Chris Feistl, one of the elite agents who brought down the Cali Cartel — the most powerful and sophisticated drug trafficking organization in history.

🔥 If you’ve seen Netflix’s hit series NARCOS: Season 3, you’ve seen Chris Feistl's story. Now, hear the REAL TRUTH — straight from the source. Chris and his partner Dave Mitchell were handpicked for the most dangerous mission on Earth: infiltrate the Cali Cartel in the heart of Cali, Colombia, a city ruled by fear, corruption, and unimaginable violence.

💣 Kidnappings, car bombs, death threats, and deep undercover operations — this episode dives into the high-stakes world of international drug enforcement like never before.

📚 Chris also discusses his book, "After Escobar" giving rare insight into the psychological and emotional toll of hunting narco-terrorists while risking everything to dismantle a global empire built on blood and billions.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest
00:56 The Dangerous Drug Trade in Colombia
02:57 Chris Feistl's Journey to the DEA
06:09 Miami: The Epicenter of Drug Trade in the 80s
09:01 Transitioning to Colombia and the Cali Cartel
12:08 Operating in a Hostile Environment
15:00 The Challenges of Corruption in Colombia
18:03 The Role of the Cali Cartel in Drug Trade
21:01 Navigating Dangerous Operations
24:08 The Impact of Corruption on Investigations
26:51 Developing Key Informants
30:07 The Story of Jorge Salcedo
34:22 The Mercenary Plan Against Escobar
36:20 Salcedo's Reluctant Involvement with the Cartel
37:00 The Sequel: Bombing Pablo's Prison
38:55 The Perfect Storm: Collaboration with Salcedo
41:15 The Risks of Meeting a Cartel Insider
43:27 Challenges of Arresting Cartel Leaders
46:18 The Scale of the Cali Cartel's Operations
49:33 The Arrests of the Cali Cartel Leaders
52:06 The Aftermath of Arrests and Extradition
54:14 The Real Heroes: Colombian Forces
55:38 The Book: After Escobar
01:01:15 The Unbelievable Stories Behind the Case

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We just dropped the first-ever LIVE episode of GOLD SHIELDS — and it’s one you do not want to miss!

📍 We had an incredible night at Brother Bruno’s Pizzeria in Washingtonville, NY, recording in front of an amazing live audience. Huge thanks to Vinny and the whole team for the warm welcome and amazing food! 🍕

🎤 Special Guest Lauren Conlin — host of The Outlier, expert on The Nancy Grace Show, and star of PopCrime TV — brought unfiltered courtroom insight from the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, the Karen Read case, the Idaho College Murders, and more. Her raw, behind-the-scenes commentary had the entire audience hooked.

💥 This episode features:

✅ True Crime Insights from a courtroom insider

✅ A deep dive into celebrity criminal cases

✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from high-profile trials

✅ Live audience Q&A

✅ Real talk, real cases, real cops – just like GOLD SHIELDS always delivers

📲 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Share to help us reach more listeners who love True Crime, Justice, and real stories from Behind The Shields.

Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to Gold Shields Live
05:46 The Importance of Community and Family
11:37 The Impact of Youth Crime and Legal System
20:24 High-Profile Cases and Their Implications
30:11 Citizen Sleuths and Their Role in Crime Solving
36:17 Unforgettable Cases: The Kansas Moms Case
42:20 Understanding Evil: Encounters with Criminal Minds
50:50 Reflections on High-Profile Cases
56:30 The Importance of Law Enforcement Support

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