Shows
Based on a True StoryJohn McClane in Die Hard with Patrick O'DonnellBASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 367) — Is John McClane a realistic cop or just an action hero with a badge? Yippee-ki-yay, history lovers, let's see if McClane would survive a real Internal Affairs review.Where to watch "Die Hard" nowHelping us conduct a review of McClane from the entire Die Hard franchise is retired U.S. police sergeant Patrick O'Donnell, who is now a technical consultant and author of "The Good Collar."Get Patrick's bookAlso mentioned in...2025-04-291h 24
The Podcast On PodcastingPodcasting Opens Doors You Never Thought Possible - Patrick O'Donnell [510]Retired police sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reveals the gritty truth behind his leap from street patrol to podcasting and publishing! Uncover his secrets to authentic storytelling, learn why real police work isn’t like TV dramas, and see how his podcast unlocked surprising opportunities—including book deals and TV appearances. Get inspired by his no-BS advice to tell your story and keep pushing forward! WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why you should "dig the well before you're thirsty" The surprising impact podcast appearances can have How to monetize podcasts creatively Top 3 things crime dramas always get wrong ...2025-04-1436 min
The MisFitNation🎙️ The MisFitNation Welcomes Patrick O'Donnell: A Career in Law, Writing, and Podcasting 🎙️On the next episode of The MisFitNation hosted by Rich LaMonica, we welcome Patrick O'Donnell—a retired City of Milwaukee police sergeant with 25 years of intense street experience. Patrick is not only a decorated officer, having received the Chief of Police Superior Award for saving a life in peril, but also an accomplished bestselling author with ten books to his name, including his upcoming thriller, The Good Collar.Beyond his law enforcement career, Patrick’s entrepreneurial spirit and creativity shine through. He hosts the widely popular Cops and Writers Podcast, where he connects with law...2025-03-111h 02
Domino Effect of MurderSgt. Patrick O'Donnell of the Milwaukee P.D. Tells It Like It IsSgt. Patrick O'Donnell (ret.) was a 25 year veteran of the mean streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has delivered his fair share of death notifications. His specialty was officer-involved shootings. In this episode we learn about the law enforcement side of homicide and what motivates some to risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe. Sgt. 0'Donnell is an author of several crime-related novels inspired by his work and is the host of the podcast Cops and Writers. He interviews guests as well as serves as a consultant to the screenwriters and film industry in getting the law enforcement detail...2025-03-051h 10
Tactical LivingE924 Retired Police Sergeant, Bestselling Author And Podcast Host, Patrick O'Donnell🚔 LIVE INTERVIEW ALERT! 🚨 Join us for an exclusive LIVE interview with retired Police Sergeant, bestselling author, and podcast host Patrick O’Donnell! 🎙️📖 Pick up Patrick's bestselling books here (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://geni.us/qacM Contact Patrick directly through his website: https://copsandwriters.com/ With 25 years of street experience in the Milwaukee Police Department, Patrick has seen it all—major felony investigations, high-risk situations, and the daily challenges of being a leader in law enforcement. But his story doesn’t stop there… Now, Patrick is...2025-03-0328 min
Things Police See: Firsthand AccountsRectal Hot Sauce Death, Battered Wife Stabs Husband, The Good Collar, Patrick O'DonnellRetired Milwaukee Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell returns to unleash one of the wildest stories I've heard on the show! Patrick's new book, The Good Collar, is out now and is getting great reviews. Pick up a copy below. Support The Sponsors That Support TPS! Black Box Safety - Instagram @blackboxsafety www.blackboxsafety.com sourcewell@blackboxsafety.com ProForce Law Enforcement - Instagram @proforcelawenforcement 1-800-367-5855 Special Discount Link for TPS listeners! tps.proforceonline.com The Good Collar - Patrick...2025-02-261h 07
Entrepreneur's EnigmaPatrick O'Donnell From Police Sergeant To Author, Entrepreneur, And PodcasterPatrick O’Donnell, is a retired City of Milwaukee police sergeant with 25 years of street experience, where he supervised various special units and investigated major felonies. He’s the author of ten books, including his upcoming thriller, The Good Collar. He hosts the popular Cops and Writers Podcast and runs a 7,500-member Facebook group for crime writers. He has also hosted true crime television documentaries and has consulted with crime writers for their books and screenplays. O’Donnell lives in Wisconsin where he enjoys working out, riding his Harley, and spending time with family.Key Mo...2025-02-2537 min
The Jeff Robertson Show🚨 Patrick O’Donnell: Surviving Life’s Toughest Battles | Second Chance PodcastRecorded LIVE ! 🎙️ Join us for an unforgettable episode of the Second Chance Podcast with special guest Patrick O’Donnell—retired Milwaukee police sergeant, bestselling author, and host of the Cops and Writers Podcast.Patrick has faced life-threatening experiences, from being shot at and nearly run over on the job to battling cancer, financial hardships, and personal struggles. But through it all, his message remains strong: You will get through this. 💪In this episode, we’ll discuss:✅ Surviving dangerous encounters as a police officer 🚔✅ Overcoming cancer, bankruptcy, and personal struggles✅ Life lessons from years on the force & beyond✅ Why temporary problems don’t need perma...2025-02-2458 min
Pantheon - Home for Music LoversSet Lusting Bruce - Patrick O’DonnellIn this episode of 'Set Lusting Brews,' host Jesse Jackson speaks with Patrick O'Donnell, who shares his rich life journey from growing up in Chicago, moving to Wisconsin, and his 25-year career as a police officer in Milwaukee. They delve into Patrick's Irish family background, his love for music, especially Bruce Springsteen, and his path from music major to law enforcement. Patrick recounts his experiences with self-publishing and podcasting, culminating in his highly successful 'Cops and Writers' series aimed at authors needing accurate police procedural knowledge. Later, the conversation shifts to Patrick's new dark fiction series 'The Good...2025-02-0757 min
The Jeff Robertson Show🚨 Patrick O’Donnell: Surviving Life’s Toughest Battles | Second Chance Podcast
LIVE NOW! 🎙️ Join us for an unforgettable episode of the Second Chance Podcast with special guest Patrick O’Donnell—retired Milwaukee police sergeant, bestselling author, and host of the Cops and Writers Podcast.
Patrick has faced life-threatening experiences, from being shot at and nearly run over on the job to battling cancer, financial hardships, and personal struggles. But through it all, his message remains strong: You will get through this. 💪
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
✅ Surviving dangerous encounters as a police officer 🚔
✅ Overcoming cancer, bankruptcy, and personal struggles
✅ Life lessons from years on the force & beyond
✅ Why temporary problems don’t need perma...2025-02-0658 min
Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan PodcastPatrick O'DonnellIn this episode of 'Set Lusting Brews,' host Jesse Jackson speaks with Patrick O'Donnell, who shares his rich life journey from growing up in Chicago, moving to Wisconsin, and his 25-year career as a police officer in Milwaukee. They delve into Patrick's Irish family background, his love for music, especially Bruce Springsteen, and his path from music major to law enforcement. Patrick recounts his experiences with self-publishing and podcasting, culminating in his highly successful 'Cops and Writers' series aimed at authors needing accurate police procedural knowledge. Later, the conversation shifts to Patrick's new dark fiction series 'The Good...2025-02-0457 min
Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Patrick O'DonnellBio:This Chapter Break episode features Patrick O’Donnell and his latest publicationThe Good Collar: A Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice ThrillerPatrick O’Donnell, a retired City of Milwaukee police sergeant with 25 years of street experience, where he supervised various special units and investigated major felonies. He’s the author of ten books, including his upcoming thriller, The Good Collar. He hosts the popular Cops and Writers Podcast and runs a 7,500-member Facebook group for crime writers. He has also hosted true crime television documentaries and has consulted with crime writers for their books...2025-01-1722 min
I Am Refocused RadioPatrick O’Donnell Retired City of Milwaukee Police SergeantPatrick O’Donnell is a retired City of Milwaukee police sergeant with 25 years of street experience. During his tenure as a police officer and sergeant, he received numerous letters of commendation and the Chief of Police 'Superior Award' for saving a life, while putting himself in great peril. He supervised various special units and investigated major felonies.He’s the bestselling author of ten books, including his upcoming thriller, The Good Collar. He is known for his thinking out-of-the-box marketing strategies and entrepreneurial spirit!He hosts the popular Cops and Writers Podcast where he interviews state, loca...2025-01-1423 min
Living the Dream with CurveballFrom Patrol Sergeant to Podcast Star: Patrick O'Donnell's JourneySend us a textIn this compelling episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with Patrick O'Donnell, a former Milwaukee Police Department sergeant turned bestselling author and podcast host. Patrick shares his remarkable journey from law enforcement to the literary world, discussing his experiences on the force, including high-stakes standoffs and heartwarming community interactions. He also delves into his transition to writing and podcasting, offering insights into his books like the upcoming "The Good Collar." Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with tales of bravery, humor, and the pursuit of justice....2025-01-1028 min
Ye Olde CrimeCops & Writers and "The Good Collar" with Patrick O'DonnellLindsay is joined by author and fellow podcaster Patrick O’Donnell to discuss his show, “Cops & Writers,” as well as his latest novel, “The Good Collar.”Patrick O’Donnell is a retired City of Milwaukee police sergeant with 25 years of street experience. During his tenure as a police officer and sergeant, he received numerous letters of commendation and the Chief of Police 'Superior Award for saving a life, while putting himself in great peril. He supervised various special units and investigated major felonies. He’s the bestselling author of ten books, including his upcoming thriller, The Good Collar. He is...2025-01-0149 min
Cops and Writers PodcastBonus Episode! Christmas Eve 2024 With Chicago PD Detective Lieutenant Richard Rybicki And Myself Swapping Christmas Stories From the Job.Send us a textWelcome to a bonus Christmas Eve Cops and Writers with my friend Chicago PD Detective Richard Rybicki!Today’s bonus episode is filled with police stories from working Christmas during the holidays. We also both answer the burning question, is Die Hard a Christmas movie?Please enjoy this fun holiday Cops and Writers.In today’s episode we discuss:· How a suspect was throwing his own blood at Rich on Christmas.· How the cops cel...2024-12-241h 02
Famous Interviews with Joe DiminoPodcaster, Writer & Former Police Sergeant Patrick O'DonnellWelcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series .. On this episode, we talk with Podcaster, Writer & Former Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell .. He is a retired City of Milwaukee police sergeant with 25 years of street experience. During his tenure as a police officer and sergeant, he received numerous letters of commendation and the Chief of Police 'Superior Award for saving a life, while putting himself in great peril. He supervised various special units and investigated major felonies. He’s the bestselling author of ten books, including his upcoming thriller, The Good Collar. He is known for...2024-11-1924 minCops and Writers Podcast180 Lt. Joe 'Homicide Hunter' Kenda! Donnybrooks to Bestselling Books and Popular T.V. Series (Part Two)Send us a textWelcome back everyone and thank you for joining me for the conclusion of my interview with Bestselling Author, Television Personality, and retired Homicide Detective Lieutenant Joe Kenda. Joseph Patrick Kenda is a retired Colorado Springs Police Department detective lieutenant who was involved in 387 homicide cases over a 23-year career. He solved 356 cases, a closure rate of 92%. He was featured on the Investigation Discovery television show Homicide Hunter, where he recounted stories of cases he solved. Kenda hosts the Discovery+ show, American Detective With Lt. Joe Kenda. Lt. Kenda i...2024-07-211h 11Cops and Writers Podcast179 Lt. Joe 'Homicide Hunter' Kenda! Donnybrooks to Bestselling Books and Popular T.V. Series (Part One)Send us a textFirst things first. I have to thank Sgt. Steve Gould from the Things Police See Podcast for introducing me to today’s special guest. Today I have a special treat for you, my wonderful listeners. Welcome, and thank you for joining me for part one of my two-part interview with Bestselling Author, Television Personality, and retired Homicide Detective Lieutenant Joe Kenda. Joseph Patrick Kenda is a retired Colorado Springs Police Department detective lieutenant who was involved in 387 homicide cases over a 23-year career. He solved 356 cases, a cl...2024-07-141h 02Cops and Writers PodcastBonus Episode! My Interview on The Midwest Writers Room Podcast With Luella Schmidt and Ken Humphrey!Send us a textToday, we are speaking with Patrick O’Donnell. Patrick O’Donnell is a retired police sergeant with 25 years experience with the city of Milwaukee Police Department. During his police career he worked exclusively on the street in patrol, and he participated and supervised different special units (anti-gang unit, licensed premise unit, violent crime task force, and armed robbery unit). He is now the author of nine books, including the police procedurals Cops and Writers reference guides. His last four books in the Brew City Blues series are collaborations with Michael Anderle and...2024-05-2147 minMidwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 10 - Patrick O'Donnell, May 2024Today, we are speaking with Patrick O’Donnell. Patrick O’Donnell is a retired police sergeant with 25 years experience with the city of Milwaukee Police Department. During his police career he worked exclusively on the street in patrol, and he participated and supervised different special units (anti-gang unit, licensed premise unit, violent crime task force, and armed robbery unit). He is now the author of nine books, including the police procedurals Cops and Writers reference guides. His last four books in the Brew City Blues series are collaborations with Michael Anderle and is now working solo on anot...2024-05-2046 minCops and Writers PodcastBegorrah! It's A Special Bonus St. Patrick's Day Episode With Irish Police Officer (Garda) Marie O'HalloranSend us a textHappy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Here is a special rebroadcast of my interview with my favorite Irish Cop, Marie O'Halloran!! Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here is a rebroadcast from a few years ago with my favorite Irish Garda!In this special St. Parick's Day bonus episode, Marie O'Hlloran shares her experiences as a 22 year veteran of the Irish Polic Force, An Garda Síochána.Marie and I chat about everything from her training at Garda College, experiences on the job, and a treasure trove of...2024-03-171h 30Cops and Writers PodcastBonus Episode! Verbal Judo and De-Escalation With Sergeant Patrick O'DonnellSend us a textWelcome to this bonus episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast. A little while ago, my good friend Kathleen Donnelley approached me asking if I would give a presentation to the Rocky Mountain Mystery Writers Association regarding Verbal Judo. How can I turn down a good friend and a chance to talk? One minor hitch. I'm not an instructor of Verbal Judo or some kind of Verbal Judo guru. After some self-reflection, I recalled the thousands of times myself or other cops on the street used Verbal Judo (or wh...2024-03-081h 14
Chucks CantinaEpisode 152: The Curious Case of Big Foot & Patrick's Italian Submarine.Welcome to Chuck's Cantina Podcast where anything & everything is up from discussion. This week OG patron Patrick returns to the Cantina to discuss Big Foot, Jim Carrey at the Stanley Hotel, and are people like Batman better off killing their enemies? Chuck's drink: Trader Joes Sparking Grapefruit water. Patrick: Age of Otters IPA from 3 Floyds Brewing.2024-02-1644 min
Tipping Point with Kara McKinneyThe Execution, Life and Times of Patrick O'Donnell | Friday, 12/22/2023Hopefully you're still able to get your Christmas gifts on time this year, as commercial activity in the Red Sea drops to a trickle due to Iranian paramilitaries feeding intel to Houthi militants in their attacks on shipping. Plus, a YouTube personality whose schtick has been to downplay and to joke about pedophilia and bestiality has been able to buy designer babies with his gay husband. And finally, a tale of intrigue - author Gavin D'Donnell is here to discuss his award-nominated book about an Irish hero hanged for murder in 1883.Guests:Col. John Mills (Ret...2023-12-2653 min
Wish I'd Known Then . . . For WritersHow to Write Realistic and Entertaining Law Enforcement Characters with Patrick O'DonnellEpisode 194 / Patrick O’Donnell is a retired Milwaukee Police Department sergeant with a 25-year career as well as an author and podcaster. He shares common mistakes he sees in characterization and police procedure in genre fiction. We discuss how to go beyond overused tropes and how to get the details of investigations right without boring the reader.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportLinks: Patrick O’Donnell’s Links: https://www.copsandwriters.comhttps://www.am...2023-11-2254 min
The Creative Penn Podcast For WritersStarting A Second Career As An Author And Networking Tips With Patrick O’DonnellHow can you transition into being an author after a long-term career elsewhere? How can you adopt an attitude of service in order to build your network in an authentic manner? Patrick O'Donnell shares his tips. In the intro, Spotify subscribers in the US now have 15 hours of free audiobook listening [The Verge] — […]
The post Starting A Second Career As An Author And Networking Tips With Patrick O’Donnell first appeared on The Creative Penn.2023-11-201h 03
1 Step at a timeEP 5 - Enjoy the process- Patrick O'DonnellPatrick O'Donnell, the singer, producer, and studio owner from Country Limerick, shared his journey from GarageBand beats to global tours and viral moments. The episode's recurring theme centers on valuing the process over the outcome. Patrick emphasizes finding joy in every creative step, encouraging artists to appreciate the evolving path rather than fixating on final achievements. His perspective highlights that success is a byproduct of passion and dedication to the craft, not just a destination. If you are an artist, this is a must listen. 2023-10-2358 minCops and Writers Podcast133 From page-turning legal thrillers to the real drama of the circuit court, Judge Martin Clark brings Virginia's law to life.Send us a textOn today’s show we are going into the courtroom with my special guest, Bestselling Author and His Honor, Judge Martin Clark.A retired circuit court judge from Patrick County, Virginia, Martin is a cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Davidson College and attended law school at the University of Virginia. When he was appointed to the bench in 1992 at age thirty-two, he became one of the youngest judges in the commonwealth's history. During his time on the bench, he presided over everything from homicides to reckless dr...2023-08-281h 27