Choir Practice Podcast - podcast cover

Choir Practice Podcast

First Responders, and Public Servants, share the most extraordinary experiences from their careers. Here on Choir Practice our mission is to preserve our guests personal legacies for friends and family, sharing their stories for anyone who might be curious or interested in a career in public service.

Episodes

Ron Benson 2 (Retired Pima County Sheriff Lieutenant, Retired FBI Analyst)

Send us a text Well, the last time Ron popped in we only made it through his career with the Pima County Sheriff's department. He's back, we clear up a few more notable PCSO moments and dive full into his career as a Spook. All kidding aside, he worked for another 16-17 years as an FBI Analyst. I'm honored host him and I'm so glad to present him to you, the coolest folks on the planet. Turn it up, send me a note about this episode! I appreciate you all... Come see me on Faceb...

Apr 09, 20252 hr 14 minSeason 4Ep. 172

Raul Delgado (USMC, Retired US Border Patrol and owner of Del Designs Screen printing)

Send us a text To say I enjoyed meeting up with Raul again would be an understatement. He was episode 28 three years ago. I didn't think he could top the story of his partner slapping someone across the face with a rattle snake, but here we are. He makes the podcast t-shirts (a gift for every guest, super exclusive gifts!) so I cornered him and forced him back on the show for another episode. We had a great time, I enjoy his company and I hope you enjoy this round of tales from his days wor...

Apr 02, 20252 hr 51 minSeason 4Ep. 171

Jenn Hawkins (Formerly Jenn Turner, Retired Tucson Police Sergeant)

Send us a text Jenn and I crossed paths over the years. We were new Sergeants on the Eastside and went on to join each other on a study group to promote to Lieutenant. She's newly retired after just over 24 years and I'm proud to know her. Really looking forward to what she does next, and I'm happy to share her career with you all. Give her the warmest welcome and enjoy!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagra...

Mar 26, 20253 hr 28 minSeason 4Ep. 170

Nancy Dowdy (Retired Tucson Police Sergeant)

Send us a text Occasionally, I like to take a look back at where we've been so we can fully appreciate where the show is today. I do this by sharing some of the most popular episodes over the years. Based on the numbers...Nancy is right up there with Ed Boyen, Jen Brotherton, and Mike Thrall! For all you new listeners, take a look at their interviews as well and you'll see why I love what I do! The stories, the authentic guests...it is an honor and privilege to sit wit these folks... S...

Mar 19, 20254 hr 28 minSeason 4Ep. 169

Bobby Cox (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective)

Send us a text That's right, you've seen his name before...As a cop/ first responder, If you listen to the show, you can't help but recall memories as you listen to your buddies tell their stories. That's exactly what happened! After Steve Gardner and Dr. Carmona were on the show, Bobby said he needed to come back. He said he'd come tell more stories if I served up more bourbon! I couldn't let him down...Tune in, turn it up and enjoy the ride. Bobby's great, I&...

Mar 12, 20252 hr 44 minSeason 4Ep. 168

Mike Pelton (Retired Tucson Police Officer, Pima County Deputy)

Send us a text Mike's story is similar to mine. Palo Verde HS grads (barely), then Pima County Deputy and finally City of Tucson Police Officers. The profession is a good for people who found themselves being the protector of their friends, kept themselves out of trouble and want to spend their time, energy and efforts helping. Mike continues to help, creating his non-profit "No Belt Required" that provides Jui Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, and Muy Thai training for public servants. He ...

Mar 05, 20253 hr 16 minSeason 4Ep. 167

Terry Johnson (Over 30 years with AZ DPS, founder of AZ Fallen Heroes Memorial Riders)

Send us a text Terry has been on the show before, but I asked him to come back and speak about the fallen officers 501C3 he created, while sharing the stories of some of our fallen heroes. The Arizona Fallen Heroes Memorial Riders raise money to help first responders seriously injured in the line of duty, or to provide financial assistance to the families of fallen officers. Terry brought over two pages of notes, all cases involving "In the line of duty" deaths he investigated while on...

Feb 26, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 4Ep. 166

Andy Birtcil (Retired Tucson Police Officer, SWAT, K9, Firearms Staff)

Send us a text Like many of my guests, Andy is one of those guys where my urgency to get him on the show is heightened because, as you will hear, he developed Parkinson's late into his career and it ultimately forced him to quit before he was ready...even though he spent 30 years serving the City of Tucson. He worked his way into many of the "Desired" assignments through out his career, becoming a Senior SWAT Operator, K9 trainer and firearms instructor at the Southern Arizona Law...

Feb 19, 20252 hr 22 minSeason 4Ep. 165

Michael Duffey (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective, Pima County Animal Control Animal Cruelty Investigator, EMT)

Send us a text Over my career, US Marines have been some of the best folks I've ever worked with. The sense of duty, the "Can do" attitude and the refusal to quit when times get hard are all qualities that make them some of the best partners on the force. With that being said, Mike exemplified all these qualities throughout his career! Even though he can't drive, haha, the rest of what he brought to the table are exactly the qualities that have allowed him to live such a wond...

Feb 12, 20254 hr 44 minSeason 4Ep. 164

Ron Benson (Retired Pima County Sheriff Lieutenant, FBI Analyst)

Send us a text I enjoyed chatting with Ron, the last time I'd seen him was when he taught Constitutional Law to my academy class in 1998! His arrival to AZ, the jobs he held prior to entering la enforcement and a storied career...I think you're going to enjoy this one. You can see in the title of this episode he also worked at the FBI, but we didn't make it that far, so he plans to return and talk about those experiences, but for now, sit back and enjoy this one... Leave me a mess...

Feb 05, 20254 hr 27 minSeason 4Ep. 163

Richard Carmona Part 2 (US Surgeon General 2002-2006, Pima County Sheriff Deputy, Trauma Surgeon, US Army Green Beret)

Send us a text Have I ever told you how awesome you are? It's "Carmona Part two"-eve and the show currently sits at 60,343 downloads!!!! The number seems unreal, but it makes sense when you consider the line up of phenomenal guests...Speaking of phenomenal guests... Richard Carmona is back! If you tuned in last week, we barely scratched the surface of a truly extraordinary career! I was honestly surprised that the run time is barely over two hours because the total time of our vis...

Jan 29, 20252 hr 4 minSeason 4Ep. 162

Richard Carmona (US Surgeon General 2002-2006, Pima County Sheriff Deputy from 1986, US Army Special Forces)

Send us a text The title for this episode could go on forever! Dr. Richard Camona was certainly a jack of all trades, but at the highest levels. It was my honor to be able to sit down with him and not only chat about his career but how ours intersected in a very small way. I am in awe of his path to special forces, medicine and law enforcement. his life definitely needs to be preserved for generations. Please give him a warm welcome and be sure to come back because he had to come back for anothe...

Jan 22, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 4Ep. 161

Matt Ford (Retired Pima County Sheriff Deputy Detective)

Send us a text Matt was referred to me by a friend, but I'm also acquaintances with him on social media! So when I saw that he retired, I had to reach out to see if he'd be willing to join one of the coolest squads of people I know. He agreed, we hung out for a substantial amount of time and what you are about to hear is the result! Enjoy, turn it up and please give Matt the warmest welcome!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at http...

Jan 15, 20254 hr 55 minSeason 4Ep. 160

Terry Staten (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sgt)

Send us a text I couldn't believe that when I looked back, Terry had been on the show in July 2024!!! Time flies! But he promised he would come back with more stories, he returned with more whiskey, and we had a good time just hanging out and slanging out new stories! I'm excited for the new year, new guests and new episodes. I'm grateful you all are along for the ride. Buckle up, turn it up...make sure you have a strong drink in your hand and let's get this show going! Come ...

Jan 08, 20252 hrSeason 4Ep. 159

Jen Brotherton (Number three most popular episode of all time, Retired Tucson Police Lt)

Send us a text As the holidays get closer, I'm able to look back over the last three years and just appreciate all the great people I know. Jen is one of them! Her episode has 668 downloads to date. That makes me so happy for her and happy for the show. That means you all get to meet them and hear about their careers! Buckle up, show her some love and listen in to why she is THE third most popular episode! If your buddies cross your. mind, call or text them! It might just make all the diffe...

Dec 18, 20244 hr 46 minSeason 4Ep. 158

Return of Jon Woglemuth "The Detective Days" (Retired Tucson Police Detective)

Send us a text Don't sleep on this one! As promised, the much acclaimed Jon Woglemuth is back! There is whiskey, cop tales and shenanigans all in this episode! I'm so grateful he was able to come back so quickly so we could put a nice little bow on his career! Follow me on FB, instagram or leave comments here on Buzzsprout! Let me know what you thought, show Jon some love and enjoy the episode!!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at ...

Dec 11, 20242 hr 28 minSeason 4Ep. 157

Jon Wolgemuth (Retired Tucson Police Detective)

Send us a text Just shy of 21 years of honorable service to the "Old Pueblo." A University of Arizona grad and O/Malley's bartender- turned police officer apparently isn't as random as I suspected. Jon rattled off about 6 names of other folks who took a similar path! His degree in chemistry, and TA'ing at the university threw me for a loop, but that's how these interviews consistently surprise me when discovering people's path to public service!!!! He said some...

Dec 04, 20242 hr 14 minSeason 4Ep. 156

Joe Denman (Maricopa County Jail, Apache Junction Police, SWAT, AZ Autotheft Task Force)

Send us a text Joe reached out through LinkedIn, we met at the door when he arrived, and then proceeded to put down 3 hours of war stories!!! That is THE beauty of Choir Practice, but also the beauty of this profession! Similar shared experiences create an atmosphere where stories and memories flow. I hope you enjoy this episode, Joe had a brief career, but jam packed with experiences and I enjoyed hosting him... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagr...

Nov 27, 20243 hrSeason 4Ep. 155

Darren Burch (Retired Phoenix Police Sergeant, Author of Twisted but True Book Series)

Send us a text Darren is another guest recommended to me by Bill Hanson, thanks Bill! Almost 30 years with Phoenix PD, 4 years in the United States Army prior to that! A life of service, a unique story on how he realized he wanted to spend his life helping people, and a smattering of police shootings to boot! You won't regret tuning in, you'll be sorry if you sleep on this one! We had a great time and I can't wait to have him back! It's hard to compress that many years into j...

Nov 20, 20243 hr 25 minSeason 4Ep. 154

Mike Cardwell Retired San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputy Chief)

Send us a text My guest this week was introduced to me by Bill Hanson! Mike and I texted a few times and made plans for him to join The Squad! He spent 32 years with San Bernardino County, rising through the ranks, and had plenty of super cool experiences along the way. Considering his interest during college was biology, he got an up close look at humanity and the shenanigans that ensue from the craziest of biology's animals!!!! HAHAHAHHA I appreciated his time, loved hearing his stories, ...

Nov 13, 20243 hr 17 minSeason 4Ep. 153

Terry Johnson PT 2 (Retired AZ Dept. of Public Safety, AZ Fallen Hero Memorial Riders)

Send us a text As promised, Terry is back! There's just no way to get all the stories from a 35 year career captured in just one episode!!! He returned will all new stories I can't wait for you all to hear. We also chatted more about the Arizona Fallen Hero Memorial Riders and how they raise funds to help the families of first responders when an officer is injured or killed in the line of duty. Terry had just gotten back from riding in Northern AZ, raising funds which they provided to ...

Nov 06, 20242 hr 15 minSeason 4Ep. 152

Sean Stewart (US Navy, AZ Dept. of Corrections, Retired Pima County Corrections Captain)

Send us a text I'm so glad I was able to have Sean on the show. His upbringing and pathway to this branch of Law Enforcement has to be one of the most unique yet! He served several years in the Navy before being hired and working for the AZ Dept. of Corrections in Safford and Douglas, AZ. Ultimately he was hired by Pima County where his career took off. He helped create Security Services which tracked gangs and gang activity within the jail. This was such a goldmine of information, not only...

Oct 30, 20243 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 151

Terry Johnson (Retired AZ Department of Public Safety/ Highway Patrol)

Send us a text I enjoyed getting to know Terry. He spent more than 30 years with AZ DPS. When he retired, he had been an investigator for over 20 of those 30+ years. His encyclopedic knowledge of historical events in AZ over the years was both impressive and interesting. He was the king of quips! A couple times he made comments that would be well suited as a t-shirt quote! He continues to serve, and give back to families of first responders, by founding the Arizona Fallen Hero Memorial Riders cl...

Oct 23, 20243 hr 56 minSeason 3Ep. 150

Paul Dietzel (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective)

Send us a text He almost doesn't need an introduction anymore around here, but I'm pleased he was willing to come back and hang out. All new stories, fresh pours of bourbon and a good time. Give him that warm welcome and turn it up!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/...

Oct 16, 20242 hr 25 minSeason 3Ep. 149

Bill Hanson (Retired Tucson Police Homicide Detective, Advanced Police Concepts and Az Homicide Investigators Instructor)

Send us a text Bill Hanson has always been so generous with his time and his stories. The guy experienced more than many of us, spending a bulk of his career in the Homicide Unit, being featured on First 48, and now teaching future investigators to be their best and put bad guys behind bars for a long time. We had a cigar, some bourbon and a great conversation... so please give him a warm welcome and enjoy the show... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on In...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 3Ep. 148

Dan Webb (AZ Dept. of Corrections, Mohave County, Tolleson PD, Wickenburg PD, Retired AZ Sgt. Liquor Control)

Send us a text Dan's father was a Phoenix Police Officer back in the 80's which was Dan's introduction to that life. As a young man, he had the same start in law enforcement that many of us have, Corrections. He kept applying and was picked up by Mohave County on the AZ/CA border! A couple moves later he settled at AZ Liquor Control. As a member of this agency, he learned of Liquor Agent Alfred Moore who had been killed in the line of duty back in the 60's but was never &quot...

Oct 02, 20243 hr 39 minSeason 3Ep. 147

Jessica Stoneham Returns (Retired Tucson Police Officer and Tactical Flight Observer)

Send us a text When Jessica came over for her first interview we just knew she had to come back, we had more to talk about! I'm so glad she made it. She brought her friend with her and we all had a great time, some really good laughs and I know you all are going to enjoy it. The episode is now sitting at 55, 179 downloads! The reach is far and wide all thanks to you! Please continue to share the show with your friends and family, that's how our stories live on... Buckle in, grab that c...

Sep 25, 20242 hr 34 minSeason 3Ep. 146

Shawn Degan (Retired Pima County Detective, Search and Rescue and Retired US Navy )

Send us a text Shawn grew up right here in the "Old Pueblo" and attended Salpoint HS before heading to the University of Arizona. He decided to enlist in the full-time Navy and, after his "sentence" as he mistakenly said, he decided to join the Pima County Sheriff's Department after a ride along experience convinced him this was the profession for him... He spent years on the Search and Rescue Unit, Mental Health Support Unit and ultimately became a Detective where he wo...

Sep 18, 20243 hr 44 minSeason 3Ep. 145

Steve Gardner (Retired Pima County Burglary Task Force Sergeant, Retired Pima County Public Defender Investigator)

Send us a text Steve grew up as a Military Brat, but settled one the Aurora/ Denver area of Colorado as a young man. He suffered some pretty tragic family circumstances which led to him joining the US Marine Corps out of High School, around the tail end of the Vietnam War. Serving as an aircraft mechanic on the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk jet, he was stationed in CA. After his service, he moved to Tucson, AZ and that's where his career takes off. He was hired by the Sheriff's Department shortl...

Sep 11, 20244 hr 35 minSeason 3Ep. 144

Dan Barry (Retired Tucson Police Internet Crimes against Children Detective)

Send us a text When Dan cam over in May, we knew he'd need to come back to wrap up his career. We also took a deep dive into EMDR therapy, which Dan said literally saved his life. I feel I enjoyed this episode more than his first and the message within the message is definitely one that every first responder needs to hear. There is help out there, you aren't alone, asking for help is courageous and not a sign of weakness. Please tune in, share with your friends who are first responders...

Sep 04, 20242 hr 26 minSeason 3Ep. 143