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Choir Practice Podcast

Brian Parker

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.

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24 episodes
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Avg 3 hr 7 min
English

Episodes 24

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S5 · E247
Wednesday · 2 hr 10 min
Fugitive Investigative Sgt John McGrath (The stories continue)
Send us Fan Mail If you like horse stories....we got'em! Dead body cases where the Medical examiner lackey pukes on scene? Done! John spins great tales and I'm so glad he's back. Im even more excited he still needs to come back at least one more time!!! It's not possible to condense so many years as a public servant into a couple hours! I'm glad you guys are along for the ride, turn it up and enjoy the second installment of Retired Pima County Sergeant John McGrath! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E246
September 16 · 3 hr 46 min
Pete Hodap Part 2( Retired Prescott Police Lieutenant, TUSD Security)
Send us Fan Mail When Pete was here the first time, he mentioned that his most fun times were being a Sergeant! When he was promoted, he spent some time in Patrol but was quickly selected to lead a squad of Undercover Officers in the Prescott Area Narcotics Trafficking TaskForce. Upon leaving the Taskforce, after 5 years, he spent a short time in Investigations before being promoted to Lieutenant! I'm glad he's back, I can't wait for you all to hear about the rest of his career!!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E245
September 9 · 2 hr 40 min
Brian Watson (Retired IRS Special Agent, University of Arizona Adjunct Faculty & 100 Club of Arizona)
Send us Fan Mail Ever consider life as a Federal agent? Ever wonder how people decide on a career in Federal Service? Then this is your episode. Brian reached out to see if I would be willing to come speak to one of his classes at the University. We had lunch and I invited him to be a guest on the show to not only discuss his 28 year career as an IRS Federal Special Agent, but also his work at the University and his work with the Arizona 100 Club. I enjoyed learning how a degree in accounting, and a presentation by one inspirational Federal Agent, led Brian down a path to a distinguished career. I enjoyed the interview and I know you will too! Turn it up, let's get this show started! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E244
September 2 · 2 hr 33 min
F.I.S.T. "Fugitive Investigative Strike Team" (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective Sgt. John McGrath)
Send us Fan Mail Today, we're taking a look at the career and experiences of John McGrath, retired Pima County Detective Sergeant. He spent more than two decades with Pima County, but we crossed paths when he was leading the FIST team. Because there's too many stories to tell, John will be back in the next couple weeks, but for now enjoy this one. His gritty New York accent helps carry the energy required for catching bad guys! Buckle up, welcome our newest Member!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E243
August 26 · 3 hr 55 min
The death investigations that impacted his entire career! (Peter Hodap, Retired Town of Prescott Police Lieutenant)
Send us Fan Mail Pete reached out to me recently and asked if I'd have him on the show to discuss his 21 year career in the Town of Prescott. In this episode, we only made it to about the 10 year mark, so he's coming back to finish his tales. I'm glad he reached out, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him and his stories were fantastic! Let's just say, we sat here for several hours and the time just flew by. I'll just say, that seems to be the trademark of a great conversation. You be the judge... Give him the warmest of welcomes, he's the newest member of The Squad, Peter Hodap! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E242
August 19 · 1 hr 48 min
Dr. Kevin Gilmartin (Pima County Sheriff's Department, Author of "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement')
Send us Fan Mail Initially this entire podcast was going to be about cops, reminiscing about the glory days and the excitement this career holds for us along the way. Over time, especially recent months, it has taken on a deeper meaning for me because several of our Squad members have passed away. I'm honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with them for a few hours and let them recount their tales, in their own words and on their terms. Men and women have come on here and have been vulnerable, authentic and shared the ways (Good, bad, or indifferent) they tried to cope with the job-related stress. For today's episode, we are dipping into the vault to bring back one of the most impactful conversations of this show. Originally hitting the airwaves on January 17, 2024, as our 110th installment, we were honored to host a man whose work is known globally by first responders: Dr. Kevin Gilmartin. As a Pima County Sheriff, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Gilmartin literally wrote the book on staying whole in this profession. His landmark book, Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, has saved countless careers and marriages. Whether you missed it the first time around or need a critical refresher on keeping yourself emotionally anchored in a high-stress career, this conversation is timeless. So pull up a chair, and let's dive into this classic episode with Dr. Kevin Gilmartin. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E241
August 12 · 2 hr 11 min
Gary Youngling (1st ever guest on Choir Practice, Ep. 1)
Send us Fan Mail Here's another "Best of" and the guy who helped me get this show off the ground! Retired Fairfax County Detective Gary Youngling! Published author, in retirement he worked training the National Police Force in Haiti, trained security personnel for the '96 Olympic Games in Atlanta and he deployed as a civilian contractor to the Middle East! He's had quite the life and continues to write and travel. If you haven't caught it already, take a listen because he had quite the career! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E240
August 5 · 2 hr 36 min
Ben Frie (Current Lieutenant Tucson Police, SWAT, USMC)
Send us Fan Mail Ben agreed to be on the show before I realized he was NOT retired! At the time, he was a Sergeant, but in true Ben Frie fashion he just didn't care. He's a "wordsmith," he's never had much of a filter and you can always count on Ben to just say what's on his mind. It made working the downtown district with him very interesting to say the least! But, as you'll hear in this "Best Of" episode is that Ben started out his working life as a Marine, then joined the City of Tucson where he has continued to move up the department while having some very significant police experiences along the way... Turn him up so you don't miss any of his tales and enjoy the show! I appreciate you all for tuning in. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E239
July 29 · 2 hr 54 min
Lillian George [Episode 10] (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective)
Send us Fan Mail Maybe it's the summertime heat? Vacation schedules? I'm still on the hunt for new victims to be on the show... If you know someone retired from Law Enforcement, dispatch, firefighting, EMT, doctor, nurse, or the military who is in Arizona or is AZ adjacent, willing to travel and has a few good stories to share...send them my way! With the exception of a few die hard fans, I don't honestly believe everyone listens to every single episode I release!!! There has been a lot of content over 4.5 years! So this week, I've reached back to the first year of the show to grab this "best of." This guest right here? Certifiable badass! And I know she'll give me grief for saying so, but Lillian George made an impression on me and I was honored to have had the opportunity to work with her. Even more so to consider her a friend and sister in law enforcement! So, if you are one of the listeners who has not listened to this episode yet...she'll make you proud to know she wore the badge, carried the gun, and distinguished herself in a career field that rarely takes it easy on those who choose this profession. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E238
July 22 · 3 hr 32 min
Maxie Ridgeway (Retired Tucson Police Detective, USAF)
Send us Fan Mail Max and I worked in Special Investigations from 2001-2002. Our squad did the undercover deals and his squad did the Detective work on the prosecution of our cases. He's a genuine nice guy so, if you check out his pictures on FB or Instagram it's kind of hard to believe he did some UC work himself throughout his career. Take a listen, I think you're going to enjoy getting to know Max. He now holds the record for the longest travel to be on the show...he came from Florida to visit friends and hang out for a few hours. Give him a warm welcome and let me know what you thought of his stories! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E237
July 15 · 3 hr 36 min
Joe Knipp redux (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sgt, Retired San Diego PD Motor, USMC)
Send us Fan Mail As I stated before, I've been traveling quite a bit for work, so I tried to grab some of the more popular episodes, craziest characters, and entertaining story tellers. If you have listened to this podcast for any length of time, you know there is no bigger "character" than Joe Knipp. This here is his first of many interviews. I appreciate his company, his sense of humor and the "Plethora" (he'll love that I used that word) of stories he collected over the many years. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E236
July 8 · 3 hr 34 min
Ari Sloane (Tucson Police, Undercover, Hostage Negotiator, Corporate Security for local Power company and Bouldercrest Guide)
Send us Fan Mail As I said last week, I'm still traveling for work... Occasionally, we like to be introspective about our introspection and bring back an oldie but a goodie! Ari is one of the kindest dude's I know, musically talented and he still serves the first responder/ Veteran community now working as a PATHH guide for Bouldercrest. If I must share a member of my coveted Squad, it's hard to find a better guy!!! Please enjoy the show and give Ari some love this week! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E235
July 1 · 3 hr 8 min
Jason Bentley (Tucson Police Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT operator, Bouldercrest Foundation Guide)
Send us Fan Mail Jason and I grew up on the same department, but never crossed paths until Bouldercrest Foundation's Warrior PATTH 150. He recently retired and I knew I wanted him on the show. It's no surprise that he joined with Bouldercrest and continues to serve even after his career with the police department is done. I appreciated his perspective about his career, the cool stories along the way, and the moves he made to continue to grow. Show him some love and enjoy the ride... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E234
June 24 · 3 hr 56 min
Bob Krygier Part 2 (Retired Pima County Sheriff Lieutenant, SWAT, Border Crimes, Night Detectives, Bicycle patrol)
Send us Fan Mail Bob and I sat down for a pretty healthy "second round" to wrap up his career. About a week later he texts me and says, "I can't believe I totally forgot to mention the worst call I've ever had! It included dead bodies, animals, and it dragged on for so long I had to receive several IVs for hydration to make it through." He came back a third time and I managed to find a nice little place to squeeze this story in. Listen in and see if you can tell... I appreciate Bob's friendship over the last 30 years. Our friendship is much like many other of my law enforcement buddies. We go years without seeing one another, but pick right back up where we left off when we meet back up. I hope you all enjoy this one, Bob's a good man and he served this community with integrity and honor for multiple decades. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E233
June 17 · 3 hr 14 min
Albert Echave (USAF Security Forces, Retired Town of Bisbee Police Chief)
Send us Fan Mail I was happy to have Albert back... HIs first episode covered growing up in Bisbee, becoming a Police Explorer, then joining the AirForce to get some experience and age under his belt. We wrapped that episode discussing how he was initially hired as a dispatcher prior to being hired as a police officer... In this episode we dig deeper into the capers, chases, and the path that ultimately led him to becoming the Chief. That little Town faced some hard times but they persevered and Albert was able to put his stamp on his home town and the police department. He has since moved on and enjoys a career in Emergency management post-law enforcement. I honored to know him and glad to share him again with you all. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E232
June 10 · 2 hr 27 min
James Allerton Pt2 (Retired Pima County Sheriff Department- Patrol, Detective, Border Crimes, PIO, Tucson Airport Authority Police, 88-Crime Program Coordinator)
Send us Fan Mail From Patrol to PIO (Episode Description) In Part 2 of our conversation with James Allerton, we go deeper into the real-world intersections between frontline policing, investigative work, and the way those stories reach the public. James—whose career spans patrol, border crimes, detective work, and serving as a public information officer—breaks down how operational realities shape the narratives the media run with, how PIOs and journalists can build productive trust without sacrificing accountability, and what local newsrooms should know when covering complex policing topics. Tune in, show him some love and enjoy the show! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E231
June 3 · 3 hr 42 min
Bob Krygier (Retired Pima County Sheriff Lieutenant,, SWAT, Corrections)
Send us Fan Mail Well, well, well... Bob and I met in May 1996, when we both attended the Pima County Jail Correctional Academy. Our motto, "Class 96-2: Be Rough, Be Tough, Beware!" I cannot believe it has been 30 years! He was promoted to Deputy in 97', and a bunch of us followed him in 98'. Corrections was a great stepping stone job, but the streets is where it's at! I can't wait for you all to hear about what brought Bob to Arizona from Chicago, and the experiences he has had over the years. He is coming back, we scratched the surface but he has more he wants you all to know. Welcome the newest member of The Squad and be sure to catch his "Part 2" coming up in the near future. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E230
May 27 · 3 hr 41 min
Jay Korza Part 2 (Retired Pima County Sergeant/ Regional SWAT Operator, USN Corpsman, and current Air Medic)
Send us Fan Mail I left the previous interview on a cliff hanger. I wanted you all to not only come back to hear the circumstances surrounding Jay's shooting, but I believe the bumps in the road of his career can speak to so many of us who choose to be a first responder. It's easy to glamorize and gloss over the highlights, but I'm overwhelmed and honored that so many guests have walked through the door and been completely authentic and real. I believe my Squad of listeners would detect anything less than real truth. It's a standard we should all aspire to and I'm so grateful for everyone brave enough to come on the show and share without holding back. It takes courage to do the job, and it takes courage to know when to call it and move on. I can respect and appreciate everyone I know who has served honorably...but know when enough is enough. Please tune in, turn it up and enjoy the show. Jay is a great guest, I'm excited to share the rest of his career here... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E229
May 20 · 4 hr 48 min
Jay Korza Part 1 (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sergeant, USN Corpsman, and current Air Medic)
Send us Fan Mail Jay reached out and asked to be on the show. He is currently an Air Medic, but his service started right out of high school. He joined the US Navy and became a Corpsman. His stories from this formative period in his life helped him grow up quickly, but he also worked with some extremely professional individual s who taught him the value of competence and confidence. He joined the Pima County Sheriff's Department and continued to serve the community. During this time, he learned that he was on the autism spectrum, and it helped him understand why his thought process on calls, enforcement of the law, and everyday interaction with his peers was different than others around him. He told me he thought it was important to share this part of his experience because he imagines there are others out there and they might find value in his willingness to share. I enjoyed his perspective, we had a very long chat (I thought I talked a lot) and so I've split this conversation into two episodes...but I urge you to catch the entire conversation because the great stories just continued to roll and roll. Don't miss out! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
S5 · E228
May 13 · 2 hr 33 min
Darren Wright (USMC, Retired Washington State Trooper/ Volunteer Fire Fighter, Current Oro Valley PD Public Information Officer)
Send us Fan Mail Darren heard about the show from an Officer on Oro Valley Police Department and decided to reach out. Excited about his new book being published; Humor, Heartbreak, and Humanity - available on Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com he decided to see if I'd chat with him. I'm always looking for new victims to add to the ranks of the coolest Squad I know, so it was a "no brainer" to bring him on to discuss his 20+ year career with Washington State while also serving as a volunteer fireman. He has some great stories, so it was great to get to know him and I'm excited for you all to meet him as well... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

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