Eric Robinson Tells his Journey from Pastor to the FBI

On this episode of the Billy Dees Podcast, Billy welcomes former FBI Special Agent Eric Robinson for a compelling conversation that bridges faith, federal investigations, and frontline reality.

After 24 years with the FBI — working white-collar crime, counter-terrorism, gangs, drugs, crimes against children, and serving as a SWAT operator and firearms instructor — Eric shares what the job is really like beyond the television dramas. From the painstaking process behind wiretaps to the split-second decisions made during high-risk operations, he offers a grounded look at life inside the Bureau.

But Eric’s story doesn’t begin with law enforcement. Before joining the FBI, he spent 12 years in Christian ministry, even planting and pastoring a church in Western New York. In this candid discussion, he explains how counseling skills from the pulpit carried over into interrogation rooms — and how years of exposure to crime can challenge faith, perspective, and compassion.

Billy and Eric also dive into modern terrorism threats, political perceptions of the FBI, law enforcement scrutiny, and the realities of use-of-force decisions. It’s an honest, thoughtful exchange that moves beyond headlines and into the human experience behind the badge.

Eric also previews his upcoming memoir — a collection of humorous, surprising, and powerful moments from his journey “from preacher to breacher.” A wide-ranging, insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.

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