Episodios

  • Behind the Medal: Inside the Carnegie Hero Fund with Eric Zahren
    Apr 15 2025

    The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has honored over 10,000 civilian heroes since 1904—ordinary people who risk their lives to save others in extraordinary moments. From water rescues to acts of courage that end in tragedy, each story is carefully investigated and recognized with one of the highest civilian honors in North America: the Carnegie Medal.

    In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts John Gill and Dave Brant speak with Eric Zahren, President of the Carnegie Hero Fund and a retired US Secret Service agent, about what it takes to identify and honor true acts of heroism.

    With over 1,000 nominations a year and only 10% awarded, the process is rigorous, and the impact is lasting. From financial support to scholarships and posthumous recognition, the Hero Fund’s work goes far beyond a single moment of bravery.

    Throughout the conversation, Eric reflects on the values that shaped his career—pride, humility, and respect—and how they continue to guide his work recognizing the quiet courage of everyday people who step up in life-or-death situations.

    Tune in to hear how a former federal agent found a second mission in spotlighting the best of humanity—and why that work is more important than ever.

    Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

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    42 m
  • From FBI Cases to Campus Safety: Shayne Buchwald-Nickoles on Navigating Change
    Mar 10 2025

    A career in law enforcement is rarely a straight path—it’s full of unexpected opportunities, challenges, and transitions.

    In this episode of Fed Time Stories, John Gill and Dave Brant sit down with Shayne Buchwald-Nickoles to discuss her 21-year career with the FBI, where she worked everything from violent crime and fugitive investigations to human intelligence and public affairs. Shayne shares how she navigated major career shifts, why she took on media relations alongside her investigative work, and how she spearheaded an FBI community outreach initiative in Baltimore.

    She also talks about the moments that shaped her journey—from her first days at the Academy to tackling some of the most complex cases in her career. Along the way, she found that success in law enforcement wasn’t just about solving cases—it was about adapting, learning, and finding new ways to serve the community.

    Now serving as the Deputy Chief of Investigations at Johns Hopkins, Shayne discusses the skills she carried over from her FBI career, the learning curves of stepping into new roles, and why staying open to change is key in both law enforcement and life. Tune in for a candid look at career evolution, public safety, and the realities of making big transitions.

    Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

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    39 m
  • How to Spot Danger Before It Strikes: Matt Doherty on Threats In the Workplace
    Feb 10 2025

    How can workplaces better identify and prevent acts of violence before they happen?

    In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts John Gill and Dave Brant sit down with Matt Doherty, managing director of Workforce Risk Management at Sikich and former Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center. Matt played a key role in shaping modern threat assessment strategies, moving beyond outdated profiling methods to focus on behavioral indicators that can prevent violence before it happens.

    He shares how his team pioneered investigative techniques that have since become essential in workplace violence prevention, and why organizations still struggle to implement effective policies today. From high-stakes cases to lessons learned inside the Secret Service, Matt reveals what businesses, law enforcement, and everyday citizens need to know to stay ahead of emerging threats.

    Tune in to hear why warning signs are often missed, how early reporting can save lives, and how law enforcement’s approach to threat mitigation is evolving.

    Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

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    48 m
  • Behind the Scenes of Art Crime Investigations: Randy Deaton’s Pursuit of Stolen Art
    Dec 4 2024

    What drives someone to steal priceless art and cultural treasures? And how do investigators bring these works back to their rightful place?

    In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill sit down with Randy Deaton, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent who spent years unraveling high-stakes art crimes. Randy shares stories of chasing down stolen masterpieces, exposing elaborate forgery schemes, and collaborating with international experts to recover cultural artifacts from across the globe. Tackling these crimes required not just investigative skills but also an insider’s grasp of the art world and its many complexities.

    He also shares insights into the teamwork behind these operations. From coordinating with art historians to collaborating with international law enforcement, Randy explains how these cases depended on the collective expertise and persistence of everyone involved.

    Randy’s career, which started off with a desire to be a Louisiana State Trooper, instead led to working high-profile art crime investigations, and highlights a fascinating and lesser-known side of law enforcement. It’s a look at how passion and precision come together to protect the world’s cultural heritage.

    Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

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    48 m
  • From Real Cases to Prime Time: How Dave Brant Helped Launch NCIS on TV
    Nov 19 2024

    Ever wonder how NCIS became the centerpiece of one of television’s most successful and longest-running crime dramas? In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill dive into the real-life events that inspired the creation of the NCIS TV show and reveal how the agency’s work captivated Hollywood.

    Dave Brant, former Director of NCIS and co-host of Fed Time Stories, recounts the early days when a surprising encounter led to a partnership with Hollywood and the launch of a show that would transform public perception of the agency. Throughout the episode, Dave and John explore the impact the show had on recruitment, the agency’s image, and even its day-to-day culture.

    The conversation also gets into the show’s early casting choices, with Dave recalling the excitement of landing a big name like Mark Harmon to play the lead. He talks about how Harmon’s presence gave the show a sense of authenticity that connected with audiences and made NCIS’s work feel even more real.

    Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes stories, unexpected challenges, and the fascinating journey of turning real cases into a primetime hit that continues to shape the agency’s legacy.

    Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

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    17 m
  • Behind the Scenes of High-Profile Interviews: Adam Lee’s Journey in the FBI – Part Three
    Nov 4 2024

    In the final episode of the Fed Time Stories series featuring Adam Lee, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill delve into another of Adam's career-defining experiences: His intriguing interviews with high-profile political figures. As a former FBI Special Agent in Charge and current Chief Security Officer at Dominion Energy, Adam shares insights into the importance of credibility and respect in national security.

    He recounts a memorable moment during an interview with a sitting president and reflects on the gravity of the situation and the lessons learned about preparation and adaptability in high-stakes environments. Adam emphasizes how these experiences not only shaped his professional journey but also reinforced his understanding that maintaining composure and integrity is essential when navigating the complex interplay of politics and law enforcement.

    From leading complex investigations to collaborating with colleagues under pressure, Adam’s experiences reveal the challenges and dedication required to serve and protect. Join us as we wrap up this three-part series that underscores the values and resilience that propelled Adam Lee through his distinguished career.

    Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

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    24 m
  • The Impact of 9/11 on National Security: Adam Lee’s Journey in the FBI – Part Two
    Nov 4 2024

    In this episode of FedTime Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill continue their conversation with Adam Lee, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Richmond Division and current Chief Security Officer at Dominion Energy. Adam shares his personal narrative of September 11, 2001: Adam found himself at a turning point in his career. He vividly recalls the chaos and urgency of that day, where he was called to action as the investigation into the attacks began to unfold. His involvement in the subsequent investigation was crucial, as he worked tirelessly to piece together information and collaborate with various agencies, highlighting the critical need for unity in addressing national security threats.

    Adam’s experience not only tested his resolve but also shaped his understanding of the complexities surrounding the public perception of law enforcement and its impact on recruitment efforts.

    Join us as we uncover another of Adam’s formative experiences that not only shaped his career but also deepened his understanding of integrity in law enforcement. This episode offers a gripping look at the challenges faced by federal agents in the wake of 9/11 and the ongoing commitment to ensuring national security.

    Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

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    18 m
  • Navigating Public Corruption: Adam Lee’s Journey in the FBI – Part One
    Nov 4 2024

    In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill explore a conversation about integrity in federal service through the experiences of Adam Lee, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Richmond Division and current Chief Security Officer at Dominion Energy.

    Adam shares his journey from a California dreamer to an influential figure in law enforcement, recounting how his determination that led him from state college to law school and ultimately to the FBI. Throughout the episode, listeners can dive into fascinating insights of Adam's work on high-profile public corruption cases and the challenges he faced along the way. Adam emphasizes the significance of collaboration and perseverance in complex investigations, while also exploring how ethical conduct underpins public trust.

    Join us as we uncover Adam’s transitions in life that not only shaped his career but also deepened his understanding of integrity in law enforcement. This episode promises to shine a light on the real-world implications of corruption and the dedication required to uphold justice.

    Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

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    20 m
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