Cold Red Podcast

Unveiling the Yakuza: A Journey Through Crime

Summary
In this episode of Cold Red, host Ray Carr and Fitz interview Jake Adelstein, a journalist and author known for his work on organized crime in Japan, particularly the Yakuza. Jake shares his journey from Missouri to Tokyo, his experiences living in a Zen Buddhist temple, and his insights into Japanese culture and language. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Yakuza, their societal role, and the brutal violence associated with gang wars. Jake also discusses human trafficking in Japan and his investigative work on medical murders in Missouri, highlighting the challenges of exposing crime and corruption. The episode concludes with reflections on Jake's books and the adaptation of his work into the HBO series Tokyo Vice.
Keywords
Jake Adelstein, Tokyo Vice, Yakuza, human trafficking, organized crime, Zen Buddhism, Japanese culture, medical murders, crime investigation, HBO series
 

Unraveling the Assassination of Brian Thompson

Summary
In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz delve into the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, exploring the investigation's complexities, the profile of the shooter, and the implications for corporate security. They discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement, the victim's background, and the need for enhanced protection for corporate leaders in an increasingly volatile environment. The conversation highlights the organized nature of the crime and the potential motivations behind it, leaving listeners with critical insights into the case and its broader implications.
Keywords
assassination, UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, investigation, NYPD, corporate security, shooter profile, victimology, crime analysis, public safety
 

John Gosart: A Life in Law Enforcement The Role of RICO in Modern Crime

Summary
In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz interview John Gosart, a chief investigator for the Georgia Attorney General's organized retail crime unit. John shares his unique journey from banking to law enforcement, detailing the challenges and experiences he faced as a rookie officer at 36. The conversation delves into his encounters with bank robberies, notable cases, and a dramatic courtroom confrontation that tested his skills and instincts. John also discusses the personal threats he faced as a law enforcement officer, highlighting the complexities and dangers of the job. In this conversation, John Gosart discusses his experiences in law enforcement, particularly focusing on organized retail crime and a notable murder case he investigated. The dialogue explores the evolution of policing tactics, the complexities of organized crime, and the legal frameworks like RICO that are used to combat these issues. The conversation culminates in a detailed recounting of the murder of rapper Raheem Grant, highlighting the investigative process and the eventual justice served.
 
Keywords
law enforcement, organized retail crime, courtroom safety, bank robbery, police academy, criminal investigations, Georgia Attorney General, John Gosart, law enforcement career, personal safety, policing, organized crime, retail theft, RICO, murder investigation, law enforcement, crime prevention, Georgia Attorney General, criminal justice, crime trends
 

Cold Red - Behind the Canvas: Forensic vs Art and Crime ft Robert Exter

Summary
In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz interview Robert Exter, a professional artist and police sketch artist with over 30 years of experience. Robert shares his journey from a young artist to becoming a key figure in criminal investigations, particularly in creating composite sketches that aid law enforcement. The conversation delves into the intricacies of translating witness descriptions into visual representations, the challenges faced in sketching, and the impact of technology on forensic art. Robert also discusses his notable cases, including his connection to the Unabomber, and reflects on the evolution of his craft over the years.
Keywords
Robert Exter, police sketch artist, Unabomber, forensic art, witness testimony, composite sketching, criminal investigation, art and crime, law enforcement, sketch accuracy
 

Reflections on Society and Policing ft Maureen O'Connell

Summary
In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz welcome retired FBI agent Maureen O'Connell, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a law enforcement family to becoming a pioneering female agent in the FBI. Maureen discusses her experiences in narcotics and gang investigations, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and her significant cases, including working with the Evidence Response Team. She reflects on the importance of camaraderie in law enforcement and the impact of societal issues on policing. After retiring, Maureen founded her own consulting firm, where she continues to leverage her expertise in crisis management and security. The conversation also touches on her family ties to law enforcement, including her husband and son, both of whom are police officers.
 

Cold Red Season 4 Finale

Summary
In this episode of Cold Red, Ray Carr and Fitz discuss an email that Fitz received regarding the Unabomber case. The email was from Norman Plum, whose father was a former Coast Guard member and had a connection to the book 'Ice Brothers,' which was used by the Unabomber to conceal a bomb. Fitz shares the letter he received from Ted Kaczynski, in which Kaczynski explains that the choice of the book was likely based on its size and shape rather than its content. Ray also shares a story about having lunch with a former bank robber, Carl Gugation. In this conversation, Ray Carr and Fitz discuss various topics including a bank robber, potential interviews with Carl, the Arthur Beaumar case, the Trump assassination attempt, and concerns about the upcoming election. They also encourage listeners to vote and stay informed.
Keywords
Cold Red, Unabomber, book, Ice Brothers, Ted Kaczynski, bank robber, Carl Gugation, bank robber, interviews, Arthur Beaumar case, Trump assassination attempt, election, voting
 

The Making of a True Crime Series

Summary
In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz welcome back Chris McMullin, a Lieutenant for the Bucks County Sheriff's Department, to discuss his new true crime show, Philly Homicide, which premieres on the Oxygen Network. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of losing a colleague in law enforcement, specifically focusing on the tragic case of Corporal Michael Beverly. The hosts reflect on the investigation process, the challenges faced by police officers in their communities, and the production journey of the show. Chris shares insights into the importance of respecting victims and their families while seeking justice.
 

Chris McMullin Joins Cold Red Podcast

Kris Illingsworth Revised

Revised Episode

Overcoming Adversity: Chris Wydra's Inspiring Path

Summary
In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz engage in a deep conversation with Chris Wydra, a professor at Penn West University and former detective with the Pittsburgh Police Department. Chris shares his challenging childhood experiences, his journey through education, military service in the Marine Corps, and his impactful career in law enforcement. He recounts a life-altering shootout that tested his resolve and shaped his future. The discussion also touches on his transition to academia, his involvement with the FBI, and his current research interests, including the implications of artificial intelligence in education.
Keywords
Chris Wydra, law enforcement, military service, education, Pittsburgh Police, shootout, teaching, FBI, criminal justice, artificial intelligence