Holding The Line

Who Pays the Price for the War on Cops?

We're crossing the finish line on our first season of Holding the Line and are so grateful to all our new listeners for the community and support you've grown to be—and to all our incredible guests for sharing their stories, insights, and experiences. From Dennis Spaulding exposing the Obama DOJ's war on cops, Rob Quick offering resources for struggling first responders, Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman and former prosecutor Patrick Kenneally shedding light on the dysfunctions in the criminal justice system that have flourished under anti-cop policies—and so, so many more - we hope you've enjoyed this season and have changed your perspective on law enforcement in America. We'll see you soon with Season Two - in the mean time please make sure you leave us a 5 star review wherever you get your podcasts and make sure you're following LELDF across social platforms so you never miss an update from us!

Harbor of Grace: How First Responders Can Get Help—Before It’s Too Late

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Rob Quick, Executive Vice President and COO of Harbor of Grace Recovery Center, to talk about the hidden mental health crisis facing first responders. With over two decades in law enforcement, Rob shares his own journey—from a high-performing police officer struggling with alcohol and cumulative stress, to becoming a leader in recovery and advocacy for others walking the same path. Together, we unpack the realities behind the badge: the trauma, the burnout, the stigma, and the quiet ways it all adds up over time. WHAT WE COVER: * Why mental health challenges are more prevalent among first responders * The cumulative impact of trauma—“stones in a backpack” that eventually break the strap * How substance use, PTSD, burnout, and grief are often deeply connected * The cultural stigma that keeps officers from asking for help—and how that’s changing * Why peer-based treatment environments are uniquely effective * What accessible, insurance-covered care actually looks like * How departments can support officers before crisis hits ---------------------------------------- ROB’S STORY: FROM OFFICER TO ADVOCATE Rob opens up about his own experience seeking treatment after years in a “work hard, play hard” law enforcement culture. His recovery didn’t end his career—it reshaped it. Now, he helps first responders across the country find healing, connection, and a path forward. FIRST RESPONDERS ARE OFTEN SEEN AS STRONG, RESILIENT, EVEN INVINCIBLE—BUT THE REALITY IS FAR MORE COMPLEX. THE WEIGHT THEY CARRY DOESN’T DISAPPEAR WHEN THE SHIFT ENDS. RESOURCES & SUPPORT If you or someone you know is struggling, you can learn more or get help through: Harbor of Grace Recovery Center 🌐 https://harborofgracerecovery.com 📞 24/7 support is available—make the call: 443-502-8606

Rafael Mangual: The Cost of Getting Crime Wrong

Rafael Mangual knows crime.  As a criminal justice policy analyst, legal commentator, and author, he has become a household name for his work on policing, public safety, and crime policy. He is the Nick Ohnell Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, where his research focuses on crime trends, prosecution, bail reform, and the broader impacts of criminal justice policies on communities. His commentary and analysis have also appeared in major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The New York Times, and he is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs. His book Criminal (In)Justice blows apart common narratives about mass incarceration, policing, and systemic bias in the U.S. criminal justice system. We’re honored to have Rafael join us on Holding the Line for a discussion of recent crime trends, law enforcement strategies, and the impact of policy changes on public safety—including insights into hyperlocal crime phenomena, the effects of drug legalization, and the importance of proactive policing. Episode Links: Get Rafael’s book: https://manhattan.institute/book/criminal-injustice [https://manhattan.institute/book/criminal-injustice] New York Post: https://nypost.com/author/rafael-a-mangual/ [https://nypost.com/author/rafael-a-mangual/] Manhattan Institute: https://manhattan.institute/person/rafael-a-mangual [https://manhattan.institute/person/rafael-a-mangual] Read some of his latest op-eds on criminal justice and policing: New York’s Self-Induced Repeat Offender Problem https://www.city-journal.org/article/new-york-criminal-history-prior-arrests [https://www.city-journal.org/article/new-york-criminal-history-prior-arrests] (NYT Gift Link!) The Left Keeps Getting It Wrong on Crime https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/opinion/crime-police-progressive-policy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dFA.aDkA.uP9o20DVaYRM&smid=url-share [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/opinion/crime-police-progressive-policy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dFA.aDkA.uP9o20DVaYRM&smid=url-share] What possible justification do Dems have for not letting ICE deport a sex offender? https://nypost.com/2026/02/02/opinion/what-possible-justification-do-dems-have-for-not-letting-ice-deport-a-sex-offender [https://nypost.com/2026/02/02/opinion/what-possible-justification-do-dems-have-for-not-letting-ice-deport-a-sex-offender] --- If you’re enjoying this first season of Holding the Line, please be sure to subscribe and leave us a 5 star review on the podcast platform of your choice. And if you haven’t already subscribed to our Substack—what are you waiting for? Sign up now: https://substack.com/@leldf [https://substack.com/@leldf]

Reality Check: Police Almost NEVER Use Deadly Force

How often do law enforcement officers actually use force? After digging into the data, it turns out violent encounters are incredibly rare.  Over a million 911 calls, only 0.1% involve ANY use of force. This episode debunks common myths about police use of force, highlighting the gap between public perception and reality. Sean and Jason analyze survey data, media reports, and real-world cases to clarify misconceptions and discuss the impact on law enforcement and community trust. And just for fun, Sean obliterates the Washington Post “fatal force” database.

Former Prosecutor Patrick Kenneally: Mugged By Reality

This week Sean sat down with his old friend Patrick Kenneally, former states attorney for a county outside Chicago who, as he says, was “mugged by reality” by his wild experiences with the criminal justice system and the radical policies and practices he saw up close - and their deadly outcomes. This was a highly entertaining episode - Patrick is a great storyteller and we know you'll really enjoy this one. He discusses the importance of accountability, challenging traditional views on addiction as a disease—and proved that strict enforcement of drug laws saves lives.