Under the Crab

Keith Frakes: A Quiet Professional, A Rare Breed, A Legend

In this conversation, Keith Frakes shares his extensive journey from military service to a distinguished career in law enforcement, particularly in SWAT and explosive breaching. He discusses the importance of family in retirement, the evolution of tactical practices, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. Keith emphasizes the significance of training, community collaboration, and the need for standardization in explosive breaching techniques, while also reflecting on his personal experiences and notable operations throughout his career. In this conversation, Keith Frakes shares his extensive experiences in law enforcement and military service, discussing the evolution of tactical equipment, the importance of mentorship, and his deployments in Panama and Iraq. He reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career, including the significance of networking and being prepared for transitions in life. Frakes emphasizes the value of lifelong learning and the impact of having good mentors, while also sharing personal anecdotes from his time in service.

Barry Black: Hazardous Devices

In this engaging conversation, Barry Black, a retired FBI special agent and bomb technician, shares his remarkable journey from being an accountant to serving in high-stakes bomb investigations. He reflects on significant events such as the Oklahoma City bombing and the Atlanta Olympic bombing, providing insights into the challenges faced by law enforcement during these crises. Barry discusses his experiences in undercover operations, the evolution of explosives, and the importance of teamwork in law enforcement. He also highlights his current role as a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he imparts his knowledge to the next generation of forensic scientists. Throughout the conversation, Barry emphasizes the value of seizing opportunities and maintaining professionalism in all situations. The Book: Hazardous Devices: Memoir of an FBI Bomb Technician, Accountant, and Sniper. McFarland Books https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/Hazardous-Devices/ [https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/Hazardous-Devices/] Amazon https://a.co/d/4oIwcNkChapters [https://a.co/d/4oIwcNkChapters] 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:09 Career Overview and Historical Events 05:47 The Role of an FBI Agent 08:58 Challenges in Financial Investigations 11:56 The Importance of Informants 14:45 Path to Becoming an FBI Agent 17:59 Transition to SWAT and Sniper Training 20:51 Involvement in Major Incidents 23:44 Reflections on the FBI Experience 26:03 The Reality of Crisis Management 29:27 Introduction to Bomb Technology 34:04 The Oklahoma City Bombing 43:35 Reflections on Tragedy and Loss 44:10 Transition to the Olympics and New Challenges 47:23 The Sooner Bomb Incident 54:32 Unlikely Scenarios: Bomb Threats and Arrests 57:32 Undercover Operations: Preventing a Major Attack 01:05:59 The Journey to Authorship: Writing a Memoir 01:11:30 Teaching the Next Generation: A New Chapter 01:18:07 Life Lessons: Seizing Opportunities and Being Remembered.

Brains, Bombs, and Breakthroughs: A Bomb Tech's Journey to Forensic Science

In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Charbonneau shares her journey from being a bomb technician and arson explosive detective to pursuing a PhD in forensic science. She discusses her early influences, the challenges she faced in law enforcement, and her passion for educating the next generation. Sarah highlights the importance of physical fitness, the impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on bomb technicians, and her goals for future research in this area. She emphasizes the need for baseline testing and the importance of mental health awareness in the field.

Inside the Mind of a B-1 Bomber Pilot: Leadership Under Fire

In this conversation, Lieutenant General Mark Weatherington shares his insights on the evolution of drone warfare, his journey through military service, and the importance of leadership and family. He discusses the impact of drone technology on modern combat, his experiences in the Air Force Academy, and the rigorous training required to become a pilot. Weatherington reflects on his combat missions in Afghanistan, the transition to flying the B-2 Spirit, and the meticulous planning behind Operation Midnight Hammer. He emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership and the need to maintain strong family connections amidst a demanding career.

Struggle Well: Transforming Trauma into Growth

In this conversation, Rob Brandt shares his experiences growing up in Tucson, Arizona, and his extensive career in law enforcement, including his time with the Tucson Police Department and the Boulder Crest Foundation. He reflects on the changes in policing over the years, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges faced by modern law enforcement officers. The discussion also touches on the significance of maintaining personal integrity and the role of police in ensuring public safety and peace. In this segment, Rob Brandt shares his journey from transitioning to SWAT, where he learned valuable tactical lessons and faced critical incidents that shaped his leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of responsibility, trust, and humility in law enforcement. Rob discusses the creation of a wellness program within the Tucson Police Department, aimed at supporting officers' mental health and fostering a culture of connection and vulnerability. His experiences highlight the significance of post-traumatic growth and the need for proactive mental health support in the police force. In this conversation, Rob Brandt discusses the challenges faced by law enforcement officers, the importance of respect in society, and the transition to retirement. He emphasizes the significance of mental wellness and the concept of post-traumatic growth, sharing insights from his experience in the Struggle Well program. Brandt also offers life advice centered on living in the moment and the power of kindness.