STREET TALES

In this episode, Paterson New Jersey Police Sgt. Vic Martinez (retired) returns to discuss building an Emergency Response Team from scratch, the evolution of weapons, breaching and energetic (explosive) techniques, and integrating canine units into tactical operations. Vic and Adam also talk gear upgrades, leadership and training culture, callout intensity, and handling logistics and legalities for dangerous tools.
They candidly share personal stories about balancing family, coaching, two bouts of cancer, and life after law enforcement, emphasizing the value of rigorous training, professionalism, and support systems for officers transitioning to civilian careers.
To contact us, view all podcasts, and purchase your copy of Street Tales Volume 1, please go to: Street Tales Network

In this episode two hosts sit down for a candid conversation about life after retirement, the choice to prioritize family, and how to separate personal identity from the badge.
They share career lessons, advice for younger officers, and the realities of being a minority in law enforcement, plus surprising stories about bomb‑tech work and specialized roles.
Practical takeaways include planning for retirement, staying true to your values, and the importance of representation and training in communities and departments.
Support our sponsors, contact us, and get your copy of Street Tales Volume 1 today! at Street Tales Network

Street Tales Trailer! This podcast is dedicated to exploring the diverse stories within the law enforcement community, fostering open and honest discussions about the realities of policing from both sides of the law. You can reach us for all content, books, bookings for speaking engagements or as a podcast guest at www.streettalesnetwork.com

In this episode U.S. Army Sgt. First Class (retired) Tony McFarland opens up about growing up in Ohio, joining the Army, being at the Pentagon on 9/11, multiple deployments, and the long road through grief, PTSD, and recovery. Tony shares raw stories about family, near-suicide after his mother’s death, and how counseling, love, and honesty helped rebuild relationships and find purpose.
To contact us, book us for speaking events, support our sponsors, purchase Street Tales Volume 1, and see all of the podcasts on the Street Tales Network please go to www.streettalesnetwork.com

Street Tales Network presents a unique podcast-based book, Street Tales Volume 1, that highlights real-life stories from both sides of the law. Each chapter features a conversationally edited account of a person’s journey and includes a QR code to listen to the original podcast episode.
Volume One shares transformative stories—addiction, crime, recovery, and what led each person into law enforcement—offering human perspectives that connect listeners and readers.
Available on Amazon and www.streettalesnetwork.com.
Check us out and support our team and our mission! Thank you!

Retired NYPD detective Jason (retired) Palamara recounts his fast rise from academy recruit pulled into the 9/11 response to a career investigating homicides and cold cases.
He discusses the emotional toll on officers and families, the challenges of prosecution, and his path to recovery through faith, peer support, equine therapy, and advocacy.
Palamara also shares his post‑retirement work — the book "Living Blue," Living Blue Apparel, and resources supporting veterans and first responders.
Support Living Blue @ www.livingblueapparel.com
For a full list of all shows on the Street Tales Network, Street Tales Volume 1, and to contact us please visit www.streettalesnetwork.com

Host interviews USF PD Assistant Chief (retired) Meg Ross about her multi-decade law enforcement career — from records clerk to assistant chief — covering patrol work, academy training, digital transitions, accreditation struggles, and mentorship.
The episode also focuses on first-responder mental health and the Hope Line support service, Meg’s retirement transition, and takeaways on leadership, resilience, and preparing for life after the badge.
Hope Line:
1-866-4FL-HERO
www.firstresponderhope.com
Support our Sponsor:
https://www.blackoutcoffee.com/?p=CXliVUkgb
Discount Code: STREETTALES
Contact us at streettales813@gmail.com

Retired Paterson Police Sergeant Vic Martinez recounts his journey from growing up in Paterson to 25 years in law enforcement — serving as a patrolman, ERT/SWAT operator, K9 handler and breacher. He shares training, teamwork, and vivid on-the-job stories.
The episode also covers personal challenges and transitions: battles with cancer, his wife’s diagnosis, the strain of duty on family life, and the decision to retire and start a new career in civilian security. Expect candid memories, camaraderie, and classic drinking-era anecdotes.
Support our sponsor:
https://www.blackoutcoffee.com/?p=CXliVUkgb
Discount Code: STREETTALES
Contact us at streettales813@gmail.com

A raw, moving interview with Lisa Plumb, a licensed marriage and family therapist who shares her experiences of childhood sexual abuse, encounters with law enforcement, and the long path to healing. Lisa discusses identifying as a victim and survivor, the dangers of toxic positivity, the importance of trauma-informed care, how physical health and therapies like martial arts helped her recover, and where systems failed — and how they can do better.
 
To contact Lisa Plumb:
Website: LisaPlumbMFT.com/healer
YouTube: @LisaPlumbMFT
Facebook: Survivor to Therapist
 
Support Lisa’s Campaign:
Change.org
#banprettybaby
 
Support our Sponsor:
https://www.blackoutcoffee.com/?p=CXliVUkgb
Discount Code: STREETTALES
 
Contact us at streettlaes813@gmail.com

A raw, moving interview with Lisa Plumb, a licensed marriage and family therapist who shares her experiences of childhood sexual abuse, encounters with law enforcement, and the long path to healing. Lisa discusses identifying as a victim and survivor, the dangers of toxic positivity, the importance of trauma-informed care, how physical health and therapies like martial arts helped her recover, and where systems failed — and how they can do better.
To contact Lisa Plumb:
Website: LisaPlumbMFT.com/healer
YouTube: @LisaPlumbMFT
Facebook: Survivor to Therapist
 
Support Lisa’s Campaign:
Change.org
#banprettybaby
 
Support our Sponsor:
https://www.blackoutcoffee.com/?p=CXliVUkgb
Discount Code: STREETTALES
 
Contact us at streettlaes813@gmail.com