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Locked In with Ian Bick

Ian Bick
Locked In with Ian Bick
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  • Locked In with Ian Bick

    I Was the Detective Who Took Down the Zion Society Cult — Here's What Happened | Mike King

    2026-09-29 | 2h 3 mins.
    Mike King started his career on patrol and SWAT with the Ogden City Police Department in Utah before becoming the lead investigator in the 1991 Zion Society case, involving a 120-member polygamist doomsday cult led by self-proclaimed prophet Arvin Shreeve. After a member came forward and revealed what was happening inside the group, Mike and his team launched a secret 24-day investigation that ended with coordinated raids on multiple homes, 32 children being removed from the group, and Shreeve and several members ultimately going to prison. Mike later led multi-agency task forces, served as Chief of Staff to the Utah Attorney General, trained in criminal profiling, and created Profiling Evil.
    _____________________________________________
    Thank you to CASH APP & HIMS for sponsoring this episode:
    Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
    _____________________________________________
    Hims: Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://www.hims.com/lockedin to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.
    _____________________________________________
    Become an EXCLUSIVE Locked In: After Hours Member & recieve a FREE merch box:
    https://lockedin.supportingcast.fm/
    _____________________________________________
    Connect with Mike King:
    Website: https://profilingevil.com/about/
    Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B092NZ4GJP?ccs_id=f3feb9b3-1dbe-4ce9-ad29-5791e32c6ee7
    _____________________________________________
    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
    https://ianbick.com/
    _____________________________________________
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Mike King's Beginning
    01:13 Growing Up in Salt Lake City
    04:42 A Father's Legacy
    05:31 Path to Law Enforcement
    08:09 Applying Life Lessons
    12:07 Surviving Electrocution
    15:42 Early Days as a Cop
    22:31 Impactful Calls
    24:59 Life as a SWAT Officer
    28:04 Finding Common Ground
    30:00 Joining the DA's Office
    34:49 The Encounter That Changed Everything
    36:21 Understanding Cults
    39:04 The Zion Society's Dark Secrets
    45:46 Building the Case
    48:48 Aaron's Courage to Leave
    52:02 Dangerous Cult Leaders
    54:18 Corroborating the Testimony
    59:03 Adding the Bricks
    01:01:45 Assembling the Evidence
    01:05:44 Getting the Warrant
    01:10:35 Why Not the FBI?
    01:11:14 Keeping It Under Wraps
    01:12:17 Planning the Raid
    01:14:57 The Morning of the Bust
    01:19:26 Finding the Hidden Weapons
    01:22:32 Evidence and Money
    01:24:15 Where Was the Leader?
    01:25:03 Aftermath and Prosecutions
    01:28:36 Sentencing and Justice
    01:30:56 Career Evolution
    01:32:50 The Satanic Panic
    01:36:13 The Toll of the Work
    01:38:38 Reconnecting with Survivors
    01:46:31 A Path to Redemption
    01:49:21 Retirement and Continued Career
    01:51:27 Juries and Social Media
    01:54:13 The Jury System at Risk
    01:56:21 Advice to My Younger Self
    01:58:04 A Family Mystery Solved
    _____________________________________________
    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka
  • Locked In with Ian Bick

    I Was a New Jersey Cop for 25 Years — These Are The Moments I Can't Unsee | Rick Fittin

    2026-09-28 | 2h 40 mins.
    Rick Fittin grew up in New Jersey, joined the Army, and went on to spend more than 25 years in law enforcement — working his way from patrol officer to K9 officer and eventually police chief. Along the way, he experienced the wild, funny, and unpredictable side of policing that most people never get to hear directly from the officers who lived it. After more than two decades on the job, Rick walked away from law enforcement and started an entirely new chapter of his life.
    _____________________________________________
     #police #cops #TrueCrime #crimestories #k9
    _____________________________________________
    Thank you to HIMS & CASH APP for sponsoring this episode:
    Hims: Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://www.hims.com/lockedin to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.
    _____________________________________________
    Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod
    Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
    _____________________________________________
    Become an EXCLUSIVE Locked In: After Hours Member & receive a FREE merch box:
    https://lockedin.supportingcast.fm/
    _____________________________________________
    Connect with Rick Fittin:
    https://www.instagram.com/rick_fittin?stkn=cmEzMXc3ZTF6NXJ3
    _____________________________________________
    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
    https://ianbick.com/
    _____________________________________________
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Rick Fitton: 25 Years Behind the Badge
    00:37 Growing Up at the Jersey Shore
    01:42 Rebellion and the Road to the Army
    03:04 Joining the Army: A Life-Changing Decision
    04:06 Basic Training: Fort Knox and the Realities of Military Life
    06:24 Field Exercises, Helicopters, and Military Discipline
    09:35 Family Loss and Staying the Course
    10:23 Desert Storm and the National Training Center
    11:21 Transition Back Home and Family Business
    12:56 Getting Into Laundromats and Dry Cleaners
    13:27 Grief, Ride Alongs, and the Call to Policing
    14:38 Becoming a Police Officer: The Academy and First Steps
    15:44 Starting in a Quiet Town and Moving to Seaside Heights
    17:38 Mentorship and Learning from Leadership
    19:39 The Long Grind: Applying and Rejection
    21:17 The Life-Changing Phone Call
    23:56 The Job Offer and a New Beginning
    24:52 Early Patrol Days and 'Cowboy' Reputation
    25:52 First DUI Arrest and a Sergeant's Tough Lesson
    30:32 Sponsor Break: Weight Loss by HIMS
    31:52 Cleaning Up the Department and Early Challenges
    32:12 The Quest for a K9 Unit
    34:00 Politics, the Prosecutor, and Getting a Dog
    35:32 Meeting Biba: The Female German Shepherd
    36:38 Canine School and 9/11: A Changing World
    39:14 The First State Police Patrol Class
    40:16 Training with Denny Mcweeney and the Iron Dog
    44:08 Rescue: Woman Hanging from a Window
    50:37 The Aftermath and the T-Shirt Story
    52:53 Sponsor Break: Cash App
    55:08 Back to the Dogs: The Agreement and Limitations
    56:00 PCP and a Crazy Chase
    01:00:00 The Chase Ends: A Physical Confrontation
    01:02:34 Why I Chose Midnights and the K9 Life
    01:03:48 A Tracking Award and a Kidnapping Case
    01:07:33 Tracking Down the Suspect
    01:09:36 After the Capture: The Loyalty of Biba
    01:10:49 Nico: My Second K9 and the Bond
    01:14:44 Losing Nico and the End of My K9 Career
    01:19:00 Rescuing a Man from Icy Waters
    01:23:00 The Icy Rescue Aftermath
    01:25:14 Unexpected Encounters and Errant Drivers
    01:27:52 Changing Culture in Policing
    01:30:33 Working with the Community and an NCIC Hit
    01:35:45 A Strange Case of Poisoned Food
    01:38:24 Confronting the Wife and Getting a Confession
    01:41:27 NYPD Homicide Detectives and a High-Profile Case
    01:45:45 The Raid and the Outcome
    01:49:45 A Near Shooting and the Watermelon Fight
    01:54:00 The Courtroom and Lessons Learned
    01:56:00 Resilience and an Unresponsive Male Call
    01:58:25 A Homicide on the Second Floor
    02:00:00 The Aftermath and Death Notifications
    02:02:43 25 Years of Stories and Final Valor Award
    02:03:13 Drug Recognition Expert: The Specialty Work
    02:06:48 The Changing Landscape of Policing
    02:08:24 Prisons, Reform, and the System's Failures
    02:11:20 Mental Health and Resiliency in Law Enforcement
    02:14:37 Hurricane Ida: A New Chief's Test
    02:18:08 Water Rescues and the MRAP
    02:21:20 Saving a Family and Returning Home
    02:23:03 More Flooding and a Tire Plant Rescue
    02:25:00 Retirement, Reinvention, and Advice for Officers
    02:29:00 Turning the Page: Overcoming Adversity
    02:31:00 Moving Forward: New Opportunities
    02:33:00 Current Ventures and the Passion to Help
    02:34:29 Reflecting on Success and Hard Work
    02:36:27 A Lesson on Valuing What You Earn
    _____________________________________________
    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka
  • Locked In with Ian Bick

    I Was on America's Most Wanted at 19 — Then Survived 20 Years Inside New York's Worst Prisons | Kevin "Fresh" Townsend

    2026-09-27 | 1h 39 mins.
    Kevin "Fresh" Townsend grew up in Brooklyn with his father in prison and his mother raising him on her own. He took to the streets at a young age, dropped out of high school, became involved with gangs, and started dealing drugs. Then, at just 19 years old, he landed on America's Most Wanted for a murder he says he did not commit. After two trials, Kevin was convicted and sentenced to 20 years to life in New York state prison. Over the next two decades, he ran with the Bloods, navigated Rikers Island, and survived some of New York's toughest maximum-security prisons. After serving 20 years, Kevin finally walked free — just two weeks before sitting down to record this episode.
    _____________________________________________
    Become an EXCLUSIVE Locked In: After Hours Member & recieve a FREE merch box:
    https://lockedin.supportingcast.fm/
    _____________________________________________
    Connect with Kevin "Fresh" Townsend: Book:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPSW499L?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/townsendrealm/
    _____________________________________________
    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
    https://ianbick.com/
    _____________________________________________
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction to Kevin
    00:50 Growing Up in Brooklyn
    02:10 The Impact of Having a Father in Prison
    03:03 Street Lessons and Gang Life
    03:57 Gambling and the Addiction to Money
    06:10 The Routine of Gang Life
    08:12 Staying Away from Selling Drugs
    10:14 Family Love and His Father's Advice
    12:56 Reading Books and Dreaming of a Better Life
    14:27 A History of Violence and Fear
    17:35 Charged with Murder
    25:53 Arrest and Interrogation
    27:31 Lack of Evidence and False Testimony
    30:19 First Day at Rikers and the Start of Prison Life
    34:00 First Trial and Mistrial
    37:12 Convicted at the Second Trial
    40:01 Sentencing and a 20-Year Prison Sentence
    44:37 Failed Appeals and Losing Hope
    48:53 Sent Upstate to Prison
    51:18 Five Points and Adjusting to a New Life
    54:00 Prison Rules and Survival Tactics
    57:19 Solitary Confinement and Mental Struggles
    59:49 Transfers Between Prisons and Different Experiences
    01:04:18 Relationships with Other Inmates and Unexpected Events
    01:07:57 Back in Solitary and Working on Himself
    01:12:54 Released from Prison and Reuniting with Family
    01:15:19 Adjusting to Life on the Outside
    01:18:50 New Goals and Hope for the Future
    01:23:22 Marriage and Relationship Struggles
    01:26:29 Lessons from Prison and Advice for Young People
    _____________________________________________
    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka
  • Locked In with Ian Bick

    I Was a Guard Inside Georgia's Violent Prison System — I Can't Unsee What I Saw | Tyler Ryals

    2026-09-24 | 2h 57 mins.
    Tyler Ryals couldn't get into the military, so at 18 years old he became a correctional officer in the Georgia state prison system. He quickly worked his way up, becoming one of the youngest CERT team commanders and sergeants in the system. Over nearly 10 years, he worked inside some of Georgia's most violent maximum-security prisons and witnessed firsthand how severe staffing shortages put both officers and inmates at risk. Eventually, Tyler became a whistleblower, speaking out about just how dangerous conditions inside Georgia's prison system had become — a decision that ultimately pushed him out of the career he had built.
    _____________________________________________
    Thank you to AG1, HUNGRYROOT & CASH APP for sponsoring this episode:
    AG1: For a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at https://drinkag1.com/lockedin
    _____________________________________________
    Hungryroot: Explore my Hungryroot Digital Cookbook "THE COMMISSARY UPGRADE" at https://hungryroot.com/LOCKEDIN
    _____________________________________________
    Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod
    Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
    _____________________________________________
    Connect with Tyler Ryals:
    https://linktr.ee/TylerRyalsX?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c0142663-7c83-4224-a495-33de8fbea012
    _____________________________________________
    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
    https://ianbick.com/
    _____________________________________________
    Timestamps:
    00:00 A Brutal Attack
    00:31 Tyler's Upbringing
    01:42 Family and Early Plans
    03:31 Failed Military Enlistment
    04:45 Choosing Corrections
    06:00 Age Requirements Then and Now
    07:37 No Other Options
    08:33 Juvenile Detention and Fight
    10:15 The Legal Battle
    13:44 Community Service
    15:15 Inside YDC
    17:44 Teenage Trouble
    18:19 Parents' Reaction
    20:04 Corrections Application
    22:35 AG1 Advertisement
    23:56 Training Begins
    26:24 First Test
    27:57 The Hole
    28:50 Why Start in Max Security
    29:25 BCOT Experience
    30:53 Choosing a Shift
    32:00 What is Tier?
    35:13 Tier Program Expansion
    36:20 Getting into Tier
    37:00 Officer Role in Tier
    40:14 Was the Tier Effective?
    42:37 Career Goals
    43:19 Joining the CERT Team
    44:04 Cell Extraction Stories
    45:00 Early Rise to Supervisor
    45:50 Knife Extraction Part 1
    49:40 Electrical Surprise
    50:02 Hungryroot Ad
    51:33 After the Extraction
    52:15 Supervisor Pay and Benefits
    53:37 High Turnover Reasons
    54:36 First Day in Uniform
    58:26 How Inmates Throw Poop
    59:18 Getting Hit
    01:00:00 The Flooding Incident
    01:02:33 Keeping Professional
    01:03:23 The Sour Milk Story
    01:04:29 Dad's Advice
    01:05:35 Worst Gangs
    01:08:29 Paperwork and Snitches
    01:10:57 Worst Thing Seen
    01:13:31 State Reporting and Coverups
    01:16:19 The 10% Reduction
    01:17:18 Cash App Ad
    01:19:52 First Misconduct by Staff
    01:19:52 First Misconduct by Staff
    01:21:00 Staff Shortages Worsen
    01:23:19 Return to Telfair
    01:25:40 Abandoned Buildings
    01:27:40 Inmate-Reported Deaths
    01:28:48 Dealing with Killers
    01:29:39 Calling for the National Guard
    01:32:48 The Whistleblowing Letter
    01:33:56 Instructing and Realization
    01:36:35 No Safety in Prisons
    01:38:00 Meetings with Gang Members
    01:40:20 Georgia State Prison Collapse
    01:41:21 Buck Flaps
    01:41:50 How Tyler Got Stabbed
    01:46:10 Training Green Officers
    01:48:20 Gear Shortages
    01:49:45 The Cell Extraction Begins
    01:52:08 The Struggle
    01:57:40 The Aftermath
    02:01:20 Machete Incident
    02:02:00 Post-Extraction Chaos
    02:02:30 Wrapping Up
    02:03:00 Constitutional Violations
    02:03:40 The Bloods vs GDs War
    02:04:56 Final Thoughts
    _____________________________________________
    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka
  • Locked In with Ian Bick

    I Was One of Rikers Island's Youngest Captains — Here's Why I Left | James Kearney

    2026-09-23 | 1h 46 mins.
    James Kearney grew up in New York City as the son of a Rikers Island correctional officer. He originally wanted to become a teacher, but ultimately followed in his father's footsteps and joined the New York City Department of Correction in the late 1990s. By his third year on the job, he had become one of the youngest captains in Rikers Island history. But stepping into leadership exposed him to a side of the system he never expected — inexperienced people being placed in positions they weren't prepared for, and a culture that didn't always welcome those who challenged it. When James tried to address what he was seeing, he says he experienced the full weight of institutional retaliation. Less than a decade into his career, an injury on the job ultimately led to his medical retirement.
    _____________________________________________
    Thank you to CASH APP, AG1, & HUNGRYROOT for sponsoring this episode:
    Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod
    _____________________________________________
    Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
    _____________________________________________
    AG1: For a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at https://drinkag1.com/lockedin
    _____________________________________________
    Hungryroot: Explore my Hungryroot Digital Cookbook "THE COMMISSARY UPGRADE" at https://hungryroot.com/LOCKEDIN
    _____________________________________________
    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
    https://ianbick.com/
    _____________________________________________
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction: James Kernney's Rikers Story
    00:45 Growing Up and Family Background
    03:37 Father's Influence and Taking the Civil Service Test
    05:50 The Job vs. Career: Advice for New Officers
    07:20 Problems in the System: Contraband and Nepotism
    09:29 The Best Kept Secret: Rikers Island
    10:43 Promotion Process: Becoming a Captain
    12:27 Mini Medical Incompetence and Weight Requirements
    14:50 Fastest Promotion: Youngest Captain in History
    17:27 Academy Life and First Days
    19:42 First Assignment: C76 and Learning the Ropes
    22:45 Queen's House: The Preferred Command
    24:32 Sentenced vs. Remanded Inmates
    26:42 First Lessons: Academy vs. Reality
    29:00 Use of Force Directive and Its Flaws
    32:25 Officers and Inmates: Handling with Care
    34:05 Surprises: Nepotism and Comfort with Favors
    36:49 Night Tours and Midnight Intake Duties
    38:00 Midnight Intake Captain: Court Lists and Punitive Segregation
    41:03 Captain's Role: Intake Challenges
    42:27 Becoming Captain: Test and Training
    44:54 Probationary Periods and Petty Charges
    47:27 Transfer to Queen's Courts Division
    50:53 Desire to Go to GRVC and First Assignments
    52:50 Low Pay and Struggles for New Officers
    53:04 Pay Raises and Retention Issues
    57:01 Officer Housing and Commute Struggles
    58:04 Captain's Pay and Rank Structure
    59:18 Role as a Captain: Intake Nightmare
    01:00:26 Trouble Begins: First Erroneous Discharge Charges
    01:02:32 West Facility Discharge and Order to Produce
    01:04:06 Second Incident: Mark Gastino and Retaliation
    01:06:39 Facing Charges and Defending Actions
    01:09:20 Charges Dropped but Warnings Persist
    01:10:08 The Threat of Overholding Inmates
    01:11:11 Release Procedures and Returning Inmates
    01:13:20 Inmate Relations and Targeting Officers
    01:14:21 Impact of Cameras on Inmate Behavior
    01:15:27 Corrupt Staff and Personal Shocks
    01:16:29 Further Retaliation: Free Tour and Use of Force
    01:17:58 Infection and Surgery: Gangrene Scare
    01:18:20 Chief's Nephew Incident and Consequences
    01:20:12 Transfer to GRVC and More Trouble
    01:22:05 Arrogance and Further Charges
    01:23:25 Union Support and Family Advice
    01:24:33 Final Incident: CMC Max and Cameras
    01:26:20 Charges for Looking Angry and Medical Separation
    01:29:20 Getting the Pension and Unemployment Struggles
    01:31:35 Meeting His Wife and Family Life
    01:33:53 Career End and Teaching Dreams Blocked
    01:36:30 Why Not Marry Another Officer?
    01:38:41 Advice for Officers and Mental Health Crisis
    01:41:26 Psych Exams: A Joke and Stigma
    01:44:12 Final Thoughts: No Regrets and Hopes for Return
    _____________________________________________
    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka
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About Locked In with Ian Bick
Stories you won't find anywhere else, told by the people who lived them. Hosted by former federal inmate turned entrepreneur Ian Bick, Locked In with Ian Bick features raw, long-form conversations with people from every side of the criminal justice system—and the extraordinary lives that intersect with it. From former inmates and law enforcement officers to attorneys, judges, correctional professionals, investigators, victims, medical professionals, bikers, and public figures, every guest shares a firsthand perspective rarely heard anywhere else. Every episode goes beyond the headlines, exploring crime, prison, addiction, investigations, mental health, redemption, and second chances through honest conversations with the people who experienced them. If you're interested in true crime, criminal justice, prison stories, or extraordinary real-life experiences, Locked In with Ian Bick delivers stories you won't find anywhere else.
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