“Chief’s Chats” is hosted by Joey Hoover, a veteran law enforcement officer and radio broadcaster. Joey Hoover’s public service career spans five decades, beginning soon after graduating from Russell County High School in Russell Springs, KY in May 1984. Chief Hoover’s 34+ year law enforcement career includes a combined 14 years as Police Chief for two agencies and 8 years as Colonel of the Kentucky State Park Rangers. Chief Hoover achieved numerous certifications including Advanced Law Enforcement Investigator and Law Enforcement Chief Executive through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council. Growing up working in his parent’s radio stations fueled Joey Hoover’s passion for broadcasting and public service which paralleled his law enforcement career. “Chief’s Chats” was created to share true stories and real-life events that Chief Hoover personally witnessed. Some are funny. Some are heart-breaking. Some will make you wonder “did that really happen?” Some episodes will feature special guest with discussions on a variety of topics.
From NYPD to DOCJT: A Conversation with John Schwartz
In this special episode of Chief’s Chats, I talk with John Schwartz, a retired NYPD Detective 1st Grade and most recently an instructor with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. John shares stories from his career with the NYPD, including his experiences during 9/11, and he reflects on his 20 years of teaching and mentoring officers here in Kentucky.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about service, resilience, and the lasting impact of leadership in policing.
28 Aug 2025
“Friday Night Lights, Local Legends” Chief's Chats EP 13
This week, I had the privilege of welcoming two familiar voices to anyone who loves high school football—Tony Kerr, longtime play-by-play announcer for the Russell County Lakers, and Shannon Hutchinson, the voice of the Wayne County Cardinals.
We laughed, we shared some history, and we celebrated the tradition of high school football in both counties. 🏈
It was an absolute pleasure having these two join me, and I know you’ll enjoy the stories just as much as I did.
15 Aug 2025
"Service, Leadership, and Family: A Conversation with Chief Gabe Heatherly" Chief's Chats EP 12
In this episode of Chief’s Chats, I sit down with Monticello Fire Chief Gabe Heatherly. Chief Heatherly first joined the Monticello Fire Department in the early 2000s and has served as its leader for nearly four years. With 26 years of combined fire and EMS experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and heart to his work. A devoted husband and proud father of three daughters, Chief Heatherly is the definition of a servant leader—committed to protecting the community, guiding his firefighters, and making a difference every day. Join us as we talk about his journey, the challenges of the job, and what it truly means to serve.
8 Aug 2025
“Clever Captures” Chief’s Chats EP 11
In this episode of Chief’s Chats, Chief Joey Hoover shares three unforgettable investigations where a little creativity — and a dash of trickery — made all the difference. From a tense murder warrant arrest in Jamestown to other high-stakes operations, you’ll hear how thinking outside the box kept officers safe, protected innocent bystanders, and brought suspects into custody without a fight. These true stories from the front lines prove that sometimes the smartest tool in law enforcement isn’t force — it’s ingenuity.
1 Aug 2025
“From Overdose to Overcomer: The Charlie Wooldridge Story” Chief's Chats EP10
In this powerful two-part episode of Chief’s Chats, we take an unflinching look at the opioid crisis through the lens of hope, survival, and redemption. Part One explores the life-saving power of Naloxone—commonly known as Narcan—and how this medication is turning the tide in overdose emergencies.
In Part Two, Chief Joey Hoover sits down with a remarkable young man whose life was nearly lost to an overdose—an overdose Chief Hoover personally witnessed. Revived by Narcan in what seemed like his final moments, this young man not only survived but went on to beat addiction and is now helping others find their own path to recovery.
It’s a story of tragedy turned triumph, and a powerful reminder that with the right tools—and a second chance—lives can be saved, changed, and even used to save others.
18 Jul 2025
"Before the Spotlight – My Encounters with Future National Fugitives" Chief's Chats EP 9
In this episode of Chief’s Chats, I share details of my encounters with two individuals who would later make national headlines — featured on America's Most Wanted. Long before their names were broadcast across the country, our paths crossed in Jamestown, KY.
Hear the behind-the-scenes stories, firsthand recollections, and insights into how these early encounters unfolded — and what happened next. This episode dives into the real-life moments that preceded a national manhunt.
11 Jul 2025
Chief's Chats EP8 “17 Miles in 12 Minutes: My Most Dangerous Pursuit”
In this intense and deeply personal episode of Chief’s Chats, I take you back to June 18, 1994 – an unforgettable night early in my law enforcement career. An in-person complaint in downtown Jamestown, Kentucky, quickly escalated into the most dangerous vehicle pursuit I’ve ever been involved in.
Over the course of 17 miles and just 12 adrenaline-fueled minutes, the pursuit sped through Jamestown, Russell Springs, sharp turns, and high-stakes decisions, ultimately ending in downtown Dunnville.
I’ll walk you through what happened moment by moment – the danger, the split-second choices, and the lasting impact it had on me as a young officer.
4 Jul 2025
“Wired for Duty: Ridgenet’s Technical Edge for Emergency Vehicles" Chief's Chats EP7
Alex Wilson, Chief Operations Officer for Ridgenet Network Group, discusses equipping emergency vehicles with advanced technology, revealing the company's origins and dedication to supporting first responders in this interview with the host.
27 Jun 2025
"Tradition, Tenacity, and Truth: The Ken Hill Story" Chief's Chats EP6
Retired Detective Lieutenant Ken Hill discusses law enforcement, constitutional rights, historical reenactment, and post-retirement life with host Joey Hoover in this interview.
20 Jun 2025
Chief’s Chats EP5 “From the Field to the Front Office – Colonel Jeremy McQueary’s Rise in Conservation Law Enforcement”.
Colonel Jeremy McQueary discusses the evolving role of Kentucky's Game Wardens in conservation law enforcement, highlighting the challenges and methods used to protect natural resources in an interview.
13 Jun 2025
Chief's Chats EP4 Life, Death, and Duty: A Conversation with Coroner Gordon Hicks
Coroner Gordon Hicks discusses his decades of experience in Wayne County, Kentucky, sharing powerful stories and insights into the realities of his job in this interview with the host.
6 Jun 2025
Chief’s Chats EP3 Ronald Black (880, always)
Ronald Black, a veteran and retired police officer, recounts his military deployments and multifaceted law enforcement career, highlighting resilience and dedication in this interview.
30 May 2025
Chief's Chats EP2 "Agent Bunchie"
Retired DEA Agent Greg Bunch recounts his upbringing, solving over 200 pharmacy burglaries, and serving as the United States Attaché in Mozambique, in an interview with the host.
30 May 2025
Chief's Chats EP1 Introductory Episode
Police Chief shares his four-decade journey in public service, from news reporting to various roles, highlighting pivotal moments and motivations for serving others in this introductory episode.
Who has been a guest on Chief’s Chats
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Alex Wilson
Ken Hill
Jeremy McQueary
Gordon Hicks
Ronald Black
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
36
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
Contact Chief’s Chats
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Chief’s Chats
Who hosts Chief’s Chats?
host host the show. Published by jhoover5.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes daily, based on its RSS feed.
Does Chief’s Chats take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Chief’s Chats?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
