Hold The Air with Mike Darter

About Hold The Air with Mike Darter

Real stories of courage, sacrifice, and heroism from the men and women who serve and protect our communities every day.

Publisher

Mike Darter

Category

true crime

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

20 Nov 2025

Latest episode

25 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Jun 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 14- Tommy Smith

   The bullet grazed Officer Tommy Smith’s head, but it wasn’t because of poor aim. The victims on the street were proof of the madman’s marksmanship. Working out of Orange, New Jersy, Smith felt he had been pushed out of the line of a fatal round at the last millisecond. Miles away, his brother, Officer Eddie Smith, and his wife were attending a wedding. They were dancing at the reception when she saw the brothers’ father standing in the corner waiving to her. Tommy had been alone when that shove came. And their father had died nine months prior.

2. 

   4 Jun 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 13- Chris Lapre

   After receiving a disturbance call about an armed individual wielding a machete, Sergeant Chris Lapre's SWAT team arrived at the scene. No contact could be made with the suspect, so Lapre ordered an officer to go to find position at the back of the house, hopeful to get eyes on the situation. That's when the sniper saw a man inside a bedroom window holding a sign that read, "HELP ME". Another sign followed: "I'm not the bad guy. Please don't shoot me." They motioned for him to crawl out of the window while they provided cover. But he couldn't. The hostage was confined to a wheelchair, handicapped, and the man with the machete was moments away from revealing himself. Chris Lapre was born and raised in Massachusetts. Even after his parents and brother, also an Officer, moved to Arizona, Chris had no plans to leave. That was until a particularly interesting day of directing traffic in 4 feet of snow. He ultimately joined his family, and, after witnessing the work his brother was doing with violent crime, Lapre decided to make the move permanent. "This is the type of police work I want to do."

3. 

   14 May 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 12- Justin Wing

   In retrospect, Justin Wing's first ride-along as a civilian wasn't the most thrilling experience. But it didn't matter. "I was hooked." After applying for a position with the local department, Wing was immediately hired, and he went from a banker one day to a soon-to-be police officer the very next. Once on duty, Justin quickly took to the job. "I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun there was to be had for a guy who wanted to be proactive and go out and get after it." He once considered the town almost crime-free, but soon learned there was an underbelly that existed everywhere. "There were plenty of places to go, and if you were proactive, you could put bad guys in jail." Training and preparation are keys to Wing's confidence and success. "David and Goliath, people think David got in a lucky shot. But he'd been training his entire life. We have a call as men of war to prepare, so I believe training is a part of that, and that translates into my shooting, into my jiu-jitsu and MMA stuff, so that I'm capable to protect and defend my family." "I'm on the front lines of a spiritual war, not just a regular war. Once I was saved, I didn't know it could be this good, and it's all because of Jesus." Wing is quick to acknowledge the impact others have had on his life and, in spite of his duty to protect and serve, he firmly believes in love for his fellow man and wants all to be redeemed.

4. 

   23 Apr 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 11 Jeff Locke

   Jeff Locke "Gang unit was really being the police. These were the worst of the worst. Early in my career, I realized those were the types I wanted to go after." At an infamous motel in Oklahoma City, drug dealers fronted two females who couldn't pay. Forced into prostitution to pay off their debts, one managed to escape and contact the police. Two responding Officers were met with gunfire by the leader, who used the remaining hostage as a shield while he crossed the motel's parking lot towards Interstate 35. After arriving at the scene with his partner, Locke quickly found himself staring into the eyes of a madman who was silently daring him to take a shot. Jeff Locke's prestigious career with the Oklahoma City Police Department began in 1987. Among his many accolades are the OKC Medal of Valor, the Street Warrior Award and recognition from the Special Olympics, FBI, and Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.

5. 

   9 Apr 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 10- Brett Key/ Ed Smith

   Brett Key was attending Langston University and was stationed at the front door when he noticed his Loss and Prevention Supervisor at the local Sam's sprinting towards him. Brett had been asked to stand guard because someone had been stealing cigarettes, but he barely noticed a man walking past him holding a case of them before realizing what had just occurred. There were no first responders in Brett Key's family, no legacy of First Responders to guide him. But when he followed his instincts, rushed outside, and tackled the suspect, he had an epiphany that would change his life forever. After serving over 26 years, Brett co-founded and is the current CEO of Warriors Rest, an organization dedicated to First Responders who suffer from trauma associated with their jobs. https://warriorsrestfoundation.org/ A Combat Veteran of Vietnam, Ed Smith first served as an Officer in Madera County, California. And, in 1975, he was called to investigate a domestic dispute. The husband in the dispute, famous for using his rifle to shoot rabbits, met the responding Officers at his front door with that weapon. What resulted was a deadly shootout that lasted for over 2 hours. Ed carried the trauma of that gun battle with him for over 50 years before co-founding Warriors Rest alongside Brett Key.

6. 

   7 Apr 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 9- Gary Eastridge

   From patrol to Tactical Unit to Homicide to Narcotics - where he and his partner were responsible for a then-record 8 kilo seizure of cocaine - Gary Eastridge spent over 20 years serving in the Oklahoma City Police Department. Born and raised in Skiatook, Oklahoma, Gary eventually retired at the turn of the century. But law enforcement was still in his blood, and he quickly found himself on a UN contract in Kosovo, first assigned to the detention center before moving to the murder squad. Post 9-11, Gary returned to Oklahoma, where he worked as a private investigator, handled Medical Board investigations, worked as security for the displaced New Orleans Hornets when the were temporarily relocated in Oklahoma City, and, finally, became Chief Investigator for the District Attorney's office. Eastridge currently works as the Critical Response Coordinator for CCW Safe.

7. 

   26 Feb 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 8- Mike Darter

   "Shadow, White Chocolate, Robo and other nicknames" Mike Darter

8. 

   12 Feb 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 7- Matt Patten

   Matt Patten

9. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Hold The Air: Episode 6- Danny Long

   "A SERIES OF GET RIGHTS" Danny Long went from roping horses to collaring criminals. Through a career involving multiple shootings and a military contractor stint in Iraq, Danny had to overcome the deep-rooted scars from a lifetime of hurt and the allure of a bottle to ultimately become the father, husband, and mentor he is today. Professional Experience Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division Founder and Director | 2019 – Present Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Government Threat Assessment Liaison | 2018 – Present Lead Investigator for Government Threat Assessment. Lead Investigator – Missing Persons | 2018 – 2021 Led the Department of Public Safety Missing Persons investigations. Developed statewide protocols and procedures for missing persons reporting and response. Oversaw and coordinated multi-agency responses across Oklahoma and the United States. Special Deputy United States Marshal U.S. Marshals Service | 2012 – 2018 Assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Felony Task Force, Oklahoma City, OK. Served as operational security officer for intelligence on state and federal cases. Team Leader on numerous high-risk operations, including surveillance and counter-surveillance. Instructed Deputy Marshals nationwide in officer survival tactics. Personal Security Detail – Iraq U.S. Department of State / Triple Canopy | 2010 – 2011 Completed U.S. State Department High-Threat Protective Operations Courses. Conducted high-risk personal security detail operations for the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and U.S. cabinet officials. Led mission planning for high-risk movements throughout the region. Conducted surveillance, counter-surveillance, and site threat assessments across Iraq. Served as U.S. Department of State Lead Instructor – Iraq. Certified Firearms and Tactics Instructor for the U.S. State Department. State Trooper Oklahoma Highway Patrol | 1999 – 2010 Team Leader, OHP Tactical Team (2003–2006). Managed a 14-member tactical team and led numerous high-risk warrant operations. Planned and executed multiple hostage rescue operations. Served as State Firearms Instructor, Tactics and Survival Instructor, and Law Enforcement Driving Instructor. Member of the Governor’s Personal Security Detail. Conducted Personal Security Operations Courses. Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Training Officer, Oklahoma Highway Patrol (2000–2018). Police Corps – U.S. Department of Justice Lead Instructor (ECU Campus) | 2001 – 2004 Training Manager and Curriculum Coordinator for the DOJ Police Academy. Managed over 30 instructors per academy session. University of Oklahoma Police Department (Norman Campus) Completed CLEET Basic Certification. Conducted campus patrol operations. Education Seminole State College | 1995 – 1997 Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Military Service Ground Scout – Infantry U.S. Army, Oklahoma Army National Guard | 1994 – 1999 Completed U.S. Army Infantry School. Honorably Discharged, 1999. Awards and Honors Medal of Valor, Oklahoma Peace Officers Association – 2013 Trooper of the Year (Valor) – 2012 Medal of Valor, Committee of 100 OKC – 2013 & 2022 Street Warrior Award, Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association – 2018 Top Cop (Runner-Up), U.S. Department of Justice, Washington D.C. – 2019 National Award for Heroism, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association – 2019

10. 

    15 Jan 2026

    Hold The Air: Episode 5- Jared Reston

    Jared Reston

11. 

    1 Jan 2026

    Hold The Air: Episode 4- Walt Lamar

    "The Smell of Cordite Filled the Air" New agent Walt Lamar cried out to his ancestors in the cold, Virginia woods, searching for a reason to stay in the FBI.  Their lifetimes of experience in hunting and survival not only leveled the playing field, but took him to another level to become a legendary agent. Of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana, and a descendent of the Wichita Tribe of Oklahoma, in his formative years Walter lived on the Blackfeet, Wind River, Jicarilla, Navajo reservations, Southern Pueblos and Oklahoma Indian Country. Both parents were longtime nationally recognized tribal leaders. Walter served a law enforcement career that focused primarily on Native American issues and as a result became a nationally recognized expert. He has traveled extensively across the nation visiting a true cross section of tribal communities, his contacts and network across tribal nations is extensive and diverse. With a passion to create awareness and understanding of the first nations of this country, he routinely exercises his network to convey a historical and contemporary situational depiction of life in tribal communities, both the beauty and hardship. In 1998 Walter was named “Indian of the Year,” at the Anadarko, Oklahoma, Indian Exposition and in 2012 was recognized at a national convention of Native American businesses as American Indian Business Owner of the Year, in recognition for his company’s work serving tribal communities. As an FBI Special Agent, Walter was twice presented the FBI Shield of Bravery for actions taken in the immediate aftermath of the Oklahoma City Federal building bombing and during a running gun battle with an armed felon. Walter serves on the board of directors for Native Forward Scholarship Fund, was appointed by Secretary Deb Haaland a Commissioner to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and is a member of the board of Directors for the National Native American Hall of Fame. Walter’s wife, Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar is Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC and New York City.

12. 

    18 Dec 2025

    Hold The Air: Episode 3- Dan Carli

    Dan Carli

13. 

    4 Dec 2025

    Hold The Air: Episode 2- Katie Lawson

    Interview of Katie Lawson

14. 

    20 Nov 2025

    Hold The Air: Episode 1-Brian Costanza

    When he began taking AK-47 rounds from the truck he was pursuing, Brian Costanza didn't flinch before grabbing his own rifle and returning fire. Costanza had spent the week hunting down leads on a fugitive killer, and all he wanted to do on his day off was take his wife and children to a Halloween party. But his gut instincts and a new lead found him racing across the state, where he ultimately found himself in a deadly shootout while trapped, alone, and out of ammunition. Brian Costanza is a highly accomplished State Trooper with extensive experience in high-risk operations and undercover assignments, notably with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. He has demonstrated leadership as a Tactical Team Leader, excelling in firearms instruction and strategic planning, and is skilled in fostering team cohesion and executing operations with precision, contributing to a safer community. State Trooper Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Tulsa, OK June 2002 - Current Currently assigned full-time to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in the Northern District of Oklahoma. Police Officer Okmulgee Police Department, Okmulgee, OK September 2001 - June 2002 Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice May 2001 East Central University, Ada, OK Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice May 1998 Connors State College, Warner, OK Certifications Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training(CLEET) Firearms Instructor Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) Defensive Tactics Instructor Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Full-Auto Instructor Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Active Shooter Instructor Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response (LASER) Instructor Oklahoma Highway Patrol Field Training Trooper Specialized Training High Risk Fugitive Apprehension (H.R.F.A.) National Tactical Officer's Association Basic Swat National Tactical Officer's Association Advanced Swat National Tactical Officer's Association Hostage Rescue Protective Security Operations Long Range Rifle Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Air Assault Night Vision Operator Incident Command System (Level 100-300) Distinguished Achievements: 2021 OHP Tactical Team Operator of the Year 2018 Oklahoma Sheriff's Association Award Recipient 2017 Oklahoma Rifle Association Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 2016 Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year 2016 International Association of Chiefs of Police Trooper of the Year (Southern Region) 2016 National Criminal Enforcement Association Medal of Valor 2016 Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association Street Warrior Award 2016 Committee of 100 Medal of Valor Recipient 2016 Elks Lodge Trooper of the Year 2012 FBI Shield of Bravery Recipient 2012 Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year 2012 Committee of 100 Medal of Valor Recipient 2012 Oklahoma Sheriff's Association Award Receipt 2008 Elks Lodge Trooper of the Year 2007 Buckledown Award 2005 Sertoma Trooper of the Year 2004 Buckledown Award

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

13 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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