Welcome to Mugshot, the podcast where real stories meet real life. Hosted by former hostage negotiator Chris Ausec, each episode features influential figures from all walks of life who step into the spotlight to share their most gripping stories. From harrowing tales of true crime, to edge-of-your-seat personal experiences, each guest reveals moments that shaped their lives and careers. Tune in for an unfiltered look into the dark, thrilling, and sometimes shocking realities behind the headlines, told by those who lived them. If you’re fascinated by the intersection of power, crime, and human resilience, Mugshot is the podcast that will keep you hooked.
#16 Abbey Martinez – From Powerlifting Glory to Battling Online Predators: The Untold Story of Grit
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of the podcast! We’re kicking things off with a powerhouse guest: Abbey Martinez — Colorado Powerlifting Champion, entrepreneur, and inspiring example of resilience and grit.
In this episode, Abbey opens up about:
🏋️♀️ Her journey to becoming a Powerlifting Champion
💼 The challenges of building a business from the ground up
👧🛑 Disturbing experiences with online predators targeting her children
🎮 The growing controversy surrounding predators on the game Roblox
🔞 Her honest and unfiltered thoughts about OnlyFans
🔥 How her upbringing shaped the fighter she is today
This episode is raw, real, and powerful — the perfect way to launch Season 2.
👉 Support Abbey’s business: https://abbs.glossgenius.com/
Book with her, follow her work, and see why she’s become a standout name both inside and outside the gym. If you enjoy the conversation, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real stories and unfiltered conversations all season long.
20 May 2025
#15 Clarissa Vazquez - Haunted Truths: What Paranormal TV Won’t Tell You
Join Chris Ausec and veteran paranormal investigator Clarissa Vazquez as they explore the mysteries of the supernatural. From debunking common myths to sharing spine-tingling stories from Colorado's haunted hotspots, Clarissa offers over 30 years of insight into ghost hunting, psychic phenomena, and ethical investigation practices. Discover the tools of the trade, the truth behind paranormal TV shows, and the eerie concept of Geographic Psychic Trauma. Plus, Clarissa discusses her latest book, Generational Curse, and the personal journey that led her into the unknown.
New book Generational Curse can be found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Generational-Curse-Clarissa-Vazquez/dp/B0F3JS8QWM
20 May 2025
#14 Nick Hartbauer - Gabby Petito and American Nightmare: True Crime, True Complexity
In this gripping episode, former officers Chris Ausec and Nick Hartbauer dive deep into the emotional and psychological complexities behind two high-profile true crime stories: the tragic case of Gabby Petito and the chilling Netflix documentary American Nightmare. Drawing from years of experience in law enforcement, they offer powerful insights into high conflict personalities, the struggles police face in identifying true victims, and the devastating consequences of misjudgment. This conversation explores how emotional manipulation, behavioral misreads, and systemic gaps can obscure the truth—and why empathy, training, and a deeper understanding of conflict are essential to real justice.
Book Recommendations by Nick: -5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life: Identifying and Dealing with Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other High-Conflict Personalities - Bill Eddy -Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder - Bill Eddy -Dating Radar: Why Your Brain Says Yes to "The One" Who Will Make Your Life Hell - Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter
23 Apr 2025
#13 Danielle McCarthy - Grief Meets Horror: The Body Broker Funeral Home
After her husband’s sudden death, Danielle McCarthy expected grief—not betrayal. What she uncovered instead was a shocking funeral home scandal tied to illegal body brokering, a broken justice system, and a battle for truth no one should ever have to fight. This episode dives into the dark underbelly of an industry few dare to question and one woman’s fight to bring light to it.
18 Mar 2025
#12 Chris Burns – Why Cops Are Leaving and How City Council Can Make a Difference
In this episode, Chris Burns, a veteran law enforcement officer and candidate for City Council District 5 of Colorado Springs, delves into the growing issue of police officer attrition. Drawing from his 24 years of experience with the Colorado Springs Police Department, Burns explores why so many officers are leaving, and the crucial role city council can play in addressing these challenges. From improving officer pay and training to ensuring better department support, Burns offers insights on how leadership can make a meaningful impact on public safety.
26 Feb 2025
#11 Tawny Meyers - Navigating Crisis: A Mental Health Professional's Unique Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Tawny Meyers, a seasoned mental health professional with a diverse career that spans law enforcement and media. Tawny's career path is truly unique — from being a former news producer at NBC to working on the front lines of mental health crisis intervention with the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Community Response Team.
In her role with the team, Tawny responded to calls involving individuals in crisis, helping police officers navigate mental health situations with care and understanding. Tawny also served with the Pueblo Police Department in a similar capacity and honed her skills as a trained crisis negotiator.
Tune in as Tawny opens up about her journey, the critical role mental health professionals play in law enforcement, and how her background in news production has shaped her perspective on crisis communication. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on mental health, crisis response, and the intersection of law enforcement and care.
5 Feb 2025
#10 Katie Paige - Secrets of the Rocky Mountain Ranch: UFOs, Cryptids, and High Strangeness
https://www.rockymountainranchresearch.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@RockyMountainRanchResear-cm1tk
From History Channel’s Beyond Skinwalker to The UnXplained with William Shatner, our guest, Katie Paige, is no stranger to the world of high strangeness. In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Katie, the CEO of Rocky Mountain Ranch Research and co-host of the UAP Studies Podcast. Katie’s journey into ufology was sparked by her personal connection to the infamous “Rocky Mountain Ranch” (formerly the “Clearview Ranch”) in Colorado—a location steeped in mystery that predates Skinwalker Ranch by over a decade. This ranch became the focal point of Katie’s search for answers to her own unexplainable experiences, as she digs deep into the strange events surrounding the site.
Katie uncovers the ranch’s pivotal role in UFO folklore, sharing her passion and extensive research aimed at unveiling the truth. As a seasoned investigator, Katie has been featured across multiple platforms, including Travel Channel’s UFO Witness and Gaia’s Beyond Belief. She’s also the author of Letters of Love & Light, a collection of UFO encounters co-authored with renowned ufologist R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D. Currently, Katie is working on her much-anticipated book, The Rocky Mountain Ranch – Crafts, Cattle, Cryptids, and Cover-Ups, which promises to expose even more secrets behind this enigmatic location.
16 Jan 2025
#9 Colin Piazza - From Homicide Detective to Digital Sleuth: Colin Piazza's Revolutionary Approach to Investigations
In this episode, we’re joined by Colin Piazza, a former homicide detective who’s now pioneering the world of digital investigations. As the Founder and CEO of Social Slooth Inc., Colin uses social media and cutting-edge tools to solve cases for Fortune 500 companies, law firms, and private investigators. From cracking cold cases to redefining how investigations are done in the digital age, Colin’s unique expertise blends traditional law enforcement with the power of technology. Tune in to hear how he's reshaping the future of investigations!
7 Jan 2025
#8 Mike Garnett - From the Streets to the Skies: UFOs, Law Enforcement, and the Daniel Penny Case
In this captivating episode, we sit down with Mike Garnett, a former NYPD officer who made a remarkable transition to becoming a flight instructor and trainer for Air Force officers. Mike’s unique journey offers an incredible perspective on discipline, training, and leadership.
We also delve deep into the fascinating world of UFOs as Mike shares his personal experiences with aviation, military protocols, and the mysterious phenomena that continue to capture the public's imagination. The conversation also takes a turn toward the high-profile Daniel Penny case, where Mike provides his perspective on law enforcement and the complexities of such incidents in today's social climate. Tune in for a powerful discussion that blends the worlds of policing, aviation, and military training, all while offering a fresh take on some of today’s most intriguing topics.
31 Dec 2024
#7 Clarissa Vazquez - Phantoms, Demons, and the Unknown
In this captivating episode, we dive into the fascinating world of paranormal investigation with Clarissa Vazquez, founder of the Colorado Coalition of Paranormal Investigators (CCPI). A U.S. Air Force veteran turned renowned paranormal researcher, Clarissa shares her journey from her first eerie encounter while enlisted to altercations with demonic entities. As an accomplished author and a regular guest on major paranormal radio shows, she offers unique insights into ghost hunting, debunking myths, and her groundbreaking Phantom Hitchhiker Project. Tune in for an electrifying conversation about science, spirits, and the fearless pursuit of the unknown!
12 Dec 2024
#6 Around the Web: Unbelievable Stories, Mysteries, and Your Burning Questions
Chris Ausec shares unbelievable, chilling, and bizarre crime stories from the web, told by real police officers, and answers listener burning questions with insightful takes.
3 Dec 2024
#5 Doug Grimmett - Inside the School Walls: Safety, Threats, and Martial Arts
Veteran School Resource Officer Doug Grimmett shares his unflinching insights on school safety, threats, and martial arts, offering crucial lessons on preparation, respect, and protecting young lives.
25 Nov 2024
#4 Steph - Venezuelan Gangs, 2020 Protests, and Legalization of Drugs
Denver Police Department officer Steph shares expert insights on Venezuelan gangs, 2020 protests, and the impact of drug legalization in Denver, Colorado.
18 Nov 2024
#3 Chris Burns - Active Shooters, Military Service, and the After Effects of Taking a Life
Welcome to another Mugshot Monday! This week, we’re joined by Chris Burns, a seasoned police officer, School Resource Officer, and Hostage Negotiator, for an eye-opening conversation. Chris shares his firsthand insights into the emotional and psychological aftermath officers face after taking a life in the line of duty. He also offers a deep dive into the critical mindset required when responding to high-pressure situations like active shooter events. In addition, Chris reflects on his time in the Army and the experiences that shaped him into the officer—and person—he is today. Tune in for a conversation you won’t want to miss!
5 Nov 2024
#1 Nick Hartbauer - Undercover Operations and Dealing with High Conflict People
Nick Hartbauer, a seasoned retired police officer and former undercover detective, offers a gripping behind-the-scenes look at the world of undercover operations. He shares invaluable insights into managing incarcerated inmates and offers expert strategies for navigating and diffusing high-conflict relationships. Whether you're dealing with difficult individuals in your personal life or simply curious about the complexities of law enforcement, Nick's experiences bring real-world wisdom to the table.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
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Quality
60
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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