- 10
- Episodes
- 2024
- First episode
About The Blue Way
Have you ever wondered what police do on a day to day basis, what differences there are between police throughout the world, how family members cope with having a police officer in their family, about the good and sometimes bad experiences people have had with the police, about officers who have killed or been killed in the line of duty, or about police that have committed crimes themselves? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then join me Dawn to discover all this and more on The Blue Way.
- Publisher
- Cluarantonn
- Category
- education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 14 Feb 2024
- Latest episode
- 20 Aug 2025
Latest episodes
10 episodes in the feed.
20 Aug 2025
Confronting Trauma in Law Enforcement and Beyond: A Cop's Journey Through PTSD
Keith Banks, a former Australian police officer and tacticaloperative, shares his gripping journey through trauma, PTSD, and recovery. He recounts harrowing experiences from his law enforcement career, including a deadly shootout that profoundly impacted his life. Keith discusses his struggles with mental health, career transitions, and eventual path to healing. He emphasises the importance of authenticity and open dialogue about mentalhealth issues, particularly among first responders and veterans. The conversation touches on his participation in reality TV show, The Traitors Australia, and his current work as a public speaker and mental health advocate.Keith's story offers powerful insights into resilience, the long-term effects of trauma, and the transformative power of vulnerability and support. For more information visit: https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/keithbanks To find out more about Keith Banks visit: https://keithbanks.com.au/ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro: Raid on offender's house 11:19 Leaving tactical operations and career impact 17:39 Challenging authority and career transition 22:54 Corporate speaking and helping others 28:27 Experience on reality TV show 'Traitors' 33:50 Upcoming crime documentary and mental health advocacy CREDITS Host - Dawn Guest - Keith Banks - https://keithbanks.com.au/ (https://keithbanks.com.au/) SOCIAL LINKS Websitehttps://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway (https://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway) Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast) TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast) RESOURCES For all credits and sources, please visit https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway (https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway)
5 Aug 2025
Undercover and Unprotected: My Dangerous Life Infiltrating Drug Cartels
Keith Banks, a former undercover police officer, shares gripping stories from his career in law enforcement. He discusses his journey from a young, idealistic recruit to a seasoned detective, including harrowing experiences in undercover work and tactical operations. Keith offers candid insights into the psychological toll of policing, the complexities of drug enforcement, and the ethical challenges faced by officers. He reflects on the impact of corruption within the force and how his experiences shaped his views on drug policy and criminal justice reform. Keith's narrative provides a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of police work, challenging conventional perceptions of law enforcement. For more information visit: https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/keithbanks To find out more about Keith Banks visit: https://keithbanks.com.au/ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro: First assignment as a police officer 5:49 Dangerous encounter with armed suspect 11:16 Undercover work and the heroin trade 18:41 Reflections on impact of undercover operations 25:05 Transition to emergency squad and counterterrorism 32:10 Corrupt offer and transfer to suburban CIB 38:01 Training with SAS for counter-terrorist operations 43:41 Planning high-risk raid without proper equipment CREDITS Host - Dawn Guest - Keith Banks - https://keithbanks.com.au/ (https://keithbanks.com.au/) SOCIAL LINKS Websitehttps://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway (https://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway) Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast) TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast) RESOURCES For all credits and sources, please visit https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway (https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway)
30 Jul 2025
Guns, Drugs, and Undercover Ops: A Cop's Journey from Trauma to Triumph
Former undercover cop Keith Banks reveals his gripping journey from a troubled childhood to the dangerous world of law enforcement. With raw honesty, he exposes the emotional toll of police work, battling undiagnosed PTSD for decades. Keith shares heart-stopping moments, from facing down a shotgun to losing a friend in a gunfight, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden struggles of those who protect us. Keith's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of confronting one's demons. From the academy's brutal training to the streets' harsh realities, Keith's tale is a rollercoaster of danger, humour, and ultimately, healing.For more information visit:https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/keithbanksTo find out more about Keith Banks visit: https://keithbanks.com.au/ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro: Writing a book to explain past behaviour 5:31 Unexpected journey to becoming a published author 10:41 Breakthrough moment: Diagnosis and attitude shift 15:23 Overcoming guilt and finding affirmation 18:59 Challenging childhood and domestic abuse 24:05 Experiences at the police academy 28:27 Confronting a past bully years later 32:15 Family relationships and personal loss
30 Jul 2025
30 Years of Undiagnosed PTSD: The Untold Story
Keith Banks, a former undercover cop turned author, shares his journey from a troubled childhood to a career in law enforcement. He discusses writing his books as a way to process trauma and PTSD, offering raw insights into the emotional toll of police work. Keith reveals the unexpected path to publishing his memoirs and the catharsis it brought. He touches on the challenges of mental health in policing, the impact of domestic violence, and his experiences in the police academy. Keith's story is one of resilience, self-reflection, and the power of sharing difficult truths, offering a candid look at the human side of law enforcement and the long-term effects of trauma.Watch on YouTube (https://youtu.be/iPaoITWb28M) TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro: Writing a book to explain past behaviour5:31 Unexpected journey to becoming a published author10:41 Breakthrough moment: Diagnosis and attitude shift15:23 Overcoming guilt and finding affirmation18:59 Challenging childhood and domestic abuse24:05 Experiences at the police academy28:27 Confronting a past bully years later32:15 Family relationships and personal lossCREDITSHost - DawnGuest - Keith Banks - https://keithbanks.com.au/ (https://keithbanks.com.au/)SOCIAL LINKSWebsitehttps://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway (https://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway)Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast)TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast)RESOURCESFor all credits and sources, please visit https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway (https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway)
23 Oct 2024
S1 E5 From FBI Agent to Advocate for Change: Katherine Schweit's Mission to Stop the Killing
In this episode, Katherine Schweit, a retired FBI agent, shares her journey from journalism to law enforcement, highlighting her 20-year career with the FBI. She discusses her transition from a prosecutor in Chicago to an FBI agent, detailing the rigorous training and diverse cases she handled, including national security and terrorism. Katherine reflects on the impact of the September 11 attacks on her career and her subsequent role in Washington, DC. She explores her work post-retirement, focusing on reducing gun violence and mass shootings, and her involvement in creating the "Stop the Killing" podcast. Katherine emphasises the importance of ethics in law enforcement and the need for public awareness and reporting of suspicious behaviours to prevent violence. Her dedication to advocacy and education continues as she writes books and consults on security issues, aiming to make a significant impact on public safety. For more information visit: https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/katherineschweit To find out more about Katherine Schweit visit: https://www.katherineschweit.com/ (https://www.katherineschweit.com/) TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:22 Introduction and Early Life of Katherine Schweit 00:03:04 Joining the FBI and Training Process 00:05:15 Importance of Ethics in FBI Training 00:08:47 Variability in Law Enforcement Training Across the US 00:11:05 Working with Different Law Enforcement Agencies 00:13:21 Transition from Prosecutor to FBI Agent 00:17:32 Initial FBI Assignments and Responsibilities 00:20:10 Impact of September 11 on Career 00:22:58 Balancing Family Life with FBI Duties 00:27:47 Equipment and Safety Measures as an FBI Agent 00:32:32 Response to Sandy Hook and Federal Initiatives 00:39:18 Dissemination of Safety Protocols to Schools and Businesses 00:43:26 Transition to Post-FBI Career and Writing 00:49:04 Launching the "Stop the Killing" Podcast 00:53:04 Importance of Public Awareness and Reporting 00:56:39 Future Plans and Continuing Advocacy 1:00:09 Impact of the Podcast on Preventing School Shootings
15 Aug 2024
S1 E4 Comparing UK and US Police Work: Tales from the Force
In this episode, two retired police officers from the US and the UK, Anthony McNeil and Steven Keogh, share their experiences and perspectives on the evolution of policing over the past few decades. They discuss the impact of technology, social media, and politics on the profession, contrasting their early days on the force with the current environment. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by modern officers, the importance of communication skills, and the differences in policing practices between the two countries. They also share personal anecdotes, including their children's involvement in law enforcement and the changing societal attitudes towards police work. For more information visit: https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/anthonyandstevenpartfour If you'd like to find out more about Anthony and Steven visit; Anthony McNeil - The Off Duty Podcast - Law Enforcement - Humanizing the Badge (https://www.theoffdutypodcast.com/) Steven Keogh - Free Course — stevenkeogh.com (stevekeogh.com) (https://stevekeogh.com/courses) TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 11:03 Use of Body Cameras in Law Enforcement 12:47 Approach to Deadly Force in Law Enforcement 14:09 Different Approaches to Law Enforcement 20:34 Experience as a Detective 23:33 Impact of Changes in Police Procedures 25:37 Stories about Children's Career Choices 26:38 Changes in Policing Profession 30:06 Gun Laws in the UK
31 Jul 2024
S1 E3 The Emotional Toll of Policing: A Story of Dedication and Sacrifice
In this episode, we welcome Steven and Anthony, two former police officers with extensive careers in law enforcement. Steven recounts his early days handling robbery and rape cases, sharing the challenges and experiences that came with those roles, and how he found his true calling in murder investigations. Anthony provides a detailed account of his career, discussing his transition to a desk job due for the last five years of his career due to a severe health scare, a role that Anthony found frustrating and unfulfilling. Although, Anthony recounts a poignant moment where he realised the impact he could still make in this role, where he was able to help a troubled young boy turn his life around. The conversation then turns to Anthony and Steven’s eventual retirements and how they channelled their passion for law enforcement into new ventures, including writing, television and podcasting. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two dedicated police officers, highlighting their unwavering commitment to justice and education, and offering listeners an in-depth look at the realities of careers in law enforcement and the enduring impact it has had on their lives. For more information visit: https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/anthonyandstevenparttwo/ If you'd like to find out more about Anthony and Steven visit; Anthony McNeil - The Off Duty Podcast - Law Enforcement - Humanizing the Badge (https://www.theoffdutypodcast.com/) Steven Keogh - Free Course — stevenkeogh.com (stevekeogh.com) (https://stevekeogh.com/courses) TIMESTAMPS: 0:20 Steven discusses his journey to the murder investigation team and investigating and solving murder cases, including how a calm and respectful approach when making arrests has always served him well. 13.07 Anthony shares how medical issues led to a career change from active duty to a desk job. He recounts a dangerous incident during his desk job involving a man attempting suicide by cop, and Anthony shares a story about positively influencing a troubled young boy. 28.14 Steven talks about retiring from the police and transitioning to writing a book, TV shows and online courses. 39.17 Anthony talks about his retirement and how he began a podcast where he speaks with former or current police officers from around the world, discussing their motivations and experiences around being police officers and digging deeper into their lives now. 51:07 Coming Up Teaser
24 Jul 2024
S1 E2 From Familiar Streets to New Beats: Lessons from the Frontline
In this episode, detectives Anthony and Steven share their unique perspectives on policing and detective work. Steven discusses the challenges of policing in ethnically diverse areas in London. He emphasises the importance of a police force that mirrors the community it serves and reflects on the complexities of stop and search practices. Anthony, on the other hand, provides insights into his experiences in the United States, detailing the evolution of police equipment and the importance of building rapport with suspects. Anthony recounts a memorable case involving a meticulous burglar, and Steven highlights the psychological tactics used in interviews. Both detectives offer a candid look at the intricacies of their roles, from everyday patrols to high-stakes anti-terrorism investigations, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and nuances of modern policing. For more information visit: Season 1 Episode 2 From Familiar Streets to New Beats: Lessons from the Frontline – Cluarantonn (https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/anthonyandstevenparttwo/) If you'd like to find out more about Anthony and Steven visit; Anthony McNeil (https://www.theoffdutypodcast.com/) Steven Keogh (https://stevekeogh.com/) TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Policing in Ethnically Diverse Areas 00:06:05 Patrol Team Dynamics 00:10:07 Experience with Police Equipment Police Violence 00:22:18 Commercial Property Crimes and Detective's Cat and Mouse Game 00:32:50 Interview Techniques in High-Stakes Situations 00:45:11 Negotiation Techniques 00:48:20 Episode Three Teaser
22 May 2024
S1 E1 The Making of a Police Officer: Police Life Unveiled
In this episode we hear from Steven Keogh, a retired Metropolitan detective, and Anthony McNeil, a retired Michigan police officer, who share their journeys into law enforcement. Steven reflects on his early days in South London, policing the area he grew up in, and the challenges of transitioning from an accounting career to the police force. Anthony recounts his unexpected path to becoming a police officer, the rigorous training at the academy, and the demanding field training programme. Both discuss the importance of knowing the community they serve and the real-world experiences that shaped their careers. This episode offers a candid look at the personal and professional lives of two seasoned officers. Anthony McNeil who was a Police Officer with City of Southfield Police Department in Michigan, over a 20 year period from 1992 until 2013. During this time, Anthony worked in a variety of roles, including; patrol, Field Training officer, hostage negotiator and detective. Throughout Anthony’s career he was awarded many department citations and merits, and was named “Everyday Hero” by a local TV station. Anthony sadly had health issues which forced him off the road in 2008, and into a front desk job, where he worked for five years, but he didn’t enjoy this and so he retired. Steven Keogh was a Metropolitan Police Officer in London, with his first posting being in 1991 in South London when he was 20 years old. Steven spent half of his 30 year career as a Scotland Yard Detective, ending his career in 2021 as a Detective Inspector in the Murder Investigation Team, where he had been a murder investigator for 12 years. Over his career, Steven helped to hunt down terrorists, when in 2002 he joined Scotland Yard’s Elite Anti-terrorist Branch, where he spent three years, and he also investigated some of London’s worst murder cases. Steven received a commendation in 2005 from the work he carried out on the London 7/7 bombings. If you'd like to find out more about Anthony and Steven visit; Anthony McNeil (https://www.theoffdutypodcast.com/) Steven Keogh (https://stevekeogh.com/) 00:00:00: Introduction and Recent Collaborations 00:00:55: Anthony McNeil's Background and Career 00:06:04: Early Career and Desire to Start a Business 00:08:46: Steven Keogh's Background and Career 00:09:58: Steven's Early Career and Decision to Join the Police 00:12:01: Arresting School Friends and Community Policing 00:13:07: Police Training and Application Process 00:14:51: Medical Examination and Interview Process 00:17:44: Starting at Hendon and Initial Impressions 00:18:52: Life at the Police Academy 00:18:58: Anthony's Academy Experience and Physical Training 00:21:32: Challenges and Mind Games at the Academy 00:23:48: Proposal to Wife and Balancing Personal Life 00:25:33: Cadet Programme and Entry into the Police Academy 00:28:37: Academic and Practical Training at the Academy 00:31:50: Graduation and Field Training Officer (FTO) Programme 00:34:57: First Traffic Stop and Learning to Handle Situations 00:37:05: Stress and Challenges in the FTO Programme 00:41:27: Balancing Work, Court, and Personal Life 00:42:48: Street Duties and Early Policing Experience 00:45:22: Probation Period and Career Progression 00:49:22: Transition to Detective and Starting a Business 00:51:08: Conclusion and Sneak Peek of Episode Two
14 Feb 2024
The Blue Way Trailer
Coming in 2024 Have you ever wondered what police do on a day to day basis, what differences there are between police throughout the world, how family members cope with having a police officer in their family, about the good and sometimes bad experiences people have had with the police, about officers who have killed or been killed in the line of duty, or about police that have committed crimes themselves? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then join me, Dawn, to discover all this and more on The Blue Way.
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