First Responders, and Public Servants, share the most extraordinary experiences from their careers. Here on Choir Practice our mission is to preserve our guests personal legacies for friends and family, sharing their stories for anyone who might be curious or interested in a career in public service.
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October 14, 2026Episode 2503 hr 3 min
John McGrath The Finale (Pima County Sergeant of the Fugitive Investigative Strike Team)
Send us Fan Mail I'm sad it's over, but honored he trusted me to help him create this. I'm so glad that he had a good time hanging out with me enough times to put a bow on his career! Like most guests, John told me he thoroughly enjoyed the episodes and this is the feedback I love to hear! I work hard to make sure all my guests know this is a conversation, not an interrogation... and the magic that comes as a result is what you all get to enjoy as members of The Squad!!! Settle in, enjoy the last John McGrath episode!!! Let's go! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
October 7, 2026Episode 2493 hr 49 min
One of my favorite "Throwback" episodes, Retired Tucson Police Sergeant Nate Tullgren
Send us Fan Mail October 27th will mark the 5th Anniversary of the Choir Practice Podcast! I'm so grateful to every guest and every listener. Some episodes hit deeper, mean more and carry more weight because my guests agree to come on the show and they authentically share what this profession means to them and the weight it carries as well. This is one of those episodes! Nate and I have known each other since he was a rookie! He came over, shared stories from his career and the circumstances that convinced him it was time to walk away, even though he was just a few years from retirement. I enjoyed the conversation, and I know you all will enjoy the episode. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
September 30, 2026Episode 2482 hr 46 min
Hunting fugitives, society's worst. This is John McGrath "the FIST years..."
Send us Fan Mail "There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter." — Ernest Hemingway We made it about halfway through John's FIST years, so he will be back! But I loved hunting down bad guys and John did too. He said it was in his blood! It certainly is a calling! Turn this one up and don't miss out on the next episode either, where we should be able to wrap up his fantastic career! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
September 23, 2026Episode 2472 hr 10 min
Fugitive Investigative Sgt John McGrath (The stories continue)
Send us Fan Mail If you like horse stories....we got'em! Dead body cases where the Medical examiner lackey pukes on scene? Done! John spins great tales and I'm so glad he's back. Im even more excited he still needs to come back at least one more time!!! It's not possible to condense so many years as a public servant into a couple hours! I'm glad you guys are along for the ride, turn it up and enjoy the second installment of Retired Pima County Sergeant John McGrath! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
September 16, 2026Episode 2463 hr 46 min
Pete Hodap Part 2( Retired Prescott Police Lieutenant, TUSD Security)
Send us Fan Mail When Pete was here the first time, he mentioned that his most fun times were being a Sergeant! When he was promoted, he spent some time in Patrol but was quickly selected to lead a squad of Undercover Officers in the Prescott Area Narcotics Trafficking TaskForce. Upon leaving the Taskforce, after 5 years, he spent a short time in Investigations before being promoted to Lieutenant! I'm glad he's back, I can't wait for you all to hear about the rest of his career!!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
September 9, 2026Episode 2452 hr 40 min
Brian Watson (Retired IRS Special Agent, University of Arizona Adjunct Faculty & 100 Club of Arizona)
Send us Fan Mail Ever consider life as a Federal agent? Ever wonder how people decide on a career in Federal Service? Then this is your episode. Brian reached out to see if I would be willing to come speak to one of his classes at the University. We had lunch and I invited him to be a guest on the show to not only discuss his 28 year career as an IRS Federal Special Agent, but also his work at the University and his work with the Arizona 100 Club. I enjoyed learning how a degree in accounting, and a presentation by one inspirational Federal Agent, led Brian down a path to a distinguished career. I enjoyed the interview and I know you will too! Turn it up, let's get this show started! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
September 2, 2026Episode 2442 hr 33 min
F.I.S.T. "Fugitive Investigative Strike Team" (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective Sgt. John McGrath)
Send us Fan Mail Today, we're taking a look at the career and experiences of John McGrath, retired Pima County Detective Sergeant. He spent more than two decades with Pima County, but we crossed paths when he was leading the FIST team. Because there's too many stories to tell, John will be back in the next couple weeks, but for now enjoy this one. His gritty New York accent helps carry the energy required for catching bad guys! Buckle up, welcome our newest Member!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
August 26, 2026Episode 2433 hr 55 min
The death investigations that impacted his entire career! (Peter Hodap, Retired Town of Prescott Police Lieutenant)
Send us Fan Mail Pete reached out to me recently and asked if I'd have him on the show to discuss his 21 year career in the Town of Prescott. In this episode, we only made it to about the 10 year mark, so he's coming back to finish his tales. I'm glad he reached out, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him and his stories were fantastic! Let's just say, we sat here for several hours and the time just flew by. I'll just say, that seems to be the trademark of a great conversation. You be the judge... Give him the warmest of welcomes, he's the newest member of The Squad, Peter Hodap! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
August 19, 2026Episode 2421 hr 48 min
Dr. Kevin Gilmartin (Pima County Sheriff's Department, Author of "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement')
Send us Fan Mail Initially this entire podcast was going to be about cops, reminiscing about the glory days and the excitement this career holds for us along the way. Over time, especially recent months, it has taken on a deeper meaning for me because several of our Squad members have passed away. I'm honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with them for a few hours and let them recount their tales, in their own words and on their terms. Men and women have come on here and have been vulnerable, authentic and shared the ways (Good, bad, or indifferent) they tried to cope with the job-related stress. For today's episode, we are dipping into the vault to bring back one of the most impactful conversations of this show. Originally hitting the airwaves on January 17, 2024 , as our 110th installment , we were honored to host a man whose work is known globally by first responders: Dr. Kevin Gilmartin . As a Pima County Sheriff, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Gilmartin literally wrote the book on staying whole in this profession. His landmark book, Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement , has saved countless careers and marriages. Whether you missed it the first time around or need a critical refresher on keeping yourself emotionally anchored in a high-stress career, this conversation is timeless. So pull up a chair, and let's dive into this classic episode with Dr. Kevin Gilmartin. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
August 12, 2026Episode 2412 hr 11 min
Gary Youngling (1st ever guest on Choir Practice, Ep. 1)
Send us Fan Mail Here's another "Best of" and the guy who helped me get this show off the ground! Retired Fairfax County Detective Gary Youngling! Published author, in retirement he worked training the National Police Force in Haiti, trained security personnel for the '96 Olympic Games in Atlanta and he deployed as a civilian contractor to the Middle East! He's had quite the life and continues to write and travel. If you haven't caught it already, take a listen because he had quite the career! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
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