Send us a text Some stories of heroism fade with time, but the account of two F-16 pilots who were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th, 2001, deserves to be remembered forever. When America came under attack, these fighter pilots—one male, one female—were thrust into an unimaginable situation. What began as a routine morning b…

Send us a text Ever wonder what happens when teenage impulse meets small-town boredom? Aaron's wild tale of the "Maytag Mafia" perfectly captures that moment when youthful indiscretion transforms into the stuff of local legend. At just sixteen years old, Aaron was already juggling multiple identities in 1990s Alaska: responsible pizza shop manager,…

Send us a text We celebrate one year of the Murders to Music podcast by reflecting on our journey of vulnerability, transparency, and the mission to help others through shared experiences. • 18 guests sharing intimate stories spanning faith, family, serial killers, and mental health • 68 different uploads across 54 episodes in one year • Reaching 3…

Send us a text Ever wondered what really happens during those long surveillance operations you see in police procedurals? One former detective's candid story pulls back the curtain on the unglamorous realities of law enforcement surveillance work—with hilariously catastrophic results. Set against the backdrop of the 2020 Portland protests and civil…

Send us a text After years of struggling with anger, anxiety and resentment following his departure from law enforcement, Aaron shares his breakthrough in finding peace, forgiveness, and a new perspective on life. This deeply personal episode explores how releasing control and embracing faith transformed his outlook on past trauma and present possi…

Send us a text Jeff Hall recounts the tragic 1984 shooting at Manly Hot Springs that claimed the life of his partner, Trooper Troy Duncan, during a manhunt for mass murderer Michael Silka. This powerful firsthand account reveals how quickly a routine operation can turn deadly and the lasting impact of losing a fellow officer in the line of duty. • …

Send us a text Step into the punishing world of Alaska's State Trooper Academy, where my transition from eager recruit to hardened law enforcement officer unfolded through 16 weeks of calculated psychological warfare and physical endurance. The journey began deceptively—arriving in Sitka in a pressed suit with a freshly shaved head, greeted cordial…

Send us a text Aaron reflects on his law enforcement career and journey through PTSD to mental health recovery, sharing how his identity was once completely wrapped up in being the unstoppable detective who solved every case. • Started police work at 13 as an Explorer, handling dead bodies and making arrests before adulthood • Lost his partner John…

Send us a text The invisible thread between prosecuting a cartel murder case and becoming their next person of interest runs thinner than most realize. What began as a standard investigation into a drug-related execution quickly evolved into something far more personal and unsettling. Following my prosecution of five cartel members for a brutal mur…

Send us a text Four young adults with "not a complete thought that connects inside of their brains" make the fateful decision to rob their marijuana dealer rather than pay for the drugs they want. What follows is a textbook example of poor decisions compounding into tragedy at a local elementary school basketball court. Detective Aaron takes us dee…

Send us a text When Jay Dobbins joined ATF in 1987, he never imagined his career would begin with a bullet through his chest just four days later. But that harrowing introduction to law enforcement was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would eventually lead him into the heart of America's most notorious motorcycle gang. After tran…

Send us a text What a difference a year makes. From throwing furniture in rage to peaceful family photos, Aaron's journey between two consecutive Easters reveals a profound transformation that speaks to anyone wrestling with mental health, relationships, or spiritual identity. Aaron pulls back the curtain on his darkest Easter Sunday—a day that beg…

Send us a text Life's turning points often appear in the most unexpected places. For me, it happened on a church staircase in February 2022 when a simple "How's work going?" opened the floodgates to my darkest thoughts. After 21 years as a homicide detective, I was drowning—diagnosed with PTSD I refused to acknowledge, working 150-hour weeks, sleep…

Send us a text Aaron invites listeners to join him for a candid, coffee-table conversation about the psychological walls we build that transform from protection into personal prisons. With remarkable vulnerability, he unpacks his increasing anxiety in social situations – from work trips to church groups – and the frustration he feels when surrounde…

Send us a text What startling truth changes everything about how we parent? The revelation hits like a thunderbolt: by the time your child turns 10, over half their childhood is already behind you. Just eight short years remain until they're legally adults, potentially leaving home and charting their own course. This sobering reality transformed my…

Send us a text Ever wondered what happens when technology fails a DJ mid-performance? Dive into this eye-opening episode where I share the heart-pounding moments when my equipment failed at crucial times—and how proper preparation saved the day. First, picture this: You're DJing a wedding in a beautiful Hood River resort. The dance party is just be…

Send us a text The murder of Larnell Bruce by white supremacist Russell Courtier in August 2016 became a landmark hate crime conviction in Oregon, generating international media attention and a BBC documentary. • A routine night outside a 7-Eleven escalated when white supremacist gang leader Russell Courtier lost a fistfight to 19-year-old Larnell …

Send us a text Some memories never leave you, no matter how many years pass. The image of a human leg sticking up from the ground with a white tennis shoe loosely tied at the end remains vivid in my mind decades after that search and rescue operation in rural Alaska. As a teenage Explorer with the Alaska State Troopers, I never questioned why we we…

Send us a text Aaron marks the two-year anniversary of leaving his 21-year law enforcement career and reflects on how his identity, purpose, and happiness have transformed in unexpected ways since hanging up his badge. • Facing the identity crisis of no longer being a police officer after dedicating his entire life to law enforcement • Transitionin…

Send us a text Have you ever been moved to tears by a song you've heard a thousand times before? That overwhelming physical and emotional response has a name - frisson. In this intimate Murders to Music Snapshot, I share a deeply personal moment when Don Henley's slowed-down, contemplative version of "Boys of Summer" literally brought me to tears w…

Send us a text The invisible wounds of childhood often shape our adult lives in ways we never recognize. In this revealing conversation, trauma coach Jim Bernardo shares his journey from successful technology executive to men's group facilitator and trauma recovery specialist, uncovering how our earliest messages create the neural pathways that det…

Send us a text A police K9 officer recounts his humiliating first deployment when his highly-trained German Shepherd named Chevron played fetch with a domestic violence suspect instead of apprehending him as trained. What was meant to be a career-defining moment of tactical excellence turned into a lesson in humility as the officer discovered his d…

Send us a text What if we could stop first responder PTSD before it starts? Susan Farren's life-changing revelation came at her darkest moment – facing a terminal cancer diagnosis after 30 years as a paramedic, when a surgeon casually mentioned they "see a lot of this in first responders." That pivotal comment launched her investigation into how tr…

Send us a text Step into the chaotic world of late-night police calls as we revisit a memorable incident from 2011 at Joe's Deli. What begins as a frantic 911 call from a woman trapped in a bathroom during a supposed armed robbery quickly transforms into something entirely unexpected. The scene unfolds like something from an action movie – police v…

Send us a text In an eye-opening episode, we delve into the harrowing tale of Jason, who experienced the tragic mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas. What should have been a night filled with music and joy turned into chaos as gunfire erupted, fundamentally altering the course of his life. Through Jason's eyes, we witness the…

Send us a text Welcome back to another exhilarating episode of the Murders to Music Podcast! This week, our host Aaron with his guests, the musicians of Double Down, dives deep into the years of playing together, stories from the road and unveiling the therapeutic layers of harmonies that uplift our spirits. Join us as we highlight the formation an…

Send us a text After a disheartening encounter with a therapist in Vancouver, Washington back in 2012, I realized just how crucial it is to find a mental health professional who truly understands the unique pressures faced by first responders. This episode promises to explore the deep-seated stigma surrounding mental health in high-stress professio…

Send us a text In this reflective episode, I share my journey through trauma and grief, uncovering the deeper reasons behind my dedication to helping others. Finding hope in transparency and vulnerability, I disclose my "Why" in hopes of a free tomorrow. • Letters from Listeners....Finding the Right Therapist • Personal reflections on trauma and it…

Send us a text Aaron shares his heart-wrenching journey through PTSD and the bureaucratic hell of workers' compensation after leaving law enforcement, revealing how as of today he is free from hell that bound him. • Reflection on early career and PTSD diagnosis • The prolonged battle with workers' compensation • Experience of dehumanization through…

Send us a text Picture yourself at a Buddy Guy concert in Chicago, moments away from an unexpected clash with a 60-year-old woman. It might sound trivial, but this encounter sparked a profound internal battle within me, challenging my understanding of anger and self-control. Broadcasting from the serene Big Island of Hawaii, I invite you to join me…

Send us a text This episode highlights a deeply personal narrative on coping with PTSD as a former police officer, revealing the crucial role of vulnerability and the healing potential found through creative outlets like therapy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mental health resources for first responders, the stigma associated with t…

Send us a text Flashback to 2017, where an early morning call in Rockwood unraveled a chilling story of domestic violence and abduction. What began as a routine response turned into a heart-pounding investigation that revealed the dark underbelly of coercive control and manipulation. The tense journey continued as we pieced together a woman's traum…

Send us a text Ever wondered why mental health injuries like PTSD face more skepticism than physical wounds? Join me, Aaron, as I peel back the layers of my personal battle with the workers' compensation system and the emotional labyrinth of the Independent Medical Examination (IME) process. Picture recounting your darkest memories not once, but re…

Send us a text This episode reflects on a year of growth within the Murders to Music podcast, emphasizing the journey from personal struggle to resilience. Aaron shares heartfelt stories, highlights impactful guest interviews, and invites listeners to engage in the conversation about overcoming obstacles. • Celebrating 26 years of marriage and grat…

Send us a text Jeff Hall's life reads like an epic novel, filled with breathtaking moments of survival, resilience, and profound transformation. Imagine surviving a helicopter crash in Vietnam, navigating the emotional landscape of love amidst the chaos of Rhodesia, and then stepping into the icy, perilous world of Alaska as a State Trooper. Jeff s…

Send us a text The plot thickens as we dive into the enigma surrounding Christy's disappearance. A simple message from an untraceable app spirals into a full-blown investigation involving countless detectives and agencies. Despite the relentless search, the case remains elusive, testing the limits of technology and determination. The sense of urgen…

Send us a text Imagine growing up in a world where a single crumb could ignite a storm. Cassie, our remarkable guest, bravely recounts her journey from a childhood beset by domestic abuse to finding moments of peace and protection with her father. She opens up about the fears and confusion of her youth, navigating a home filled with chaos and the u…

Send us a text Confronting the shadow of mental health stigma in law enforcement isn't easy, but it's a journey that must be taken. As a police officer, grappling with the decision to take antidepressants was fraught with fear, judgment, and concerns about career repercussions. Join me as I share my personal story of overcoming these hurdles, offer…

Send us a text What if a rental car mishap could teach you more about gratitude and resilience than any self-help book? Join me on the Murders to Music podcast as I reflect on the unexpected lessons from a challenging trip to Fairbanks and a heartfelt encounter with the parents of a homicide victim. This holiday season, we'll explore the deep-seate…

Send us a text What happens when faith meets the front lines of society's toughest roles? On today's Murders to Music podcast, we are joined by James Doyle, a police officer and combat veteran, along with Tim Smith, a former worship leader and pastor. Together, they unravel their personal journeys of maintaining faith amidst the relentless pressure…

Send us a text What happens when faith meets the front lines of law enforcement? Join me, Aaron, as I uncover the complex tapestry of faith, identity, and career demands with our guests, James Doyle, a former Army Infantryman turned law enforcement officer, and Tim, a seasoned pastor and worship leader from one of the world's most famous churches. …

Send us a text Ever wondered what goes through the mind of a first responder during an active shooter situation? Join me as I recount the intense decisions and split-second reactions from my 21-year law enforcement career, offering a raw look at the complexity of these high-stakes incidents. Through vivid recollections of responses to shootings at …

Send us a text What happens when a Southern California upbringing inspired by the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles meets a life of faith, family and friends? Join us on a lively journey with my dear friend and musical partner Jeff Joubert from the band Double Down. Jeff shares his fascinating childhood in sunny Redondo Beach, complete with skateb…

Send us a text What if decades of grief and uncertainty could be unraveled in a single twist of fate? On this episode of the Murders to Music Podcast, we unfold the chilling case of Barbara Mae Tucker, a vibrant college student whose life was brutally cut short on her Oregon campus in 1980. Through the lens of cutting-edge DNA technology and geneal…

Send us a text I found myself thrust into the limelight as I worked on a murder case so gripping it attracted the attention of shows like Dateline and 48 Hours. This episode invites you to experience the complexities of balancing transparency and professional demands, all while navigating newfound media attention. I open up about how my drive for e…

Send us a text What drives someone to cross the line from business to betrayal in the deadly world of drug cartels? This episode explores the chilling details of a cartel-related murder that shook the city of Gresham to its core. Follow the intricate web of deceit spun by Andrew Sherrill, whose dangerous ties to drug dealer Cesar Estradinava and a …

Send us a text How does one find the strength to confront a past filled with unimaginable pain and emerge stronger on the other side? This week, we welcome back Ashley for a poignant and courageous follow-up to her previous appearance. She shares the haunting reality of her 20-year journey through sexual abuse at the hands of her father, the hidden…

Send us a text What if you had to navigate a childhood filled with unimaginable trauma while finding solace in the simplest of moments? Join us as we sit down with Ashley, a survivor whose story will leave you both heartbroken and deeply inspired. From her early life in Gresham and Boring, Oregon, to her profound connection with animals, Ashley ope…

Send us a text "Robbery in Progress"...You're Blocks away and see the suspect run from the bank....brown paper bag under his arm and you are in full pursuit! In this episode of Murders to Music, we explore the unpredictable and often humorous scenarios that police officers encounter, along with a detective's journey from the beat to the bandstand. …

Send us a text Ever wondered how the life of a police officer unfolds after leaving the badge behind? Scott Waldon, a former cop and Drug Recognition Expert, joins us on the Murders to Music Podcast to share his gripping story. From his gritty days as a detective in Oregon to navigating a post-law enforcement world, Scott opens up about the challen…