Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories

Episode: “Podcasts That Are Different: How The Law Enforcement Talk Podcast Reaches Millions for Free.”

Host: John "Jay" Wiley, Bleav
Date: December 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special episode, host John “Jay” Wiley—retired Baltimore Police Sergeant and long-time broadcaster—explores what makes the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast unique in the crowded true crime and podcasting world. Wiley shares how the program stands apart, details its rapid growth and mainstream appeal, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at its mission: telling compelling true crime, trauma, and resilience stories directly from people who lived them—completely free to listeners. The episode also spotlights the show’s impressive reach and recognition and demystifies the reasons behind its widespread resonance, both within and beyond law enforcement circles.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Podcasting in the Mainstream (02:00–05:45)

• Podcast Growth & Cultural Penetration
  • Podcasting has grown rapidly into mainstream American media, with 85% of Americans familiar with the term—up 10% since 2020.
  • "In 2025, well over four in five Americans recognized the word podcast, a clear sign that the medium has reached mainstream consciousness." (John J. Wiley, 03:40)
  • Actual listenership: By 2025, 70% of Americans have listened to a podcast at least once, a sharp increase from 55% in 2020.
  • A turning point was in 2023, when on-demand audio (podcasts/streaming music) surpassed traditional AM/FM radio as Americans’ main way of listening.

2. Why Listen to Law Enforcement Talk? (07:18–10:43)

• A Free and Accessible Resource
  • “First and foremost, it is completely free. There is no cost, no subscription fee, no credit card required. It never has been paid content, and it never will be.” (John J. Wiley, 07:30)
• Not a Typical True Crime Podcast
  • The show is built around personal experiences and unscripted stories—never lectures, infomercials, or partisan politics.
  • Guests—including police, first responders, military veterans, and victims—tell their stories as they experienced them.
• Enormous Listener Base
  • The show airs on 148 affiliate AM/FM commercial stations, reaching about 48 million people per week.
  • Its expansion “would not be possible if the content were dull or formulaic; the show avoids the traps that turn audiences away.” (07:55)

3. Who is the Show For? (09:45–12:17)

• A Diverse, Broad Audience
  • “While the title Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast may suggest a program created solely for police officers, the reality is very different. This is not a show just for law enforcement.” (John J. Wiley, 09:50)
  • About 75% of episodes focus on trauma, resilience, and crime stories told by people from all walks—only 25% are strictly investigative.
• Conversations, Not Interviews
  • Guests share openly, with real, unrehearsed discussions.

4. Evidence of Impact and Industry Recognition (12:17–16:10)

• Comparisons with Popular Shows
  • Wiley likens the show’s broad appeal to TV series like Homicide Hunter—not just for experts, but for anyone interested in compelling human stories.
• Top Rankings and Syndication
  • “The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast is ranked the No. 1 law enforcement podcast in the United States by Million Podcasts.” (12:45)
  • Additional rankings: Top 45 by Feedspot, No. 19 on GoodPods Indie News Commentary, and No. 2 on several GoodPods law enforcement podcast charts.
  • The show’s syndication to 148 commercial affiliates and satellite/Internet platforms further underscores its reach.
• Expansive Digital Presence
  • Content is repurposed for multiple platforms: Medium, LinkedIn, IMDB, Google Business, and an email and LinkedIn newsletter.
  • The official Facebook page has 139,000+ followers, growing by 2,000 weekly and reaching millions more via social sharing.

5. Philosophy & Invitation to New Listeners (15:40–16:10, 12:17–16:10)

• Authenticity & Mission
  • “As podcasting continues its rise into the mainstream, listeners increasingly look for content that is authentic, unscripted, and meaningful. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast fills that space by telling real stories—without agendas, without lectures, and without barriers to entry.” (John J. Wiley, 15:55)
• Growth by Word of Mouth
  • Jay urges listeners to "follow it today and tell a friend or two or three"—emphasizing listener-driven growth.
  • The show strives to “stand out not by following trends, but by telling the truth.” (16:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mainstream Growth:
  “That exposure matters…familiarity continues to rise. It serves as a strong benchmark for measuring podcasting's transition out of the podcaster bubble and into general public awareness.”
  —John J. Wiley (03:05)

• On the Show’s DNA:
  “There are no scripted talking points, no product pitches, and no partisan politics. Ever.”
  —John J. Wiley (08:10)

• On Audience & Appeal:
  “Guests are encouraged to share their experiences openly, allowing their stories to unfold naturally.”
  —John J. Wiley (09:55)

• On Social Presence:
  “The Official Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show Facebook page alone has more than 139,000 followers, with growth averaging approximately 2,000 new followers each week.”
  —John J. Wiley (13:50)

• On What Sets the Show Apart:
  “For those seeking compelling conversations about crime, trauma, resilience and lived experience, the show offers one of the largest free libraries of content available today…this show continues to stand out not by following trends, but by telling the truth.”
  —John J. Wiley (15:45; 16:07)

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment / Topic | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:00–05:45| Rise of Podcasting in the U.S.; Shifting Listening Habits | | 07:18–10:43| What Makes Law Enforcement Talk Unique; Free & Accessible; Wide Syndication | | 09:45–12:17| Who Listens? Diversity of Guests & Audience; Unscripted, Human Stories | | 12:17–16:10| Industry Rankings; Growth & Recognition; Multi-platform & Social Presence; The Show’s Philosophy | | 15:40–16:10| Host’s Direct Invitation; Value of Authenticity; Listener-driven Growth |

Summary

Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories distinguishes itself not just by its subject matter, but by its inviting, unscripted format and focus on authentic stories by those who lived through true crime and trauma, whether law enforcement professionals, first responders, or civilians. With a fast-growing, mainstream audience and respect in its field—ranked as the top law enforcement podcast in the U.S.—the show breaks out of the police-specific niche to share human interest stories that resonate widely, always free of cost and political agenda. John “Jay” Wiley’s steady, genuine hosting opens the door to “real stories—without lectures, and without barriers to entry”—making the show, as intended, a one-of-a-kind resource for those craving a truthful view behind the badge and beyond.

To listen and learn more: letradio.com
Socials: Facebook: Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show