Shawn Ryan Show Episode #146: Blake Cook - America's Scapegoats: The 365-Day Service That Never Stops

Release Date: November 28, 2024

In Episode #146 of the "Shawn Ryan Show," host Shawn Ryan engages in a profound and candid conversation with Blake Cook, a decorated former U.S. Navy Infantry soldier and seasoned law enforcement officer. The episode delves deep into Blake's tumultuous life journey, exploring themes of military service, law enforcement challenges, personal trauma, addiction, and redemption. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from their interaction.

1. Introduction and Background

[00:50] Sean Ryan: "Blake Cook. Welcome to the show, man."

Blake Cook expresses gratitude for being on the show, highlighting his connection with Shawn Ryan through mutual acquaintance Kyle Morgan. The introduction sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Blake's multifaceted life experiences.

2. Early Life and Family Dynamics

[21:41] Blake Cook: "I grew up in a small town in West Virginia called Palm, West Virginia. Thousand people max in my hometown..."

Blake recounts his upbringing in a tight-knit, small-town environment in Palm, West Virginia. He shares vivid memories of his parents' tumultuous relationship, leading to his parents' divorce when he was very young. Despite the instability, Blake remains close to his mother and older brother, who served as his primary support system.

[23:00] Blake Cook: "My dad cheated. Yeah. So my mom had a lot of hatred towards him..."

Blake details the strain caused by his father's infidelity and subsequent remarriage to a significantly younger woman, which created a toxic household dynamic. This environment fostered feelings of resentment and competition, particularly between Blake and his stepmother.

3. Military Service and Transition to Law Enforcement

[11:13] Sean Ryan: "Blake Cook, four years as army infantry in the 82nd Airborne Division. You are a Purple Heart recipient for an IED explosion in Afghanistan."

Blake shares his honorable military service, highlighting his time in the 82nd Airborne Division and his injury from an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan, for which he received the Purple Heart.

Upon returning from active duty, Blake transitioned into law enforcement, taking on roles as a gun gang and cartel detective and a SWAT team member. His dedication to protecting his community is evident, yet he grapples with systemic challenges within the police force.

4. Struggles with Family Addiction and Personal Trauma

[42:13] Blake Cook: "He's dying of drugs. I've spent my whole adult life fighting drugs and I'm losing my dad to it."

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Blake's painful relationship with his father, Jim Cook, who battled severe addiction. Blake describes multiple attempts to help his father, including confronting him during a drug relapse and intervening to prevent his father's death from drug-related complications.

[43:51] Blake Cook: "I have forgiving him once. And I almost died from somebody else's drug addiction."

Blake recounts a harrowing incident where his father nearly took his own life, leading Blake to contemplate suicide. However, his meeting with Kyle Morgan becomes a pivotal moment that steers him away from despair.

5. Meeting Kyle Morgan and the Path to Redemption

[98:05] Blake Cook: "I went up to OP Tactical in Raleigh... showed up to the course."

Blake details his critical encounter with Kyle Morgan, who reaches out to him at his lowest point. This meeting sparks a transformative journey for Blake, rekindling his faith and purpose.

[105:45] Blake Cook: "God is great. He will put you where you need to be..."

Blake attributes his recovery and renewed sense of purpose to his faith and the support from Kyle Morgan. He emphasizes the importance of divine timing and the belief that every experience, even the most challenging, serves a greater purpose.

6. Law Enforcement Challenges and Systemic Issues

[211:25] Blake Cook: "We have Crips, Bloods, Latin Kings, Gangster Disciples, Folk Nation, Hell's Angels..."

Blake provides an in-depth analysis of the gang landscape in Fayetteville, North Carolina, highlighting the presence of various gangs, including Bloods, Crips, and cartel-affiliated groups. He discusses the complexities and dangers law enforcement faces in combating organized crime within the community.

[246:20] Blake Cook: "When you touch the back of a car for DNA... it's scary."

Blake underscores the high-stakes nature of traffic stops and the physical dangers officers encounter. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating the constant threat and the psychological toll it takes on law enforcement personnel.

7. Personal Transformation and Advocacy

[306:00] Blake Cook: "I'm the type of people I want to be around... good men are stepping up."

Blake speaks passionately about the need for integrity and strong leadership within law enforcement. He advocates for holding corrupt leaders accountable and emphasizes the importance of supporting officers who genuinely strive to protect and serve their communities.

[311:10] Blake Cook: "I try to live by that... I've been holding that in for a long time, and I hope that it just reaches one person."

As the interview concludes, Blake reflects on his journey from trauma and despair to healing and purpose. He shares his ongoing commitment to support and mentor others within the law enforcement community, aiming to foster positive change and resilience.

8. Notable Quotes

• Blake Cook [02:25]: "Crime is up nationwide. It's crazy."

• Sean Ryan [10:19]: "I would just like to add that I pray that this message that Blake is about to share with us goes exactly where it needs to go."

• Blake Cook [12:07]: "I've never even felt like this since months. I'm gonna go take this dude's course."

• Blake Cook [43:31]: "He definitely had depression. I think he battled his own demons every Day."

• Sean Ryan [56:22]: "But I carried this rage with me forever."

• Blake Cook [118:23]: "I have a passion for this because I feel sorry for them. Because there are some good ass cops out there, man, that are still believing the right, still doing the right thing."

9. Conclusion

Episode #146 of the "Shawn Ryan Show" offers a raw and honest portrayal of Blake Cook's life, marked by resilience in the face of personal and professional adversity. Through his narrative, listeners gain insight into the profound challenges within law enforcement, the impact of familial addiction, and the transformative power of faith and mentorship. Blake's story serves as both a testament to individual strength and a call to action for systemic change within the policing community.

Blake Cook's willingness to share his vulnerabilities and triumphs provides invaluable lessons on perseverance, the importance of support systems, and the necessity of compassionate leadership. This episode not only honors his service but also sheds light on the broader issues affecting law enforcement officers today.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience Through Adversity: Blake's journey underscores the human capacity to overcome significant personal trauma and professional challenges.

• Systemic Issues in Law Enforcement: The episode highlights ongoing struggles within police departments, including leadership failures and the complexities of combating organized crime.

• Importance of Support Systems: The pivotal role of mentorship and faith is evident in Blake's recovery and continued advocacy for positive change.

• Call for Compassionate Leadership: Emphasizing the need for accountability and strong leadership to support officers in their duty to protect and serve.

This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in the real-life experiences of those in the fight against crime, offering both inspiration and critical commentary on the state of modern law enforcement.