The Antihero Podcast: Squadcast (Live) 04/10/2025
Host: The Antihero Podcast
Guests: Mike from Cotville, John Mattingly (Author of 12 Seconds in the Dark), Yusuf
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Description: Part Delta Force. Part Street Cop. All Truth.
1. Introduction
In this gripping live squadcast episode of The Antihero Podcast, host Tyler engages with seasoned law enforcement veterans Mike, John Mattingly, and Yusuf. The conversation delves deep into pressing issues within the policing community, dissecting high-profile incidents, policy changes, and the evolving landscape of law enforcement in America.
2. Texas Stabbing Incident and Racial Dynamics
The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about a recent stabbing in Texas, which has ignited debates surrounding race and policing.
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Tyler introduces the topic:
"The Texas stabbing… has divided the country and it just depends on how your beliefs fall, who you stand behind." [00:44] -
Mike offers his perspective, emphasizing the racial undertones and the victim’s father's attempt to frame it as a human issue:
"It's a white victim. … it's a human issue, not a race issue." [02:14]
"The father of the victim said, 'this isn't a race issue, this is a human issue.'" [02:14] -
John Mattingly adds insight into media influence:
"The media was trying to make it a black, white issue." [05:06] -
Yusuf shares personal experiences with similar incidents, highlighting systemic biases:
"Within three days, I was arrested… because the guy was black and the family was protesting." [07:41]
3. Law Enforcement Policies and Qualified Immunity
The conversation transitions to the impact of legal changes on policing practices, particularly focusing on the recent decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding qualified immunity.
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Tyler raises concerns about police response capabilities:
"Why are law enforcement now choosing not to respond to certain 911 calls?" -
Mike explains the new policies and their repercussions:
"Qualified immunity essentially creates a bubble around the police officer." [35:31]
"The courts have made it very clear that really any use of force at all is questionable." [35:44] -
John Mattingly criticizes the administrative focus on salaries over community service:
"The downfall of law enforcement is command staff all over the country." [20:27] -
Yusuf emphasizes the financial motivations behind administrative decisions:
"They're worried about their salaries, making six figures…" [20:27]
4. Policing Challenges and Internal Struggles
Guests discuss the internal conflicts and lack of support within police departments, shedding light on the struggles officers face behind the scenes.
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Mike highlights the disconnect between officers and leadership:
"Your command staff are the ones who are worried about their six figures…" -
John Mattingly speaks on media portrayal and internal bureaucracy:
"They pander, and now, the sheriff was the guy… squared away. He wasn’t all up in the media." [22:13] -
Yusuf shares the emotional toll of internal department conflicts:
"When you go home, they have no idea really what you're battling within the department." [103:26]
5. High-Profile Cases: Derek Chauvin and George Floyd
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Derek Chauvin trial and its broader implications for policing and public perception.
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Mike critiques Chauvin’s actions and the trial outcome:
"He should have been tried for the lesser charge of manslaughter… he was negligent." [55:42] -
Tyler questions the credibility of the “I can’t breathe” plea:
"He said, I can't breathe. Like, five times before he was even on the ground." [56:35] -
Yusuf argues the trial was biased from the start:
"He was never going to get a fair trial no matter what." [59:14] -
John Mattingly emphasizes the misuse of “perception” in legal contexts:
"Cops are now getting tried and convicted on perception as opposed to facts." [62:53]
6. Mental Health Crisis Responses
The guests delve into the complexities of police responses to mental health emergencies, underscoring the inadequacies and dangers posed by current protocols.
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Yusuf discusses the challenges of transporting individuals in crisis:
"Where do I take them? I got him… Now the jail won't take them. Where do I take them?" [43:10] -
Mike points out the limitations of current de-escalation techniques:
"Once they don't come out, you leave. … Qualified immunity is gone, and it's a bubble." [35:27] -
John Mattingly advocates for specialized mental health units:
"Why don't we just create mental health units?" [39:33]
7. Police Training and De-escalation Techniques
Effective communication and de-escalation strategies are highlighted as crucial components missing in current police training.
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Mike emphasizes the need for adaptability:
"You have to figure out where to put the… You just have to figure that out yourself." [90:06] -
John Mattingly stresses the importance of negotiation skills:
"Find your angle. Find out how to talk to people." [89:56] -
Tyler shares personal anecdotes on handling diverse situations:
"I told new guys, you cannot talk to people the same way you talk to others." [89:59]
8. High-Profile Incidents and Media Coverage
The podcast touches upon various high-profile incidents, including helicopter crashes and police shootings, dissecting the media's role in shaping public perception.
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Tyler and Mike discuss the helicopter crash in New York City’s Hudson River, analyzing the fragmented responses and lack of accountability:
"Six people died… it just came apart midair." [32:25] -
John Mattingly and Mike critique the inconsistent media narratives surrounding police actions:
"The media is pushing a narrative that doesn't exist." [18:00]
9. Personal Stories and Experiences
Throughout the episode, guests share personal stories and experiences from their law enforcement careers, highlighting the emotional and psychological burdens they bear.
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Yusuf recounts being wrongfully incarcerated and the ensuing struggles:
"Just him and God in a jail cell… found not guilty." [08:19] -
Mike discusses the realization that police work can lead to personal downfall despite dedication:
"We wear it both directions. Too little and we feel like too much." [44:30] -
John Mattingly shares the trauma of witnessing excessive force and institutional corruption:
"They threatened my attorney with losing his MD license if he didn’t change the autopsy." [62:53]
10. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
In the closing segment, the guests reflect on life after law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and financial independence outside the policing world.
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Yusuf encourages former officers to pursue entrepreneurial ventures:
"Empower yourself. Go out there and control your money." [116:50] -
Mike and John Mattingly echo the sentiment, advocating for leaving the force before burnout:
"20 years is way too long… there is nothing else to do." [120:07]
"The job is tough, but life outside is brighter when you leave." [120:16] -
Tyler wraps up the episode with gratitude towards the guests and community:
"Appreciate Mike coming in, co-hosting as always. Appreciate John Mattingly for showing up. Appreciate Yousef for showing up." [125:43]
Notable Quotes
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Mike:
"It's a white victim. … it's a human issue, not a race issue." [02:14]
"Qualified immunity essentially creates a bubble around the police officer." [35:31]
"I think he should have been tried for the lesser charge of manslaughter." [55:42] -
John Mattingly:
"The media was trying to make it a black, white issue." [05:06]
"Cops are now getting tried and convicted on perception as opposed to facts." [62:53]
"Why don't we just create mental health units?" [39:33] -
Yusuf:
"Where do I take them? I got him… Now the jail won't take them. Where do I take them?" [43:10]
"Empower yourself. Go out there and control your money." [116:50]
"When law enforcement turns their back on you, it's a reality check." [117:24]
Conclusion
This episode of The Antihero Podcast offers a raw and unfiltered look into the challenges faced by modern law enforcement officers. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, the guests expose the systemic issues plaguing the police force, from racial biases and policy changes to internal conflicts and mental health crises. The conversation underscores the urgent need for reform and support within the policing community, while also highlighting the resilience and dedication of those who serve.
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the episode.