The Antihero Podcast: Squadcast (Live) – August 1, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Antihero Podcast
• Host/Authors: Tyler, Billy Queen, James Arnett, Drew, Ethan
• Description: Part Delta Force. Part Street Cop. All Truth.
• Episode: Squadcast (Live) 07/31/2025
• Release Date: August 1, 2025

Introduction and Guest Introduction

The episode kicks off with host Tyler addressing the live audience, humorously acknowledging the presence of technical difficulties typical of a Thursday night squadcast. Tyler introduces the guests: Billy Queen, a veteran and former ATF agent with extensive undercover experience, and James Arnett, who has a background in the infantry and special operations.

Notable Quote:

• [00:01] Tyler: "All right, we are live here. It's Thursday night for the squad cast. It wouldn't be a Thursday night without technical difficulties."

Updates and Acknowledgments

Tyler informs listeners that Brent Tucker, a regular participant, is delayed due to being stranded at New York City's airport. Instead, his associate James steps in. The conversation shifts to acknowledging the guests' backgrounds and the purpose of the episode, which focuses on honoring fallen officers amidst a busy week of discussions around incidents involving slain law enforcement personnel.

Notable Quote:

• [02:40] Billy Queen: "Most people don't know that ATF has two arms out there. One's regulatory and one's criminal... the side that ATF out there that's chasing real bad guys."

Billy Queen’s Undercover Operations

Billy Queen delves into his military and law enforcement background, highlighting his service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and his subsequent career with the ATF. He details his most notable undercover operation infiltrating the Mongols Motorcycle Club from 1998 to 2000, which led to the arrest and conviction of 54 members for various crimes, including murder and drug trafficking.

Notable Quote:

• [09:14] Billy Queen: "I became an officer in the gang. I made up my mind early on when I thought that I could actually get in and do what I had to do."

Challenges Faced by Undercover Agents

The discussion shifts to the inherent dangers and psychological toll of undercover work. Billy shares harrowing experiences, including being falsely accused of being a cop while undercover, which nearly cost him his life. He emphasizes the lack of support and the solitary nature of such operations, contrasting them with more conventional law enforcement roles.

Notable Quote:

• [55:22] Billy Queen: "I did what I had to do to make that happen. And there's no such thing as timeout or part-time."

Impact of Government Decisions on Law Enforcement Operations

Billy critiques decisions made by former Attorney General Janet Reno, suggesting that her policies inadvertently facilitated significant terrorist acts, including the Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh. He claims that her administration shut down crucial intelligence investigations, contributing to the inability to prevent such tragedies.

Notable Quote:

• [21:56] Billy Queen: "Janet Reno shut every intel investigation, DEA, ATF, Customs, FBI. She shut them all down. Boom, federal building sky high."

Discussion on the 2017 Las Vegas Shooting

Responding to listener requests, the hosts plan a deep dive into the 2017 Las Vegas shooting at the Mandalay Bay Resort. Tyler expresses interest in exploring potential conspiracy theories while emphasizing the need for respectful and factual analysis, considering the loss of life involved.

Notable Quote:

• [18:37] Drew: "They sent 54 of them to prison for murder... stealing their motorcycles."

Brotherhood and Personal Sacrifices in Law Enforcement

The conversation explores the theme of brotherhood within both law enforcement and outlaw biker communities. Billy reflects on the personal sacrifices made, including losing contact with his family during his undercover tenure. He underscores the emotional and psychological challenges of betraying trust and the lasting impact on personal relationships.

Notable Quote:

• [162:32] Billy Queen: "I lost my children. I lost my personal life. I lost everything that I had. No, I wouldn't do it again because I wouldn't give that up, especially my children."

Community Policing vs. Traditional Policing

Billy advocates for a shift from traditional reactive policing to a more community-oriented approach. He argues that addressing root causes of crime—such as economic hardship and family issues—can lead to more effective law enforcement outcomes than merely increasing police presence and funding.

Notable Quote:

• [38:46] Billy Queen: "We traded in the Lord Jesus Christ for barbed wire, for cops in the school, for guard dogs... same old stuff is going to happen until the community says, let's get together and make it better."

Reflections on Undercover Work and Legal Implications

Ethan poses questions about the legal boundaries of undercover operations and the personal connections formed with criminal associates. Billy candidly discusses the ethical dilemmas and legal risks, emphasizing that agents must fully immerse themselves without reservations to succeed, often at great personal cost.

Notable Quote:

• [92:03] Billy Queen: "If you want to shoot somebody, you're going to be killing them right along with them. There's no such thing as part-time. It's full time all the way."

Sponsors and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, hosts engage with sponsors and acknowledge audience contributions via super chats. They promote products relevant to their audience, such as weapon gear and fitness supplements, and express gratitude for listener support.

Closing Remarks and Tribute to Fallen Officers

The episode concludes with heartfelt tributes to fallen officers, including Detective Islam and Officer Wagner, recounting their bravery and sacrifices. The hosts express deep respect and empathy for the families affected by these losses, reinforcing the podcast’s commitment to honoring law enforcement heroes.

Notable Quote:

• [66:11] Tyler: "My condolences to Detective Islam's family... Lorraine Police Officer Phil Wagner was ambushed... Officer Wagner succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds."

Final Thoughts and Future Episodes

As the live session wraps up, the hosts reiterate their dedication to supporting law enforcement narratives and planning future episodes that delve deeper into significant incidents and undercover operations. They encourage continued listener engagement and support through Patreon and other platforms.

Notable Quote:

• [168:35] Billy Queen: "The book's called 'Under and Alone,' and it covers that two years and two months that I rode with them. It tells the truth about that time and what happened to me after."

Conclusion:

This episode of The Antihero Podcast offers an unfiltered look into the life of an undercover law enforcement agent, exploring the complexities, dangers, and personal sacrifices inherent in such roles. Through candid discussions, personal anecdotes, and critical reflections on government policies and policing strategies, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by those who operate on the front lines of law enforcement.

Notable Quote:

• [142:48] Billy Queen: "Being undercover... one slip up could mean a bullet through your head."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments, focusing solely on the substantive discussions and narratives presented during the live squadcast.