The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line Podcast
Benny
119 episodes
1 week ago
The Hosts of the Podcast are retired San Diego Police Detective Sergeant David Contreras, Retired San Diego Police Lieutenant Sean Murphy, Retired San Diego Sheriff's Detective Benny Cruz, and Retired Chief of Police for Calexico Police Gerardo "Chalo" Gonzalo. The hosts have over 150 years of experience in numerous topics. If you are a retired cop, former law enforcement, or like to hear real cop stories, this channel is for you. You will listen to real-life events told by the people who lived and experienced them. You will hear dynamic stories from The Real Gunslingers and the Heroes who lived them every week. So, Subscribe Now!! They will interview police officers, deputy sheriffs, correctional officers, FBI agents, USBP agents, and retired and current Police Chiefs. The podcast will focus on current events, crime scene investigations, cartel violence, street and prison gangs, tactical operations, officer safety, and PTSD. The podcast streams every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (PST).
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The Hosts of the Podcast are retired San Diego Police Detective Sergeant David Contreras, Retired San Diego Police Lieutenant Sean Murphy, Retired San Diego Sheriff's Detective Benny Cruz, and Retired Chief of Police for Calexico Police Gerardo "Chalo" Gonzalo. The hosts have over 150 years of experience in numerous topics. If you are a retired cop, former law enforcement, or like to hear real cop stories, this channel is for you. You will listen to real-life events told by the people who lived and experienced them. You will hear dynamic stories from The Real Gunslingers and the Heroes who lived them every week. So, Subscribe Now!! They will interview police officers, deputy sheriffs, correctional officers, FBI agents, USBP agents, and retired and current Police Chiefs. The podcast will focus on current events, crime scene investigations, cartel violence, street and prison gangs, tactical operations, officer safety, and PTSD. The podcast streams every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (PST).
We want to remind you that all our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line: The Story Behind The Blue Line.
In this episode, titled Ash Wednesday, our hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier sit down with Retired Phoenix PD Detective Sergeant Dan Jaramillo. He shares gripping insights about the arrest of Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano, a notorious former underboss of the Gambino crime family in New York City who later became a pivotal government witness.
Tune in now and delve into this fascinating discussion!
Don't forget to check out our latest episode on YouTube, "The Gray Line: The Story Behind The Blue Line"!
In this episode, hosts David Contreras, Gonzalo "Chalo" Gerardo, and Benny Cruz sit down with retired San Diego Police Detective Sergeant Carlos Chacon, dubbed “The Last of the Gunslingers” by San Diego Media at his retirement. Originally aired on October 28, 2025, the discussion covers Carlos's experiences with street and prison gangs, his role in the Border Alien Robbery Force (BARF), and his duties as a liaison with Mexico.
Catch the episode on our channel and get an inside look at some gripping cases and stories!
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier discuss the dangers of working undercover operations in the city of Phoenix in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Retired Phoenix Police Detective Johnny Vasquez was assigned undercover work while working narcotics in Phoenix. He will share some of those dangerous drug buys and how those operations were conducted back then.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, 'The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line.' Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode, hosts David Contreras, Gonzalo "Chalo" Gerardo, and Benny Cruz interview retired San Diego Police Officer Bob Lopez. The episode aired on the Gray Line's YouTube channel on October 21, 2025. San Diego Police Officer Bob Lopez, an exemplary model of the human capacity for transformation and resilience. Lopez, who courageously overcame his struggles with alcoholism, played a pivotal role in establishing the first AA program for police officers under the leadership of then San Diego Police Chief David Bejarano. We will examine the underlying causes of alcoholism within police departments across America with an expert, exploring opportunities for growth and positive change. Lopez's personal journey serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity, inspiring hope and empowerment.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, 'The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line.' Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode, hosts David Contreras, Gonzalo "Chalo" Gerardo, and Benny Cruz interview Jim Dagenis and discuss his encounters with members of the Mexican Mafia Prison Gang (EME) and members of the Aryan Brotherhood while at Pelican Bay Prison. Dagenis discusses his conversations with Rene "Boxer" Enriquez, Topo Peters, and Paul "Cornfed" Schneider.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier discuss the murder of Charlie Kirk. PART 1
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier discuss the murder of Charlie Kirk. PART 2
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier are joined by former Pelican Bay State Prison Correctional Officer Jim Dagenais. Dagenais shares his life living in a war zone after retiring from the California Department of Corrections. Dagenais trained Afghan soldiers and police overseas.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier are joined by retired DEA Special Agent Leo Silva. Leo Silva is a former DEA Resident Agent in Charge (Monterrey Resident Office - Mexico) and the author of Reign of Terror and El Reinado de Terror. Drawing from decades of frontline experience in the fight against transnational cartels, Silva brings readers inside some of the most dangerous operations targeting high-value cartel leaders and organizations. Today, the group will discuss current NARCO affairs, the brutal world of Mexico's Los Zetas cartel
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier are joined by the legendary Richard Valdermar. Richard retired as a Detective Sergeant from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and is considered an expert on prison and street gangs. In today's episode, the group discusses current affairs, such as the recent reporting that the Mexican drug cartels have put bounties on American officials and USBP and ICE agents throughout the United States. Other topics include ANTIFA, defunding the police, and the current political climate.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, 'The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line.' Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode, hosts David Contreras, Gonzalo "Chalo" Gerardo, and Benny Cruz interview Ric Prado, a former CIA Operations Officer. "Enrique 'Ric' Prado is an American hero, having served his country loyally for decades in tough places, spying and fighting against formidable enemies, from North Korean subversives to al Qaeda terrorists. He entered the CIA's Clandestine Service as an operations officer in the early 1980s—and immediately joined the front lines in the hot battles of the Cold War. Working his way through the ranks, he recruited and ran spies worldwide. He designed and led some of the Agency's most creative and successful operations against the most challenging targets. Visit our channel and watch the interview: Ric Prado, a true American Hero.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode, hosts David Contreras, Gonzalo "Chalo" Gerardo, and Benny Cruz interview Jim Dagenais, also known as "Bat Man." With a storied career beginning in 1989 at the California Correctional Center and later at Pelican Bay State Prison, Jim offers firsthand experiences from inside one of California's most notorious prisons. His work on the Security Squad and as a Special Agent on the Del Norte Inter-agency Narcotics Task Force showcases his expertise in handling violent criminal acts and supervising the state's most dangerous inmates. If you like to watch the episode, you can do so by going to https://www.youtube.com/@thegraylinepodcast/streams
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier discuss San Diego's Blood and Crip gangs with retired San Diego Police Detective Sergeant Gary Jaus
We invite you to watch our episodes on our YouTube channel, The Gray Line: The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode kicks off with an engaging introductory video featuring our distinguished guests. In this installment, hosts David Contreras, Gonzalo "Chalo" Gerardo, and Benny Cruz sit down with the current and former Presidents of the International Latino Gang Investigators Association (ILGIA). Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the experts who have shaped the ILGIA landscape.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier discuss the muder of Willie James Jones with retired San Diego Police Detective Sergeant Gary Jaus
This tragic story highlights the senseless violence that claimed the life of Willie James Jones III, a promising young man with a bright future ahead of him. His death is a poignant reminder of the impact of crime on individuals and communities. If you are interested in learning more about the investigation and hearing from San Diego Police Detective Sergeant Gary Jaus (Ret.), you can watch the episode on "The Gray Line Podcast" YouTube channel by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/@thegraylinepodcast/streams
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier interview former New York State Trooper Ross Falisi. Ross Falisi is a former New York State Trooper and police officer, now serving as the Chief Operating Officer of VRP Group, an anti-terrorism and force protection company. His career highlights include: Response at Ground Zero: While on terminal leave from the state police during the September 11th attacks, he and his canine partner spent weeks at Ground Zero on rescue and recovery efforts.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode, hosts David Contreras, Gonzalo "Chalo" Gerardo, and Benny Cruz interview retired Lieutenant Steve Lucero of the Colorado Department of Corrections, who will make a return appearance on The Gray Line: The Story Behind the Blue Line podcast. Those who listened to our interview with him two weeks ago may remember his involvement in the Chicano Movement and the Brown Berets in Colorado during his early years. The upcoming episode will examine the Chicano Moratorium, STING, the duties and responsibilities of a Colorado DOC Intelligence Officer, and the factors that led organized crime (The MOP) to Colorado.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode (ASH WEDNESDAY), hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier interview retired Navy SEAL Juan "Gonzo" Gonzales, who has widely shared his life story, which details his path from a troubled childhood to serving in special operations and finding a new purpose as an entrepreneur and coach. His story has been featured in several podcasts, including Transition Drill and The Two Promises Podcast. As the son of a U.S. Army colonel, Gonzalez grew up as an "Army brat," living across South and Central America. While this exposure fostered adaptability, frequent relocation in his formative years led to frustration and academic struggles.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode, hosts David Contreras, Gonzalo "Chalo" Gerardo, and Benny Cruz interview former EME Hitman Ramon 'Mundo' Mendoza, who shares "Convicts & Cops" & discusses EME member Raul Leon.
We want to remind you that our episodes are available on our YouTube Channel, The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line. Each episode begins with an introductory video featuring our guests. In this episode, (ASH WEDNESDAY) hosts David Contreras, Sean Murphy, Bobby Arce, and Doug Collier interview San Diego Police Detective Sergeant Wayne Spees, who shares his experience with the SWAT, Gang Suppression Team, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Hostage Negotiations Team.
The Gray Line, The Story Behind The Blue Line Podcast
The Hosts of the Podcast are retired San Diego Police Detective Sergeant David Contreras, Retired San Diego Police Lieutenant Sean Murphy, Retired San Diego Sheriff's Detective Benny Cruz, and Retired Chief of Police for Calexico Police Gerardo "Chalo" Gonzalo. The hosts have over 150 years of experience in numerous topics. If you are a retired cop, former law enforcement, or like to hear real cop stories, this channel is for you. You will listen to real-life events told by the people who lived and experienced them. You will hear dynamic stories from The Real Gunslingers and the Heroes who lived them every week. So, Subscribe Now!! They will interview police officers, deputy sheriffs, correctional officers, FBI agents, USBP agents, and retired and current Police Chiefs. The podcast will focus on current events, crime scene investigations, cartel violence, street and prison gangs, tactical operations, officer safety, and PTSD. The podcast streams every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (PST).