Laughs, Lessons, and Leadership: Patrick Faulkner Shares Stories From the Thin Blue Line

In this engaging episode, Brent sits down with Patrick Faulkner—a seasoned law enforcement professional, Air Force veteran, and host of the “Knock and Talk Show”—to unpack his winding journey through policing, military service, and ultimately, first responder training through ADB Nation. From tales of policing in both large metro areas and tiny “Mayberry”-like towns, to the challenges faced after leaving law enforcement, Patrick’s candor brings both humor and hard truths to the forefront.

Highlights include wild detective stories (like busting an international burglary ring where an entire house was built with stolen goods), navigating small-town policing, the evolution of community policing, and the toll of transitioning out of service. The episode also explores Patrick’s experience starting his own podcast, the origins and mission behind ADB Nation and ADB Training, and the importance of building a positive, supportive community for first responders.

Key Topics

• Patrick’s Law Enforcement and Military Journey:

  • Air Force avionics, tours in Jordan and Bahrain, and struggles transitioning to civilian employment

  • Progression through large and small police departments, including unique challenges and local culture

  • Memorable case: Disrupting a Romanian-led construction theft ring and finding an international homicide fugitive

• Small Town Policing vs. Big City Agencies:

  • Culture shock and adaptation from metro policing to “Mayberry”-style law enforcement

  • Chief’s supportive style and the quirks of working in a tight-knit community

• Career Transition & Personal Struggles:

  • Impact of injury and being pushed out of policing

  • Dark period of identity loss, divorce, and the difficulties faced by LEOs leaving the profession

  • The need for ongoing support and community for retired or transitioning first responders

• ADB Nation & ADB Training:

  • Founding story and focus on positive, peer-driven support and elite-level training for first responders

  • Innovative, immersive courses (e.g., undercover certification, cryptocurrency investigations, wellness)

  • Vision for nationwide impact and fostering a supportive, non-echo chamber environment

• Stories from the Knock and Talk Show:

  • Origins: Born from preserving “big fish” policing stories and sharing much-needed levity in a tough profession

  • The power of storytelling, humor, and camaraderie for officer resilience

Memorable Quotes

“When you get out of law enforcement, you leave an agency—your spot is replaced… You’re only in their mind for about six months. That’s it.” – Patrick

“If you want to learn about your community, you have to go knock on doors… Stop by, you know, Annie M at the end of Elm Street… She’ll tell you what’s up with the meth house behind hers!” – Patrick

“ADB stands for A Different Breed. Because first responders are a different breed. That’s why we’re here.” – Patrick

Resources & Mentions

• ADB Nation – Peer community & training platform for first responders

• Knock and Talk Show – Patrick’s law enforcement storytelling podcast (Apple, YouTube, Spotify, etc.)

• ADB Training Classes: Undercover certification, cryptocurrency investigation, wellness for LEOs

Where to Listen

Find the Knock and Talk Show on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and more.

Connect:

• Patrick Faulkner: [LinkedIn], [Knock and Talk Show]

• Brent: The First Responder Playbook Podcast host

Thanks for tuning in! Subscribe, rate, and let us know your thoughts—or share your own wild first responder story!

#police #firstresponder #mentalhealth #policeleadership #leadership #k9