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Locked In with Ian Bick

Locked In with Ian Bick

Ian Bick

Stories you won't find anywhere else, told by the people who lived them. Hosted by former federal inmate turned entrepreneur Ian Bick, Locked In with Ian Bick features raw, long-form conversations with people from every side of the criminal justice system—and the extraordinary lives that intersect with it. From former inmates and law enforcement officers to attorneys, judges, correctional professionals, investigators, victims, medical professionals, bikers, and public figures, every guest shares a firsthand perspective rarely heard anywhere else. Every episode goes beyond the headlines, exploring crime, prison, addiction, investigations, mental health, redemption, and second chances through honest conversations with the people who experienced them. If you're interested in true crime, criminal justice, prison stories, or extraordinary real-life experiences, Locked In with Ian Bick delivers stories you won't find anywhere else.

1321 - I Was a Michigan Dope Dealer — Then Spent 12 Years In Prison | Nate Johnson
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  • 1321 - I Was a Michigan Dope Dealer — Then Spent 12 Years In Prison | Nate Johnson

    Nate Johnson grew up in Michigan, turned to the streets at a young age, and cycled in and out of juvenile detention and jail before a drug and robbery case sent him to Michigan state prison for 12 and a half years. But somewhere inside those walls, everything changed. He found his purpose, committed himself to rebuilding his life, and walked out determined to help others do the same. Today, Nate has built Michigan's largest reentry organization, co-founded the state's first reentry conference and a national reentry convening, and is now developing a "Reentry Ecosystem" aimed at changing how America approaches life after prison.

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    Become an EXCLUSIVE Locked In: After Hours Member & receive a FREE merch box:

    https://lockedin.supportingcast.fm/

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    Connect with Nate Johnson:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-johnson-ncs

    Website: https://www.nextchapterssolutions.com/

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    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

    https://ianbick.com/

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    Timestamps:

    00:00 A shooting on the street 00:26 Introducing Nate Johnson 00:54 Free merch and bonus content 01:44 Growing up in Muskegon 02:19 Dysfunctional family life 05:40 Trouble begins in fifth grade 08:41 Selling weed and stealing bikes 12:52 The crack trade and double-ups 20:24 Police raids and the setup 27:05 Arrest and false evidence 30:27 Returning home and family struggles 32:20 Connecting with dad over crack 34:11 Gang violence and losing Ted 37:27 Seeking revenge 38:30 Learning the drug trade 41:41 Armed robbery and prison sentence 45:27 The robbery detail and trial 47:50 Sentenced and to prison 49:26 First years inside 51:26 Reduced sentence and faith 56:17 Dad's warning and spiritual awakening 01:00:23 Transformation and purpose 01:04:50 Coming home and fresh start 01:06:53 Launching Re-entry United 01:09:40 Inside conferences and expansion 01:12:17 Next Chapter Solutions and tech 01:16:53 Housing and entrepreneurship 01:21:12 Impact and thankfulness 01:22:15 Navigating change in prison 01:25:52 Respect and authenticity 01:28:10 Fatherhood and affirmation 01:33:08 Parents' passing 01:37:52 Family and kids' names 01:46:48 Teaching life lessons to sons 01:49:47 Final thoughts and thanks

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    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

    Wed, 30 Sep 2026 - 1h 49min
  • 1320 - I Was the Detective Who Took Down the Zion Society Cult — Here's What Happened | Mike King

    Mike King started his career on patrol and SWAT with the Ogden City Police Department in Utah before becoming the lead investigator in the 1991 Zion Society case, involving a 120-member polygamist doomsday cult led by self-proclaimed prophet Arvin Shreeve. After a member came forward and revealed what was happening inside the group, Mike and his team launched a secret 24-day investigation that ended with coordinated raids on multiple homes, 32 children being removed from the group, and Shreeve and several members ultimately going to prison. Mike later led multi-agency task forces, served as Chief of Staff to the Utah Attorney General, trained in criminal profiling, and created Profiling Evil.

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    Thank you to CASH APP & HIMS for sponsoring this episode:

    Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

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    Hims: Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://www.hims.com/lockedin to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.

    _____________________________________________

    Become an EXCLUSIVE Locked In: After Hours Member & recieve a FREE merch box:

    https://lockedin.supportingcast.fm/

    _____________________________________________

    Connect with Mike King:

    Website: https://profilingevil.com/about/

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B092NZ4GJP?ccs_id=f3feb9b3-1dbe-4ce9-ad29-5791e32c6ee7

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    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

    https://ianbick.com/

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    Timestamps:

    00:00 Mike King's Beginning 01:13 Growing Up in Salt Lake City 04:42 A Father's Legacy 05:31 Path to Law Enforcement 08:09 Applying Life Lessons 12:07 Surviving Electrocution 15:42 Early Days as a Cop 22:31 Impactful Calls 24:59 Life as a SWAT Officer 28:04 Finding Common Ground 30:00 Joining the DA's Office 34:49 The Encounter That Changed Everything 36:21 Understanding Cults 39:04 The Zion Society's Dark Secrets 45:46 Building the Case 48:48 Aaron's Courage to Leave 52:02 Dangerous Cult Leaders 54:18 Corroborating the Testimony 59:03 Adding the Bricks 01:01:45 Assembling the Evidence 01:05:44 Getting the Warrant 01:10:35 Why Not the FBI? 01:11:14 Keeping It Under Wraps 01:12:17 Planning the Raid 01:14:57 The Morning of the Bust 01:19:26 Finding the Hidden Weapons 01:22:32 Evidence and Money 01:24:15 Where Was the Leader? 01:25:03 Aftermath and Prosecutions 01:28:36 Sentencing and Justice 01:30:56 Career Evolution 01:32:50 The Satanic Panic 01:36:13 The Toll of the Work 01:38:38 Reconnecting with Survivors 01:46:31 A Path to Redemption 01:49:21 Retirement and Continued Career 01:51:27 Juries and Social Media 01:54:13 The Jury System at Risk 01:56:21 Advice to My Younger Self 01:58:04 A Family Mystery Solved

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    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

    Tue, 29 Sep 2026 - 2h 03min
  • 1319 - I Was a New Jersey Cop for 25 Years — These Are The Moments I Can't Unsee | Rick Fittin

    Rick Fittin grew up in New Jersey, joined the Army, and went on to spend more than 25 years in law enforcement — working his way from patrol officer to K9 officer and eventually police chief. Along the way, he experienced the wild, funny, and unpredictable side of policing that most people never get to hear directly from the officers who lived it. After more than two decades on the job, Rick walked away from law enforcement and started an entirely new chapter of his life.

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    #police #cops #TrueCrime #crimestories #k9

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    Thank you to HIMS & CASH APP for sponsoring this episode:

    Hims: Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://www.hims.com/lockedin to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.

    _____________________________________________

    Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod

    Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

    _____________________________________________

    Become an EXCLUSIVE Locked In: After Hours Member & receive a FREE merch box:

    https://lockedin.supportingcast.fm/

    _____________________________________________

    Connect with Rick Fittin:

    https://www.instagram.com/rick_fittin?stkn=cmEzMXc3ZTF6NXJ3

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    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

    https://ianbick.com/

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    Timestamps:

    00:00 Rick Fitton: 25 Years Behind the Badge 00:37 Growing Up at the Jersey Shore 01:42 Rebellion and the Road to the Army 03:04 Joining the Army: A Life-Changing Decision 04:06 Basic Training: Fort Knox and the Realities of Military Life 06:24 Field Exercises, Helicopters, and Military Discipline 09:35 Family Loss and Staying the Course 10:23 Desert Storm and the National Training Center 11:21 Transition Back Home and Family Business 12:56 Getting Into Laundromats and Dry Cleaners 13:27 Grief, Ride Alongs, and the Call to Policing 14:38 Becoming a Police Officer: The Academy and First Steps 15:44 Starting in a Quiet Town and Moving to Seaside Heights 17:38 Mentorship and Learning from Leadership 19:39 The Long Grind: Applying and Rejection 21:17 The Life-Changing Phone Call 23:56 The Job Offer and a New Beginning 24:52 Early Patrol Days and 'Cowboy' Reputation 25:52 First DUI Arrest and a Sergeant's Tough Lesson 30:32 Sponsor Break: Weight Loss by HIMS 31:52 Cleaning Up the Department and Early Challenges 32:12 The Quest for a K9 Unit 34:00 Politics, the Prosecutor, and Getting a Dog 35:32 Meeting Biba: The Female German Shepherd 36:38 Canine School and 9/11: A Changing World 39:14 The First State Police Patrol Class 40:16 Training with Denny Mcweeney and the Iron Dog 44:08 Rescue: Woman Hanging from a Window 50:37 The Aftermath and the T-Shirt Story 52:53 Sponsor Break: Cash App 55:08 Back to the Dogs: The Agreement and Limitations 56:00 PCP and a Crazy Chase 01:00:00 The Chase Ends: A Physical Confrontation 01:02:34 Why I Chose Midnights and the K9 Life 01:03:48 A Tracking Award and a Kidnapping Case 01:07:33 Tracking Down the Suspect 01:09:36 After the Capture: The Loyalty of Biba 01:10:49 Nico: My Second K9 and the Bond 01:14:44 Losing Nico and the End of My K9 Career 01:19:00 Rescuing a Man from Icy Waters 01:23:00 The Icy Rescue Aftermath 01:25:14 Unexpected Encounters and Errant Drivers 01:27:52 Changing Culture in Policing 01:30:33 Working with the Community and an NCIC Hit 01:35:45 A Strange Case of Poisoned Food 01:38:24 Confronting the Wife and Getting a Confession 01:41:27 NYPD Homicide Detectives and a High-Profile Case 01:45:45 The Raid and the Outcome 01:49:45 A Near Shooting and the Watermelon Fight 01:54:00 The Courtroom and Lessons Learned 01:56:00 Resilience and an Unresponsive Male Call 01:58:25 A Homicide on the Second Floor 02:00:00 The Aftermath and Death Notifications 02:02:43 25 Years of Stories and Final Valor Award 02:03:13 Drug Recognition Expert: The Specialty Work 02:06:48 The Changing Landscape of Policing 02:08:24 Prisons, Reform, and the System's Failures 02:11:20 Mental Health and Resiliency in Law Enforcement 02:14:37 Hurricane Ida: A New Chief's Test 02:18:08 Water Rescues and the MRAP 02:21:20 Saving a Family and Returning Home 02:23:03 More Flooding and a Tire Plant Rescue 02:25:00 Retirement, Reinvention, and Advice for Officers 02:29:00 Turning the Page: Overcoming Adversity 02:31:00 Moving Forward: New Opportunities 02:33:00 Current Ventures and the Passion to Help 02:34:29 Reflecting on Success and Hard Work 02:36:27 A Lesson on Valuing What You Earn

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    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

    Mon, 28 Sep 2026 - 2h 40min
  • 1318 - I Was on America's Most Wanted at 19 — Then Survived 20 Years Inside New York's Worst Prisons | Kevin "Fresh" Townsend

    Kevin "Fresh" Townsend grew up in Brooklyn with his father in prison and his mother raising him on her own. He took to the streets at a young age, dropped out of high school, became involved with gangs, and started dealing drugs. Then, at just 19 years old, he landed on America's Most Wanted for a murder he says he did not commit. After two trials, Kevin was convicted and sentenced to 20 years to life in New York state prison. Over the next two decades, he ran with the Bloods, navigated Rikers Island, and survived some of New York's toughest maximum-security prisons. After serving 20 years, Kevin finally walked free — just two weeks before sitting down to record this episode.

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    Become an EXCLUSIVE Locked In: After Hours Member & recieve a FREE merch box:

    https://lockedin.supportingcast.fm/

    _____________________________________________

    Connect with Kevin "Fresh" Townsend: Book:

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPSW499L?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/townsendrealm/

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    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

    https://ianbick.com/

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    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Kevin 00:50 Growing Up in Brooklyn 02:10 The Impact of Having a Father in Prison 03:03 Street Lessons and Gang Life 03:57 Gambling and the Addiction to Money 06:10 The Routine of Gang Life 08:12 Staying Away from Selling Drugs 10:14 Family Love and His Father's Advice 12:56 Reading Books and Dreaming of a Better Life 14:27 A History of Violence and Fear 17:35 Charged with Murder 25:53 Arrest and Interrogation 27:31 Lack of Evidence and False Testimony 30:19 First Day at Rikers and the Start of Prison Life 34:00 First Trial and Mistrial 37:12 Convicted at the Second Trial 40:01 Sentencing and a 20-Year Prison Sentence 44:37 Failed Appeals and Losing Hope 48:53 Sent Upstate to Prison 51:18 Five Points and Adjusting to a New Life 54:00 Prison Rules and Survival Tactics 57:19 Solitary Confinement and Mental Struggles 59:49 Transfers Between Prisons and Different Experiences 01:04:18 Relationships with Other Inmates and Unexpected Events 01:07:57 Back in Solitary and Working on Himself 01:12:54 Released from Prison and Reuniting with Family 01:15:19 Adjusting to Life on the Outside 01:18:50 New Goals and Hope for the Future 01:23:22 Marriage and Relationship Struggles 01:26:29 Lessons from Prison and Advice for Young People

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    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

    Sun, 27 Sep 2026 - 1h 39min
  • 1317 - I Was a Guard Inside Georgia's Violent Prison System — I Can't Unsee What I Saw | Tyler Ryals

    Tyler Ryals couldn't get into the military, so at 18 years old he became a correctional officer in the Georgia state prison system. He quickly worked his way up, becoming one of the youngest CERT team commanders and sergeants in the system. Over nearly 10 years, he worked inside some of Georgia's most violent maximum-security prisons and witnessed firsthand how severe staffing shortages put both officers and inmates at risk. Eventually, Tyler became a whistleblower, speaking out about just how dangerous conditions inside Georgia's prison system had become — a decision that ultimately pushed him out of the career he had built.

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    Thank you to AG1, HUNGRYROOT & CASH APP for sponsoring this episode:

    AG1: For a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at https://drinkag1.com/lockedin

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    Hungryroot: Explore my Hungryroot Digital Cookbook "THE COMMISSARY UPGRADE" at https://hungryroot.com/LOCKEDIN

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    Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod

    Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

    _____________________________________________

    Connect with Tyler Ryals:

    https://linktr.ee/TylerRyalsX?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c0142663-7c83-4224-a495-33de8fbea012

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    Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

    https://ianbick.com/

    _____________________________________________

    Timestamps:

    00:00 A Brutal Attack 00:31 Tyler's Upbringing 01:42 Family and Early Plans 03:31 Failed Military Enlistment 04:45 Choosing Corrections 06:00 Age Requirements Then and Now 07:37 No Other Options 08:33 Juvenile Detention and Fight 10:15 The Legal Battle 13:44 Community Service 15:15 Inside YDC 17:44 Teenage Trouble 18:19 Parents' Reaction 20:04 Corrections Application 22:35 AG1 Advertisement 23:56 Training Begins 26:24 First Test 27:57 The Hole 28:50 Why Start in Max Security 29:25 BCOT Experience 30:53 Choosing a Shift 32:00 What is Tier? 35:13 Tier Program Expansion 36:20 Getting into Tier 37:00 Officer Role in Tier 40:14 Was the Tier Effective? 42:37 Career Goals 43:19 Joining the CERT Team 44:04 Cell Extraction Stories 45:00 Early Rise to Supervisor 45:50 Knife Extraction Part 1 49:40 Electrical Surprise 50:02 Hungryroot Ad 51:33 After the Extraction 52:15 Supervisor Pay and Benefits 53:37 High Turnover Reasons 54:36 First Day in Uniform 58:26 How Inmates Throw Poop 59:18 Getting Hit 01:00:00 The Flooding Incident 01:02:33 Keeping Professional 01:03:23 The Sour Milk Story 01:04:29 Dad's Advice 01:05:35 Worst Gangs 01:08:29 Paperwork and Snitches 01:10:57 Worst Thing Seen 01:13:31 State Reporting and Coverups 01:16:19 The 10% Reduction 01:17:18 Cash App Ad 01:19:52 First Misconduct by Staff 01:19:52 First Misconduct by Staff 01:21:00 Staff Shortages Worsen 01:23:19 Return to Telfair 01:25:40 Abandoned Buildings 01:27:40 Inmate-Reported Deaths 01:28:48 Dealing with Killers 01:29:39 Calling for the National Guard 01:32:48 The Whistleblowing Letter 01:33:56 Instructing and Realization 01:36:35 No Safety in Prisons 01:38:00 Meetings with Gang Members 01:40:20 Georgia State Prison Collapse 01:41:21 Buck Flaps 01:41:50 How Tyler Got Stabbed 01:46:10 Training Green Officers 01:48:20 Gear Shortages 01:49:45 The Cell Extraction Begins 01:52:08 The Struggle 01:57:40 The Aftermath 02:01:20 Machete Incident 02:02:00 Post-Extraction Chaos 02:02:30 Wrapping Up 02:03:00 Constitutional Violations 02:03:40 The Bloods vs GDs War 02:04:56 Final Thoughts

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    To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

    Thu, 24 Sep 2026 - 2h 57min
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