Best On Mission With Chris Wright Podcasts (2025)

1
All The Information Is On The Task (ft. guests Edgar Wright, Rosamund Pike & Isla Fisher, Michael Shannon) 1:58:03

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2d ago1:58:03

1:58:03

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast would surely deserve to get a full fat five points from Greg Davies, the Taskmaster himself, as Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and John Nugent apply themselves wholeheartedly (some more wholeheartedly than others, it must be said) to deciding which Taskmaster contestant has appeared in the best fil…

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Julia Ducournau & Tahar Rahim On Alpha: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 24:35

2d ago24:35

24:35

Alpha is the third film from the brilliant French filmmaker, Julia Ducournau, following on from her titanic debut, Raw, and her raw follow-up, Titane (which won the Palme D'Or, no less!). A tale of an unusual epidemic and generational trauma, there's much going on above and below the surface, which we get into in this interview special, as Jamie Gr…

1
Edgar Wright on THE RUNNING MAN 1:21:18

3d ago1:21:18

1:21:18

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fort…

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Jenny Beavan: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 45:41

4d ago45:41

45:41

Nicholas Hytner's The Choral, a delightful drama set in 1916 Yorkshire, is in cinemas now, folks. It features costumes designed by the legendary Jenny Beavan, who is one of the best costume designers in the business. Nominated for 12 Oscars, winner of three, Beavan has worked with directors like Robert Altman, James Ivory, and George Miller across …

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221: Part 2: Randy Wagner – An inside look at the global drug war 🔥 1:21:18

2d ago1:21:18

1:21:18

Murph continues talking with Randy Wagner about building trust with local law enforcement partners to leading complex investigations overseas. Randy’s stories reveal the grit, intelligence, and courage behind the badge. His time in Turkey offers a rare look at how cultural immersion and international cooperation drive successful operations — and ho…

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Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, & Ronan Day-Lewis On Anemone: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 50:02

7d ago50:02

50:02

Every year at the London Film Festival, Empire hosts a gala screening for a film that we particularly admire. This year's choice was Ronan Day-Lewis' Anemone, a drama that we called 'sad, absurdist, brooding, tender, and intense', and which marks the return to acting of the great Daniel Day-Lewis, father of Ronan and co-writer of the movie, after e…

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221: Part 1: Randy Wagner – From a local cop to DEA legend operating around the world 🇺🇸 1:09:35

3d ago1:09:35

1:09:35

Murph sits down with Randy Wagner, a veteran law enforcement professional whose journey from a local police officer to DEA Special Agent is filled with grit, humor, and heart. Randy opens up about the real challenges behind the badge, sharing unforgettable moments from the streets to federal operations. You’ll hear hilarious stories from the crimin…

1
The Sound Of Burning Felt (ft. guests Jennifer Lawrence & Lynne Ramsay; Elle Fanning & Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi; Sean Bean & Daniel Day-Lewis) 1:51:46

9d ago1:51:46

1:51:46

Blimey, this week's episode of the Empire Podcast is star-studded, and then some. First, Chris Hewitt chats with Die, My Love star, Jennifer Lawrence, and director Lynne Ramsay, about unpredictability on set and receiving an email from Martin Scorsese; then, he has a crash course in Yautja from Predator: Badlands stars Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatan…

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Daniel Day-Lewis and Ronan Day-Lewis on ANEMONE 1:26:37

10d ago1:26:37

1:26:37

Some exciting news — The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fo…

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The Shameless Plug #9: Stranger Things Has Happened 43:20

6d ago43:20

43:20

Another month, another issue of Empire, another episode of The Shameless Plug. This time, Chris Hewitt and Nick de Semlyen sit down to talk about how Stranger Things ended up on the cover of the world's biggest movie magazine, and nearly did so upside down. And they also talk about less strange things, including the stories behind the stories of th…

51
220: Part 2: Britnie Turner – Fighting human traffickers AND cancer – can you say hero?!? 1:01:30

9d ago1:01:30

1:01:30

In this powerful episode, Britnie Turner shares her extraordinary journey of courage, purpose, and transformation. As the co-founder of Aerial Recovery, Britnie has dedicated her life to rescuing victims of human trafficking, rebuilding devastated communities, and restoring hope where it’s been lost. From her early days as a driven entrepreneur to …

101
220: Part 1: Britnie Turner – From rock bottom to rebuilding nations and restoring hope – This one's powerful!! 1:13:12

10d ago1:13:12

1:13:12

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Britnie Turner—an unstoppable force of purpose, resilience, and impact. From humble beginnings in South Carolina to becoming a real estate mogul, humanitarian, and global change-maker, Britnie’s path wasn’t easy. She faced rejection, heartbreak, and the relentless pressure of buildi…

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Now It's Time For Halloween (ft. guests Edward Berger, Yorgos Lanthimos, Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Maika Monroe) 1:56:15

16d ago1:56:15

1:56:15

It's Halloween, folks, so this week's episode of the Empire Podcast is extra-spooky, with Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Beth Webb get way too invested in a listener question about the horror movie death that they would want for themselves. Just keep repeating: it's only a podcast, it's only a podcast, it's only a podcast. Elsewhere, o…

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Is BUGONIA out of this world? + Ruth Wilson on DOWN CEMETERY ROAD 1:24:35

17d ago1:24:35

1:24:35

Some exciting news — The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fo…

1
Kenny Dalglish & Asif Kapadia on Kenny Dalglish: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 33:11

19d ago33:11

33:11

If you can hear a high-pitched squealing noise in the background of our latest interview special, that's just Chris Hewitt vibrating with excitement. For this podcast puts him in the room with one of his all-time heroes, Liverpool FC icon Kenny Dalglish, who is the eponymous subject of Asif Kapadia's latest documentary, which is out today (October …

151
219: Part 2: Jeremy Locke – The message that saved his life 🔥 1:17:21

17d ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Jeremy Locke opens up about his darkest moments — battling alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and the invisible wounds of war. A decorated U.S. military veteran, Jeremy spent years fighting external enemies, but his greatest fight came after the battles ended — against the pain, trauma, and isolation that haunted him. Everything changed with one life-s…

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219: Part 1: Jeremy Locke – Combat vet's mission to save lives after war 🔥 1:15:18

21d ago1:15:18

1:15:18

Murph talks with Jeremy Locke, co-founder of Aerial Recovery, who has transformed his experience in war and trauma into a mission to rescue and rebuild lives after natural disasters, human trafficking operations, and war-torn crises. He opens up about the brutal realities of combat, the invisible wounds of PTSD, and the struggles of maintaining rel…

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We've Gone And Caught A Sniffle (ft. guests Nia DaCosta, Jeremy Strong, Rebecca Ferguson & Kathryn Bigelow) 1:59:22

23d ago1:59:22

1:59:22

This week's Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt struggle with the enunciation of one word in particular (you'll have to listen to find out which). Incredibly, it's not 'Howl-o-ween', which is just one of the many things discussed by Chris and his three colleagues of such lethal cunning, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis. They get their teeth in…

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Did Mark ‘Louvre’ Josh O’Connor’s timely heist movie THE MASTERMIND? + Does SPRINGSTEEN deliver? 1:28:45

24d ago1:28:45

1:28:45

This Week on the Show: Josh O’Connor, Kelly Reichardt & the Art of the Heist Fresh off the headlines of a real-life Louvre robbery, indie auteur Kelly Reichardt and breakout star Josh O’Connor join Simon to talk about their buzzy new film, The Mastermind—a stylish 70s-set art-heist drama that’s suddenly feeling very timely. O’Connor plays JB, a sla…

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219: Pt 2: Barry Todd – Charged with Attempted Murder – Stand Your Ground Reality 1:03:03

24d ago1:03:03

1:03:03

The life of Barry Todd, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, takes a shocking turn when a life-threatening confrontation led to charges of attempted murder. What began as an act of self-defense spiraled into a nightmare of legal battles, financial strain, and public scrutiny. Barry takes us through the split-second decisions that changed everything — and…

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218: Pt 1: Barry Todd – The Battle for Justice – Stand Your Ground 1:04:37

28d ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Murph sits down with Barry Todd, a retired U.S. Army Captain whose story defines honor, resilience, and justice. From his early days of service and family life to leading soldiers in the U.S. Army, Barry shares profound lessons on leadership, mentorship, and moral courage. But his journey takes a dramatic turn. A single incident changes everything—…

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Diane, Drew And The Greatest Poster Ever (ft. guests Rebecca Miller, Channing Tatum & Kirsten Dunst, Mason Thames & Madeleine McGraw) 1:59:53

30d ago1:59:53

1:59:53

This week's Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara and James Dyer pay tribute to two cinematic greats who left us this week: the legendary Oscar-winning actress, Diane Keaton, and Drew Struzan, the artist who defined posters, and people's walls, for decades. Struzan's work inspires this week's question, which asks our trio to identify the g…

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Has FRANKENSTEIN got Mark (re)animated? + Russell Tovey 1:24:14

1M ago1:24:14

1:24:14

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you.…

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217: Pt 4: Chris Howell & Rikk Rambo - Assassination attempt – What happened to Paradise? 1:05:39

1M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

This final part shines a spotlight on a drug trafficking case intertwined with assassination attempts, exposing the violent underworld that plagues the island of St. Croix. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of a harrowing arrest, the tense investigation that followed, and the violent consequences that law enforcement officers were forced to fac…

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217: Pt 3: Chris Howell & Rikk Rambo – Shootings, St. Croix ops, a shocking kidnapping 1:18:37

1M ago1:18:37

1:18:37

Rikk and Chris take you deep inside the intense world of DEA and island operations, where every decision could mean life or death. From heart-pounding shootouts to the unseen psychological toll of pulling the trigger, Rikk shares his earliest encounters with violence in law enforcement and the crucial role of agency support after traumatic incident…

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Wish You Well (ft. guests Greta Lee & Jodie Turner-Smith; Robert Aramayo; Gillian Anderson) 1:45:37

1M ago1:45:37

1:45:37

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Alex Godfrey display his versatility as an interviewer, going from utter chaos with Tron Ares stars Greta Lee & Jodie Turner-Smith [22:46 - 34:31 approx] and Gillian Anderson [1:33:01 - 1:43:53 approx] to a heartfelt and passionate chat with Robert Aramayo, star of this week's excellent drama, I Swear,…

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TRON: ARES: “It was like my brain was atrophying” + Kathryn Bigelow & Rebecca Ferguson 1:15:46

1M ago1:15:46

1:15:46

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you.…

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The Shameless Plug #8: Wicked Panna Cottas 45:11

28d ago45:11

45:11

In this month's Shameless Plug, the show in which Chris Hewitt sits down with Empire editor Nick de Semlyen to do a deep dive into the latest issue of Empire, Chris Hewitt sits down with Empire editor Nick de Semlyen to do a deep dive into the latest issue of Empire. Which, for the first time in our history, has a musical on the cover, Jon M. Chu's…

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217: Pt 2: Chris Howell & Rikk Rambo – Undercover Cops in St. Croix: It's not Paradise 56:50

1M ago56:50

56:50

By Game of Crimes

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Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Justin Tipping on Him: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 41:41

1M ago41:41

41:41

Justin Tipping's Him is a Jordan Peele-produced horror film in which a young quarterback discovers the kind of sacrifices it takes to become the GOAT of American Football. That young quarterback is played by Tyriq Withers, who is taken under the wing of a legendary quarterback played by Marlon Wayans, and in this Empire Podcast interview special Ja…

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Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera & Paul Greengrass On The Lost Bus: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 43:14

1M ago43:14

43:14

Paul Greengrass' The Lost Bus stars Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera as a bus driver and teacher, respectively, who have to navigate a deadly Californian wildfire while stuck on a school bus with a group of terrified children, very little water, and fire and flames closing in on all sides. Based on a true story (the 2018 Camp Fire is one of …

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217: Pt 1: Chris Howell & Rikk Rambo – DEA meets the Virgin Islands Police 1:02:15

1M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Murph welcomes back Rikk Rambo and introduces Chris Howell—two seasoned law enforcement professionals with incredible stories you won’t believe. From outrageous criminal antics in Alaska and Florida to the hard realities of police academy training and the challenges of serving with the Virgin Islands Police Department, this conversation is packed w…

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Vendrak The Vertical, Scáthach, And The Kamino Kid (ft. guests Benny Safdie, Malcolm McDowell, Harris Dickinson) 1:55:38

1M ago1:55:38

1:55:38

This week's Empire Podcast sees us welcome another hat-trick of wonderful guests, as Chris Hewitt has lovely chats with The Smashing Machine writer-director (and Happy Gilmore 2 villain), Benny Safdie, [24:13 - 40:39 approx] and bona fide acting legend, Malcolm McDowell, star of new WWII drama, The Partisan (please excuse the sound quality of Chris…

1
Aimee Lou Wood on Film Club + a DOUBLE BILL of films of the week 1:17:05

2M ago1:17:05

1:17:05

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you.…

1
216: Pt 3: Owen Hanson – Cartel smuggling to prison to redemption, a true miracle!! 44:29

2M ago44:29

44:29

Owen Hansen's incredible life story is one of ambition, downfall, and redemption. Once a successful entrepreneur, Owen’s pursuit of wealth and status led him into the dangerous world of drug smuggling, cartel debt, and international money laundering. Owen reveals the innovative methods he used to smuggle cocaine, the high-stakes risks of laundering…

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216: Pt 2: Owen Hanson – USC Stars Shocking Double Life 1:00:34

2M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Murph and Owen Hansen continue their talk to uncover the truth behind Owen's double life. Owen reveals the strategies he used to dominate the underground betting world, his ties to powerful cartels, and the dangerous risks that came with chasing fast money and power. This isn’t just a story of crime—it’s a cautionary tale. Owen’s rise and fall expo…

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216: Pt 1: Owen Hanson – From championship athlete to international outlaw 1:04:40

2M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Murph sits down with Owen Hansen, whose life journey reads like a crime thriller. From a troubled childhood in Redondo Beach to becoming a successful drug dealer and bookmaker, Owen’s story is a raw, unfiltered look at the dark side of ambition and the high-stakes world of organized crime. Owen opens up about his family struggles, the influence of …

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The Edge Is A Battenberg (ft. guests Brett Goldstein, Emma Thompson, Paul Thomas Anderson) 1:59:43

2M ago1:59:43

1:59:43

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is one of those jam-packed ones in which we specialise. Guest-wise, Chris Hewitt is blessed with the presence of our old chum, Brett Goldstein, who talks beards, bums, and baring his soul in new romantic drama, All Of You; [18:37 - 36:33 approx] and Chris also has a lovely chat with Emma Thompson as she ent…

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Is ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER film of the year? With Paul Thomas Anderson 1:15:09

2M ago1:15:09

1:15:09

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you.…

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215: Part 3: Eric Immesberger – Inside high stakes ATF ops 1:09:49

2M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Eric takes us deep inside a chilling murder-for-hire case that grew into a tangled web of bank robberies, drug addiction, and tragic choices. With gripping detail, he reveals how undercover work demands not only skill and courage but also a willingness to risk everything in the relentless pursuit of justice. With a mix of suspense, raw honesty, and…

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215: Part 2: Eric Immesberger – Murder-for-hire undercover ops 1:11:18

2M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

One of the most gripping stories centers on a murder-for-hire case where Eric’s quick thinking, nerves of steel, and undercover skills saved lives. From staged crime scenes to psychological tactics designed to outsmart ruthless criminals, this episode reveals the raw intensity of working undercover against some of the most violent offenders. Eric a…

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215: Part 1: Eric Immesberger – Undercover Cop and Organized Crime 1:18:47

2M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

Eric's career took him deep inside organized crime, corruption, and undercover operations with the NYC Department of Investigation and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. He shares jaw-dropping stories of infiltrating criminal networks, exposing corrupt city officials, and surviving the intense pressure of undercover life—all while holding tru…

1
For The Love Of Bagpuss (ft. guests Sean Penn; Cillian Murphy & Tim Mielants) 1:36:42

2M ago1:36:42

1:36:42

With Chris off on the fairway, taking his first proper holiday in approximately 20 years, its up to Helen O’Hara and James Dyer — the newly appointed Archbishop of Nerdbury — to hold down the fort, ably assisted by Empire news editor and former Pilot TV stalwart Beth Webb. Between the three of them, they do their level best not to refer to Cillian …

1
Robert Redford remembered + Paul Greengrass on THE LOST BUS 1:15:46

2M ago1:15:46

1:15:46

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you.…

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214: Earl Dove - Why mental wellness and financial health matters to cops 1:10:02

2M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Earl shares valuable insights that resonate with cops, attorneys, and anyone who loves true crime. The conversation dives into the impact of social media on law enforcement careers, the need for strong leadership training for first responders, and why mental wellness and financial responsibility are essential for officers both on and off duty. Earl…

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A Clint In The Eye (ft. guests Sam Riley; Hugh Bonneville & Allen Leech) 1:49:03

2M ago1:49:03

1:49:03

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast might just go ahead, make your day, as Chris Hewitt (having recovered from a colleague-inflicted mischief) invites Helen O'Hara and James Dyer into the podbooth for a discussion of the best films directed by Clint Eastwood. Amazingly, The Rookie is given short shrift. Then, our intrepid trio take a look at …

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Does SPINAL TAP II turn it up to 11? + the rockin’ Warren Ellis 1:15:59

2M ago1:15:59

1:15:59

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you.…

1
The Shameless Plug #7: The Running Mag 41:30

2M ago41:30

41:30

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt sits down with Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, to shamelessly plug the new issue of Empire magazine — is back back back, folks, and comes with a lovely slice of Brisket. Not the meat, mind you, but Glen Powell's dog, who somehow wound up on Chris' lap during one of his forays to the set of Edgar W…

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213: Pt 2: David Tyree – The hidden world of financial crimes and cartels 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

Murph continues his powerful conversation with retired DEA Special Agent David Tyree, diving deeper into the human side of law enforcement and the international fight against drug trafficking. David reflects on the importance of children, family, and community in shaping the legacy of law enforcement. He shares stories from his time in Portugal, wh…

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213: Pt 1: David Tyree – The hidden world of financial crimes and cartels 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

Murph sits down with David Tyree, a retired DEA Special Agent with decades of experience in financial investigations, international drug trafficking, and law enforcement operations. David shares raw, gripping stories from his career, from seizing millions in cartel assets to taking down drug traffickers who thought they were untouchable. This episo…