Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold.
Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me.
From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel.
Katarina Szulc is a Canadian freelance journalist based in Mexico who has built a reputation for pulling back the curtain on the darkest corners of cartel violence, political corruption, and transnational crime. A 2021 graduate of the BCIT Journalism program, her investigative reporting spans across platforms—from CBC and CityNews Vancouver to her own Substack newsletter—where she digs deep into Mexico’s gritty underworld.
Szulc’s work doesn’t just spotlight the brutality of cartel operations—it exposes the evolving global alliances that make them even more dangerous. Her reporting has uncovered chilling links between Mexican cartels and adversarial states like China, India, Iran, and Venezuela. While the cartels remain financially driven, their partnerships with these nations reveal a far more sinister threat—one rooted in destabilization, not profit. It’s not just about drugs and dollars anymore—it’s about dismantling the very foundation of the United States from within.
From covering community crises in Vancouver and Edmonton to tracking how cartel strategies are influencing U.S. border security and foreign policy, Szulc uses data, interviews, and immersive storytelling to bring a sharp edge to issues most won’t touch. Her voice is one of the few brave enough to go beyond the headlines—and now she brings that truth, straight with no chaser, to Beyond the Barrel.
Follow Katarina Szulc and find out more information here: https://linktr.ee/katarinaszulc
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