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What happens when a victim has no name... no identity... and no one left searching?

In this unforgettable episode of GOLD SHIELDS, we sit down with Lisa Bailey, former FBI Forensic Artist, forensic facial approximation specialist, and bestselling author of Clay & Bones.

For decades, Lisa worked at the intersection of art, science, and criminal investigation, reconstructing the faces of unidentified victims from nothing more than skulls and skeletal remains.

Every face she recreated represented more than a work of art—it was a chance to restore a name, reunite families with their loved ones, and breathe new life into investigations that had gone cold.

Some victims lose their lives. Others lose their names. Lisa Bailey dedicated her career to giving them both a voice and an identity.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Forensic Art
03:04 The Journey from Art to Forensic Science
05:48 The Science of Facial Reconstruction
08:52 Empathy in Forensic Art
11:56 Memorable Cases and Their Impact
14:47 The Role of Forensic Art in Solving Crimes
18:02 Challenges and Triumphs in the FBI
20:49 Unsolved Cases and Ongoing Mysteries
27:47 Confronting Workplace Harassment
29:48 Navigating Organizational Politics
31:37 The Breaking Point: Filing an EEO Case
34:22 The Impact of Leadership on Workplace Culture
36:41 The EEO Process: Challenges and Realities
38:07 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book
44:43 A New Identification: Closure for Victims
50:10 Inspiring Future Forensic Artists

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This week on GOLD SHIELDS, we take you into the heart of modern aerial warfare with an unforgettable interview featuring Mary Howe, a former U.S. Air Force AC-130 Gunner whose courage, precision, and leadership helped protect American troops in some of the world’s most dangerous combat zones.

Born into a family with a deep and legendary tradition of military service, Mary Howe answered the call to serve with honor, carrying forward a legacy of sacrifice, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to country. As an elite gunner aboard the feared AC-130 gunship, Mary operated one of the most powerful close-air-support aircraft ever built—providing devastating firepower and lifesaving protection for troops on the ground.

Mary and her crew became a lifeline for soldiers under fire, delivering precision strikes when seconds meant the difference between life and death.

This is a powerful conversation about heroism, combat, military aviation, patriotism, and the warriors who defend freedom from above.

Don’t miss this incredible episode of GOLD SHIELDS—where real heroes tell their true stories.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Gold Shields and Guest Background
01:22 Mary Howe's Military Family Legacy
03:11 Choosing the Air Force: A Personal Journey
05:41 The AC-130U Gunship: Capabilities and Operations
09:54 First Mission Experience: A Life-Changing Moment
14:22 Subsequent Missions: Learning and Adapting
16:04 Decompression After Missions: Coping Mechanisms
17:15 Deployment Insights: Duration and Frequency
21:16 Life After Deployment: Balancing Work and Personal Life
22:14 Diverse Combat Experiences: Afghanistan vs. Iraq
25:04 Transitioning from Military to Nursing
27:12 Challenges in Nursing: From NICU to Aesthetics
30:33 Personal Growth and Resilience
32:39 Current Role: Supporting Veterans
34:57 The Impact of Service on Personal Life
38:38 Faith and Self-Worth: A Journey of Healing

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This week on GOLD SHIELDS, prepare for an edge-of-your-seat interview with Trevor Fortner, a U.S. Navy veteran and elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) expert who spent years confronting some of the deadliest ticking time bombs in combat zones around the world.

When every second matters… how do you decide which wire to cut?

What goes through your mind when one wrong move could mean instant death? How do bomb technicians stay calm while facing unimaginable pressure?

Trevor takes us deep inside the terrifying reality of bomb disposal, IED detection, military special operations, and the life-or-death decisions that few people on Earth will ever understand.

But this conversation goes far beyond explosives.

Trevor also delivers powerful insight into the importance of leadership and why great leaders change lives, why leadership matters in every profession, and how strong leadership can shape teams, families, and personal success.

You do not want to miss Episode 167 of GOLD SHIELDS.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to EOD and Special Ops Mindset
03:11 The Journey to EOD: Personal Experiences and Inspirations
05:58 Training and Challenges in EOD School
08:59 First Experiences and Lessons Learned in the Field
12:00 Understanding Bomb Makers and Their Signatures
15:12 The Reality of Bomb Disposal: Insights from the Field
18:04 Hollywood vs. Reality: The Hurt Locker Discussion
29:25 Decompressing After High-Stakes Missions
35:23 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
36:25 Everyday Spy: Bridging Skills for Decision Making
42:51 Leadership Challenges in Modern Environments
49:20 Honoring Service and Sacrifice

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Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com
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linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b