

Locked In with Ian Bick
Ian Bick
Real stories from the people everyone else judges first. Locked In with Ian Bick is a podcast hosted by Ian Bick, a former federal inmate turned podcaster. The show features raw conversations with former inmates, recovering addicts, bikers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, investigators, and people who have lived through crime, prison, addiction, trauma, and redemption. Each episode dives deep into real prison stories, life inside prison, the criminal justice system, street life, addiction recovery, mental health, and what it takes to rebuild after incarceration. Guests share what really happens behind bars, how people survive prison, and the difficult road to second chances after hitting rock bottom. If you’re interested in prison stories, criminal justice experiences, life after prison, and honest conversations with people who have lived through the darkest chapters of their lives, you’ll feel at home here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 48min
I Was a Florida Dope Cop - Until the FBI & DEA Thought I Was Dirty | Michael Dilks
Michael Dilks served his country in the military before transitioning into law enforcement, joining the police force and later the Sheriff’s Department. As a member of a narcotics task force, he helped take down major operations, making high-stakes busts and battling the drug trade in Florida. But everything changed when he began to suspect that members of his own narcotics team might be crossing lines. His concerns eventually led to him becoming the focus of an FBI and DEA inquiry — a mistaken suspicion that cast a long shadow over the rest of his career. Even though he was never charged, living under that cloud changed everything. After two decades in law enforcement, Michael retired — but instead of staying silent, he turned to social media to finally tell his side of the story.
#DopeCop #DEA #FBIInvestigation #TrueCrimeStories #LawEnforcement #PoliceInterview #FloridaStories #CriminalJustice
Thank you to BLUECHEW & GLD for sponsoring this episode:
BlueChew: Visit https://bluechew.com/ and use promo code LOCKEDIN at checkout to get your first month of BlueChew & pay five bucks for shipping.
GLD: New customers get 50% Off AND a FREE chain with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.gld.com/
Connect with Michael Dilks:
Instagram: @copvilleog
Podcast Instagram: @the_antihero_podcast
Website: www.copvilleog.com
YouTube:www.youtube.com/@copvilleog
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00 From Copville to Chaos – Meet Today’s Guest
01:23 Why He Took His Story to Podcasts & Social Media
03:44 Jersey Roots: Family, Struggles & Early Lessons
07:36 Childhood Trouble & Growing Up on the Edge
15:01 Military Route & The Jump Into Law Enforcement
25:00 First Years as a Florida Cop & Weed War Stories
37:01 Inside the Crack Epidemic & Rising Corruption
44:59 Life Undercover: Lies, Pressure & The Dark Side of Narcs
49:01 Questionable Tactics & When Things Started Feeling Wrong
50:27 Major Busts, High-Risk Raids & Dangerous Moments
54:45 When the Feds Came Knocking – Becoming a Suspect
01:00:00 False Accusations, Paranoia & Surviving a Federal Probe
01:12:04 Social Media Backlash, Department Politics & Enemies Within
01:18:17 Demotion, Internal Affairs & The Slow Career Collapse
01:26:10 The Steroid Scandal, Forced Resignation & The End of the Badge
01:37:40 Life After the Uniform: Family, Identity & Starting Over
01:41:16 Lessons Learned from the Rise, Corruption & Fallout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 21, 2025 • 2h 4min
I Was a Norteño Gang Soldier Inside California’s Most Dangerous Prisons | Mario Sanchez
Mario Sanchez grew up in San Francisco, where a tough childhood and the streets shaped his future. After high school, he started committing home invasions that led to a decade-long prison sentence in some of California’s most dangerous maximum-security prisons. Inside, Mario joined the Norteños — one of the most feared prison gangs in the state.
#PrisonStories #GangLife #CaliforniaPrisons #Norteño #PrisonInterview #TrueCrimePodcast #RedemptionStory #survivingprison
Thank you to BLUECHEW & GLD for sponsoring this episode:
BlueChew: Visit https://bluechew.com/ and use promo code LOCKEDIN at checkout to get your first month of BlueChew & pay five bucks for shipping.
GLD: New customers get 50% Off AND a FREE chain with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.gld.com/
Connect with Mario Sanchez:
Website: www.relentless-mindset.com
IG: @theemariosanchez
YouTube: The_RelentlessMindset
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00 From Home Invasions to Prison Life – Mario’s Story Begins
03:34 Growing Up in San Francisco’s Tough Streets
05:55 Family Trauma, Survival, and a Broken Foundation
11:00 School, Rebellion & Slipping Into the Streets
16:02 Partying, Peer Pressure & Losing Control
20:55 First Robberies: How the Crime Spree Began
29:44 Arrested: The Day Everything Collapsed
36:43 County Jail, Gang Politics & Staying Alive
43:00 Prison Life: Education, Violence & Daily Survival
47:00 California Prison Politics & Gang Structures
01:01:03 Life in The SHU: Extreme Isolation & Mental Battles
01:14:16 Pelican Bay Level 4: The Harshest Prison Reality
01:26:06 Riots, Rivalries & The Prison Code of Survival
01:33:01 Earning Respect: Becoming a Leader on the Yard
01:39:09 The Turning Point: Choosing to Walk Away from the Gang
01:44:41 Life After Prison: Reentry, Reality & Redemption
01:46:35 The Weight of a Criminal Record & Rebuilding from Nothing
01:52:40 From Prison to Purpose: Film, Writing & Helping Youth
01:56:53 Lessons Learned: Advice to Anyone on the Edge
01:58:44 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 43min
I Was the Rikers Island Gang Intel Boss | Theresa Ramos
Theresa Ramos started her career at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office before becoming the Director of Gang Intelligence at Rikers Island, one of the most notorious jails in America. In this interview, Theresa breaks down the truth about gangs inside Rikers, how violence really starts, and what the public gets wrong about the facility. She opens up about recruiting informants, managing gang intelligence, and what changes are needed to make Rikers safer — both for staff and inmates.
#RikersIsland #PrisonStories #GangIntelligence #TrueCrimePodcast #CorrectionalOfficers #PrisonDocumentary #LockedInPodcast #NewYorkPrisons
Connect with Theresa Ramos:Email: theresaramos@vanguardcrimestrategies.com
Thank you to BLUECHEW & PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode:
Visit https://bluechew.com/ and use promo code LOCKEDIN at checkout to get your first month of BlueChew & pay five bucks for shipping.
Prizepicks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00 The Truth About Rikers Island
02:00 Who Is Teresa? From Bronx DA Office to Gang Intel Director
07:00 Growing Up in the Bronx: Survival, Culture & Grit
10:00 Family Influence, Discipline & Early Struggles
13:00 Rebellious Teen Years & Moving to Puerto Rico
21:00 Failing Forward: College Setbacks & Finding Direction
28:00 Discovering Criminal Justice & Real-World Impact
34:00 Working Homicide Cases & a Shocking Family Secret
45:00 Climbing the Ladder: From Admin to Gang Analyst
47:00 First Major Gang Investigation & Breaking Down Intel Work
54:00 Gang Structures, Violence Trends & NYC’s Street War Data
01:03:00 How Gangs Operate in New York: Codes, Power & Rank
01:12:00 Inside Rikers: Corruption, Chaos & Survival Tactics
01:17:00 Recruiting Informants: Strategy vs. Loyalty
01:23:00 Recidivism, Violence & Why the Cycle Continues
01:26:00 Dropping the Flag: When Gang Members Want Out
01:30:00 Can Rikers Be Fixed? Misconceptions vs. Reality
01:33:00 Criminal Justice, Society & What Needs to Change
01:37:00 Final Reflections & What Teresa Learned From It All Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 19, 2025 • 2h 22min
I Was a Degenerate Gambler - Then I Owed Loan Sharks Thousands | Bo Joseph
Bo Joseph opens up about how his gambling addiction spiraled from high-school dropout to owing loan sharks hundreds of thousands of dollars. After his dad left, Bo stepped up to help support his family — but one bad decision led to another. What started as winning small bets quickly turned into an uncontrollable addiction that pushed him into crime, debt, and danger.
#GamblingAddiction #DebtStory #LoanSharks #RedemptionStory #TrueCrimePodcast #AddictionRecovery #FinancialDownfall #lockedinpodcast
Connect with Bo Joseph:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bojosephauthor?igsh=MW0yamZpYjM5ejl4eg==
Buy his book: https://a.co/d/clvhr2a
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00 Bo Joseph’s Story — From Crime to Redemption
00:45 How a Teenage Dropout Became the Family Provider
02:45 Growing Up Fast: Family Pressure & Life Lessons
06:15 When Dad Walked Out: The Moment Everything Changed
10:52 Becoming a Father at 18 & Trying to Stay Afloat
19:30 First Crimes: Robbery, Shoplifting & Survival Instincts
28:40 Gambling Addiction Begins — The Highs and Lows
38:57 Hustling to Survive: Scams, Schemes & Fast Money
01:02:25 Business Wins, Fraud Losses & Second Chances Gone Wrong
01:13:45 Living Under Fake Names & Dodging the Law
01:21:22 Drowning in Debt: The Cost of Gambling & Lies
01:33:10 Owing the Mafia Hundreds of Thousands — The Breaking Point
01:42:20 Loan Sharks, Violence & Near-Death Moments
01:54:18 The Final Confrontation That Changed Everything
02:05:30 Bo’s New Life: Recovery, Family & Redemption
02:12:40 Lessons from Rock Bottom & Finding Peace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 39min
I Was a U.S. Soldier - Then a $900-a-Day Drug Habit Nearly Killed Me | Victor Woods
Victor Woods opens up about his journey from a promising young man with dreams of becoming a lawyer to a U.S. soldier battling a $900-a-day drug habit that nearly took his life. Raised by a single mother and facing periods of homelessness, Victor found discipline and direction in the military — but the trauma of deployment and the chaos of life after service sent him down a dangerous path. In this interview, Victor shares what he witnessed during his time in Afghanistan, how addiction took control, and the near-fatal car crash that became his turning point. Today, he’s a devoted husband, father, and firefighter — living proof that redemption is always possible.
#USArmy #AddictionRecovery #DrugAddictionStory #VeteranLife #RedemptionStory #MotivationalPodcast #SurvivingAddiction #LockedInPodcast
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Grab your Locked In Merch Here:
https://shop.ianbick.com
Timestamps:
00:00 – Victor’s Journey from the Military to Addiction02:32 – Moving to Danbury & Launching a Podcast04:34 – Growing Up in Brooklyn11:12 – Street Fights and Early Struggles18:16 – Getting Kicked Out & Living on the Streets23:45 – Choosing the Army Over College31:36 – Boot Camp Reality: First Days in the Military44:53 – Deployment to Afghanistan52:18 – Arrested Overseas: The Guardian Angel Program Story01:04:59 – Coming Home & Struggling with Civilian Life01:12:21 – Falling Into Opioid Addiction01:18:53 – Hitting Rock Bottom01:27:27 – Legal Trouble, Recovery, and Probation01:32:31 – Redemption, Purpose, and Life After Addiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 46min
I Was a Court Reporter… Then I Went to Prison | Becky Calderon
Becky Calderon seemed to have the perfect life — adopted into a loving family, building a stable career, and working as a respected court reporter in California. But after being diagnosed with cancer, everything started to fall apart. What began as financial struggle and desperation turned into a life-altering mistake: stealing over $400,000 from her employer.
#PrisonStories #TrueCrimeInterviews #JusticeSystem #CourtReporter #RedemptionStory #BehindBars #LockedInPodcast #RealLifeStories
Thank you to PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode:
Prizepicks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!
Connect with Becky Calderon:
Instagram: @pelipostapp
TikTok: @pelipost (TikTok)
Facebook: @pelipost
X: @pelipostapp
Website: https://www.pelipost.com/
PROMO CODE: Try out the Pelipost app and send your first order FREE with the code IANBICK.
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Becky’s Breaking Point
00:51 – How a Court Reporter Ended Up Behind Bars
01:51 – Prison Life & Holding a Family Together From Inside
03:18 – The Photo App That Changed Her Life After Prison
06:46 – Building a Business With Purpose & Second Chances
09:28 – How Becky Sends Hope Into Correctional Facilities
10:47 – Adopted Into a Good Home & Early Childhood Memories
14:11 – Family Secrets & Finding Her Biological Parents
17:34 – Growing Up With High Expectations & Hidden Pain
21:11 – Pressure, Trauma & The Need to Be Perfect
23:54 – Facing Abuse & The Long-Term Emotional Damage
25:08 – Dreams, Coping & Fighting Through Adversity
29:19 – Career Beginnings & Becoming a Court Reporter
32:59 – Inside the Courtroom: Triumphs and Challenges
35:40 – Cancer Diagnosis & The Fight That Changed Everything
43:02 – Loss, Resilience & Life After Illness
45:01 – Crossing the Line: Stealing $400K From Her Employer
49:26 – Addiction, Gambling & The Breaking Point
53:53 – The Moment Everything Collapsed: Arrest and Shame
56:28 – Facing Prison Time & The Fallout With Family
01:00:27 – Sentencing Day & Preparing for Prison
01:03:04 – Detox, Jail Intake & First Shock of Incarceration
01:10:40 – Learning to Survive in a California Max-Security Prison
01:14:41 – A Mother’s Love: Staying Connected From Prison
01:16:04 – Eye-Opening Moments From Life Behind Bars
01:19:01 – Finding Purpose & Unexpected Hope in Prison
01:21:01 – Rehabilitation Programs & Breaking the Cycle
01:22:40 – Health Struggles & Spiritual Awakening Inside
01:25:03 – Staying Sober & Rebuilding After Release
01:29:32 – Unforgettable Prison Stories That Changed Her Perspective
01:31:01 – Compassion, Forgiveness & Helping Others
01:33:00 – Relapse, Recovery & The Journey to Healing
01:35:43 – Self-Discovery & Turning Pain Into Purpose
01:37:14 – What I’d Tell My Younger Self After Everything
01:39:42 – Final Reflections & Finding True Freedom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 58min
Georgia Crip on Selling Drugs, Surviving Prison & Check Fraud | Ramirez Grable
Ramirez Grable grew up in Georgia with a father who worked as a correctional officer — but despite that, the streets pulled him in early. After his parents divorced when he was just 16, Ramirez’s life started to spiral. By 15, he was already locked up in juvenile detention for breaking and entering. What began as small crimes quickly escalated into drug dealing, gun charges, and ultimately, a long stretch in federal prison.
#PrisonStories #StreetLife #GeorgiaPrison #TrueCrimeInterviews #GangCulture #RedemptionStory #LockedInPodcast #SurvivingPrison
Connect with Ramirez Grable:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0CChNdz080eXxA665gTHbw
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: From Georgia Streets to Federal Prison
00:41 – Growing Up in Georgia: Family, Struggles & Early Influences
05:37 – Finding Escape Through YouTube & Music
12:12 – Childhood Challenges: Bullying, Rebellion & Fitting In
19:47 – First Arrest: Juvenile Detention & Criminal Beginnings
30:53 – Escalation: Drugs, Burglaries & County Jail Chaos
38:39 – Parole Violations & The Infamous MySpace Arrest
47:52 – Inside Prison: Gangs, Politics & Surviving the System
54:26 – Federal Prison Reflections: The Moment Everything Changed
01:00:29 – Freedom, Legit Business & Falling Back Into the Streets
01:08:56 – Probation, Relapse & the Confidential Informant Drug Bust
01:17:51 – Learning the Game: Check Fraud & Street Scams
01:27:00 – Running the Operation: Printing Checks & Cashing Big
01:36:01 – Mistakes, Arrests & Beating the Charges
01:42:03 – Redemption: Building a New Life Through Content Creation
01:50:30 – Scamming the Rapper, Regret & Moving Forward
01:51:01 – Final Reflections: Manifestation, Mindset & Second Chances Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 48min
New York Prison Sergeant Reveals What Really Happens Behind Bars | Randy Allen
Randy Allen spent over two decades working inside New York’s prison system — 22 years as a correctional officer before being promoted to sergeant. In this interview, Randy reveals what really goes on behind prison walls: the investigations into drugs, weapons, and contraband, the violence between inmates, and the pressure that comes with wearing the badge on the inside.
#PrisonStories #CorrectionsOfficer #NewYorkPrison #LawEnforcement #TrueCrimeInterviews #BehindBars #PolicePodcast #criminaljustice
Thank you to PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode:
Prizepicks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!
Connect with Randy Allen:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDHk6bq6A/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Sgt. Randy Allen & His 22 Years in New York Prisons
05:12 – Childhood, Family Values & The Road to Public Service
10:10 – Military Ambitions & Lessons in Discipline
17:41 – Starting in Corrections: First Day, Training & Culture Shock
23:20 – Inside Maximum Security: Inmate Behavior & Survival Dynamics
29:13 – Working Across Multiple Facilities in New York
35:21 – The Reality of Officer Life: Stress, Safety & System Struggles
41:20 – Gangs, Riots & Maintaining Control Behind Bars
52:20 – Becoming a Sergeant: Leadership & Hard Decisions
01:01:00 – Investigations: Drugs, Weapons & Prison Informants
01:14:20 – How Contraband Moves: Smuggling, Busts & Hidden Operations
01:25:00 – Retiring After Two Decades: Mental Toll & Reflections
01:31:10 – The Future of Corrections: Reform, The HALT Bill & Change Needed
01:39:00 – Life After Corrections: Black Ops Security & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 26min
Teresa Giudice: How I Survived Prison
Reality television star Teresa Giudice shares her life-altering experience serving time in federal prison after a high-profile conviction. She reveals the shocking moments of her sentencing and how she approached self-surrender. Inside prison, Teresa describes the unexpected friendships formed, her daily routines, and even hints at creating a prison cookbook. Reflecting on her journey post-release, she discusses rebuilding her career, facing misconceptions about fame, and learning valuable life lessons about accountability and resilience.

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 38min
How I Survived 10 Years in Brutal Texas Prisons As A Tango Blast Gang Member | Anthony Sanchez
Anthony Sanchez grew up in Texas surrounded by chaos, violence, and the lure of street life. By his teenage years, he was caught up in robberies and assaults that eventually led to a 16-year prison sentence in one of the toughest state systems in America. Inside, he became part of Tango Blast — the most violent and feared prison gang in Texas.
#TangoBlast #TexasPrisons #PrisonStories #GangLife #SurvivingPrison #TrueCrimePodcast #LockedInPodcast #prisoninterviews
Thank you to BLUECHEW & PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode:
Visit https://bluechew.com/ and use promo code LOCKEDIN at checkout to get your first month of BlueChew & pay five bucks for shipping.
Prizepicks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!
Connect with Anthony Sanchez:
https://www.instagram.com/illuminating777solutions?igsh=NGFwNWRrZG12czB6
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Surviving Texas Prisons
02:18 – Anthony Sanchez: Growing Up in Houston’s Toughest Neighborhoods
05:12 – Family Struggles, Street Life & Early Influences
12:27 – Teenage Hustles: Money, Respect, and Consequences
15:55 – First Crimes, Violence & the Path to Prison
23:10 – The Arrest That Changed Everything
27:00 – County Jail Reality: Corruption, Chaos & Survival
38:18 – Sentenced to 16 Years in the Texas Prison System
41:00 – Inside Texas Prisons: Gangs, Power & Survival Tactics
47:01 – Tango Blast: Brotherhood, Violence & Earning Respect
01:00:01 – Daily Life Behind Bars: Fights, Checks & the Code of Prison
01:10:17 – Staying Alive & Growing Through the Madness
01:13:01 – Finding Purpose: Education, Mentors & Redemption
01:18:18 – Freedom After 16 Years: The Struggle to Rebuild Life
01:21:40 – Hard Lessons from Prison & the Streets
01:26:26 – Giving Back & Building a New Future
01:32:00 – Final Reflections & Message to the Youth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


