Miami Pi Chronicles Podcast

EP 50: A Look Back At Highlights, Guests & Lessons Learned

In this special 50th episode of the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations take a moment to reflect on the journey so far.
From unforgettable guests to eye-opening investigations, they revisit standout moments, favorite episodes, behind-the-scenes stories, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this milestone episode offers a deeper look at the experiences and insights that have shaped the podcast.
Join us as we celebrate 50 episodes of real talk, real cases, and real private investigators doing what they do best.

EP 49: Rory McMahon – From Probation Officer to Private Investigations (Part 2)

In this episode of the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations sit down with Rory McMahon of R.J. McMahon & Associates for the second part of their two-part conversation with renowned investigator Rory McMahon as they delve into Rory’s accomplished private investigative career.
After years as a U.S. Probation Officer in both New York and Florida, Rory transitioned into private investigations, founding R.J. McMahon & Associates in Ft. Lauderdale over 35 years ago. In this episode, Rory shares stories from the field, lessons learned in high-stakes criminal and civil cases, and insights on how the profession has evolved. From complex drug trafficking conspiracies to corporate fraud, Rory’s casework spans some of the most compelling investigative challenges in South Florida. A nationally recognized instructor and author of several books on investigative techniques, Rory also reflects on the value of continuing education and professionalism in this field.
Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or just curious about life behind the badge in the private sector, this episode is packed with wisdom, grit, and sharp perspective.

EP 48 – Beyond the Badge: The Investigative Journey of Rory J. McMahon (Part 1 of 2)

In this episode of the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations sit down with Rory McMahon of R.J. McMahon & Associates.
Rory has been a licensed Florida Private Investigator for over 35 years and is the President of R.J. McMahon & Associates in Ft. Lauderdale. A former U.S. Probation Officer in both New York and Florida, Rory brings decades of experience in criminal defense, corporate, and civil fraud investigations.
He holds several professional certifications (CLE, CCDI, CFE) and has worked on numerous high-profile state and federal cases — including major drug smuggling operations involving murder and mayhem. Rory is also a seasoned educator, former department chair at City College, and a national speaker on investigative techniques. He’s the author of several respected books on professional investigations.
Don’t miss Part 1 of this two-part series with one of South Florida’s most experienced and battle-tested investigators.

EP 47 – Inside the Serve: The Process Server’s Perspective with Josh Hutchinson from Hutch Serves located in Tennessee

In this episode of The Miami PI Chronicles, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations are joined by special guest Joshua Hutchinson, owner of Hutch Serves, a professional process serving company based in Tennessee.
Josh shares his journey into the world of process serving—how he got started, what motivated him to launch his own company, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From dodging dogs to navigating difficult serves, Josh offers real-world insight into the unique challenges process servers face on a daily basis.
Whether you’re a seasoned investigator, just entering the legal support services field, or simply curious about what it takes to get legal documents into the right hands, this episode is packed with honest advice, cautionary tales, and a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of the profession.
 

EP 46: Locked in a Bank: High-Stakes Tales and Hard Truths from the PI Trenches

In this episode of The Miami PI Chronicles, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations pull back the curtain on the unpredictable—and often surreal—world of private investigation.
Francois kicks things off with a jaw-dropping story: getting accidentally locked inside a bank vault with a client and duffel bags full of cash and other valuables. From there, the conversation spirals into the strange modern hazards of surveillance, including the bizarre rise of "action selfies"—because apparently, standing still with duck lips is out.
But it's not all war stories. The duo delves into the business of being a PI, sharing smart, practical strategies for marketing an investigative firm in a competitive field. They also explore the legal gray zones that every investigator needs to navigate: filming inside homes, digging through trash, and handling digital evidence while maintaining a proper chain of custody. The recurring theme? Know your federal, state, and local laws—or risk serious consequences.
Whether you're an aspiring investigator, a true crime enthusiast, or just curious about the hidden world behind the headlines, this episode blends wild anecdotes with insight from two seasoned pros.

EP 45: The Wallet Saga a comedic misadventure, Website Woes- Battling Bots and SEO Challenges, Celebrating Milestones – a birthday shoutout, and Introduction to Spy Spot products.

This podcast episode of the Miami PI Chronicles features hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations. The duo dives into The Wallet Saga, a comedic misadventure involving a missing wallet that turns into an unexpected detective tale with plenty of laughs along the way. They also tackle Website Woes, sharing their behind-the-scenes struggles with bots, SEO challenges, and the digital chaos that comes with maintaining an online presence in the investigative world.
The episode takes a lighter turn as they pause to celebrate a special occasion with a birthday shout-out, to Francois’ daughter Isabella, adding a personal and festive touch. Finally, the hosts introduce Spy Spots—a new line of investigative products—highlighting useful tools and gadgets that PIs and enthusiasts alike will find intriguing. This episode blends humor, tech talk, and professional insight for both seasoned investigators and curious listeners.

EP 44: Mentors, Memories & Microtrackers: A PI’s Journey

In this episode of the Miami PI Chronicles, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations share an insider’s look into the world of private investigation. From humorous tales about  surveillance vehicles to the vital role mentorship plays in their profession, the conversation is both entertaining and insightful.
The duo also introduces a new sponsor, Spy Spot, and highlights its innovative spy gear vending machine—bringing high-tech tools straight to the field. The tone shifts momentarily as Oscar reflects on the recent loss of a childhood friend, adding a heartfelt and personal touch to the episode.
Things wrap up with a light-hearted but relatable story about a missing wallet—and the use of tracking tech to try and retrieve it. It’s an episode full of real talk, real laughs, and real-life detective work.
 

EP 43 – From CIA to PI: Marc Hurwitz of Crossroads Investigations on Love Scams and Cyber Cons

In this episode of the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, host Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group sits down with Marc Hurwitz, former CIA operative and president of Crossroads Investigations, to explore the growing threat of online scams. They focus on romance scams, where fraudsters manipulate victims emotionally through dating apps, often moving conversations to platforms like WhatsApp to avoid detection. Red flags include refusals to meet in person or video chat, and requests for money under false pretenses. Hurwitz emphasizes the importance of tracing phone numbers, verifying identities, and never sending money to someone you haven't met face-to-face.
The conversation also covers tech support scams, phishing attacks, fake e-commerce sites, and fraudulent real estate listings, particularly targeting elderly and international victims. Hurwitz warns against paying with cryptocurrency due to its untraceable nature and suggests safeguarding against fraud by using two-factor authentication, avoiding shared passwords, and reporting incidents to authorities like the FBI, FTC, and IRS. Both investigators share real-world cases, reinforcing the urgent need for public awareness and caution in today’s digital landscape.

EP 42: Counterterrorism, Corporate Threats, and the Psychology of Survival"- Interview with Nikki Burgett

Description: In this episode of the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, host Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group is joined by guest host and last week’s guest Stephanie Prentice who specializes in Executive Protection. They are joined by special guest Nikki Burgett, a workplace violence prevention consultant and counter-terrorism contractor. Nikki shares her extensive background in corporate security and enforcement, highlighting the importance of prevention and behavioral pattern detection in addressing threats. She discusses her international work, particularly with the State Department's Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program and SPEAR in dangerous countries like Kenya. The conversation also includes insights from executive protection specialist Stephanie Prentice on the differences between male and female approaches to security and the psychological aspects of surviving violent incidents, which Nikki addresses in her book, "Surviving Violence." The episode emphasizes the need for preparedness and realistic self-assessment in personal and corporate safety. So sit back, listen and enjoy this episode.

EP 41: Breaking Barriers in Executive Protection – A Female Perspective with Stephanie Prentice

In this compelling episode of The Miami PI Chronicles, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations sit down with industry expert Stephanie Prentice, a seasoned professional in the field of Executive Protection. Stephanie shares her personal journey into the world of private security, revealing the unique challenges and triumphs she’s faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. From real-world experiences in the field to practical advice for aspiring professionals, this episode offers a rare and insightful look at Executive Protection through a fresh and powerful lens.
Whether you're in the investigative field, curious about personal security, or passionate about breaking gender barriers in specialized careers, this episode delivers a wealth of inspiration and information.