Miami Pi Chronicles Podcast

EP 54: Back on the Air— Successful case Resolutions, Boats, Dogs, and prominent south Florida Criminal attorney Barry Wax

In this episode of the Miami PI Podcast, hosts Francois McKinnon and Oscar Santa Maria discuss their return after a couple of months’ hiatus. Francois shares details about several recent cases he has worked on, offering insight into the day-to-day challenges and nuances of private investigative work. Meanwhile, Oscar talks about his recent purchase of a boat and the unexpected amount of effort it’s taking to restore it to his standards, as well as introducing listeners to his new dog.
The episode concludes with Francois conducting an engaging interview with prominent South Florida criminal attorney Barry Wax, who shares his professional experiences and perspectives from years of legal practice in the region.

EP 53 – "Mastering Web Presence, Ethical Surveillance, and Professional Growth through continuing education with Rory McMahon"

In this episode of the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, hosts Francois McKinnon and Oscar Santa Maria discuss the importance of a strong web presence. They debate surveillance protocols near places of worship, concluding that documenting arrival and departure is preferable to internal filming. They also promote Rory McMahon's 10 online continuing education investigative courses, highlighting its potential to enhance credibility and increase hourly rates for PIs. Rory also shares stories about narco-traffickers Ben Kramer's failed helicopter escape and Barry Seal's assassination by the Colombian cartel. They also discuss how to order merchandise and a 10% discount on Rory's courses through their website.

EP 52 – Marketing, Medical Exams & Misadventures in PI Work"

In this episode of the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations discuss various aspects of the private investigation field, from marketing strategies and website optimization, to their personal experiences with social media platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok. They also share insights into specialized investigative services such as videotaping compulsory medical exams for attorneys. The episode highlights unusual and humorous stories from other investigators, including an amusing encounter during a domestic surveillance case at a gay club and a marine surveillance operation that uncovered both a worker's compensation fraud and infidelity. The hosts also promote educational resources and merchandise related to their podcast and the investigative profession.

EP 51: Marketing, Networking, and Real Surveillance Stories

In this episode of the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations return with a focused discussion on branding, outreach, and professional growth within the investigative industry. Francois shares the excitement of launching his newly revamped website, emphasizing the role a modern, optimized online presence plays in attracting new clients. Both he and Oscar highlight the value of LinkedIn—not just as a platform for networking but as a strategic tool for building credibility and generating case referrals.
This episode also introduces a new storytelling segment featuring memorable surveillance moments from the field. Francois kicks things off with a lighthearted account involving a case that took a bizarre turn when swingers unexpectedly became part of the investigation.
The hosts reflect briefly on the personal sacrifices that come with the profession, especially the toll on family life due to irregular hours. They close by spotlighting opportunities for those considering a career in private investigation, directing listeners to their educational partner, IEIT, for licensing and training support.

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.