Coroner Talk™ | Death Investigation Training | Police and Law Enforcement

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We are a community of professionals in the field of death investigation. Whether you’re a coroner, a member of local police or county law enforcement, an EMS professional, or medical examiner – or frankly, anyone in between, Coroner Talk™ is the right community for you. We provide training and resources to coroners and death investigators by and from professionals around the world in a peer-to-peer training environment. I recognized that the training available for coroners and small department investigators was limited by resources such as time away from the department and expense. So, I developed Coroner Talk™.Darren is a 35-year veteran of law enforcement and criminal investigations. He currently serves as a Coroner for Crawford County, Missouri. He holds credentials as an instructor for the Missouri Sheriff’s Training Academy (MSA) and Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI). He has served as president of the Missouri Medical Examiners and Coroners Association and is certified and credentialed in numerous fields of investigation. He holds the position of lead instructor and facilitator for the Death Investigation Training Academy (DITA) and for the Coroner Talk™ community as he speaks and writes in the area of death investigation and scene management.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

The Original Ranger Dave

Excellent Show

Having spent 32 years in Georgia State Government—5 with Corrections and 27 with the Department of Natural Resources, including 24 years in Law Enforcement—I am currently the Coroner Elect in my community. I will begin training on Sunday at our State Public Safety Training Center. I've been listening to Darren’s podcast and went all the way back to the beginning to listen. He does an excellent job and features wonderful, knowledgeable guests. I'm glad I stumbled upon this podcast by accident and recently purchased his book CODE, which I am reading now. He always ends his podcast with a personal note, encouraging listeners to be a blessing to someone else.
Kmo05235

Great!!

I have been a deputy coroner for over 10 years. Listening to the right/wrong way to be a coroner really hit on the different leadership I have witnessed over the years and how it has effected the way we are treated in the field. That you for shedding light on this field.
Jeanne3wishes

SO INFORMATIVE!

I was recently hired as a Coroner Investigator in a very large western region city. As I started researching training and what the job entails I found Darren’s excellent podcast and am currently half way through listening to every episode to help me on the job. The info is presented in a super practical, professional and realistic way. The guests are fantastic. Thank you, Coroner Talk!
Dmup

Informative and Helpful!

I will give this podcast 5 stars without a doubt. Creating a podcast that talks about such delicate and specific topics is not an easy task. I have taken the MDI Certification recently and it is nice to hear the topics of some of my classes here as a refresher as well as other updates, thank you Darren and crew! I understand that not all of us agree politically so our focus should be the topic of this podcast, “death investigation”and most importantly, to be able to listen and understand different points of view. I do agree … the sirens can be a little triggering at times so just fast fwd that :) Anyway, bottom line…. Informative and helpful.
Boys lover 81649

So helpful

This podcast has been a great resource figuring out how to get into the world of death investigation. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for the episodes you’ve put out. So informative!
Not on the rug

Excellent and priceless training.

I’ve learned from every episode.
Grace-JC

Excellent show!

I am a new student with high interest in working with Darren’s academy. I stumbled upon this show a couple years ago and have learned endless amounts of information. This show is so informative and factually based from personal experience, unique perspectives, and outside conversations with other experts. Keep going and I will keep listening and referring others to your show! Stay safe!
dep-CorinerRP

Real life ,real stuff, real training!

I’m a Deputy Coroner going into my 6th yr of service. This podcast and training information is priceless! We deal with thing different than almost everyone. It is awesome that Darren and his team can teach and remind use we are human and the people we deal with are humans ! This podcast is awesome! Must listen!!!!
0102 jtl

Mixed feelings

Former law enforcement officer here, heard about this and wanted to check it out for curiosity. I really enjoyed the recorded trainings I’ve heard so far - good info and interesting case studies. The host however has some pretty ill informed notions that take away from the content. Also seems to have a victimhood mentality...or at least that’s his go-to stance around some topics. I’d rather hear a host thinking critically and rationally about complex issues that aren’t strictly black and white. In summary: you’ll pick up some good skill refreshers but the side talk and rants don’t add much, in my opinion.
Nik Schulz

Can it get any better?!!

What a gem. Great information, fantastic resources, and Darren and the team are willing to go over and beyond to make sure those in the business are properly trained. I can’t believe it took me this long to discover this... BUT I’m sooooo glad I did!!! Thank y’all for doing this. I think I can speak for most of the listeners when I say if you keep posting them, we’ll keep listening to them (and learning!)
AshleyLaMothe

Love it

As a trained death investigator, I really appreciate this show and learn a ton from every episode!! Super interesting!
G JSon

Review

Grounded in a purpose driven life. Excellent for anyone who wants the skills in law enforcement and making a professional positive difference.
Kimtisha

Love this show!

Great source of information, love Darren's honesty, wonderful guests. Keep up the great work!
Carl 704

Excellence in Training

Let me start by saying I don’t typically write reviews. I guess that comes from the military where if you comment on a good thing then it will get screwed up. From the point of view of an investigator with a lot of experience moving into medico legal death investigation, this podcast and Death Investigation Academy is critical to any success I may be having now. Just taking the basic academy has put me above my peers in death investigation including those outside of my LEO colleagues. Darren has already been a resource I’ve reached out to for a unique type of death investigation. Though not experienced with the situation himself, he was able to point me to people who were. This is an example of a educational leader. They may not know the answer but they can point you to someone who does know and they learn themselves as well. A hallmark of excellence is admitting not to know everything but willing to learn. This is what the Death Investigation Academy is back. Thank you Darren and the other instructors for what y’all do, you are a vital part of my competency training regimen.
M Ready

A great resorce

Each episode has quality information for the death related community. Love the range of topics. Don’t rush to judge, give it a few episodes before making a judgemnt. I am a retired member of a combintation fire department, EMTB / FF 1&2, & instructor. I would have liked to have this type of information back then to support our training.
corvettec5dave

Okie from Muskogee

I have been listening to this podcast for several years. There is so much I have learned from Darren that I find myself wanting to be in the field. My previous life was a twenty year medic on the street and currently working in the trauma ED.
KirstieM

Terrible introduction

Decent content. But I HATE hearing the sirens and “music” in the introduction.
Jay54321zeroblastoff

3 stars because I like you and know you can do better

I like this podcast. I really do. But swinging far right is just as bad as far left. So much bias on both sides stay grounded and center. I understand supporting law enforcement. I believe in that. Race baiting is just as real as the deep rooted racism that exists within SOME INDIVIDUALS who work as LEOs. Until this “defend our own” “bleed blue” gang mentality ends and the bad apples are publicly uprooted, the distrust for police is going to continue. And If you really think the distrust of LEOs began with Obama’s administration, you’ve got another thing coming. Both sides have very valid reasons to fear for their lives (i.e LEOs of all backgrounds and black and brown people in their communities). How do we meet in the middle and understand each other as humans? Talk to multiple black LEOs about their experiences with police out of uniform.
Theamazingbildo

Stick to the talking points you know.

The police are a serious problem in nation. I’m white and from a lower middle class town. I once had a cop almost shoot me because my drivers side window couldn’t roll down. After all was said and done he told me he pulled me over for a headlight that was out and let me go. I once was almost run over by a car, and the driver came back to harass my friend and I. He informed us that he was the mayor of the town and his son was the chief of police. After yelling for a while he leaves and as soon as he out of sight who showed up, but the cops. They get out and as they are walking over to us we were 16 at the time they take out those telescopic metal batons. Tell us that any time someone calls and reports a disturbance they’re going to pick us up whether we did it or not. Then arrested my friend for disturbing the peace. And I got plenty more. Later in life I was in impoverished black communities and have seen first hand the treatment they get.
booitsacow

gross

lol at the latest episode. ACAB.
RockerGrL81

Helped me to follow along

I am taking the online Medicolegal Death Investigation bundled courses. This podcast is great for getting more insight and to follow along if I missed something in the class videos. I’m taking this as seriously as I would for a degree so it’s been a godsend!!!
jmichaelnelson

CoronerTalk Is The Leading MDI Resource

I just finished the podcast “Medicolegal Death Investigations” on Coroner Talk. I really enjoyed and appreciated the information you shared with us. I started listening to Darren’s CoronerTalk Podcast about 6 months ago. And I am now a Medicolegal Death Investigator Student at Darren’s Death Investigation Academy. I have learned so much and I am looking forward to So much more. I am also a Registered Nurse. I have been in the Surgical Services arena for the last 24 years. And I am hoping for a career transition into the Coroner / Medicolegal Death Investigation role. Again Thank you, Jay Michael Nelson, MHA, BSN, RN
hopefulFFN

Love!

I am a nursing student in the midwest, and my long term career goal is to be a forensic Nurse as a death investigator. I'm so happy that I found your podcast very educational, gives me an insight into what I hope to get into. I listed to about a quarter of an episode and I'm hooked and now have to listen to all of the passed episodes.
Kiera Byrd

Very Informative and Educational

I love learning more about my profession. I have been listening to all of the available podcasts because I am relatively new to this. I am currently an Investigator for the Coroner’s Office and I really appreciate the information you provide.
tasmia6

Great Podcast !

Very good Podcast and I recommend it !
Gary7379

Investigating an Autoerotic Death Scene

Good introductory discussion.
shotpusher

Interesting

I’m an RN with a strong interest in death investigation and I have learned a lot from this show. My daughter is also a RN who works part time for a Coroner so I pass on the shows to her as well. Always varied & interesting topics with a lot of detail. The host is very experienced & matter of fact while maintaining sensitivity.
BalrokShire

Fascinating and informative show.

After reading the two most recent reviews (which gave the show one star), I felt compelled to leave a review of my own. I’ve been a listener for over a year now, and I’ve tuned into many episodes. If a new listener’s takeaway is that the host has a point of view, then that is pretty sad. Everyone has a point of view, and I’ve never found Darren to be unprofessional or disrespectful. He really seems like an honest, open guy who loves to educate people about his profession. It’s not a platform he uses to preach his viewpoints, but if he discusses a controversial subject once in awhile, big deal! We are adults and should be able to handle a simple disagreement. Instead, these people probably heard half an episode, got emotional over his opinion, and now will be missing out on a plethora of valuable information. Have we reached a point we will only subscribe to a podcast if we are in 100% agreement with the host on his personal opinions? Or, do you feel that the host should censor himself in case he might offend anyone? He shouldn’t feel free to express himself on his own show? Just try it out for yourself and make up your own mind. PS Keep up the great work, Darren! I’m not in the industry but I really enjoy this show.
Michigan MSW

Disappointing

I work in a profession that closely works with nursing homes so I was really interested in listening to the episode related to NHs. It was absolutely nauseating to listen to the host and his guest comparing pulling the plug on someone who is brain dead to a woman exercising her right to get an abortion. Definitely will not be listening to anymore episodes which is unfortunate because there were many topics I was looking forward to learning about.
160AP

Really wanted to like this

I was excited to find this podcast. Was on the fence about it until I got to the episodes about transgender issues. If the host was trying not to inject his opinions into it, he failed miserably. His comments lacked any compassion and I found it just plain gross. He couldn’t even be bothered to learn the difference between a trans man and a trans woman. Give me a break. When I heard “HE HAS A PENIS” for the fifth time I thought I would puke. I expect more from a doctor. Do better.
Traffic 11

Wonderful

I do crash reconstruction work and I find good information in each episode. Give Coroner Talk a try, you will not be disappointed.
unbrellastardelight

so good

This is a really great podcast. I’ve been trying to find one like this for awhile, it’s so interesting. The host is engaging and fun to listen to, his voice/the way he talks is never boring. He’s confident in what he’s saying and you can tell he has experience & is passionate about this stuff
Sus DeR

So interesting without embellishment

I find this absorbing and appreciate the facts without superficial unnecessary fluff.
Sjuris514

Coroner Talk podcast is EXCELLENT

I have nothing whatsoever to do with the field of crime investigation yet I never miss an episode. As a social worker by training and a fan of true-crime programming I have gained tons of knowledge listening to Darren Dake’s teachings. He has countless hours of experience throughout the field of law enforcement and he even offers to share that knowledge with others for free. Who does that? He seems that devoted to ensuring quality standards throughout the field. Thanks for educating us Mr. Dake.
Bbrinxx

Phenomenal!

This podcast is exactly what I needed. The knowledge and stories shared are top notch. There needs to be more resources like these, so we can all help each other succeed. I have learned an obscene amount from this podcast and I am only on the ones from 2015. I will surely be listening to this multiple times and sharing with friends. Thank you Darren!
Candygrl825

Fascinating

I’m a true crime and enthusiast and I stumbled upon your podcast. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! Thank you, I’ve learned so much and I have only listened to one episode. And I appreciate your humor, I’ve laughed a couple of times.
Tori Hiatt

Absolutely amazing...

This podcast has taught me so much about the medicolegal death investigator role, I am HOOKED. I’m starting a program to get my MDI certificate in Fall 2019 and this podcast has been an amazing prep. The episodes are extremely informative and easy to listen to for the layman person. I’m in social work and I have to drive around a lot so I love to put these on when I’m driving or doing paperwork. I had been trying to find a book that could give me some wisdom on the field from the perspective of a death investigator but I could not find ANYTHING that was reverent or I liked. This podcast met all my requirements. A big thank you to Darren Dake for being so dedicated to the field.
cr1mejunk1e

Voice issue

I couldn’t get past this mans voice. I wanted to listen but just couldn’t.
Drama the cat

Excellent

A podcast unlike any other! Though I am not in the death investigation field, I have always wanted to learn as much as I could. This podcast fulfills that want. Darren is not afraid to be himself, and I find that refreshing in a time where everyone is so “politically correct “(which is just another way of pretending to be someone you are not). Thank you, Darren, for such a real and informational podcast. Keep up the good work!
Nevada_C-MDI

C-MDI

I came across the CoronerTalk Podcast in 2015. Since then it has helped me learn a great deal about death investigation over and above what I had previously been exposed to in my law enforcement career. Darren and CoronerTalk has since become a important part in my development and achievements towards obtaining my Medicoleagal Death Investigator Certification and advancement toward obtaining a position as a Clark County (NV) Coroner Investigator. I still listen to his podcast every week.
meschier

Excellent Discussions!

As an advanced practice forensic nurse, these discussions are exciting and useful! Will be visiting your online resources and looking into more training and education you recommend. May be reaching out to you personally! Thanks for all you do!
hillpv

Wow (note... only 1 episode, don't take my word only)!!!

I really appreciate what you're attempting to do, and this seems interesting and probably is worthwhile, but you're going to need to learn how to properly articulate what you're attempting to articulate. I couldn't get through the first podcast because of grave, grammatical errors. I'm referring to the podcast about "presenting a professional image" specifically. As a side note; I dropped out of high school in the 10th grade. It was so agitating that I wasn't able to finish the one episode I attempted to listen to. Im not trying to be ugly to you, because I respect what your trying to do here; as well as your profession. That's just a little note for you personally. Listen to what you broadcast please!!! Don't undermine what you're trying to do!!! Good luck!!! Regards...
Lillady1015

Fantastic

I am not in the field of death investigation or forensics of any kind, but I love this podcast. I have always enjoyed death investigation process and sometimes want to be a part of this world, but I am not sure that it's completely for me. Darren is great! He is very knowledgeable and provides a lot of useful tools for coroners and forensic students. I would greatly recommend this podcast to better ur career.
SketchCop

Great Podcast

I was recently a guest on Darren Dake's Coroner's Talk podcast. Darren came prepared to conduct our interview and asked great questions. The podcast is well-produced and has a professional 'feel' to it. A great resource for anyone interested in law enforcement and true crime!
Jim154774

Fornesic nurse investigator

Very good and imformative
Ridge Proof CSI

BS in Crime Scene Investigation Student

Professional, educational and entertaining. There is no other podcast like it. I listen to it religiously. As a student working towards a degree in crime scene investigation this course not only gives me an idea of what I'm getting myself into, it also makes concepts I'm learning in school easier to comprehend when seasoned professionals discuss their experiences in the field. Simply an amazing group of talented experts sharing their knowledge. This is a truly priceless opportunity for someone like myself, I plan on listening for a long time to come.
Benjamin Sprinklesworth

Real Training

I'm a police officer and find many episodes very helpful. I started by listening to every episode, but now skip the episodes that don't really apply to my job. Doing this made me like the show even more. Very informative.
Ms rat

Great view to the inside of law enforcement

I enjoy this pod cast very much. It contains interesting stuff for those of us outside law enforcement, and I'm sure is a fantastic resource. Wish this had been around when I was responsibe for mental health training at the local pre-trial facility.
Liza E

Need new moderator

Good content but I couldn't get past the moderator's constant grammar blunders. It was hard to listen to the educated speakers next to the moderator who seems not to know his tenses are off base, etc., and tries to inject himself and his past experience into the mix rather than allow the guests to speak at times. I am not normally sensitive to such things but it happened so often I found it hard to concentrate. Probably just me, but I had to unsubscribe because of it.
Miguel California

Wonderful

Coroner Talk is a great resource to learn about parts of law enforcement that is often misunderstood or taken for granted. Of course this is from a student/prospective police recruit. I really like this show and I always learn from it.

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