In this episode, host Brink Fidler is joined by Adam McIntyre, Director of Training at Defend Systems, to analyze the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Together, they dissect the event security and broader implications for security moving forward.

From exterior security layers and high-ground threats to the emerging role of drones, Brink and Adam also examine normalcy bias and the risks of social media’s obsession with violent content. This conversation moves far beyond one incident, drawing lessons relevant to public venues and daily life.

Whether you’re a parent, student, security professional, or everyday civilian, this conversation pushes you to think critically about preparedness, personal responsibility, and the balance between freedom and safety in America.

(2:39) Pros and cons of the event security setup

(3:10) Quick reaction by local security forces

(4:15) Why high ground wins and how drones could change protocol

(6:00) The balance of security at open campus events

(6:40) How political events may adapt moving forward

(9:45) Why scanning 100s of yards matters, not just the immediate area

(14:01) Possibility of Charlie's choice to avoid a heavy security presence

(14:49) Normalcy bias and the danger of staying in the kill zone

(17:00) The importance of identifying exits at every event

(19:50) Teaching children about safety without instilling fear

(24:05) Why attendees, not police or fire, are the true first responders

(25:30) The harm of sharing violent videos online

(27:42) How social media influenced past shooters

(31:00) A wake-up call for political rhetoric in America

(32:20) Adjusting tactics as a society the same way the military adapts

Bart Holzer, cyber expert and founder of Overt Channel, shares his journey from FBI intern to tackling high-profile cybercrime cases. He recounts early days investigating online criminals, cases like Top 10 fugitive Charles Cobb and serial killer Maury Travis, and how the Patriot Act reshaped the landscape for cybersecurity experts.

Bart also breaks down what you should do if you become a victim of cybercrime, why recovery vs. prosecution is a constant trade-off, and why every business and family needs a cybersecurity plan. From multi-factor authentication to password managers and protecting elderly relatives from fraud, Bart offers practical steps anyone can take to stay secure in the digital world.

Notes:

2:40 – Bart’s start in cybersecurity through an FBI internship

3:55 – How early internet crime was tackled

8:05 – Early cases: child exploitation, white-collar crime, and more

14:15 – How the Patriot Act empowered cyber investigators

21:00 – Working alongside tech agents in the field

22:20 – Serial killer Maury Travis case (St. Louis)

23:53 – Charles Cobb, Top 10 fugitive case

26:48 – German child predator caught through internet data

30:20 – Steps to take if you’re a cybercrime victim

31:45 – Negotiating recovery vs. prosecution

42:00 – Bart’s top 3 cybersecurity tips

47:10 – Why Bart uses Keeper as his password manager

48:50 – Family uses for Keeper (even pool codes)

59:25 – Visit overtchannel.com

In this episode, we explore CEIA’s OPENGATE® system, sharing insights from hands-on testing. Unlike traditional metal detectors, OPENGATE® is wireless, portable, weather-resistant, and managed through a mobile app, making it faster to deploy and easier to use in dynamic school and event environments. Guest Matt Samels from CEIA USA breaks down what sets this system apart, and Tom highlights Herring Technology’s experience field-testing the product. We also discuss the importance of training, proper implementation, and lessons learned from real-world incidents.

Notes:

1:32 – Intro to CEIA: From traditional metal detectors to their latest innovation, OPENGATE®, a wireless detection system.

2:50 – CEIA’s growth post-9/11, though they’ve been around much longer.

4:15 – What sets OPENGATE® apart from traditional metal detectors.

5:55 – Antioch High School shooting: detection equipment was available but not in use.

7:40 – Tom’s evaluation after field-testing the OPENGATE® system.

16:10 – OPENGATE® is weatherproof (heat, rain, etc.). Wind can trigger alarms, but units can be stabilized (e.g., Denver Broncos).

19:20 – Tom broke down, moved, and reassembled the system in under 5 minutes.

21:45 – Growing reliance on tech allows staff to focus on higher-level tasks.

25:30 – Metal detectors aren’t the sole solution. Technology + personnel + training must work together.

30:00 – Why testing products matters more than brand loyalty.

32:50 – Many well-funded schools install quality tech poorly or skip training, making it ineffective.

36:07 – The success formula: Technology + Human Intervention + Proper Procedures = Effective Violence Mitigation.

Learn more about CEIA and the OPENGATE® system: CEIA OPENGATE