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

Craig Parker, Head of Supply Chain Security at GEODIS, oversees safety across a global logistics network. In this episode, he shares the real-world challenges of securing both people and products, from workplace violence and domestic threats to theft and brand protection. Craig unpacks why security is often invisible until the moment it matters most and how meaningful change usually follows tragedy. Whether you're in corporate security or just care about workplace safety, this conversation offers valuable insights on preparedness and the power of effective security partnerships.

Notes:

2:00 GEODIS overview: logistics, transportation, and freight forwarding

5:00 Partnership with Herring Technology

7:30 People are the top priority: access control, cameras, and more

11:45 Potential for active shooter events in the workplace & lessons from shooting survivors

13:30 Training staff is more critical than solely installing tech

16:10 Security's role: 89 days in the background, 1 day in the spotlight

20:19 Stolen products in the black market & the Tylenol murders: how tragedy shaped change

23:40 Brand protection and the impact of theft

27:15 Camera footage isn’t helpful without actionable follow-up

30:00 Deterrence > recovery: most stolen items don’t come back

31:55 Domestic issues spilling into the workplace

40:50 It’s not just a job. People’s lives are at stake.

43:50 Effective messaging: make it about your employee’s life as a whole, not just at work

45:30 Pay it forward with the work you do

In this powerful episode, Chief Sean O’Brien of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department shares his remarkable journey through decades in law enforcement, including an account of the July 16, 2015 terrorist attack in Chattanooga. From his first officer-involved shooting in 1994 to leading K9 units, interdiction operations, and active shooter response training, Sean opens up about the moments that tested him most.

He discusses the physical and emotional toll of life-or-death encounters and the conversation around mental health in law enforcement. Sean speaks candidly about the trauma he carried and how EMDR therapy helped him heal. This is a raw, honest, and deeply human conversation about the unseen battles that follow critical incidents.

⚠️ Note: This episode contains strong language.

Notes:

5:15 – Sean’s background and start in law enforcement

6:45 – His first officer-involved shooting on the freeway

8:45 – How life-or-death moments change your brain

10:55 – Passion for the K9 unit and bond with the dog

12:14 – Teaching active shooter response and promotion to commander

14:00 – Work in interdiction: stopping traffickers, drugs, and terrorism

21:00 – Beginning work in active shooter response

23:15 – Realistic training scenarios based on real-world incidents

27:45 – The events of July 16, 2015: Terror attack on recruiting offices

30:15 – Shooter opens fire; Sean realizes it’s terrorism

37:00 – High-stress response and breakdown of fine motor skills

50:15 – Sean engages suspect and accepts he may not make it home

56:45 – Suspect is taken down; confirmed no second shooter

59:15 – Honoring the stories of the fallen

1:06:50 – FBI waited 6 months to declare it a terrorist attack

1:09:50 – “We don’t rise to the occasion; we fall to our training”

1:10:30 – Lack of mental health support for law enforcement

1:15:30 – EMDR therapy helped reframe and process the memories

1:17:20 – Importance of both professional help and close friends

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Hatcher, Director of Technology Operations at Herring Technology, to break down the modern landscape of security systems. From AI-powered cameras and facial recognition to the often-overlooked power of a strong network, Aaron shares how his team tests, deploys, and supports cutting-edge tech for real-world protection. We also dive into key takeaways from ISC West (the security industry’s largest international tradeshow) and why human training still matters, even with the best tools.

Learn More about Herring Technology: https://herringtechnology.com/

Notes:

7:22 – Why all modern security, from cameras to gun detection, is network-based

8:10 – Herring’s secret weapon: real-world IT lab testing, not brand loyalty

9:55 – Why the network is the single most important part of any security system

14:21 – How small upgrades can cause big issues

17:00 – The best tools still need trained people behind them

21:00 – 24/7 support: how Herring prioritizes responsiveness

25:00 – Demystifying AI to match the right tools

28:30 – Recap of ISC West: What’s big in security tech right now

33:45 – “Compliant” vs. truly integrated technologies

36:00 – Tech that holds people accountable, not replaces them

37:45 – Most exciting AI: reducing human error with smart automation

42:00 – The art and science of camera placement

In this episode, we dive into the risks of oversharing on social media while traveling and how it can make you a target for burglars. From real stories about alarm calls and serial burglars to why most break-ins happen during the day, Brink and Tom share practical safety tips to protect your home and yourself. Learn what to pack for safer vacations, how to check crime maps before you go, and why reviewing crime data beats relying on online reviews. They also cover essentials like firearms and permits, using pepper spray correctly, and simple hotel security hacks.

Notes:

1:05 — Risks of posting on social media while you’re away

4:00 — Why most burglaries happen during the day

5:00 — How GPS data in photos can expose you

6:23 — What to pack for a safer vacation

7:00 — Using crime maps to assess safety

7:27 — Why you should call the local narcotics department before moving

8:05 — Why people check reviews but overlook crime data

8:45 — Importance of studying a map of the area before traveling

16:55 — The dangers of being glued to your phone

22:45 — Firearms and permit considerations while traveling

23:25 — Practicing safety correctly (don’t be like bad drivers)

24:30 — Using chemical spray

30:55 — Uber safety

34:10 — Benefits of secondary locking devices

35:00 — Why you should consider not letting hotel staff into your room

Follow Brink:

www.defendsystems.com

Follow Tom:

www.herringtechnology.com

Tips, Tactics and Tools is Produced and Edited by www.itsyourshow.co

Tom and Brink break down the April 17 Florida State University shooting—an open campus event that exposes tough challenges in prevention and response. One heartbreaking detail: a student who survived this shooting also lived through the 2018 shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. They also unpack a disturbing video of a bystander filming a wounded victim and walking away, raising serious questions about public response to violence. From survivor stories to law enforcement insights, this episode is a sobering look at the realities we face and what can truly make a difference when seconds count.

Notes:

2:51: Open campuses are tough to secure; safety depends on those present.

4:09: A student at FSU also survived the 2018 Parkland shooting.

5:50: Tech helps, but action before police arrive is critical.

6:50: Trained people on-site make the biggest difference.

8:12: We can’t stop every shooting, but we can reduce casualties.

10:19: “You fall to your training, not rise to the occasion.”

10:57: Classrooms must lock from the inside-Sandy Hook’s top lesson.

14:35: Vanderbilt University Medical Center credits Metro Nashville police with saving 600+ lives because of the medical training program.

16:50: Disturbing video shows bystander walking past wounded victim.

18:30: Dallas school shooting went unnoticed because no one died.

25:55: Know the addresses of places you visit often.

30:00: Not making a decision is a decision but it’s difficult if you don’t have any seeds planted in your primitive brain.

Tips, Tactics and Tools is Produced and Edited by www.itsyourshow.co