The episode also offers practical communication takeaways: how preparation, listening, and strategic empathy coax truth, why leaders should create safe settings for conversations, and how law‑enforcement lessons translate to everyday leadership, parenting, and negotiation.

Brad is genuine, funny and a wildly entertaining interview. You can find him and links to awesome new book below:

On this episode of Outside the Secret Service, I'm joined by retired SAIC Tom Landry (Episode 008), retired DSAIC Todd Jenkins (Episode 001), and Former Special Agent, and current CNN Law Analyst, Jon Wackrow (Episode 018). Together, our goal is to help listeners gain a better understanding of the events of the WHCD, offer insight and perspective from Special Agents who have actually walked the space, evaluate the response, dispel misinformation and conspiracy theories, and highlight what worked and what will be reviewed.

Jason shares how the tragic murders at Sandy Hook moved him to consider how he might prevent future such tragedies. Jason left government service and founded Secure Environment Consultants helping schools, childcare centers, and numerous other organizations with security assessments, emergency planning, and training—applying Secret Service methods and principles of resourcefulness and preparedness to protect our most vulnerable communities.

You can learn more about Secure Environment Consultants here: https://secprotects.com/ 

Mark is a natural storyteller and this episode features vivid anecdotes - from getaway trips during training, Rwandan goodwill moments, airspace operations and the Bitcoin/Silk Road investigation fallout - as well as reflections on timing, teamwork, leadership, and the challenges that lead to retirement.

Mark also discusses his transition to the private sectore with American Global Strategies and the lasting lessons he took from life in the US Secret Service.

This episode dives into polygraph myths, training realities, wild protection logistics (including a multi-boat extraction from the lawless tribal region of Nantucket), life-saving moments, and why personal privacy and consumer protection matter more than ever.

Tate is a natural and a cutting-edge leader in online safety and personal privacy. You can find his worthwhile offerings here:

https://onlinesafety.substack.com/

and here: 

https://trustrebound.com/ 

Barry Spodak is a mostly-retired clinical specialist, senior consultant and trainer, whose simulation-based training and collaboration with researchers shaped behavioral threat assessment and protective intelligence for the U.S. Secret Service.

The episode traces Spodak’s 40-year impact on generations of agents and officers: teaching them to interview people with mental illness, recognizing the ‘‘path to violence,’’ using realistic role-play simulations, and focusing on threat assessment and management to prevent targeted violence.

Here is a link to the US Secret Service's Exceptional Case Study Project that started it all: https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/preventing-assassination-secret-service-exceptional-case-study-project

While Brian's story is uniquely his, the pace of his career and the decision to leave represent an all-to-familiar pattern in the ranks of the Secret Service. His story is equal parts impressive, inspiring and instructive.

As fascinating as his career with the USSS was, his life retirement life remains one of service and daring feats. In addition to teaching the next generation of law enforcement professionals at a local community college, Sean has found time to write an award-winning novel, 'Room 23: A Secret Service Agent's Story of Espionage and Intrigue' which readers say is "an easy read that's intellectually stimulating and action packed". You can find the link to purchase the book here: https://a.co/d/9NxlJIO . It will definitely arrive in time for Christmas!

Charlie's career offers a unique insight into how cultural differences can shape security operations abroad. He reflects on leadership, integrity, and relationship-building as the key lessons he took into the private sector after retirement.

Now an assistant professor at the University of New Haven, Bobby Mac reflects on ethics, leadership, preparing the next generation of practitioners, and practical insights about AI, accountability, and life after federal service.

She recalls defining moments from Oklahoma City, memorable encounters on post, the challenges of construction and security, serving as the first woman Deputy Chief, and her transition to retirement where she continues to serve the US Secret Service.

#Patriotism #WhiteHouseHistory #Profession #ServiceToOthers #WonderWoman

As interesting as his career in the Secret Service is the road which lead him there and the path he charted afterwards. After leaving the Secret Service, Jerome served as the Chief Security Officer for the NBA, McDonalds and, now, Elevance Health. He is as kind as he is competent and the kind of leader we hope to be or work for.

The episode covers counter‑assault team experiences, leadership lessons, physical and mental health challenges for retirees, diplomatic and operational demands of global protective work, and John’s post‑service plans including consulting and a forthcoming book.

The episode is heavy on humor and hard-earned lessons, post assignments, and memorable incidents — offering you a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s largest security operations is planned and executed.

Frank also discusses his move to Inspector General for the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the growing drone-and-cellphone contraband problem inside prisons, and candid personal anecdotes about life on the job.

Join us as we explore his experiences from being in the training academy during 9/11 (returning to a field office that no longer physically existed), and his years on protective and investigative details. Now as a CNN law enforcement analyst, Jon helps us understand some of the cultural challenges inside the agency and the lessons of teamwork and leadership that have shaped his post-service career.

Since retirement, Darin spends his time as a professional speaker with Fierce Faith and has recently published a book, 'Bury Me in a Dirty Suit'. His book chronicles his account of the events on 9/11 and the impact it had on his faith. Committed to pursuing his passion and purpose until he's called home by God, he's committed to not wasting a single day.

For speaker bookings: darinkinder.com and fierce-faith.com

Book link:  https://a.co/d/7jMnSYm

#Faith #DoTheNextThing #Resilience #Humility #USCoastGuard

She shares frontline stories and insights about threat assessment, mental health intervention, and how her protective intelligence work led to a new role in the private sector with a focus on connecting scattered open-source information and preventing threats.

A generational leader, Cindy shares insights about how to lead high-achievers in a zero-fail mission. 

This episode offers a candid, fast-paced look at daily life in the Secret Service, the evolution of protection and investigative work, and how those experiences shaped a long federal career after leaving the Service.

#Resilience #Resourceful #JFKAssassination #KeepTheSecretInSecretService #USSSValues

The Agent in Charge of a protective division is the agent "over the shoulder" of the protectee. They hear and see it all and, today, you will too. Did you ever wonder what it was like on the ground the night President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch of Game 3 of the World Series in New York in 2001? Wonder no more. Did you ever wonder how the Secret Service gets notified that the President has decided he's going to serve Thanksgiving dinner to troops in an active war zone? Well, we cover that too.

Don't miss this chance to get an insider's perspective on some of the most significant moments in recent history, as told by the agent who lived them. 

#History #Legacy #Community #Training  #PelotonOne,

Deacon = President Carter

HMFIC = High MoFo in Charge

The Agent in Charge of a protective division is the agent "over the shoulder" of the protectee. They hear and see it all and, today, you will too. Did you ever wonder what it was like on the ground the night President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch of Game 3 of the World Series in New York in 2001? Wonder no more. Did you ever wonder how the Secret Service gets notified that the President has decided he's going to serve Thanksgiving dinner to troops in an active war zone? Well, we cover that too.

Don't miss this chance to get an insider's perspective on some of the most significant moments in recent history, as told by the agent who lived them. 

#History #Legacy #PowerOfCommunity #Training  #PelotonOne

Deacon = President Carter

HMFIC = High MoFo in Charge

May's career is a testimony of resilience and how good people show up when things go horribly wrong. Listen as she shares candidly about balancing a demanding career with motherhood, handling unforeseen adversities, and the unwavering camaraderie within the Secret Service.

#Resilience #HuntingAccidents #Grit #BouncingForward #MakingMarriagesWork #Sacrifice #BarstoolSports

Jeff served as a Special Advisor on the US House of Representatives Task Force investigating the attempted assassination of, then, former President and Candidate Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. 

https://taskforce.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/july13taskforce.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/12-5-2024-Final-Report-Redacted.pdf

#Butler #CongressionalCommittee #CaptainAmerica #TwoPittsburghs #NCMEC #Patriotism

Tim opens up about his multifaceted career, from navigating complex motorcade routes in Beijing China to the importance of balancing service to country with a personal life. We also dive into pressing topics such as school safety, personal growth, who roots for the better baseball team, and the friendships maintained through such a demanding profession.

#We'reReplaceable #Motorcades #BeijingOlympics #SchoolSafety #PostServiceAdjustment #WorkLifeBalance #SFGiants #STLCardinals

Explore Tom's impactful stint as Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the George Bush detail, his innovative contributions to airspace security, and the pivotal moments that defined his career. Gain insights into the demanding life of a Secret Service agent, where protecting dignitaries, adapting to unexpected challenges, and forging strong partnerships are all part of the day's work.

This episode offers a candid discussion on the unique blend of protection and investigation missions, the evolving nature of the threats faced, and the importance of leadership in managing one of the world's premier law enforcement agencies. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, professional reflections, and humorous tales from behind the scenes.

#BorderPatrol #TreasuryDetail #AirspaceSecurity #MissionChallenges #EarpieceEnvy #FormerPOTUS #TeamBeijing

#Sacrifice #TrasformationalVSTransactional #IntelligenceDivision #FlagshipOffice #Texas3Step #ChallengeCoins #Elvis

https://www.kennethvalentine.com/

#YearbookTheology #DirectionNotPerfection #DrivingTheLimo #PreparationMeetsOpportunity #CongressionalAffairs #Mentoring #Prayer&Faith

#OriginStory #CivilWar #Counterfeit #Legacy #PayWood #DontRushTowardProtectees

Mike's company can be found here.

https://m6globaldefense.com/

#SchoolSafety #MentalHealth #CounterAssaultTeam #GodsPlan #Grit #HighAmbition #Brotherhood #IronLawOfBureaucracy