Conversations in Close Protection artwork

Conversations in Close Protection

223 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 41 ratings

Conversations In Close Protection is a podcast about the Executive/Close Protection industry. We use the podcast to enhance discussions about the industry and promote values, information and education within the Close Protection Community and try to have fun doing it!

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Episodes

Shop Talk: March 2024

March 15, 2024 16:18 - 1 hour - 48.6 MB

The ides of March are here, and, accordingly, the CiCP team is taking time to break down some recent news regarding the threatscape. This time, they deep dive into: Threats against healthcare systems, CA Senate bill 553 (or is it 533!?!) Asymmetric threats posed by digital risks such as AI or Deepfakes Using software aimed at other industries (like advertising) can be utilized in the targeting space Network outages and your PACE plan Foreign Agents operating on US soil Significant...

'Napredak': A conversation w/ Ivan Ivanovitch

February 25, 2024 18:30 - 2 hours - 102 MB

The CiCP team is privileged to have Ivan Ivanovich, a renowned protector who advocates for a proactive, intelligence-driven approach emphasizing prevention and readiness. From his extensive executive protection experience across diverse regions like the Balkans and Latin America, Ivan offers a unique perspective. He argues that the traditional image of bodyguards with armored vehicles and weapons needs to be matured. Our discussion centers on Ivan's book, "Executive Protection in the 21st ...

Quantification: Realizing metrics with Jim McConnell

January 27, 2024 13:37 - 2 hours - 75.2 MB

Metrics are an essential tool for measuring performance, efficiency, and reliability in any organization, big or small. However, getting started with metrics can be daunting. In this episode, the team speaks with Jim McConnell, a seasoned security expert with over 30 years of experience managing security organizations. Jim shares his expertise in defining and using metrics in a security organization. So, grab your pencil and enjoy the conversation! Also, if you're interested in learning mo...

Through the Threat Palindrome: Navigating 2024 with 2023's rollover risks

January 05, 2024 20:03 - 45 minutes - 27.2 MB

Happy MMXXIV. After a much-needed break from the action, the team returns with thoughts on immediate risks, opportunities, and issues affecting the protective risk community. The new year comes out of the gate, looking much like the one we just left. What should you be thinking about as we roll into 2024! [email protected]

Dyad: Insights from the Close Protection and Security Journal and the Close Protection Conference

December 02, 2023 13:35 - 1 hour - 70.6 MB

As we approach Protector's week, the CiCP team grabs some air time with the editor-in-chief of the IPSB's "Close Protection and Security Journal," Doctor Treston Wheat, and the Close Protection Conference 23 lead, Bryan Flannery. More than a readout, both speak to the power of volunteering, making the industry greater and how the industry has evolved.  Give us your thoughts at [email protected] Keelson Strategic sponsors this episode.

Shop Talk: November 2023

November 15, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 39.8 MB

Happy Thanksgiving week -  the CiCP team is poised to engage in discussions that promise to dispel any lingering tryptophan-induced haze. Join us as we delve into recent and upcoming symposiums and conferences, spotlighting the IPSB's Close Protection Conference. Additionally, we address inquiries about individual planning for the forthcoming year, navigating personal rest during the holidays, and underscore the critical role of trust and openness for success in the security industry. All th...

Fortitude: Managing self with Katherine Luther

November 11, 2023 21:46 - 2 hours - 96.9 MB

In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, we converse about it with one of our own - Katherine Luther. She founded the Luther Method, which specializes in personal resilience protocols. She also serves as the Director of Operations for Viplomat Protection.

Shop Talk: October 2023

October 21, 2023 00:09 - 1 hour - 41.7 MB

Fall is here. With the change over from summer comes the continued changing threat environment. Join the team as they break down some issues and emerging risks.  Your CiCP team discusses some recent conferences they have attended (including the recent Mexican Close Protection gathering and the Sam Houston State. Critical Infrastructure Thought Leaders' Conference) breeches at high-profile events, and how using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles for designing eve...

Synchronicity in Security: A Conversation with Ed McCormack

October 06, 2023 01:25 - 2 hours - 85.6 MB

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Ed McCormack, progenitor of the modern FBI protection division and former Head of Security for one of America's most high-networth families and one of the oldest consulting firms in the United States. Ed is a pioneer in the field of security and protection, and he has decades of experience protecting some of the most influential people in the world. In this episode, Ed will share insights from his career, including: How he helped to create the m...

Multifaceted: Dr. Michael Guirguis on medical strategies within tactical operations

September 13, 2023 14:00 - 2 hours - 98.7 MB

This week, CiCP caught up with the incredibly busy and accomplished Dr. Michael Guirguis. He's not your average professional; he's the Chief Medical Officer at Raven Medical Support Group, an Emergency Room Physician, a Law Enforcement Flight Physician, and more. We had an insightful discussion with him about the importance of tactical medical oversight in Executive Protection (EP), training, and what drove him to the medical and tactical professions. Dr. Guirguis is featured in Paul Peng'...

Shop Talk: August 2023

August 31, 2023 11:23 - 1 hour - 122 MB

It's time for shoptalk, and the August edition comes in just under the wire.   As always, there is a lot to discuss, and the team discusses current events affecting the security industry.   Listen as we unpack the unique risk issues surrounding social media and online gaming influencers, information security around mobile apps, threats aimed at politicians, and Drew Barrymore's stalker.  Team CiCP also talks about the weaponization of LinkedIn,  and the assassination of The Wagner Group's l...

Cogitation: Reflecting on Risk Intelligence with Ross Hill

August 09, 2023 14:00 - 2 hours - 97.9 MB

Ross Hill's career took root in curiosity, a quality that has kept him forward-thinking amidst the ever-evolving corporate intelligence industry. As a [reluctant] leader in the space, Ross emphasizes the importance of actionable intelligence that challenges preconceived notions, enabling policymakers via pertinent information. He advocates breaking away from traditional norms such as specialization. Drawing from his experiences during significant geopolitical events like the Arab Spring, Ros...

Unyielding Resilience: The Journey of a Human Intelligence Specialist

July 26, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 78.8 MB

Lauren Wygant's path might sound familiar: from high school athlete to becoming a secret agent and, eventually, a corporate security specialist. However, Lauren's journey has been purposeful and deliberate. Throughout her personal and professional life, she has remained deeply connected to her "why," serving as a guiding force. Having previously worked as a human intelligence specialist in the Central Intelligence Agency, where her responsibilities included identifying and recruiting assets,...

Shop Talk: July 2023

July 04, 2023 15:10 - 1 hour - 40.6 MB

It's July Shop Talk, and there's much to cover. This time we find the team discussing the recent conferences they have attended and Russian events, including the recent change of venue by the Wagner Group, an assassination attempt on Putin, and a "resurgence" of wet work activity. They also discuss recent decisions by the Supreme Court affecting threat management and protective intelligence, assaults on local politicians, and an active threat aimed at the Stanley Cup that was prevented: all ...

Cognizance: Situational Awareness from former Marine Corps Hunters

June 21, 2023 13:55 - 2 hours - 105 MB

Join the team as they explore the genesis of the Marine Corps Hunter program (established in 2007 by General James "Mad Dog" Mattis to equip Marines with cutting-edge combat skills) with Arcadia Cognerati's Greg Williams and Brian Marren. Greg Williams, a highly experienced veteran and intelligence leader, shaped the Combat Hunter program. With a decorated career spanning over three decades, various US Department of Defense agencies have sought Greg's expertise, training, and advising mili...

Force Majeure: Keeping Momentum with Alana Stott

May 26, 2023 15:49 - 2 hours - 70.3 MB

Practitioner, Mother, Author, Producer, Publisher, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Spouse, and Partner are a few ways to describe Alana Stott. In our discussion, the recently inducted Member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) talks about her passion for excellence and what it takes to keep a security business, and brand, moving forward. Author and philanthropist, she is a fully trained security practitioner who uses business experience and operational understanding to run ...

Shop Talk: May 2023

May 06, 2023 23:17 - 1 hour - 82.5 MB

It's been a hot minute, so the team discusses current headlines affecting the security industry. As well as catching up, the conversation centers around a few recent articles highlighting deteriorating risk levels in big cities and the consequences on people, assets, and security providers. Conversations around AI and the resurrection of the monthly EP risk report are also had. Please give us your thoughts at [email protected], give us a review, and share CiCP across your networks.

Shop Talk: March 2023

April 02, 2023 23:28 - 1 hour - 106 MB

As the first quarter ends, your CiCP team gathers to talk about the headlines and discuss interesting and poignant news. It's a cavalcade of continuing conversations that include ramifications from power grid attacks, letterbombs sent to journalists, the 2023 annual threat assessment, Haiti, a new U.K. security agency that aims to assist the community and corporations, Russian spies in Mexico, threats to news crews, and more: all this and a quick recap of the successful Bodyguards for Kids e...

Eponymous: The Making of Shawn Ryan

March 17, 2023 17:24 - 2 hours - 100 MB

  Shawn Ryan has traversed multiple paths - US Navy Seal, Cleared Contractor for the Department of State and the Central Intelligence Agencies, Real Estate Broker, and Tactical Trainer - he has pursued a series of passions resulting in the creation of the wildly popular long-form youtube channel and interview podcast, "The Shawn Ryan Show."  On his show, Shawn helps bring out more profound stories from the veteran and business community leaders he speaks with.  We wanted to find out how he...

Diversity: Enabling critical thinking, outreach, and the future of the security industry.

March 03, 2023 16:19 - 2 hours - 99 MB

Diversity is an essential topic in the workplace, and the security field is no different. This week we are joined by Eric Jorgenson and Yari Mcbride from Concentric Advisors, Elizabeth Springs from Uber, and Shannon Gibson from a private family office as we discuss diversity across the board. Originally, this was the Close Protection Conference panel subject, and we felt it would be more impactful to bring it to the podcast. In the excellent discussion, we review what diversity is, what it m...

Shop Talk: February 2023

February 18, 2023 17:54 - 1 hour - 123 MB

We are well into the second month of 2023, and there is no shortage of topics and trending news bytes to examine.  This month's Shop Talk has the team discussing risks identified by various former US homeland Security Executives - Is Run, Hide, Fight outdated - Hazards to religious organizations - Threats to Public Officials, and John Wick's Stalker—this and more from your CiCP team.  Please give us your thoughts at [email protected] and JOIN the conversation.

Bodyguards for Kids: Protecting our future, raising awareness, and educating the industry.

February 06, 2023 14:17 - 36 minutes - 26 MB

Bodyguards for Kids fundraising event for the children of St. Jude is a two-day virtual educational event on March 18 & 19. the activity will bring over 15 subject matter experts from different countries to provide talks and presentations on industry-specific topics, and 100% of all proceeds will go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.    The CiCP team sits down with founders Denida and Chris Grow to discuss the event, how it came to be, what people can expect, and how to g...

Tom Kopecky and the Entrepreneur's Mindset

January 28, 2023 19:25 - 2 hours - 76.5 MB

From Private Detective to Protective Intelligence Technologist Tom (TK) Kopecky has used an expeditionary mindset to help direct and focus the work.  From a stint working for the state of Illinois to crafting the protective intelligence strategies for high net-worth individuals, he has managed his career with one eye on the operational activities and another on refinement, seemingly weaponizing lessons learned to direct future work, understand margins and ensure the best outcomes for both pr...

January 2023: ShopTalk

January 12, 2023 21:51 - 1 hour - 94 MB

CiCP starts the year with a Sesquipedalian episode examining issues and events affecting the security and risk industry.  The team discusses dusting off protocols for working with Law Enforcement, FBI warnings concerning threats against minors, and compounding issues from the January 6th riots.  They also consider the gaps in risk management, highlighted by the recent NYE Times Square incident, TSCM problems with vehicles, attacks against substations, and a shoutout to the Law Enforcement co...

Scientia: Maximizing Training Through a Science-Based Philosophy

December 29, 2022 19:17 - 2 hours - 69.7 MB

Education and training are essential elements in all jobs - doubly so for the protective security industry and those involved in more martial sectors. Owning the basic skillsets of the job is something practitioners must relentlessly pursue in an effort to prevent the unforeseen from rearing its head.   Miyamoto Musashi said, "A thousand days of training to develop, ten thousand days of training to polish. You must examine all this well." Raptor Protection's Chris Butler has dedicated...

2022 Holiday Movie Watch: The Way of The Gun

December 23, 2022 13:00 - 52 minutes - 72.5 MB

It's Christmas Eve... Eve and the team get together to have our annual "what to watch in your downtime" discussion.  Join Chuck, Chris, and Aaron as we muse over Christopher McQuarrie's "Way of The Gun." We discuss tactics, plot, why James Caan's character is fantastic, and invent a new game involving "John Wick."  Happy Holidays to all!  Let us know what you are going to watch at [email protected]

The 2022 Close Protection Conference: CiCP's hot wash

December 19, 2022 11:19 - 34 minutes - 25.9 MB

The International Protective Security Board's (IPSB) annual Close Protection Conference has just concluded, and the team gives their take on this year's gathering.  From the presentations to the fantastic sponsors and exhibitors area, Chuck and Chris discuss their quick interpretations and why they remain excited about everything within the protective industry. Join the conversation and give us your thoughts at [email protected] - Please like and share CiCP!

From Close Protection to Organizational fixer and media founder: The Journey of Oron Ben Simon

December 08, 2022 18:30 - 2 hours - 79.2 MB

The idea of the "international practitioner" is a goal often sought by many in the security, protection, and risk industry. While achievable, it requires adaptability and the presence of mind to see opportunities and not allow yourself to be stuck. On this "close protection week," we catch up with EP Wired founder and SCS - Security Crisis Solutions' Executive Director, Oran Ben Simon. OBS discusses his career, which spans full-time work in over three countries and efforts that span the glob...

Persistence: Maintaining your value in the face of setbacks

November 26, 2022 18:33 - 1 hour - 67.7 MB

We all deal with setbacks. Small or large, they often cause us to doubt our actions, ability, and even values unconsciously. Without even realizing it - a reversal of momentum can have long-lasting effects on career and personal growth. Join us as we discuss dealing with bureaucratic machines, starting a security consultancy, and maintaining your core values with Alchemy Global's Managing Director, Stuart Nash. Having served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), Stuart performed operations and log...

Synchronicity and Risk Vectors

November 03, 2022 19:00 - 2 hours - 109 MB

Risk encompasses many vectors. This week we step back to gain insight and awareness into three different but tangentially essential elements in risk management; protective, cyber, and privacy. Joined by Asymmetric Response's Tom Ryan and Privacy Attorney Jen Sander, the team discusses converged threats, response, and management best practices. Please give us your feedback at [email protected]

Shop Talk: October 22 (It's been a minute)

October 29, 2022 14:58 - 1 hour - 104 MB

It's been a minute, but the team is back to examine recent and relevant events to protectors, practitioners, and the more significant risk and security industry. This month the team discusses efforts to bring security to Haiti, Shinzo Abe assassination probes, a break-in and assault at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home, and The hacking of the New York Post's Twitter feed.  We riff on insider threats, how to think about risk monitoring, coffee, and pay a small homage to a long-time quiet in...

Imminent Threat: Donna Miles on Developing a Hard Target Lifestyle

October 06, 2022 18:00 - 2 hours - 118 MB

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to a threat standing in your bedroom doorway. With no prior training or experience, that is precisely the moment Donna Miles and her then-husband faced. Listen to her harrowing story, learn how the couple reacted, and how she used it to reshape her life, empower others to manage their mindset, and become hard targets. Find out more about Donna's work over at https://www.hardtargetliving.com/  Please give us your feedback at protectiontalk@outloo...

GSX 2022 Wrap-Up

September 22, 2022 20:29 - 43 minutes - 26.2 MB

With the team on the road, Chuck managed to grab multiple protectors and have a quick discussion about GSX '22 and the industry. Join the conversation and send your thoughts to [email protected]

Shop Talk: September 2022

September 15, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 110 MB

GSX is leading this month's early edition of shoptalk as your CiCP team discusses issues of interest to the protective risk community. Join the team and listen in as they discuss the recent attempt to assassinate the VP (and former President) of Argentina, the targeting of an heiress,  Alicia Keys brush with her audience,  HNW prepping, positive feedback from the protector community (no seriously), and more! Please give us your feedback at [email protected].  Please like and share...

Scalability & the Making of a Security Leader: Matt Bohatch

September 01, 2022 18:15 - 2 hours - 91.8 MB

From a Devil Dog to a global security leader, Matt Bohatch has used flexibility and personal awareness as foundational principles in his career. Joining the United States Marine Corps when it was pretty certain you would find yourself in a combat theater, Matt used the skills he acquired as a Marine Embassy Security Guard to launch a successful close-protection career. Matt discusses his decision to become a protector and how being focused and situationally adaptable has helped him along the...

Shop Talk: August 2022

August 25, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 118 MB

Risks continue, which means there is never a lack of issues for the team to discuss.  Please join the conversation as the team CiCP examines recent developments in Haiti, assassination attempts and attacks, and why protectors should take that recent Apple cyber security announcement seriously.  We take time to discuss risk as a tool for network expansion, risk monitoring, the power of NSTRs, and communicating threats within the "protective supply chain."  All this... and more! Join the con...

Clarity, Integrity and Communications: A Conversation with CSO Wendy Bashnan

August 11, 2022 04:35 - 2 hours - 83.1 MB

From a desire to enter the sportscasting arena, Wendy Bashnan quickly pivoted to a life in Law Enforcement fueled by a desire to be in Diplomatic Security.  Wendy takes a career worth of experience and talks to the team about what she learned and how she used those lessons to pivot into a corporate security leadership role with a Fortune 500 organization.  Grab your pencils and get ready...

Being Water: MMA Champion Eric Utsch on becoming a Protector

July 28, 2022 18:19 - 2 hours - 69.3 MB

Humbleness, gratitude, honest self-assessment, and a desire to learn are all things anyone starting in the security industry should keep forefront of their mindset. But what if you already have a successful career and four world MMA world championship titles? The famous martial artist Bruce Lee said, "If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves." MMA Champion-turned-protector Eric Utsch talks to CiCP about what he has brought with him as a new protector and wha...

Shop Talk: July 2022

July 21, 2022 17:05 - 1 hour - 88.8 MB

Summertime is here, and it continues to be heated in the security field. With half the team on the road, it's a caffeine-fueled deep dive into the issues. Including the NYC nuclear attack public service announcement, the late John McAfee's bodyguard's legal matters, large retailers shuttering stores over safety concerns, perceptions about risk mitigation, and more. Join the conversation and give us your thoughts at [email protected] Please like and share CiCP!

CiCP Archives: Bryan Flannery

July 07, 2022 21:20 - 1 hour - 37.2 MB

In this archive edition, the team is joined by Bryan Flannery for a special episode discussing managing the protective environment within a house of worship and religious organizations. Bryan is the President of Foresight Security Consulting and the President of the Northwest Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). He has extensive experience in both the government and private sides of security, protection, and threat assessment and advises multiple religious gr...

Polymaths: CiCP on the Sum of Your Business Pod

July 01, 2022 16:51 - 1 hour - 41.4 MB

Motorcycle showman Evil Knievel said, "I think if you have ability and talent in one way, you have it in all ways. I'm not a jack of all trades; I'm a master of many. I don't feel there is anything I can't do if I want to."~ Being a multifaced lifelong learner is one element in many successful practitioners and leaders. Listen to the team breakdown "The Sum of Your Business" host Tim Flood's discussion with Chuck about polymaths. - Give us your feedback [email protected]

Mission Ukraine: Brad Shepherd

June 23, 2022 17:15 - 1 hour - 65.2 MB

The team caught up with former US Army Ranger, Protective Security Detail Operator, and Corporate Security Specialist Brad Shepherd in Ukraine, where he is operating to deliver needed medical supplies and training resources. With connections to Chris and Chuck, he details how he came to serve in Ukraine (and many other global hotspots), what it takes to work there, and his current observations. It's an excellent conversation about using your network, maintaining awareness, and having a flexi...

Passion, Professionalism, and Fortitude: Lessons Learned from Natasha Ryan

June 18, 2022 00:19 - 1 hour - 71.7 MB

What do reporters, protectors, and intelligence analysts all have in common? The North Group's Vice President of Communications, Natasha Ryan, joins the team this week to discuss that and more. Natasha brings a unique perspective to the industry via her background as a reporter and her time in the media and communications industry. She talks about her passion for security, and situational awareness, gives some tips on briefing, and what's the best way to approach developing professional netw...

Close Protection Industry Shop Talk: May '22

May 27, 2022 00:58 - 1 hour - 47.4 MB

In this episode of Shop Talk, the team discusses the tragic events in Uvalde, TX, among other issues affecting the protector and risk-practitioners community. Please consider helping the Uvalde community - https://saafdn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list

CiCP Archives: Clint Emerson

May 20, 2022 13:19 - 1 hour - 151 MB

Navy Seal, CIA Operative, and Author Clint Emerson recently released his newest book, "The Rugged Life." The team decided to revisit our discussion with him in honor of that. Please enjoy hearing about Clint's background as Seal, Operative, and Author. 

Listener Q and A Time

May 13, 2022 22:21 - 54 minutes - 32.9 MB

While not back into full gear, the world continues to find ways to open up.  Multiple practitioners have emailed and asked how to remain fluid in the current state of play in terms of opportunities and growth.  In this week's episode, the CiCP team responds to these questions from listeners and discusses what they have heard from the field.  Join the conversation at [email protected].

Well Rounded and Driven: Critical Solutions Protective Security Group's Mark Mireles

May 06, 2022 20:54 - 2 hours - 147 MB

This week the CiCP team sat down and talked to the incredibly driven, life-long learner and security business owner, Mark Mireles. He has a background in martial arts, the military, and a highly decorated 30-year veteran of law enforcement and now runs a successful security company in Beverly Hills. This is one of those recipes for success episodes. Grab a pen and paper and take notes. Excellent tips for success from LAPD's only 3 time Medal of Valor earner.

Close Protection Industry Shop Talk: April '22

April 29, 2022 10:44 - 1 hour - 65.3 MB

April's  ShopTalk is here. The team takes a break from operations to catch up and make sense of the headlines. This month they unpack emerging information about the acquittals in the plot to kidnap the Michigan Governor, Los Angeles' rise in gang directed crime, continued efforts (or not) surrounding the investigation into Haitian President Moise's assassination, Fake Homeland Security agents, the US' re-opening of a Ukraine embassy, and more. Get your coffee ready and join in the conversatio...

CiCP Archives: Marcus Torgerson

April 22, 2022 01:16 - 2 hours - 82.5 MB

Spending over four decades working in the security and combatives space, Marcus Torgerson has worked and become "the nightmare for bad guys."  In this archive edition, listen in on Marcus' journey within the industry, Krav Maga, his philosophy, and how he teaches de-escalation and violence-of-action to defenders everywhere. Find out more about him at https://marcustorgerson.com. Let us know your feedback at [email protected]

Training Mindset with AS3 Driving's Pablo Ortiz-Monasterio

April 15, 2022 15:14 - 2 hours - 113 MB

This week the CiCP team discusses a topic they don't touch on very often, but one near and dear to – well – competence and doing the job well: training. We talk to AS3 Driver Training's Co-Founder, Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, about AS3's focus on training foundations and the scientific method to learn and retain performance information. It is an excellent discussion that applies to training and learning across the board, not just driving. Join us. Give us your perspective at protectiontalk@outlo...

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