The CiCP crew is back on home turf. In this episode, Chuck and Chris acknowledge Father’s Day, family, and the evolving responsibilities of leadership—in life and in the field. The team unpack the rising risk environment for executives and high-net-worth individuals, the convergence of digital and physical threats, and the uncomfortable but necessary truths facing modern security leaders. With recent headlines highlighting targeted violence and online radicalization, the team discusses how prote...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 8Ep. 3
In " Seguridad Cuantificada ," your CiCP team dives deep with Kevin Palacios, an intellectual architect transforming executive protection from a gut-feeling profession to a data-driven strategic discipline. With a doctorate-level approach and 25 years of global experience, Palacios deconstructs traditional security paradigms, introducing a revolutionary framework that quantifies protection's business value. Learn how: Executive protection becomes a business enabler, not just a cost center Data a...
Mar 09, 2025•2 hr 33 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Conversations in Close Protection – Shop Talk January 2025, the team breaks down the critical security developments shaping the corporate and global landscape. We examine the tragic UnitedHealthcare incident and its implications for executive protection, the evolving role of security leadership in corporate governance, and the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats in 2025. There is also discussions on the impact of SEC disclosure requirements on executive security, the shifting landscap...
Jan 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 8Ep. 1
The Conversations in Close Protection team discusses insights from Tristan Flannery of Presage Global, focusing on their upcoming Industry Training Survey. The conversation highlights the need for protectors to adapt to modern threats through education, technology, and soft skills. It addresses growth opportunities in the industry, including increased salary expectations and the demand for specialized training among mid-career professionals. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives on how the executiv...
Nov 11, 2024•2 hr 9 min•Season 7Ep. 12
Fall is here, but the risks are not cooling down. The team unpacks recent events, upcoming events, and highlights from recent conferences and travels. By all measures, fall is going to be something. Stay up on the talk and join the conversation at protectiontalk@outlook.com
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 7Ep. 11
As the busy season kicks off, the team pauses to reflect on two significant industry events they recently attended. They dive into their experiences at the annual Threat Management Conference (TMC) hosted by the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and CTG's 8th Annual Physical Cyber Convergence Forum in Phoenix. Both gatherings offered invaluable networking opportunities, thought-provoking discussions, and insightful conversations, proving worth the investment. Also discussed i...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 7Ep. 10
The CiCP team takes time out of their summer travels to discuss recent events, including the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, recent global network issues, and revelations about North Korean agents working inside well-known cybersecurity companies. Don't forget to rate us and send us your comments to protectiontalk@outlook.com
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 7Ep. 9
The team breaks tradition in this month's Shop Talk and welcomes an exceptional visitor. Former CiCP guest, bestselling author, and former US State Department Special Agent Fred Burton, who also served as the Chief of Counterterrorism and Assistant Director for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the Texas Department of Public Safety and former Chief Security Officer, joins the team for a dynamic discussion. Gathered around the digital campfire, the team discusses: The current heightened state ...
Jul 06, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Uriah Riley's journey in the close protection industry illustrates his unwavering dedication to learning and growth. While many individuals transition from the military to the private sector, Uriah took the opposite path. He entered the Air Force Reserves after embarking on a career in protective operations, seeking to expand his expertise in the industry. His military (and policing) background is a distinguished credential and a valuable asset, providing him with crucial training, knowledge, an...
Jun 19, 2024•2 hr 27 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Security oversight is a double-edged sword, with many in the industry juggling roles as practitioners and administrators. Even within larger organizations that support distinct leadership functions, those in middle management often find themselves balancing hands-on tasks with supervisory responsibilities. Join the team as they catch up with Eablement Advisors' Ivor Terret. Long overdue, Ivor talks about the plight of management and how he sees the industry moving to support the shifting paradig...
May 28, 2024•2 hr 8 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Get ready for a compelling blend of global affairs and lively conversation! We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Treston Wheat, the mastermind behind the acclaimed ' Geopolitics and Gin ' blog. Dr. Wheat, a security expert and our favorite PhD, will guide us through today's most pressing geopolitical issues, offering insights for protectors and leaders alike. Join us as we unpack complex challenges and potential solutions while raising a glass (or two) with the good Doctor. Expect a thought-provok...
Apr 19, 2024•2 hr 17 min•Season 7Ep. 5
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 events - elect...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 7Ep. 4
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 Centur...
Feb 25, 2024•2 hr 29 min•Season 7Ep. 3
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 more abo...
Jan 27, 2024•2 hr 18 min•Season 7Ep. 2
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! protectiontalk@outlook.com
Jan 05, 2024•46 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 protecitontalk@outlook.com Keelson Strategic sponsors this episode.
Dec 02, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Season 6Ep. 20
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 these t...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 6Ep. 19
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.
Nov 11, 2023•2 hr 34 min•Season 6Ep. 18
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 event se...
Oct 21, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 6Ep. 17
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 modern F...
Oct 06, 2023•2 hr 19 min•Season 6Ep. 16
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's new ...
Sep 13, 2023•2 hr 22 min•Season 6Ep. 15
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 leader Yevge...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 6Ep. 14
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, Ross sh...
Aug 09, 2023•2 hr 23 min•Season 6Ep. 13
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, Lau...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 58 min•Season 6Ep. 12
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 this...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 6Ep. 11
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 military a...
Jun 21, 2023•2 hr 47 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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 the ...
May 26, 2023•2 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 9
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 protectiontalk@outlook.com, give us a review, and share CiCP across your networks....
May 06, 2023•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 8
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 event...
Apr 02, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 6Ep. 7
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 found his...
Mar 17, 2023•2 hr 25 min•Season 6Ep. 6
