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Conversations in Close Protection

Chuck Randolph & Chris Storywww.conversationsincloseprotection.com
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

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

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 means...

Mar 03, 20232 hr 23 minSeason 6Ep. 5

Shop Talk: February 2023

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Talk has the team discussing risks identified by various former US homeland Security Executives - Is Run, Hide, Fight outdated - Hazards to religious organizations - Threats to Public Officials, and John Wick's Stalker—this and more from your CiCP team.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 protectiontalk@outlook.com and JOIN the conversation.

Feb 18, 20231 hr 29 minSeason 6Ep. 4

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

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 get invo...

Feb 06, 202336 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Tom Kopecky and the Entrepreneur's Mindset

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 princip...

Jan 28, 20232 hr 22 minSeason 6Ep. 2

January 2023: ShopTalk

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 communit...

Jan 12, 20231 hr 8 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Scientia: Maximizing Training Through a Science-Based Philosophy

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 a signific...

Dec 29, 20222 hrSeason 5Ep. 40

2022 Holiday Movie Watch: The Way of The Gun

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com

Dec 23, 202253 minSeason 5Ep. 40

The 2022 Close Protection Conference: CiCP's hot wash

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com - Please like and share CiCP!

Dec 19, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 39

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

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 globe....

Dec 08, 20222 hr 22 minSeason 5Ep. 38

Persistence: Maintaining your value in the face of setbacks

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 logistics...

Nov 26, 20221 hr 45 minSeason 5Ep. 37

Synchronicity and Risk Vectors

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com.

Nov 03, 20222 hr 39 minSeason 5Ep. 36

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

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 industry ...

Oct 29, 20221 hr 16 minSeason 5Ep. 35

Imminent Threat: Donna Miles on Developing a Hard Target Lifestyle

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@outlook.com...

Oct 06, 20222 hr 54 minSeason 5Ep. 34

GSX 2022 Wrap-Up

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com

Sep 22, 202243 minSeason 5Ep. 33

Shop Talk: September 2022

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com. Please like and share CiCP in ...

Sep 15, 20221 hr 20 minSeason 5Ep. 32

Scalability & the Making of a Security Leader: Matt Bohatch

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 way...

Sep 01, 20222 hr 26 minSeason 5Ep. 31

Shop Talk: August 2022

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 conversation...

Aug 25, 20221 hr 26 minSeason 5Ep. 30

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

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...

Aug 11, 20222 hr 28 minSeason 5Ep. 29

Being Water: MMA Champion Eric Utsch on becoming a Protector

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 what ...

Jul 28, 20222 hr 7 minSeason 5Ep. 28

Shop Talk: July 2022

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com Please like and share CiCP!

Jul 21, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 27

CiCP Archives: Bryan Flannery

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 groups...

Jul 07, 20221 hr 6 minSeason 5Ep. 26

Polymaths: CiCP on the Sum of Your Business Pod

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com

Jul 01, 20221 hr 6 minSeason 5Ep. 25

Mission Ukraine: Brad Shepherd

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 flexible ...

Jun 23, 20221 hr 34 minSeason 5Ep. 24

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

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 networks...

Jun 18, 20221 hr 58 minSeason 5Ep. 23

Close Protection Industry Shop Talk: May '22

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

May 27, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 22

CiCP Archives: Clint Emerson

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.

May 20, 20221 hr 50 minSeason 5Ep. 21

Listener Q and A Time

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com.

May 13, 202254 minSeason 5Ep. 20

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

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.

May 06, 20222 hr 40 minSeason 5Ep. 19

Close Protection Industry Shop Talk: April '22

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 conversation at...

Apr 29, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 18

CiCP Archives: Marcus Torgerson

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 protectiontalk@outlook.com

Apr 22, 20222 hr 31 minSeason 5Ep. 17
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