Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast

What does it actually take to build an effective church security team?

In Part 1 of this series, Brink and Tom sit down with Adam McIntyre, Director of Training at Defend Systems, to break down the foundations of church safety, from who should be on your team to why having any team is better than none. Adam shares practical insights on recruitment, roles, communication, and common mistakes churches make when getting started.

Whether your church is just beginning to think about safety or looking to strengthen an existing team, this episode offers clear, experience-driven guidance to help you take the next step.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive into how to train a team effectively.

1:03 – Introduction to the series: developing, recruiting, training, and maintaining a church safety team with Adam McIntyre, Director of Training at Defend Systems

5:50 – Why pastors should not lead safety team development and how it can polarize a congregation

7:44 – A high-level approach: prioritize the right 5 people over a large, uncommitted team

9:36 – The #1 rule: have a team

11:00 – What makes a good team member?

11:55 – The Security Operations Center (SOC): why your camera operator plays a critical role

16:00 – The challenge of multiple entry points: managing doors effectively

20:15 – Why gamers often make excellent SOC operators

21:55 – The importance of radio training and clear communication

23:40 – Key traits to look for: humility, communication, and a willingness to train

26:30 – Identifying and leveraging people who can augment your team

27:00 – Limited training time: why efficiency and clear SOPs are critical

30:47 – Reference: West Freeway Church of Christ shooting and lack of coordination

32:15 – Resource highlight: Faith-Based Security Network

35:20 – Start with private recruiting before making public announcements

38:45 – Small vs. large churches: same principles, different execution

40:00 – Local collaboration and how we can connect you with resources - email [email protected]

Coming Next: Part 2 – How to train a church security team

What really changes after active shooter response training? In this episode, Mary Dexter, Facilities Manager at National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), shares her "before and after" perspective following Defend Systems training.

Mary explains why she felt compelled to bring the training to her leadership team, and what shifted across her organization once employees experienced it. From facility walkthroughs to rapid response medical training, she discusses the practical value of preparation and why this training is about empowerment, not fear.

If you're a business leader, facilities manager, or everyday civilian wondering whether this training is worth the time, this episode offers a firsthand look at what it actually feels like to go through it, and why Mary says there's no reason not to equip people with knowledge that could save a life.

3:20 — Why this episode exists: hearing from an everyday civilian about empowerment, not fear

4:16 — Why Mary advocated to bring active shooter response training to NASBA

7:20 — Who initiates security training and why it's now viewed like disaster preparedness

12:50 — Mary's view on the time commitment

15:10 — Considering the risk of employees regularly exposed to public environments

16:39 — You never know the final trigger in a person in crisis

18:00 — Three confirmed life-saves from rapid response medical training

19:15 — No one wants to face this, but it's necessary

20:14 — Why Mary calls the training empowering, not fear-based

26:00 — Emotional investment without causing trauma

31:14 — Why laws and codes haven't caught up

32:59 — Encouraging listeners to contact elected representatives

34:49 — No reason not to empower people with life-saving knowledge

37:19 — Perishable skills and training your primitive brain

38:38 — Addressing prior trauma and offering pre-conversations with employees

41:42 — Those who trained may have to care for those who didn't

43:10 — A skillset that lasts a lifetime

In his last appearance on the podcast, Bobby Young joined us to discuss the armed security side of Covert Results. This time, he returns alongside Olivia Wilson, who leads the private investigation division, to dive into the realities of PI work—far from what movies portray. They break down what private investigation actually looks like, from hours-long surveillance and due diligence to complex civil and custody cases, and share how their team helped bring the George Jones' widow fraud case to completion through careful investigation and coordination with law enforcement.

2:35 Olivia's start at the Metro Nashville Police Academy

3:56 Olivia's role overseeing investigative work at Covert Results

5:12 Why people always ask about the "craziest" PI stories

8:20 Movie surveillance vs. real-life surveillance

10:53 A case Covert Results is especially proud of

11:35 Serving a lawsuit tied to cryptocurrency fraud involving George Jones' widow

14:30 Working with police to stop the suspect fleeing the country

17:20 A successful example of PIs and law enforcement working together

21:30 The realities of surveillance: no bathrooms, long hours, full gas tanks

26:00 More details on the George Jones' widow fraud case

27:20 Remembering Nancy Jones and her humility

30:49 The Smokin Thighs murder case

36:18 Unusual cases, including stolen pets

36:53 Child custody case involving drug activity and surveillance

41:37 Bobby's most memorable missing persons case

44:05 A cyberstalking investigation

46:20 Learn more at www.covertresults.com

Bobby Young, Founder of Covert Results, shares his journey from Metro Nashville Police to building one of the region's most trusted security and investigative firms. Bobby explains why proactive security, relentless standards, and continuous training matter, and why real protection goes far beyond simply posting a guard. From schools and churches to high-profile events, this episode dives into what sets exceptional security apart.

2:08 Bobby's background and path into armed security and investigations

3:20 Metro Nashville Police Academy; joining the 20th Judicial Drug Task Force and participating in Nashville's largest cocaine seizure

5:08 Founding Covert Results with his mother-in-law; now in year nine

10:20 Competing to rank #1 on Google for "top private investigators in Nashville"

13:08 Why real protection is more than "a person with a gun"

18:45 Overview of Covert Results' services: Event, school, church, executive, and building security (no bar security)

19:10 Why unarmed security often falls short

21:50 "If I'm signing us up for something, I'm willing to do it myself."

24:00 A story from a large event where Bobby's team acted fast

27:30 Relentlessness as a core value

29:27 Rapid growth in school security

31:35 High standards for guards: training beyond minimum qualifications

37:00 New Tennessee law requiring active shooter training for armed guards in schools and churches

39:15 Recruiting professionals committed to high standards

41:30 Contact Bobby: [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Tracy, founder of Safe Social Network, a platform dedicated to helping people navigate life in the digital age. He's also the creator of Haven, a step-by-step online safety resource for parents.

Ben shares his unexpected origin story, how he was fired from his first job in politics after someone resurfaced his old tweets. That moment pushed him to start speaking to others about digital awareness, online reputation, and the real dangers kids face every day. Ben also opens up about his run across America: 120 marathons in 125 days, honoring kids lost to online dangers. He carried their names and stories on the back of an RV.

We discuss location sharing, cyberbullying, online predators, the emotional toll of exclusion, fentanyl dealers on social media, and why the future demands a new level of courage from parents.

Learn more about Ben at safesocialnetwork.com and usehavensafety.com.

1:55 Ben's work: online safety, digital citizenship, and responsible social media use

3:27 Haven: a platform for parents

7:20 Location sharing on Snapchat: physical and mental health risks.

9:09 Ben's first job, getting fired, and starting Safe Social Network

11:34 Kids asking for help with online predators, cyberbullying, and self-esteem issues

13:53 Roblox dangers

15:54 Ben's run across the U.S., speaking about online safety and meeting parents of kids lost to online dangers

17:23 Children's names on RV

20:59 A marathon every day, logistics, and support

21:50 Only ~300 people have done this run across the U.S.

29:07 Meeting dad Chris Diddier, fentanyl awareness, and the finish line of the run

34:00 "It's as easy for a teenager to get fentanyl on social media as it is to order a pizza."

34:40 Top 3 takeaways

40:05 "They're not adults because we give them an adult tool."

45:30 Society's responsibility to victims

46:45 Learn more about Ben: safesocialnetwork.com, usehavensafety.com (for parents), @benjtracy

In this episode, we sit down with Brent Terry, one of the most trusted experts in vehicle barriers, perimeter protection, and critical-infrastructure security. Through his work with Security Solutions International, LLC, Titan Gate & Fence Company, and Nashville Commercial Fence, Brent has secured everything from storefronts and stadiums to embassies, military bases, and international facilities.

We break down the real differences between hydraulic bollards and wedge barriers, what makes certain systems lethal, how barrier ratings actually work, and why organizations, from major venues to high-risk military installations, turn to Brent for protection. Brent shares stories from Quantico, King's Bay Submarine Base, projects in Barbados and Madagascar, and the practical realities behind securing busy areas like Broadway in Nashville.

A must-listen for anyone interested in physical security and high-risk infrastructure.

2:40 — Brent's background and his companies: Security Solutions International, LLC; Titan Gate & Fence Company; and Nashville Commercial Fence.

5:05 — What hydraulic bollards are and how they protect storefronts and buildings.

7:05 — Explanation of wedge barriers: steel plates mounted in asphalt that rise to a 45-degree angle

7:45 — Why military bases and other facilities choose non-lethal wedge barriers to reduce liability.

8:40 — Understanding barrier ratings and how speed factors into performance.

9:55 — The types of organizations that hire Brent most often.

10:20 — Adam McIntyre, Director of Training at Defend Systems, shares how the military protects bases and embassies.

20:45 — Discussion about Broadway in Nashville and what Brent recommends for events

22:08 — The January 1 New Orleans incident and what protective measures could have been in place.

23:50 — The cost comparison conversation and the question, "What's a life worth?"

26:20 — Brent's biggest project: Quantico, a year-long installation with extensive fencing.

26:58 — Brent's most interesting project: King's Bay submarine base, with three layers of fencing and unique requirements.

28:56 — International project in Barbados securing a prison

30:40 — Brent's reputation as a trusted expert in the field and his contact information: [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Brooks, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of ZeroEyes, to explore what inspired a mission to prevent future violence through AI-powered gun detection. A former Navy SEAL, Dustin shares how ZeroEyes combines cutting-edge technology with human verification to provide real-time situational awareness to schools, businesses, and communities. He discusses the evolution of camera security, the importance of layered protection, and the ethical standards that guide ZeroEyes' work. Tune in for an insightful look at the intersection of innovation, preparedness, and how collaboration across the industry can save lives.

02:20 – Dustin shares his background as a Navy SEAL and how ZeroEyes began. The founding question: Can existing cameras detect visible guns and give security teams real-time awareness to minimize harm?

06:20 – How ZeroEyes combines software with a managed human service

07:20 – The critical human factor: real people verifying every alert

10:15 – Why ZeroEyes invests heavily in its operations center to continually improve accuracy

18:00 – Adam explains how this software could assist Special Operators overseas

23:15 – Customer expectations: What do organizations want from AI gun detection?

25:20 – Educating customers: managing expectations and understanding limitations

28:55 – Mitigation vs. prevention

31:05 – ZeroEyes success criteria: 1) Responding quickly to an event, and 2) Tracking the situation as it unfolds

36:00 – "Everyone's got a plan until they've been punched in the face." How ZeroEyes helps teams triage and act fast.

38:15 – ZeroEyes economies of scale model

40:33 – Three arrests last weekend highlight the success of the product

44:50 – The Gun Violence Database: an educational resource on the ZeroEyes website

45:45 – "A rising tide raises all ships." Dustin's call for collaboration within the safety and security industry.

Former Chattanooga and Nashville Police Officer Steven Meador sits down with Brink and Adam to share what it's like to respond to two active shooter events during his law enforcement career, including the 2015 Chattanooga military recruiting center attack and the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville.

Steven reflects on those days, brotherhood that forms in moments of danger, and the lasting impact of trauma that first responders carry long after the scenes clear. He speaks with honesty about what he saw, what he felt, and how therapy has helped him continue forward.

1:10 – Introducing Officer Steven Meador

4:00 – Early career

First Shooting of His Career

6:10 – First active shooter response in law enforcement

20:00 – Shots fired directly at Meador

22:45 – Training and teamwork—how officers came together under pressure

23:20 – The importance of standards and preparation in crisis

The 2015 Chattanooga Military Attack

26:30 – Hearing the call come over the radio

30:00 – Protective gear limitations and risk

31:30 – Encountering the first victims on scene

32:45 – Searching for potential car bombs and additional shooters

35:15 – Realizing four Marines had been killed

35:25 – Confusion over the suspect's vest—possible explosives

37:15 – Processing the day alongside fellow officer Sean O'Brien

38:00 – Brotherhood amidst danger

The 2023 Covenant School Shooting

45:15 – Recognizing the call wasn't another false alarm

47:25 – Calling his wife and father before heading to the scene

53:00 – Reconciling cognitive dissonance of children's backpacks and books amidst violence

Aftermath and Advice

1:03:50 – Reflections as a father—walking past his daughter's room that night

1:06:53 – The unseen aftermath of response work

1:09:20 – Advice for those facing trauma

1:11:00 – Finding someone you trust—both a professional and a friend who's been through it too

In this episode, Brink and Tom break down recent events in the U.S., from the Ukrainian refugee stabbing on a train, to the Colorado school shooting, the Charlie Kirk attack, and a country club incident in New Hampshire. They discuss how these events reveal a troubling rise of evil in our country, shifts in societal behavior, and the importance of rapid response training. Learn practical ways to protect yourself and others.

3:05 – Ukrainian refugee stabbing incident on a train and lack of help

4:30 – Societal shift post-COVID: fewer people willing to protect others

6:25 – Social proof: one person taking action can inspire others

7:15 – Most people don't know bleeding control; Defend Systems courses include rapid response medical training

9:30 – Learning from threats: e.g., sit with your back to the wall on trains

10:00 – The country has a heart problem; evil is present

16:20 – Mass gathering attacks: Annunciation Catholic Church shooting and lessons on meeting force with force

18:15 – Ballistic laminate is costly; human monitoring and armed response are key

23:20 – Layered mitigation strategies are the best defense

25:00 – Security directors need input on building and planning decisions

28:15 – Evergreen High School shooting

30:40 – Prevent crises by caring and noticing people's needs early

34:05 – Technology like motion cameras can detect threats early (Charlie Kirk event example)

42:30 – Always know multiple exits, even at weddings (New Hampshire country club incident)

44:50 – Rapid response medical training should be widely available, including in schools

46:10 – Real-life example: a tourniquet saved a Defend Systems client's life after a mitre saw accident

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