046 - Breakdown of the Antioch High School Shooting
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
Release Date: 02/13/2025
049 - Abby McLean - Know Their Stories: Voices from March 27, 2023
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Abby McLean, a Covenant School parent on March 27, 2023, as she recounts the day of the shooting and the painful journey that followed. From the moment she received the first call to the agonizing time spent searching for her children, Abby shares the raw emotions, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming grief that forever changed her family and community. Through her story, we gain insight into the heroic actions of teachers, the life-saving decisions made under extreme stress, and the aftermath that fractured relationships and reshaped perspectives on...
info_outline
An Introduction to Know Their Stories: Voices from March 27, 2023
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
On March 27, 2023, Katherine Koonce, Mike Hill, Cynthia Peak, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, and Evelyn Dieckhaus lost their lives to a shooter at The Covenant School in Nashville, TN. The impact extends beyond the victims, affecting their families, staff, students, first responders, and the community. This series seeks to amplify their voices. Through conversations with people in this community, we explore lessons in crisis response and the lasting effects of tragedy. This podcast series is about honoring those affected, the importance of storytelling in healing, learning how we can be...
info_outline
048 - Michael Collazo - Know Their Stories: Voices from March 27, 2023
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this episode, we are honored to welcome Detective Michael Collazo as he shares his journey—from his early years and decision to join the Marine Corps to his path in law enforcement and the day that made his name known across the nation: March 27, 2023. Along the way, he and Brink, a former Nashville police officer, swap stories, share laughs, and reflect on the unique experiences that come with wearing the badge. This past January, Michael was awarded the Medal of Valor by President Biden for his heroic actions at The Covenant School, where he and four fellow officers ran toward...
info_outline
047 - Empowering Everyday Heroes: Active Violence Response Training with Defend Systems
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this powerful episode, Brink Fidler and Tom Herring sit down with Tracey Mendenhall, VP of Defend Systems, to discuss the critical importance of active violence response training across various sectors. Timed Highlights: - The importance of preparation and prevention in safety training - Tracey's passion for empowering civilians through training - Why teachers are the most motivated and impactful training participants - Training spans diverse sectors: from orthodontic offices to country music tours - The unwavering commitment of teachers to protect their students - Practical, simple...
info_outline
046 - Breakdown of the Antioch High School Shooting
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this special episode, we break down the shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville and discuss steps that must be taken to protect our schools and prevent future tragedies. We discuss the warning signs, social media threats, security measures like metal detectors and AI software, and the critical role of training and preparation. As former teachers, law enforcement, and military personnel, we use our insights to challenge you to take action before it’s too late. How can we move beyond reactive solutions and truly protect our students? Notes: 2:25 - We don’t name...
info_outline
045 - Preparing for Modern Threats: Insights from a Green Beret, Adam McIntyre
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this episode, Brink and Tom are joined by Adam McIntyre, a Retired U.S. Army Green Beret, for an eye-opening discussion on the critical role of mindset and preparation in today’s increasingly unpredictable world. Together, they explore essential safety and security practices to keep in mind wherever you go, while Adam shares unique insights into the mindset of volatile foreign adversaries and the threats they pose to the United States. Notes: (1:00) Guest Adam McIntyre, Defend Systems—retired U.S. Army Green Beret with 20 years of service, 15 years in special operations,...
info_outline
044 - Risky Business: Turning Chaos into Control
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
We’re back! In this episode of Tips, Tactics, and Tools, Brink and Tom sit down with a former private school risk manager, Gloria Maas, to explore the critical role of proactive strategies in mitigating risk. Learn why playing defense isn’t enough, how to make your tech work smarter, and why a risk register could be your new best friend. From avoiding costly losses to making sure everyone knows how to pull the right footage, this episode is packed with tips to turn your safety strategy from dusty to effective. Notes: (2:26) Guest Gloria Maas, Defend Systems–former...
info_outline
043 - Breakdown of the Uvalde Shooting and Solutions for the Future
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this special episode, we break down the Uvalde shooting and discuss future effective mitigation strategies to protect our schools. Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: Tips, Tactics, and Tools for a Safer Tomorrow was born out of several conversations between Brink Fidler and Tom Herring that always revolved around how they focus on properly educating their clients in order to maximize their effectiveness and customer service. Both companies strive to meet the same end goal and that is to increase the...
info_outline
042 - Season 2, Back from Hiatus!
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
Brink and Tom are back at it kicking off 2022 with new episodes! It’s been awhile since we last were on and there have been quite a few changes in our culture. Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: As usual, a few things came up: 2:30 - BRINK - How sad is it that I have a company that does what it does? 4:30 - TOM - What vertical has been the most lucrative? Anything with humans involved. 6:20 - BRINK - Violent crime in Nashville is through the roof. 7:40 - BRINK - When was the last time you...
info_outline
041 - Dan McCarthy :: The Battle for Michigan
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
The battle against business closures and economic shutdowns has been hard fought in 2020. In Michigan, they have been the Fort Sumter of opening salvos around the country when it comes to a Governor overstepping their bounds. Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: In this episode, Brink and Tom talk with Dan McCarthy, an attorney who has led the charge against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on behalf of his clients and ultimately the people of the state. It’s not a battle that Dan has aspired to wage, but felt...
info_outlineIn this special episode, we break down the shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville and discuss steps that must be taken to protect our schools and prevent future tragedies. We discuss the warning signs, social media threats, security measures like metal detectors and AI software, and the critical role of training and preparation. As former teachers, law enforcement, and military personnel, we use our insights to challenge you to take action before it’s too late. How can we move beyond reactive solutions and truly protect our students?
Notes:
2:25 - We don’t name shooters
3:10 - Threat assessment had been done on this particular student
4:55 - Someone made the decision to let him come back
7:00 - Intent had been shared on social media
9:20 - “It’s not missed, it’s being dismissed”
15:15 - Metal detector misconceptions
17:50 - Adam’s thoughts on metal detectors and 2000 students in one area at one time
20:35 - AI gun-detection software that Metro Nashville Public Schools uses
28:40 - How critical is perceived threat in the military? Adam responds on the importance of training.
30:00 - Technology is NOT a replacement for the human
32:00 - Some SROs become friends with students and get far from focusing on students as potential threats which is dangerous.
36:00 - People’s response was all over the place – subs without keys, etc.
42:00 - Go to your kid’s school’s board members to ask what they’re doing and how.
Tips, Tactics, and Tools for a Safer Tomorrow was born out of several conversations between Brink Fidler and Tom Herring that always revolved around how they focus on properly educating their clients in order to maximize their effectiveness and customer service.
Both companies strive to meet the same end goal and that is to increase the safety and security posture of their clients.
Brink’s company, Defend Systems, specializes in physical security consulting and active shooter mitigation training, while Tom’s company, Herring Technology, focuses on being the best security technology integrator in the industry that can provide a one stop shop for any client’s technology needs.
The focus of this podcast is to educate and empower people. We discuss everything related to safety and security be it at home, work, church, or the mall. We take an in depth look at security technology, ease of use, reliability, and DIY products for homeowners.
Follow Brink:
www.defendsystems.com
Follow Tom:
www.herringtechnology.com
Tips, Tactics and Tools is Produced and Edited by www.itsyourshow.co