049 - Abby McLean - Know Their Stories: Voices from March 27, 2023
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
Release Date: 03/31/2025
063 - How ZeroEyes Uses AI to Save Lives
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
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,...
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062 - Answering the Call: An Officer’s Response to an Active Shooter
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
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 –...
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061 - Staying Ready: Lessons from Recent Threats
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
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:...
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060 - Security After Charlie Kirk
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
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...
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059 - Fighting Cybercrime: From the FBI to Overt Channel
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
Bart Holzer, cyber expert and founder of Overt Channel, shares his journey from FBI intern to tackling high-profile cybercrime cases. He recounts early days investigating online criminals, cases like Top 10 fugitive Charles Cobb and serial killer Maury Travis, and how the Patriot Act reshaped the landscape for cybersecurity experts. Bart also breaks down what you should do if you become a victim of cybercrime, why recovery vs. prosecution is a constant trade-off, and why every business and family needs a cybersecurity plan. From multi-factor authentication to password managers and protecting...
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058 - Smarter Security Screening with CEIA’s OPENGATE® Technology
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this episode, we explore CEIA’s OPENGATE® system, sharing insights from hands-on testing. Unlike traditional metal detectors, OPENGATE® is wireless, portable, weather-resistant, and managed through a mobile app, making it faster to deploy and easier to use in dynamic school and event environments. Guest Matt Samels from CEIA USA breaks down what sets this system apart, and Tom highlights Herring Technology’s experience field-testing the product. We also discuss the importance of training, proper implementation, and lessons learned from real-world incidents. Notes: 1:32 – Intro to...
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057 - Protecting People, Not Just Products: Security at GEODIS
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
Craig Parker, Head of Supply Chain Security at GEODIS, oversees safety across a global logistics network. In this episode, he shares the real-world challenges of securing both people and products, from workplace violence and domestic threats to theft and brand protection. Craig unpacks why security is often invisible until the moment it matters most and how meaningful change usually follows tragedy. Whether you're in corporate security or just care about workplace safety, this conversation offers valuable insights on preparedness and the power of effective security partnerships. Notes: 2:00...
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056 - Tragedy in Chattanooga and an Officer’s Journey to Healing
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this powerful episode, Chief Sean O’Brien of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department shares his remarkable journey through decades in law enforcement, including an account of the July 16, 2015 terrorist attack in Chattanooga. From his first officer-involved shooting in 1994 to leading K9 units, interdiction operations, and active shooter response training, Sean opens up about the moments that tested him most. He discusses the physical and emotional toll of life-or-death encounters and the conversation around mental health in law enforcement. Sean speaks candidly about...
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055 - The Backbone of Modern Security: Networks, AI, and the Human Factor
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Hatcher, Director of Technology Operations at Herring Technology, to break down the modern landscape of security systems. From AI-powered cameras and facial recognition to the often-overlooked power of a strong network, Aaron shares how his team tests, deploys, and supports cutting-edge tech for real-world protection. We also dive into key takeaways from ISC West (the security industry’s largest international tradeshow) and why human training still matters, even with the best tools. Learn More about Herring Technology: https://herringtechnology.com/...
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054 - Travel Smarter: Burglars Love When You Post from the Beach
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this episode, we dive into the risks of oversharing on social media while traveling and how it can make you a target for burglars. From real stories about alarm calls and serial burglars to why most break-ins happen during the day, Brink and Tom share practical safety tips to protect your home and yourself. Learn what to pack for safer vacations, how to check crime maps before you go, and why reviewing crime data beats relying on online reviews. They also cover essentials like firearms and permits, using pepper spray correctly, and simple hotel security hacks. Notes: 1:05 — Risks of...
info_outlineIn 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 school security. We also discuss the broader implications—how schools and parents must take proactive steps to protect children, the importance of ongoing training, and the lasting impact of trauma on survivors.
This episode is a reminder that preparedness matters and that behind every tragedy are real people, real lives, and a call to action we cannot ignore.
Notes:
01:27: How people handle the aftermath
04:55: Abby recounts her experience on March 27, 2023
13:10: It took one hour to find out information on her children’s safety
18:00: Actions taken by staff during the event
23:15: We’ve seen police freeze under less stress than these teachers were under
23:40: The middle is where the difference is made
29:10: Defend Systems breaks this event down in their training because of all the remarkable decisions made on March 27, 2023
32:00: The importance of hard corners
37:35: Talk to your child’s school about forced entry protection on glass in doors
46:00: Abby’s experience at Defend Systems’ active shooter response training
58:20: The emotional aftermath of the event
1:14:00: Abby talks about society forgetting these events
1:18:40: Convincing school boards to make the investment in training for staff
1:22:00: Why Brink and Tracey did a walkthrough of the crime scene
1:26:00: When you hear data on how fast these events occur, it changes everything