055 - The Backbone of Modern Security: Networks, AI, and the Human Factor
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
Release Date: 07/02/2025
073 - What Keeps You Safe When Everything Goes Wrong?
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
What should you know before investing in a gun safe, vault door, safe room, or storm shelter? In this episode, Brink and Tom sit down with Mark Brasfield, founder of Nashville Safe House and one of the largest Browning safe dealers in the world. Mark shares his journey from the airline industry to entrepreneurship, explains common misconceptions about safe ratings and fire protection, and discusses how homeowners can think strategically about physical security. The conversation also explores storm shelters, vault doors, reputation in business, and the real-world stories that have shaped Mark's...
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072 - Foundations of Church Security Teams (Part 3)
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In Part 3 of our Foundations of Church Security Teams series, we move beyond the initial response and focus on one of the most critical, and often overlooked, parts of a church security incident: what happens after contact is made with the threat. This episode covers the realities of integrating with responding law enforcement, how to conduct effective handoffs during a critical incident, why communication failures create danger, and the importance of tracking personnel and cleared areas inside your facility. Adam McIntyre shares lessons from Special Operations leadership, practical guidance...
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071 - Getting to Know Michael Bearden | From Green Beret to Defend Systems
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Bearden, Defend Systems’ new VP of Strategy and a former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret. Mike shares the story of his military career, from deploying to Iraq just months after graduating high school, to working in some of the most demanding environments in modern warfare, to eventually serving in 5th Special Forces Group. Along the way, he discusses Ranger School, combat deployments to the Middle East and Central Asia, the realities behind Special Operations missions, leadership under pressure, and the mindset required to operate in high-stakes...
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070 - Foundations of Church Security Teams (Part 2)
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this second part of Foundations of Church Security Teams, Brink and Tom sit down with Adam McIntyre, Director of Training at Defend Systems, to discuss building and developing an effective safety team through the right mindset, strong leadership, and practical training. We cover communication, de-escalation, realistic preparation, and why consistency and standards matter. The episode also emphasizes medical readiness, proper team structure, and preparing for real-world threats beyond the basics. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we discuss handoffs to law enforcement and post-incident recovery....
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069 - Foundations of Church Security Teams (Part 1)
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...
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068 - Empowered, Not Afraid: A Civilian Perspective on Active Shooter Training
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
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...
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067 - Inside the Investigations That Close the Case
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
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...
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066 - Raising the Bar in Private Security
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
Bobby Young, Founder of , 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...
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065 - 120 Marathons, One Mission: Keep Kids Safe Online
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Ben Tracy, founder of , a platform dedicated to helping people navigate life in the digital age. He’s also the creator of , 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...
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064 - Hardening the Perimeter: Expert Insights
Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
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...
info_outlineIn 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/
Notes:
7:22 – Why all modern security, from cameras to gun detection, is network-based
8:10 – Herring’s secret weapon: real-world IT lab testing, not brand loyalty
9:55 – Why the network is the single most important part of any security system
14:21 – How small upgrades can cause big issues
17:00 – The best tools still need trained people behind them
21:00 – 24/7 support: how Herring prioritizes responsiveness
25:00 – Demystifying AI to match the right tools
28:30 – Recap of ISC West: What’s big in security tech right now
33:45 – “Compliant” vs. truly integrated technologies
36:00 – Tech that holds people accountable, not replaces them
37:45 – Most exciting AI: reducing human error with smart automation
42:00 – The art and science of camera placement