The GSPG Podcast

Event Announcement: Bodyguards for Kids 2025

We’re sharing an incredible opportunity to learn from leading security experts while supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bodyguards for Kids, a two-day virtual fundraising event, takes place on March 29th and 30th, 2025 and features 14 expert speakers covering key topics in executive protection and security management.

This event is open to everyone in the security industry and beyond, and 100% of donations go directly to St. Jude to help children battling life-threatening illnesses.

Event Details:

📅 Date: March 29-30, 2025
🎟️ Minimum Donation to Attend: $50
🎁 Includes:
✔️ Access to two full days of educational sessions
✔️ Entry into a raffle with gear, books, and security-related scholarships

Featured Topics & Speakers Include:

• The Safety Seminar
• The Art of Human Hacking
• Protective Strategies for Multimedia Security in the Age of AI
• Cultural Etiquette and Protocol for EP Agents
• Through the Looking Glass with OSINT
• Geopolitics for Protectors
• Developing a Robust Executive Protection Program from the Ground Up

How to Participate:

🔹 Donate at least $50 to register for the event
🔹 Sponsorship Opportunities Available:

• $250 minimum donation for individuals to be listed as event sponsors
• $500 minimum donation for companies to be listed as sponsors

Note: After donating, email: info@lemareschal.com to receive the Zoom link or be listed as a sponsor.

Other Ways to Support:

📚 Do you have security-related products, books, or training courses? Consider donating them as raffle prizes to help raise more for St. Jude!

Why This Matters:

Since 2023, Bodyguards for Kids has hosted 30 international subject matter experts and raised $35,779 for St. Jude. This year, the goal is even bigger.

💯 All donations go directly to St. Jude to support children in need.

Learn More & Donate

🔍 Search "Bodyguards for Kids" to find the event page on the St. Jude website.

📢This event is for the kids. Let’s make a difference together!

🎙 Don’t forget to subscribe to The GSPG Podcast and never miss another executive protection or security management conversation. 

A Message From Our Team: Giveaway Winner Announcement

In this episode, we announce our very first giveaway winner—Glenn Davis!

Using Rafflys, Glenn was randomly selected to receive a signed copy of "The Protected," generously donated by Michael Trott. Thanks to everyone for your continued support of the GSPG Podcast!

We look forward to bringing you more valuable content and additional giveaway opportunities in the future!

A Message From Our Host: 2025 Giveaway Announcement

Our 2025 Giveaway Announcement: 

Michael (MT) Trott, our guest from Episode #1 and author of "The Protected", has generously contributed a signed copy of his work as the prize for our first giveaway. His book has received priase from the protective security community and from his former protectee, Central Intelligence Agency Director George Tenet, who stated, "Michael provides invaluable insights and intelligent perspectives into the world of personal protection.”

Giveaway Details:

⏳ This giveaway will run from January 17th to January 31th.

📣 Our winner will be announced on February 3rd.

🎱 We will use Rafflys to randomly select our giveaway winner.

Giveaway Entry Instructions:

1️⃣ Non-Followers: Simply follow The GSPG Podcast page on LinkedIn to be entered.

2️⃣ Current Followers: Like, share, or comment on our coresponding Linkedin post to be entered.

Behavioral Threat Assessment in Executive Protection and Corporate Security Programs with Jameson Ritter

On this episode of The GSPG Podcast, Ronald J. interviews Threatwise Global founder, Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) Great Lakes Chapter President, and former UnitedHealth Group Global Threat assessment Program Lead Jameson Ritter.

Jameson, a seasoned security professional with specialized experience developing security and workplace violence prevention programs, details the recent assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the significance of Behavioral Threat Assessment in executive protection and corporate security programs.

Jameson additionally shares his experience volunteering as an Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) Chapter President and the value of this international organization for protection professionals and their violence prevention efforts. 

This GSPG Podcast episode was recorded on December 13, 2024. 

Security Convergence, Leadership, and a Life Powered by Grit with Jared Oakden

On this episode of The GSPG Podcast, Ronald Jacobus interviews Jared Oakden, a corporate security leader, Dad of four, and Regional Security Strategist at Burns & McDonnell.

Listen in as Jared shares his corporate security journey, passion for security convergence, and core values that guide his leadership style.

Jared additionally shares his experience volunteering as an ASIS International Chapter Chair; and the value behind the ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification, Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification, and IC2’s Certification in Cybersecurity for security practitioners. 

Leveraging TEPP Networking Mixers with Michael Gonzales

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus interviews Whataburger Brand Security Program Manager and Texas Executive Protection Professionals founder Michael J Gonzales.

Listen in as Michael returns to the program to share all things Texas Executive Protection Professionals, the importance of networking for industry practitioners, and how past mixers have positively impacted individuals starting or enhancing their executive protection career. 

Register here for TEPP’s upcoming November 4.0 Mixer. 

A Protector's Journey Through Public and Private Sector Protection with Allan Ring

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus is joined by U.S. Army Veteran and Critical Security Solutions Founder Allan Ring.  

Allan shares his experience protecting the Secretary of Defense and other prominent military leaders, his selection as the Joint Special Operations Command's Director of Security, and eventual transition from public service protection to the private security industry.

Allan shares his insights from a recent assignment protecting news crew members at the 2024 Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Allan highlights how mentorship, networking, and training with RL Oatman & Associates, Inc. and Lasorsa and Associates has positively impacted his professional journey. 

If you found this episode of the GSPG Podcast valuable, be sure to like, follow, and share it with others in the executive protection and security management field. You can find us on Spotify, Audible, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Until next time, stay safe.

American Diplomat: Diplomatic Security and Beyond with Alex Reinshagen

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus is joined by former Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service Supervisory Special Agent, current Viking Security CEO, and Author Alex Reinshagen.

Listen as Alex shares his experience protecting U.S. Diplomats around the world, transition from public service to the private security industry, and his recently published memoir, American Diplomat: Surviving on the Frontlines of Diplomacy as a Foreign Service Special Agent.

A Protective Security Journey in Mental Resilience with Dr. Mary Beth Janke

Welcome to the Global Security and Protection Group podcast with your host, Ron Jacobus. In this episode, we dive deep into the protective security journey of Dr. Mary Beth Janke, a former Secret Service agent, private sector protector, and author of The Protector who has since transitioned into the field of forensic and clinical psychology.

Dr. Janke shares her unique experiences from her upbringing in the Midwest to her time circumnavigating the globe in the protective security space. Discover how her childhood and family dynamics shaped her career, leading her to become a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of executive protection.

Listen as Dr. Janke recounts her pivotal moments, including her unexpected transition from the Secret Service to the private sector and how she leveraged her skills to thrive in high-stakes environments. Learn about the mental health challenges faced by protectors and the evolving landscape of mental health support in the industry.

Dr. Janke also discusses her current endeavors in mentoring, public speaking, and her innovative approach to building mental resilience through her five-day challenge. This episode is packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone in the security and protection field.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth essential for success in both personal and professional life.

 

Locks, Leaks, and Red Team Operations with Ana Aslanishvili

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus is joined by security professional, Center for Advanced Red Teaming (CART) Board Member, Locks and Leaks Substack creator, and Pine Risk Management CEO Ana Aslanishvili. 

Listen in as Ana shares her experience and journey as a Red Team practitioner and highlights how her childhood impacted her situational awareness foundation and passion to help and protect others. 

You can catch Ana and her Red Team partner Shawn Abelson share their experiences, insights, and stories in person as they hit the securirty conference circuit later this year at Def Con in August and GSX in September. 

From Blackwater to the Board of Executive Protection Professionals: A Protective Security Journey with James Cameron

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus is joined by James Cameron, President and CEO of the Security Concepts Group, Chairman of the Board of Executive Protection Professionals, former Blackwater USA contractor and Triple Canopy WPPS Instructor.   

Listen in as James shares his professional journey from service in the U.S. Military to high-threat protection with both Blackwater USA and Triple Canopy, and current work with his own provide security company. James also shares about the upcoming 2024 BEPP Executive Security Operations Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Cheating Death: Life in and After the United States Secret Service with Kenneth Valentine

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus is joined by Kenneth Valentine, a retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, current corporate security professional, and author of the forthcoming book, "Cheating Death: Three-Time Presidential Secret Service Agent Lives to Tell You How" set for release on April 16th, 2024. 

Listen in as Kenneth shares his professional journey to the U.S. Secret Service, his experinece as a Special Agent who served in both the pre-and-post 9/11 world, his transition to the private sector coporate security arena, and his board member work with Base Molecular Resonance Technologies, LLC, The WellHouse, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. 

Leadership in Action from the LAPD to the IPSB Stage with Brian Bixler

On this episode, Global Security and Portection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus is joined by Ret. LAPD Captain and Foresight Security Consulting Chief Operations Officer Brian Bixler.

Listen in as Brian recaps his professional journey in the LAPD, his transition from the public sector into the private sector, and his experience attending and speaking at the 2023 International Protrective Security Board Conference last year in Dallas, TX. 

A Career of Service with Kevin Dye and the BEPP’s New Guidebook

In this two part episode, Global Security & Protection Group’s Managing Director Ronald J. interviews U.S. Air Force veteran, Senior Manager of Executive Protection at the Procter and Gamble Company, and former Secret Service Special Agent Kevin Dye. 

In part one, Kevin shares how his military service provided him with a unique lens into the Secret Service where he would later as a Special Agent on the Presidential Protection Detail before making the great transition into the private sector.  

In part two, Kevin is joined by fellow Board of Executive Protection Professionals members James Cameron, Gerard Boniello, and Steve Hernandez to discuss their Executive Protection and Logistics Guidebook and the 2024 BEPP Conference. 

Post note: 

The GSPG would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of Joe Autera who was unable to join is co-authors on this episode, but was pivital to the creation of The Executive Protection Advance & Logistics Guidebook. 

Solo Protection with Justen Keating

On this episode, Global Security & Protection Group’s Managing Director Ronald J. interviews Justen Keating, a protective security practitioner, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, former government  contractor, founder of Keating Global Risks, and author of The Protector Series.

Listen in as Justen shares how his military service prepared him for success as a private security contractor working high-threat diplomatic protection for the U.S. State Department in Afghanistan and later the CIA around the world. We discuss his recent book about solo executive protection and discovered how his love for poetry helped him combat Post-Tramatic Stress (PTS) and shapped his warrior poet mindset.  

We Were Blackwater: A Look Back and Life After with Barrie ”Baz’” Rice

On this episode, Global Security & Protection Group’s Managing Director Ronald J. interviews Barrie "Baz" Rice, a New Zealand Defense Force Special Air Service veteran and former Blackwater security contractor.

Listen in as Barrie shares his journey as a Tier-1 operator, movie and film military adviser, and Blackwater security contractor. Barrie details how his experiences in Iraq still carry on with him to this day in his personal and professional life. 

Campus Security with Hi Nguyen

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group’s Managing Director Ron Jacobus interviews Hi Nguyen, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Officer, owner of Team Up security leadership consulting, and the curent Director of Protective Services at the University of Ottawa. 

Listen in as Hi shares his protective security journey from protecting government officials and chasing teorrist as an RCMP Officer to managing campus security at the University of Ottawa. 

Digital Executive Protection with Trinity Davis, Chris Sargent, and Christian Wingfield

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group’s Managing Director Ron Jacobus interviews Trinity Davis, Chris Sargent, and Christian Wingfield from 360 Privacy. 

Listen in as this trio of dedicated professionals demystify the mysterious cyber-world of digital executive protection, discuss the impact of digital risk on clients and executive protection practitioners, and share their experiences protecting clients and their protective teams from digital threats.   

TSCM: Protecting the Spoken Word with Chris Browning and Anthony Reep

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group’s Managing Director Ron Jacobus interviews Chris Browning and Anthony Reep from Research Electronics International (REI). 

Listen in as Chris and Anthony share the fascinating world of Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM), how TSCM impacts executive protection and security management clients, and their experience training public and private sector Technical Surveillance Countermeasure (TSCM) Technicians from around the world.

BEPP Conference After Action Review with Travis Lishok

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus is joined by Rozin Security Sr. Consultation, ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP), and Host of the Security Student Podcast Travis Lishok for a special joint GSPG and Security Student Podcast episode. 

Listen in as Ron and Travis discuss their attendance at the Board of Executive Protection Professionals (BEPP)’s inaugural conference earlier in the month at the Lowe’s Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Networking in Executive Protection with Michael J Gonzales

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus interviews security professional and Whataburger Brand Security Program Manager Michael J Gonzales.

Listen in as Michael shares his experience as a corporate security executive, transition from the U.S. Marine Corps to the Protective Security Industry, the importance of networking with other protectors, and a recap of the Texas Executive Protection Protectionals - TEPP's first networking mixer. 

Mastering the Art of Situational Awareness with Christopher Powell

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus interviews Christopher Powell, a security professional and retired U.S. Army Ground Reconnaissance and Counterintelligence Special Agent.  

Chris talks situational awarness concepts for protective security professionals from his vantage point as a Situation Awareness Specialist (SAS) & Applied Verbal De-escalation instructor with the Arcuri Group.

This episode is sponsored by the Texas Executive Protection Professionals (TEPP) organization. 

Bodyguards for Kids with Denida and Chris Grow

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus interviews security power couple Denida and Chris Grow.  

Listen in as the security duo shares their security journey, discuss their passion providing protective security for children, managing a work-life balance as a couple in the security industry, and their upcoming virtual fundraiser event: Bodyguards for Kids. 

Special Fundraising Event Highlight: Bodyguards for Kids.

Bodyguards for Kids Event Overview (March 18th-19th):

For years, St. Jude's hospital has treated children from all 50 states as well as from around the world. About 8,600 patients are seen at St. Jude annually, most of whom are treated on a continuing outpatient basis and are part of ongoing research programs.

In a heartwarming effort to support. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis Tennessee, Nannyguards has launched a new project called Bodyguards for Kids. This virtual networking and educational fundraising event will provide medical assistance and support to children in need, with 100% of the donations and event fees going directly to St. Jude’s. The event aims to bring people together for a good cause while also providing valuable learning opportunities for protectors around the world.

With various options available for individuals and companies to contribute, Chris and Denida Grow hope to make this fundraiser a memorable and impactful event.

Mark your calendars for March 18th and 19th. Your donation is your ticket to this amazing event and your entry to a host of incredible raffle give aways. For more information visit the Nannyguards website.

Medical Considerations for Executive Protection with Adam Birdwell

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus interviews Adam Bardwell, a former U.S. Army Green Beret Medical Sergeant, nationally register Paramedic, and current security operational supervisor at Global Rescue. 

Listen in as Adam shares his journey from special forces medic to private sector medical support for executives and world wide security operations and provides everyday medical considerations for executive protection professions. 

Special Fundraising Event Highlight: Bodyguards for Kids 

Developing A National Executive Protection Standard: A Panel Discussion with the BEPP

On this episode, Global Security and Protection Group's Managing Director Ron Jacobus leads a panel discussion with Board of Executive Protection Professionals (BEPP) representatives Kevin Dye, James Cameron, Gerard Boniello, and Chuck Andrews as they share about the development of a national executive protection standard and their organization's upcoming inaugural executive protection conference. 

BEPP Conference: https://www.ep-board.org/conference

Episode Sponsor: North American Rescue.