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Sarah Ray is the Head of Business Development at Volt Athletics. With a decade of experience in training athletes across human performance domains, working with elite, industrial and tactical athletes, Sarah left her full time strength coach role with EXOS to pursue an opportunity at the intersection of human performance, fitness, and technology. Volt Athletics is an AI-powered strength and conditioning app that allows coaches to scale their expertise at large, making it the ideal tool for the modern-day tactical athlete. With a BS in Human Nutrition & leveraging her background as an NSCA Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist, USAW Level 2 Coach, and EXOS Performance & Tactical Specialist, Sarah is leading the charge for Volt's programs within Military, Law Enforcement and Fire/Rescue teams.During this podcast, Sarah provides her insight regarding several human performance-related topics, including tactical fitness, sport-specific training programs, nutrition, her “go-to” exercises/movements, the Volt Athletics App, and more.0:00:50 - Introduction of Sarah Ray0:01:32 - Sarah’s background and core competencies0:01:46 - Background in collegiate track and field0:02:18 - Health education0:02:58 - Olympic weightlifting0:03:29 - Fitness certifications0:03:50 - Tactical fitness0:04:47 - Performance optimization0:05:08 - Volt Athletics App0:06:10 - Letter fitness designations/certifications0:10:38 - How do you define Tactical Fitness?0:15:18 - Nutrition – How does it link to tactical fitness?0:18:54 - “You can’t out train a bad diet.”0:19:18 - Sport-specific training and the Volt Athletics App0:24:08 - The 52-week programs are matched specifically to the sport, your fitness goals, and your available equipment0:26:05 - Rucksack-only fitness program0:27:45 - Hypothetical program for a “SWAT Operator”0:30:42 - High school to the SOF community0:35:39 - Pushing movements versus pulling movements0:36:40 - Great value in Pull-ups and Dead-lifts0:39:16 - CrossFit thoughts0:47:55 - Kettlebell training0:49:58 - What are your recommended “go-to” movements/exercises?0:56:05 - Cardio conditioning options1:00:00 - Core/trunk movements1:03:40 - Thoughts on Keto and Plant-Based Nutrition / #trending1:10:30 - How to contact Sarah and Volt Athletics

Tony Blauer is the CEO and Founder of Blauer Tactical Systems. He is a globally recognized and respected subject matter expert in combatives, law enforcement defensive/control tactics, personal defense, and related subject matter. For more than 43 years, Tony has been teaching his highly sought programs to government, defense, public safety, corporate, and private clients all over the world.During this podcast, Tony provides great insight regarding his research on sudden violence and the human response, his training philosophies, his propriety equipment that he designed and developed, Blauer Tactical Systems training programs, and more.0:00:32 - Introduction of Tony Blauer0:00:38 - Tony’s background and company profile0:02:15 - Multiple divisions in the company0:02:44 - Decades of research in sudden violence0:03:27 - Sudden violence / counter ambush0:04:22 - Neuro-circuitry of fear0:05:32 - Change relationship with fear and you change your life0:05:47 - Startle-flinch response0:07:29 - Scenario-based training0:08:05 - Wrestling, boxing, martial arts roots0:10:08 - We teach self-defense wrong0:10:55 - In training, we typically start after the attack / right of bang0:12:35 - Weapon retention0:13:45 - Our job as a trainer…0:14:19 - Improve perception speed, improve reaction time0:15:19 - How to counter an ambush0:16:08 - Every great coach participates in the losses as well as the wins0:18:47 - SPEAR System0:21:12 - How do you develop the startle-flinch response? / Attempted murder of Police Captain Brian Dalton0:23:05 - Startle-flinch response is your organic air bag0:24:00 - Violence doesn’t care what martial art you studied0:26:02 - Jiu Jitsu0:26:40 - Post 9/11 Federal Air Marshal training / force-on-force0:29:00 - Startle-flinch response is hard-wired into us0:31:02 - Best martial art for the street – art is for the museum0:32:17 - Action is faster than reaction0:32:33 - High Gear Equipment0:45:38 - Independent study conducted in the U.K.0:47:23 - Ground fighting / BJJ0:50:17 - Three types of fights0:58:22 - Training programs of Blauer Tactical Systems1:00:37 - Be Your Own Bodyguard course1:06:51 – Ways to contact Tony and Blauer Tactical Systems 

Raffaele Di Giorgio is a subject matter expert in tactical medical considerations and the author of two best-selling books, including Legal Considerations for Tactical Medical Responders - For Both Individuals and Agencies and Emergency Medical Planning for Large Venues – How to Reduce Chaos and Injury. His 30-year professional career has included combat service in the U.S. Army, service as a police officer and deputy sheriff, and domestic and international experience as a security practitioner, consultant, and trainer. During this podcast, Raffaele discusses topics that every security and tactical medical practitioner needs to know.0:00:31 – Introduction to Raffaele Di Giorgio0:02:19 – Roots and professional background0:02:53 – U.S. Army combat service0:03:31 – Right time, right place, right uniform0:04:02 – Desert Shield, Desert Storm, law enforcement in New Jersey0:05:00 – Hollywood bank robbery and shoot-out0:05:58 – Deputy sheriff in Arkansas, special operations unit, met his wife0:06:21 – 9/11 disaster0:06:41 – Alaska Pipeline security and remote medicine0:07:13 – Blackwater security contracting0:08:17 – Training of U.S. and foreign police forces0:09:22 – Niche in tactical medicine and legal considerations0:10:27 – Tactical Combat Casualty Care and the military model0:11:20 – Legal framework in U.S. for medical response0:12:14 – Thoughts on basic medical training0:15:14 – Basic security skills vs. medical skills0:16:30 – What advice would you provide to a novice security professional whom desires to learn medical skills?0:17:07 – Basic Life Support – CPR, AED, First-Aid training, instructor credentials0:17:35 – Make sure the professional environment supports your skillset0:19:11 – TCCC vs. TECC0:21:14 – Legal Considerations for Tactical Medical Responders - For Both Individuals and Agencies0:22:09 – Reason for writing the first book0:25:36 – Tactical medics come in all shapes and sizes0:25:55 – Las Vegas shooting and lessons learned0:27:24 – Hollywood bank robbery and tactical rifles0:29:06 – Medical scope of practice0:31:03 – What is legally defensible for you?0:33:42 – Tourniquets vs. other bleeding control methods0:39:26 – Move as fast as you can yet still process information0:42:30 – Domestic environment and required skills0:46:25 – NARCAN0:47:40 – EpiPens0:52:14 – Emergency Medical Planning for Large Venues – How to Reduce Chaos and Injury0:59:36 – Advance work and medical planning1:09:29 – Large venues and medical transport planning1:05:10 – Business model, reason for success, lessons learned1:10:06 – IRS code and write-offs1:11:06 – LCC business structure1:15:20 – How to contact Raffaele and purchase books  

Jose “Pep” Tablada III is an amazing role model for all of us. He has done some outstanding work commencing with his introduction into the U.S. Marine Corps 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, combat experience in Iraq as a Team Leader with Force Recon companies, his current role as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, Exercises, and International Engagement (AC/S G3), Marine Forces, Pacific, and his dedicated service to the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation as a board member and current Vice President. This interview is both inspiring and educational and will leave you with a great admiration for this great American and the legacy he has created.0:00:31 - Intro to Jose (Pep) Tablada III0:01:18 - Interview at 4th Force Recon Company0:02:28 - Reserves and active duty as a Team Leader in Force Recon and combat in Iraq0:03:32 - Introduction to Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) staff0:04:22 - G3 Current Operations0:04:55 - Designing and building the Command Operations Center (COC) at MARFORPAC0:06:25 - $13M budget and delivered project under budget at $7M; COC still used as a model0:07:26 - Director of current ops branch (04 Billet)0:08:22 - Performing above grade and mission-type order0:09:35 - Never look at someone “at face value” and judge what they’re capable of0:10:32 - Look for the qualities in people that you admire and utilize them0:11:42 - What led you to the Marine Corps?0:14:14 - My Dad: "The Marine Corps was my education”0:14:13 - Growing up in Kailua, Oahu and watching the Marines in the bay0:16:25 - Helicopter crash and introduction to Recon Marines0:17:30 - Mike Wong and Alpha Company, 3d Recon Battalion0:19:17 - Level of training and operations in the reserve units0:21:10 - Recon training pipeline0:24:28 - Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC)0:27:22 - Andre “Bo” Bosier, mentor and brother0:28:40 - 12 out of 60 graduates at BRC0:29:47 - Recon mentors that influenced Pep during BRC0:31:13 - Insert schools teach skills that get you to an objective0:32:15 - Marine Scout Sniper Course0:33:08 - Infil / Exfil schools0:34:55 - Camp Commando, Iraq0:36:10 - Broad Sword 50:38:50 - OGA, SEALS, SF ODAs0:40:07 - What I love about the Recon community and its history dating back to WWII to present0:41:58 - Silent professionals0:44:33 - Marine Reconnaissance Foundation (MRF) and current role as the Vice President0:47:27 - “My wife, Charity, is a power broker in the Foundation”0:50:35 - Gold Star Retreat0:52:38 - Supporters of MRF0:54:12 - Gold Star families and how they affected me0:56:45 - Traumatically Wounded Retreat concept0:57:47 - Retreat for Excellence concept0:59:30 - MRF board members1:01:26 - It’s a team sport!1:01:46 - Call out to support the MRF; how you can become involved1:03:45 - Every single dollar goes to support the community, not MRF operating costs!1:06:14 - Final thoughts from Pep 

Gerard (Gerry) Boniello is the Founder and President of Omnium Protection Group. During this podcast, we discuss his career in the security management industry commencing with his humble roots in NYC, his move to the Boston area, how he developed his entrepreneurial  spirit, and all of the concepts that have led to the success that he and his firm currently enjoy.0:00:33 - Introduction of Gerard Boniello0:02:15 - Integrity in the industry0:03:04 - Mission Profile Podcast used as an educational tool0:04:15 - Gerry’s professional background and “the common man”0:05:17 - Roots in NYC, Mount Vernon, and Boston0:05:45 - Uniformed suit and tie security0:06:38 - Formal training program for executive protection and honor graduate of program0:08:12 - Protective Services Investigator0:09:40 - Transition from “punch you in the throat” to “getting along in a team environment”0:10:47 - Start-up business and partnership0:11:24 - Security driver in Boston0:12:52 - Start of Omnium Protection Group0:13:50 - Hard lessons take you to the next level0:15:24 - Humble roots and high school0:16:05 - Omnium Protection Group employees0:16:30 - Surround yourself with folks that are better than you0:17:52 - Entrepreneurial spirit and first job at age 130:18:46 - If I had to do it all over again…0:20:12 - If you don’t experience failure, you won’t experience success0:20:50 - Omnium Protection Group business model – 4 buckets0:23:00 - EP detail model0:24:55 - Employee recruiting, vetting, interviewing, selection0:35:50 - Grooming standards and etiquette0:41:10 - The security industry and international standards0:49:30 - Advance work and checklists0:53:01 - Value the opinions of your employees0:54:01 - Advance Agent Planning Guide (AAPG)0:57:56 - Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), EP Programs1:00:23 - Technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM) sweeps1:02:40 - Everyday carry (EDC) and medical equipment considerations1:05:35 - Operational communications considerations1:08:15 - Final thoughts / Dependability is number 1

Dave "The Rage" James is somewhat of a legend in the U.S. Marine Reconnaissance community dating back to his military service during the late 80's and early 90's.The story behind how he earned his call sign is hilarious and almost too good for a Hollywood movie. Rage discusses his entry into the Marines, the Reconnaissance Indoctrination Program (RIP), and his service with 1st Recon Battalion, 3rd Recon Battalion's Direct Action Platoon (DAP), and his transition to civilian life after a tour in 1st Force Recon Company.Rage provides some great life lessons about character, responsibility, teamwork, and how one can recover, and actually become a better person, after experiencing some personal set-backs. Today, Rage is a leader in the mentoring of Special Operations Forces (SOF) candidates, and he details his SOF mentoring program from the time of concept to where it is today.Itinerary:00:00:34  - Introduction of Dave "The Rage" James00:01:07 - Personal and Professional Background / CIF Mission00:02:01 - Entry into the Marines and Growing up in Minnesota00:03:31 - Introduction into the Marine Reconnaissance Community00:04:14 - Sergeant Major Daniels and RIP Attrition Rate00:04:59 - 1st Recon Battalion / RIP Platoon00:06:03 - RIP Platoon00:08:03 - UDT Short and Long Card / Calisthenics00:09:31 - RIP Vetting Process00:10:55 - 1st Recon Experience00:12:14 - Sergeant Major Daniels Leadership and Viet Nam Era Mentors00:13:45 - Sergeant Major Hakala Influence00:14:40 - Mentor Qualities00:15:12 - Tom Minder Influence00:16:25 - Leadership By Example00:16:38 - 3d Recon Battalion and the Philippines00:18:10 - Ranger Indoc / 3rd Recon00:19:32 - Joint Training with Army Special Forces and Navy SEALS00:20:33 - How Did You Earn the Call Sign "The Rage"?00:22:40 - Ranger School Experience00:23:32 - Ranger RIP and the Last 58-Day Ranger School Course00:24:09 - Ranger Mountain Phase and Hurricane Hugo Attrition Rate00:26:00 - LtCol Zachary Forester "Big Duke 6" and Ranger School00:28:02 - Transition to 3rd Recon Battalion and Ron Vari00:29:43 - "Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body"00:31:15 - CIF Mission and Tony Brown, Mark Dockery, Mark Altenburg00:36:15 - Operation Classic Resolve00:44:45 - SOF Mentoring Program00:46:30 - "11 Days out of the Corps"00:50:45 - What Does the Mentoring Program Consist of?01:00:00 - Success Rate of Mentoring Program01:11:35 - What Advice Would You Give Today to an Aspiring SOF Candidate?01:15:50 - Conclusion  

Daminh Tran is a multi-talented Vietnamese-American with a professional background commencing in the U.S. Marines and then transitioning to executive protection, law enforcement, firearms training, and the film industry. During this 68-minute interview, we dig into his thoughts on character, teamwork, desirable traits of a security professional, combat mindset and marksmanship training, California concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits, and a host of other topics from which any defense or public safety professional will benefit.0:00:25 - Introduction0:00:21 - Daminh's Background0:02:28 - Marine Corps Takeaways0:03:54 - Start in the Executive Protection Industry0:09:33 - Law Enforcement Career0:12:10 - Start in the Film Industry0:15:25 - Asian Representation in the Film Industry0:16:25 - Vietnamese Heritage0:18:00 - Current Career in Combat Marksmanship Training0:20:27 - Combat Marksmanship Fundamentals0:23:12 - Importance of Dry-Firing / Dry-Practice0:25:00 - Personal / Home Defense and Combat Mindset0:30:18 - Executive Protection Mission Profile0:33:23 - Residential / Estate Security0:36:50 - Best Practices for Estate Security0:38:05 - Use of License Plate Readers0:43:32 - Roving Foot Patrols0:44:25 - Social Media and Protective Intelligence0:45:45 - What Do You Look for in a Security Professional?0:50:40 - Hard Skills0:54:02 - Firearms Apprenticeship Program0:59:14 - California CCW Permit1:04:47 - What is Your Personal CCW Every Day Carry?1:07:10 - Attire for Executive Protection

Rick Sweeney is the President/CEO of Secfor International. His company has been delivering Executive Protection, Corporate Risk Mitigation, and Training services to clients internationally for many years.There's a bit of mystique and mystery that surrounds Rick and his Secfor firm with much of it due to his purposeful low-profile status in the industry. He's not a chest-beating, self-promoting type of guy, which is why this cloak of mystery surrounds his company.This hour-long interview will provide listeners with a detailed look at what makes Rick click, Secfor's high-threat international protection operations and we’ll also discuss his reputable training programs.Itinerary:0:00:41 - Introduction0:01:31 - How did you get into executive protection?0:03:11 - What was your initial key to success?0:04:28 - Initial EP training0:06:14 - Secfor niche for low-profile, international operations0:06:45 - What makes Secfor different?0:08:47 - Protective intelligence development0:10:03 - Mexico open source intelligence0:11:00 - Developing foreign intel sources0:12:57 - Mexico and vetting sources0:13:27 - Mexican law enforcement0:13:50 - Mexico and the threat0:15:37 - Kidnap for ransom0:19:35 - Critical skills for EP international operations0:21:37 - Protective driver skills training0:22:52 - Medical skills training0:24:20 - Firearms and international operations0:25:55 - Secfor 53-day training academy0:30:07 - Planning and advance operations0:35:31 - Mapping and route planning0:42:40 - Communications planning0:45:00 - Google Maps and Windows-based computers0:46:55 - Communications equipment0:49:05 - EP industry thoughts0:52:05 - Drivers, internal and contracted0:54:03 - Medical equipment0:56:37 - What do you want others to know about Secfor International?